Put your best foot forward in 2024 on a New Year Winter Wander

Francis House is inviting walkers of all ages to step up this January in support of children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

Woman wearing a red jacket and blue hat bending down to stroke a black dog on the tow path by a canal. — Take a walk in January and explore some fantastic routes around Manchester and Cheshire.

For the first month of 2024, individuals, families and friends are being asked to embark on the walking challenge and raise funds for the children’s hospice that cares for more than 600 families from across Greater Manchester.

Walk in memory of someone special, in solidarity with somebody receiving care, or simply to show your support for your local children’s hospice.

Choose a route

There is a choice of five different routes on offer, or any route over any distance can be undertaken.

The Lymm Loop in Cheshire is an eight mile circuit along the Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Trail, taking in Dunham Massey on the loop back to Lymm Village.

The Turton Reservoir Round in Bolton is a seven mile route beginning at Jumbles Country Park and winding past three different reservoirs with two pub stops along the way.

The Saddleworth Circuit in Oldham is an eight mile walk linking four villages and taking in moorland views, reservoirs, a Roman fort and an 18th century coaching house.

The Higher Poynton Hike covers eight miles from Nelson Pit to Lyme Park and back, offering moorland views and a glimpse of Mr Darcy’s grand residence.

The Sale Water Park Stroll is a shorter, 2.5-mile trail around Sale Waterpark offering a scenic, yet relaxed, experience with cafés close by, Metrolink access and a wheelchair friendly path.

“January walks not only provide an opportunity to enjoy the fresh and frosty air, but a chance to take time to reminisce and reflect as a New Year begins; whether that’s remembering a loved one you have lost or looking ahead to your 2024 goals.

“The lovely thing about our Winter Wander is that you can make yours as long or short, as invigorating or gentle, and as sociable or solitary as you wish.

“We hope that the optional route guides we provide offer participants an opportunity to explore new areas of beauty around Manchester and Cheshire. Perhaps you will discover an adventure right on your doorstep that you didn’t ever know was there!”
Rachel Nasiri, fundraising officer of Francis House

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides a home from home where the families of children with life-limiting conditions receive professional care, support and friendship. Services include respite care, day care, homecare, sibling support groups, end of life care and symptom control, and emotional support and bereavement support.

A fee of £10 per participant and £5 for under 16s includes a registration pack containing route guides, a Francis House beanie hat, sweets for sustenance, a child’s activity sheet and a dedication sign to wear as you wander.