RESIDENTS are to be helped to discover the beautiful countryside and nature on their doorsteps through a new book of 13 guided walks.

The compilation of self-guided walks in each of Bury’s six townships was launched this week by Bury Council together with a small group of walk leaders and community volunteers.

Bury Council has worked with local walking group leaders to compile two recommended routes for each of Bury’s six townships.

There is also an additional town centre walk around heritage and cultural attractions, to celebrate Bury’s Town of Culture status.

Each walk has an easy to read illustrated map and simple step by step directions. They are between 1.7 miles and 3.5 miles in distance and should take between an hour and an hour and a half for most people.

The nature walks include circuits along the River Irwell at Summerseat, Prestwich and Radcliffe, Elton reservoir; as well as from Greenmount, and through Chesham Wood and Ainsworth Wood.

The town centre walk takes in the East Lancashire Railway, Transport Museum, Robert Peel statue, The Rock, Bury Market and Kay Garden among others.

David Haywood, from Elton, also used to lead the health walks before the covid-19 pandemic. He said: “Sometimes we had more than 20 people taking part, which is quite a large group, so it will be great for more people to discover these walks by themselves using these maps.

“I hope it will mean that more people can discover what is on their doorsteps. People say to us that they have lived in an area all their lives and never seen the places they discover on foot.

“Walking and being outside in the fresh air also brings great health benefits, and they are all places you can get to by foot without a car or bus.”

Cllr Lucy Smith, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “We’re very lucky in our borough to be close to many green spaces, parks, hills, rivers and reservoirs on our doorstep.

“We planned this booklet before the Covid-19 pandemic, but taking daily exercise during the lockdown has been a great pleasure for many people and we want that to continue.

“We hope people will explore these walks time and again and make walking outdoors part of a healthier active lifestyle that everyone within the communities and neighbourhoods of Bury can enjoy.”

Printed booklets will be available to collect from Bury Town Hall and from local libraries and leisure centres when they reopen.

For more information, follow this link: gmwalking.co.uk/bury-self-led-walks