Manchester and District Walkers (MAD Walkers)

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
MAD walkers
pexels

4 July — 30 September 2020 Tickets from ££36.60 for annual membership — Book now

Manchester and District Walkers, also known as MAD Walkers, are a group of hiking enthusiasts running regular walks in Manchester and the surrounding area. Taking groups into Edale and the Peaks, they are aimed at walkers in their 20s and 30s, but have a relaxed attitude towards membership. Anyone who is properly equipped and physically able is welcome to ramble along.

Every weekend, volunteers lead walks around Edale and the Peaks to explore the likes of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. They also travel further afield, taking in rambles across the Fylde Coast, Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District – all usually accessible via public transport. If you prefer to keep it more urban, some members lead walks out from Manchester city centre, venturing out as far out as Altrincham and exploring canals and urban nature spots.

In accordance with government guidelines, walking groups are currently limited to six people and this means that Manchester and District Walkers are having to prioritise members, but for only £40 you can sign up for a year and join the club. MAD Walkers welcomes prospective new members and you can try as many as 3 walks or socials before joining the group through the Ramblers Association. With these new limits on numbers, there has been an increase in the demand for volunteer hike leaders, so if you’re someone with the knowledge or like the idea of leading a group, then get involved.

Occasionally there are walks with a particular focus, for example, photography walks which take in famous beauty spots and go at a slower pace allowing you to pause for the perfect shot. In the summer there is also the odd weekday evening walk too. No matter the walk or the place, the group always puts an emphasis on safety, so if you turn up with the wrong footwear or unprepared for the terrain and weather conditions, you may be turned away.

Regardless of what the weather is doing, getting out into the hills and walking is amazing for your mental health. With the social aspect of a walking group combined with some top quality endorphins, walking could be the antidote for the lockdown hangover.

As well as hiking, Manchester and District Walkers have a very active social schedule. Even throughout lockdown they have been running online charity quizzes, cook-alongs and synchronised takeaways. For someone new to the city or individuals who are feeling isolated, this welcoming, large and varied community gives you the chance to venture beyond your usual surroundings, socially and geographically. There is also monthly social at the Knott Bar which welcomes new members.

Having started in 2004, the group has grown from strength to strength and have recently played a part in the Don’t Lose Your Way campaign. A mission to map every path in Britain before it becomes lost and no longer accessible to the public.

Booking a place on a walk is essential at the moment so that numbers can be kept within social distancing guidelines. Every walk begins from a different location and at a different time so be sure to check the MAD Walkers website for exact dates, times and locations.

4 July — 30 September 2020 Tickets from ££36.60 for annual membership Book now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
4 July 2020
10:00am — 8:00pm
1 August — 29 November 2020
12:00am

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Where to go near Manchester and District Walkers (MAD Walkers)

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
Hotel
Wood Hall Hotel

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall is set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.

Gallery
Leeds
Gallery
BLANK_

BLANK_is a Leeds-based gallery, run by the School of Creative Arts at University Centre Leeds. It encompasses a physical exhibition space and a publication that showcases new contemporary visual art…

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.
Manchester
Hotel
Chancellors Hotel

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.

Kōdo Entrance
City Centre
Restaurant
Kōdo

Kōdo, a secret bar like no other. It is all about discovery. The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Yoga classes for all levels and aims.
Leeds
Yoga Hero

Yoga Hero offers various classes, including within their studio and online for all levels and all aims.

What's on: Activity

Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

from £35
Until
ActivityManchester
Floating Art Workshops

Join expert teacher Ula for relaxed painting workshops that will have you creating work you can be proud of, no matter your level of artistic experience.

from £24.30

Culture Guides

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.