PEOPLE in Bury are being encouraged to lace up their walking boots and explore some of the town’s famous landmarks and fascinating history this weekend.

From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 March, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will be holding its first ever Spring Walking Weekend, offering free guided walks in Bury and other districts of Greater Manchester.

The British springtime – often heralded for its beauty as the landscape begins to burst into colour – is the perfect time for people to get out and about to explore places right on their doorstep or new areas further afield.

The weekend will feature 30 fun and friendly guided walks, offering something for every age, interest and ability.

Walkers in Bury will be able to tackle several stretches of the West Pennine Way, taking in the iconic Peel Tower, magnificent country parks and even an executioner’s remains.

Councillor Chris Paul, TfGM Committee Cycling and Walking Champion, said: “We’re pleased to be working with some of our local walking partners again to build on the success of our previous walking events and deliver the region’s first Spring Walking Weekend.

“Spring is a particularly beautiful and picturesque time in the British calendar so there really are lots of reasons to get involved and explore some of Greater Manchester’s stunning scenery and interesting past.

“The walks are easy to get to by public transport, so there’s no reason not to jump on a tram, train or bus and explore somewhere new.”

The walks are supported by the Manchester and Salford Ramblers; Bolton Council; Bury Council; City of Trees; Oldham Council and UProjects; Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & North Merseyside; Link4life; Active Tameside and Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, and are coordinated by TfGM.

Funded by the Department of Transport, the Greater Manchester Walking Weekends are part of TfGM’s Walking Works project, encouraging people to make walking part of their daily routine.

To find out what’s happening in each area, visit www.tfgm.com/walking for an online copy of the Greater Manchester Walking Weekends guide featuring all of the walks. Copies of the guide are also available in TfGM Travelshops, libraries, Manchester Visitor Information Centre and other outlets across Greater Manchester. Copies can also be requested from walking.works@tfgm.com.

For updates and other walking news, check out the Greater Manchester Walking Festival Facebook page or search for the #GMWalking hashtag on Twitter.