About us
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/
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/madwalkers and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/madwalkers to see photos of previous walks and socials.
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
Bank Holliesday
Didsbury Village Metrolink Tram Stop, School Lane, Manchester, GBNew joiners welcome! 🥾
Finish the bank holiday weekend off the right way by joining us for a short, casual walk along the Mersey with a tiny bit of urbex to top it all off.
We will start from Didsbury Village tram stop and head down towards the Mersey via Fletcher Moss and the edge of Millgate Farm. We will then follow the Mersey in the direction of Northenden, passing under bridges that carry the M60, golf courses, wooded areas and finally the ruins of the Hollies Convent FCJ school's playing fields. This was a Catholic girls' school that was closed back in 1985 and whilst the main buildings have been demolished, many of the sports facilities are still standing, albeit very overgrown. After we have finished here, we will head up through West Didsbury and the walk will end at Burton Road tram stop.Itinerary:
17:50 - Meet at Didsbury Village tram stop to start the walk at 18:00
20:15 (approx) - Walk ends at Burton Road tram stop.
Trams should leave Burton Road every 15 minutes towards the city centre. Alternatively, the 111 bus stops on Burton Road.This walk will be led by Tom and he will meet everyone at Didsbury Village Tram stop.
As this is a tram based walk, please take any tram that will get you to Didsbury Village by 18:00. From the city centre, the tram takes about 25-30 minutes to get to Didsbury Village. Alternatively, the 142 or 42 bus will get you to the main street in Didsbury and the tram stop can be found if you follow School Lane.Details:
- Walk rating: Slight/Leisurely
- Linear Walk
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Ascent: 13m
FAQs:
What to wear? For the most part, this is quite a short and easy walk and you should be fine wearing trainers but please be aware that we will be climbing over a couple of steep embankments and it may be a bit muddy in places.Can I bring a dog? Dogs are welcome on a short lead, see https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/about-us/policies/dogs-on-walks-policy/ for details.
Can I drive to the walk start? You’re more than welcome to meet us at Didsbury Village tram stop — just make sure to arrive before 17:50. The walk will start on time, we cannot wait for late arrivals, sorry.
Many of our members are not on Meetup, so the RSVP list will be smaller than the total number of attendees. Typically around 30 people join each walk, so there's plenty of people to chat with.
For more information, please see our page at https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/walks/
Disclaimer
By taking part in these walks, you acknowledge that you do so entirely at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your personal safety, decisions, and actions throughout the event. Participation is completely voluntary.
By attending, you agree that your wellbeing is your own responsibility. The organiser cannot be held liable for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur.7 attendees
Past events
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