What we’re about
We’re the MAD (Manchester and District) walkers. Since 2004 we’ve been hosting regular hikes for Manchester people in their 20s and 30s. Our website, with our full events programme, can be found at https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/
Our walks range from short & easy, great for new starters, to long and challenging routes for those looking to push themselves. Most events are accessible by public transport, taking advantage of Manchester’s comprehensive rail network. Once at the walk start location, we’ll gather for a short introduction — just look for the large group of people in hiking boots! Our weekend walks often attract 30 people — not everyone will RSVP on Meetup, so don’t worry if the attendee list looks small.
Beyond walks, we also host regular social events. Our monthly drinks meet-up is a great way to get to know the group. Members and new-joiners are welcome, just drop-in at a time that suits you.
Occasionally we also organise weekend trips away, which is a great way to experience areas outside the immediate reach of Manchester. Typically we book out an entire hostel or campsite for the weekend and offer an all-in price to come along. For our DIY weekends, members arrange their own food and accommodation, meeting at the hike start.
The MAD Walkers are part of the Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/. All our events are not-for-profit and run by volunteers. New joiners are welcome to come along to 3 walks for free, after which point we ask people to become a member. An individual membership is around £43 a year, which unlocks benefits like socials, weekends away, access to our members-only Facebook group and discounts at local retailers.
For more information, and our full events programme, check out our website at https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/
Hopefully we’ll see you soon.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Old Yellow Bricks - a 10.6 mile hike with James StraughanManchester Victoria Station, Manchester
Do you like urban parks? Do you like eerie abandoned factories? Do you like walks alongside woodland brooks? Do you like moorland with views over several reservoirs and (weather permitting) entire conurbations? Do you like paths that are the result of 1860s geopolitics? Do you like powerful waterfalls?
If you answered yes to one, some or all of the above, then this may be the walk for you.
Setting off from Rochdale, we'll head up on to Rooley Moor via Healey Dell before turning back along Cotton Famine Road (partially built with yellow bricks), through a bit more of the Dell and finally returning into Rochdale along what is presumably a disused railway line.
Itinerary:
09:20 - Meet at Manchester Victoria
09:30 - Tram departs for the walk start at Rochdale Railway Station
10:30 - Walk starts at Rochdale Railway Station
16:30 (approx) - Walk end at Rochdale Railway Station and post-walk drinksDetails:
Walk rating: Moderate (Suitable for people with previous country walking experience)
Distance: 10.6 miles
Ascent: 450mImportant information:
For full walk details and guidance on preparation, please see our page at https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/walks/On the day of travel, be sure to check the website again, in case of any unexpected disruption to the walk.
