Big Wigan
Walk Week

Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026

A celebration of walking…

Join Be Well for our fourth annual Big Wigan Walk Week (23 – 31 May) – our borough-wide celebration of walking!

Once again we have a whole host of FREE events planned over the course of nine days – including nature-themed strolls around our beautiful local green spaces and walking routes of historical interest.

We’ll also be showcasing our wonderful TfGM Bee Network, which is making it easier and safer to walk and cycle throughout Greater Manchester.

Most of our walks will be between 30 minutes and an hour long, with different levels of challenge available – from beginners to the more advanced. Watch out for a number of longer walks for the more adventurous!

Sound like fun? Simply find a walk near you using our Be Well Wigan app or online booking portal, and book your free spot! (Please note: new users will be asked to create a free activity booking account when booking for the first time.)

View our timetable

Book online

Book via the app

Why walk?

There are so many benefits to walking, big and small.

Regular brisk walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat, and prevent or manage conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Getting in your daily steps can also improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your muscles, increase your energy levels, reduce tension and stress, and improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep.

Choosing to walk to where you need to get to, where possible, is also great for the environment.

Last but not least, walking is just great fun! Don’t just take it from us, come along to the Big Wigan Walk Week and see for yourself.

Everyone who takes part will also get an official Big Wigan Walk Week badge as a special souvenir!

Walkers with a National Transport Trust plaque on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal

What’s happening?

There are around 50 walks taking place across the borough from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2026.

Walks have been planned to suit all ages and abilities, from relaxed and inclusive 30-minute strolls to longer routes that may require more stamina. Refreshments will also be provided at certain events.

Highlights include:

The Bee Network Canal Walk (23 May)
Sunrise Walk (Monday 25 May)
Top Lock to Town Walk (Friday 29 May)
Lady Mabel’s Walk (Saturday 30 May)
The New Wigan Way (Sunday 31 May)

… and plenty more besides!

You’ll find our full calendar of Big Wigan Walk Week events on our outdoor activity timetable, on the Be Well Wigan app or via our online booking portal. All walks are FREE to join.

View our timetable

Book online

Book via the app

Meet Bev…

Say hello to the woman behind the Big Wigan Walk Week – our amazing walking activator Bev.

Bev knows first hand how important walking can be for our wellbeing. In fact, she says it “saved her life” after her late husband Alan was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Now she’s happy to be sharing her love of the outdoors with others, encouraging active travel and leading walking events for local residents across the borough during our Big Wigan Walk Week and beyond!

Read Bev’s story: How walking saved my life

Walk with Be Well

We have regular group walks all over the borough, all of which are absolutely free to join. From Nordic Walking, Bump n’ Buggy and nature strolls, to short social walks where you can chat with health advisors and community link workers, there’s so much to discover.

Find out more