Failsworth Walking Group
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Ann GarsideElizabeth SchofieldPaul UrmstonSusan Firth Joanne Jones Steve Gilliburn (aka Stan) Chris RileyCaroline Blair
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Ann Garside (Founder)

Hi I am Ann, I created the group back in Nov 2019 and I can honestly say it’s been amazing I have met and walked with some of the best people, every walk we do is full of fun and laughter and nobody gets left behind, non of the walks are a race you walk/hike/climb at your own pace.

I started street walking a good few years back originally walking from Tesco to daisy nook I used to get as far as cutler hill and I was exhausted but I carried on and now I embrace the hills, fells, mountains and country side with a few wild camps thrown in there and I have promised myself in 2021 wild swims . I soon found my love for walking and the great outdoors, we have some stunning countryside.

I am a early bird so often seen on regular weekday hikes to the pike at 6am and 5am hikes of a weekend ….. there is usually a hill or mud involved.  We also do adventure days for the adrenaline junkies amongst us.

Weekends away either camping / walking or just purely socialising breaks

I have recently attended day and night Navigation courses, and have NNAS silver award/ mountain skills courses in place for this year.

Walking is so good for not only your physical health but also your mental health and to be honest the walking etc has got me through the pandemic.

Everyone is welcome on any of the events and everyone is free post their own walks.

If you have any questions etc please do not hesitate to either stop
me in the street / inbox me / email me whatever is best.

Qualifications

  • Night & Day Navigation

  • Mountain Skills

  • NNAS Bronze & Silver Award

  • Mental Health First Aid & Awareness

  • Mental Health Young Children & Adults

  • Mental Health In The Workplace

  • Suicide Awareness & First Aid

  • Counselling Skills

Elizabeth Schofield (Admin)

Hi I’m Elizabeth, Ann’s Favourite Daughter In Law

Ann got me started with the walking group during the first lockdown by hiking the pike at 6am 3 times a week.. this is the girl who used to get a taxi from The Dutch to The Sun (if your from Failsworth you know)

I started loosing weight and the mental benefits during lock down were very much welcomed

I now get on as many walks as I can between working and being a mum to my 3 year old daughter (who has also been on many walks on my back)

I’ve been wild camping, wild swimming and everything in between.

My biggest achievement is definitely SCAFELL PIKE which we completed last month and now I just can’t wait for the next

Here’s to another good summer of hiking – I have met some really lovely people who I would now class as my friends for life Thank you Ann Garside

Qualifications

  • Night & Day Navigation

  • Mountain Skills

Paul Urmston (Admin)

My name is Paul and I’m a fan of long walks and wild camping. I’d spent the last 20 years outside the UK, and joining FWG was the best decision I made. There’s something special about putting one foot in front of the other and seeing where the path takes you.
I love exploring the great outdoors and discovering hidden gems along the way. Whether it’s a picturesque park, a quaint little town, or a stunning viewpoint, there’s always something new to discover on a walk. Being part of FWG is not just a great way to stay active and healthy, it’s also an opportunity to meet new people and make lasting friendships. It’s a chance for like-minded individuals to come together, enjoy some fresh air and exercise, and have a chat along the way.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and social way to stay fit and discover the beauty of our local area, why not come and join us on our next walk?

Susan Firth (Admin)

 I’m Sue Firth. I joined Failsworth Walking Group in January 2020, and haven’t looked back since. This group has changed my life beyond measure, I have met the most amazing people from all walks of life who have become great friends.
No matter how your day/week has gone, there is always a friendly face on these walks to share your worries or just have a natter and you are always guaranteed to have a laugh along the way too. I lead walks on Wednesday evenings covering approximately 6 miles, exploring the secret paths, nooks and crannies of the Medlock Valley and the surrounding area.
It’s amazing how many different walks you never knew existed are right on your doorstep. If you are thinking of joining a walk, but are a bit apprehensive, I can tell you I felt the same at first, so just go for it as you won’t regret it! There is a wide range of walks for all abilities, both local and further afield, – just check out the events tab.

Qualifications

  • NNAS Bronze & Silver Award

Joanne Jones (Admin)

My Walking Journey. Hi I am Jo, I am an Admin for Failsworth Walking Group. Before I joined Failsworth Walking Group I did like walking but was nervous to go out on my own. I would walk to and from the bus stop to work and thats about it. My exercise was the gym which I get bored inside. I joined Failsworth Walking Group on the first day that Ann Garside set up the group in November 2019. I was very nervous to meet for the first time at Tesco Failsworth. We went on a local walk around Failsworth and I got to know Ann and a few others.
I remember on the second week we went to the Fire Station up Hollins Road and back and I remember vividly saying that I had my bus pass in my bag and I would get the 184 back to Tesco because my legs were killing me lol 😆 I have walked in all weathers come hail, rain, snow and Sunshine.
Since I joined the group I am so proud of myself that I can now walk 9 to 10 miles and have also proud to have walked up kinder Scout which is something I never dreamed I would do. At 53 years old, I have gained friends for life and a best friend too. I know that I can pick up the phone and talk to any one of my friends if I need to talk or just venture out on a walk. We have also been on walking weekends away which are such a laugh but my biggest achievement was walking the Camino De Santiago ( Sarria > Santiago ) with some of the best people. The group has changed my life in a big way.

Qualifications

  • Mental Health First Aid & Awareness

Steve Gilliburn (aka Stan the Admin Man)

I’m Stan, and I joined FWG with my wife, Hilda, 2 years ago. I initially joined to get out of the house at the weekend for fitness and exercise, but I’ve found that I’ve challenged myself in so many ways. I’ve climbed two of the highest mountains in the UK and seen towns and villages I never knew existed. I’ve walked in the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and the Lake District. These are things I’d never thought I’d do and I’m loving it.  Joining the group is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’ve met new people and now have new friends for life, all thanks to joining FWG. I enjoy all kinds of walks, from canal walks, to local street walks, and hikes . My favourite two hikes to date are Old Man Coniston and Helvellyn. The views were spectacular. I’ve also conquered my fear of heights by climbing Via Ferata. Joining this group has made me healthier and happier, and I am forever grateful.

Qualifications

  • NNAS Bronze & Silver Award

Chris Riley (Admin)

my name is Chris, I started in the walking group in Sept 2020, when in lockdown I buddied up with Ray Neville from the group  and we like to plan and go on walks that are in and around our surrounding area’s. We started out with just a few miles and now have walked as many as 18 miles! We like to stop and appreciate things of the past, and look at spectacular views. On most Saturday mornings I will post walks for people to join in on, and the aim is to feel like you’ve had a good walk and a good time. So I hope to meet many more people on my walks!

Caroline Blair (Group Expert)

I’m Caroline I’m usually on my bum more than my legs! When I discovered there was a local walking group I just turned up on my own one night for a local walk and I’ve never looked back! FWG had change a lot for me. I couldn’t even walk to work which is half a mile a couple of years ago. Now I’m walking miles ( even done an 18 mile hike once 😀 ) Made lots of new friends, friends for life. If you’re struggling and want to get out but think I don’t know anyone, believe me you’ll meet the nicest people and you’ll feel like you’ve known them for years.

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    hello@failsworthwalkinggroup.org

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