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 (2)
See all- 8 mile hike around TodmordenManchester Victoria Station, Manchester
New joiners welcome!
Come on a tour of some of the Calder Valley's finest stones as we traverse the hills north of Todmorden.
We start with a steep climb out of the town via some wooded paths, skirting Whirlaw Rocks before heading up to the main event - Bridestones Moor. There is lots of fun folklore surrounding these stones and they'll make a good lunch stop.
After lunch, depending on weather we'll go onto some more exposed moorland to see the Hawks Stones and Jack Stones, before peeking over a wall to see Mount Cross, or well skip that bit out and head down to the excellent viewpoint of Orchan Rocks. Then it's back down into town for some drinks/food at the Golden Lion.
The walk is on good paths except for the Hawks Stones section which we'll skip if it's particularly boggy on the recce. However it will still be wet and muddy on the paths so proper walking boots very much needed. It can also feel very exposed on the moors so dress appropriately for the weather.
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.
Itinerary:
09:47 - Meet at Manchester Victoria
09:57 - Train departs for the walk start at Todmorden
10:25 - Walk starts at Todmorden
16:30 (approx) - Walk ends at Todmorden with post-walk drinks at the Golden LionDetails:
Walk rating: Moderate (Suitable for most walkers)
Distance: 8 miles
Ascent: 420mImportant information:
For full walk details and guidance on preparation, please see our page at https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/walks/ - Treasure Hunting at Heaton ParkStables Cafe, Manchester
New joiners welcome!
The Heaton Park Orienteering course is a fun way to practice some navigation skills in the safety on one of Manchester's lovely parks. There is an overview of how it all works at https://gmoa.org.uk/orienteering/, but essentially you use the map to find a series of checkpoints.
We'll meet at 11am by the signpost in front of the Stables Cafe (///spoken.dated.rise). Maps will be provided and teams allocated.
Plenty of options around the park for meeting up afterwards to, you know, socialise.
*The nature of the treasure is yet to be decided.
Many of our members are not on Meetup, so the RSVP list will be smaller than the total number of attendees.
The event is free of charge, including the map, but please sign up at https://www.madwalkers.org.uk/socials/ so we know how many maps to bring.
