AN experienced rambler from Hyde has become the first person to volunteer to help look after a walking trail which covers a vast area of Greater Manchester.
The GM Ringway is a 200-mile trail which has 20 stages and the team behind the project is seeking to recruit volunteers for each stage to help ensure the trail can be enjoyed for years to come.
The so-called ‘Stage Guardians’ are expected to walk their local trail section regularly to identify any improvements, highlight maintenance issues and report any access problems.
Stewart Ramsden, from Godley, has ‘adopted’ Stage 7, which spans from Marple in Stockport to Broadbottom in Tameside.
Stewart was 12 years old when he walked up Snowdon in North Wales on a school trip – his first walking experience. A four-week residential in the Lake District followed and he was hooked, so he’s been walking ever since.
A member of Ramblers for 30 years, Stewart founded the Tameside group over a decade ago and has been chairman ever since.
Having retired as an NHS procurement manager 15 years ago, the 76-year-old now has more time for walking and regularly gets out on the hills with his wife Prue, who is also a keen walker and Secretary for their local Ramblers group.
Stewart thinks the GM Ringway walking trail is “a great idea” and wanted to get involved.
“I don’t know why anyone hasn’t thought of it before,” he said. “Greater Manchester has such a variety of landscapes it makes a really good long-distance walk. No two sections are the same. I plan to walk the whole route eventually.”
The project lead for the GM Ringway hopes more people will follow in Stewart’s footsteps by signing up to be a ‘Stage Guardian’.
Andrew Read said: “Stage Guardians like Stewart will play a vital role as our eyes and ears on the trail and ensure that the route is clear and safe for everyone to enjoy.
“We anticipate the volunteers will live fairly locally to their stage and know the area well. We also hope the Stage Guardians will build further awareness for their sections of the GM Ringway, perhaps by organising guided walks or promoting the trail and events on social media.”
Anyone interested in applying for a ‘Stage Guardian’ volunteer role should email info@gmringway.org