Cheadle Strolls to Walking Festival Success

On Tuesday 29th of April, two walks took place in Cheadle as part of the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival. Organised by Move More these strolls at Cecilly Brook were aimed for people not used to doing much walking.

Event Organiser Deb Boden from Support Staffordshire, pictured far right, told us that an important part of her work was to support people into the outdoors who might struggle with mobility or other issues. The sessions were a gentle stroll along the pathway at Cecilly Brook, starting off from the Thorley Drive Pavilion where drinks were served before and after, giving people a chance to chat.

POV: I (Lori Wood Williams) joined the walk from the Leisure Centre side where I was able to park for free and walk easily to meet the group. I found a lovely sunny bench where I was able to sit in serene silence listening to the birds and enjoying the sunshine. I knew when the group was approaching because the sound of gentle chatter grew pleasantly closer. On the walk was festival organiser Austin Knott and his lovely wife Jackie. Austin and I chatted about our work and a shared love of nature. I spent a sublime couple of hours with great people and came back to the office relaxed, refreshed, and keen to repeat.

Deb wants to encourage anyone who would like to organise walks around Cheadle to get in touch with her, so she may lend her skill in getting things started. The creativity and variety at this year's walking festival are inspirational, and with Deb's input, walking for pleasure can be something which can be carried forward for years to come.

Deb can be contacted via COGNEWS

To explore the walking festival: https://staffsmoorlandswalkingfestival.co.uk/

Cheadle Strolls to Walking Festival Success - created 30.4.25