Summer is here! We are all looking for ways to get out the house and spend time with friends and family. Sometimes summer days out can get quite expensive – however they do not have to be. Exploration and having new experiences is what Summer’s about. This Summer you can explore the whole of Greater Manchester for free with the GM Ringway.
What is the GM Ringway?
The GM Ringway makes exploring Greater Manchester’s countryside and heritage sites easy. Where you start and where you end up is completely up to you. The Ringway is made up of 20 smaller stages so it is accessible for people who have never hiked before. It is a great way to see stunning sights and uncover hidden gems along the journey. Their website makes it easy for you to get started and find out the best route for you. However don’t just take our word for it – read the story of Trafford Councillor, Tom Ross who completed the whole 200 mile route alongside his partner.
The start of Tom Ross' journey
Tom and his partner Chris had just recently completed the Sandstone trail and were in search of a new challenge. Through Google they found the GM Ringway. Although the couple did not know much about the Ringway, their interest was sparked. Due to their organised nature, they started at stage 1. Over November they made the most of the remaining daylight and completed stage 1, 2, 3 and 4. At the end of stage 4 they thought “Right we must get this done!”. A determination to explore new parts of Greater Manchester grew inside of Tom and Chris.
Taking the next steps
The couple waited for Spring, to begin the next phase of their journey. They knew that taking on such a task would require preparation. Tom’s advice to us was to take screenshots of the route on a phone, bring good hiking gear and of course going with good company. Tom recalled challenges they faced along the way which included getting lost and also walking through heavy rain and snow – however Tom admitted the snow added novelty appeal to the walks.
What did Tom love about the GM Ringway?
Tom and Chris saw the GM Ringway as pleasure rather than a challenge, each stage unlocked a new area of Greater Manchester to explore and, rather poetically, the walks enabled them to look back on the city in a new way. The stage that stood out to Tom was the Littleborough to Norden route – the scenery cast his mind back to the views of North Scotland. The beauty and natural diversity of the stage “Wasn’t something I expected to see” said Tom. It was important Tom that he and Chris took on the GM Ringway together and he highlighted how it further strengthened the connection between them.
Tom's advice for those who want to take on the GM Ringway
When asking Tom his advice for anyone wanting to walk the GM Ringway he said “Definitely do it, it’s a great way of seeing Greater Manchester. Take a map with you, take your phone with screenshots, take your time and I am sure by the end of it you will feel that sense of achievement Chris and I did”
Are you going to explore the GM Ringway this Summer? We recommend that you find own way to enjoy it at your pace. Here at South Manchester Credit Union we hold a high value on wellbeing both financially and physically – want to find out more about us and what we offer? See here.
