Spring has been in full swing and the sunshine and fresh air has inspired some of us at the Mossley office to start a lunchtime walking group!
We’re fortunate to have some great walking spots on our doorstep and, as we spend the majority of our working day sitting at a desk, we know it’s important to incorporate some movement in our day.
So a pact was formed and our first walk was planned – a stroll up to Hartshead Pike.
About Hartshead Pike
Hartshead Pike features as one of the landmarks on our website banner so it was a perfect first trip. The hill has long been a favourite for walkers because of its position – you can see for miles across Greater Manchester, and on clear days you can even see the hills of Snowdonia! Obviously not something for the lunchtime club, but we hear it’s a great spot to watch the sun setting over the skyscrapers of Manchester because the Pike lies to the east of the city.
The tower currently on the hill was built in the 1860s but a plaque on the side shows that a structure was originally built there a hundred years before: “This Pike Was Re-built By Publick Contributions Anno Do 1751.” Its exposed position on the hillside means it’s been battered by the elements and has needed many rounds of repairs and remedial work, the most recent being in 2020 when Tameside Council spent £61,000 restoring the tower. We’re glad continued effort is being made to look after a piece of local history.
It’s amazing that in less than half an hour we went from the Harold Stock office to looking out over Ashton, Mossley, and Oldham!
Other local walking spots
As well as our office in Mossley we have Stockport and Failsworth locations. In case our staff at the other locations, or indeed our local client base, are after some inspiration, here are other great walking spots near nearby:
Failsworth
Daisy Nook Country Park – two routes have steps but there is a buggy and wheelchair accessible canal towpath.
Clayton Vale – as well as walking routes there are different levels of mountain bike trails and a children’s play area.
Stockport
Happy Valley Nature Reserve – paths can be muddy so not recommended for buggies or wheelchairs.
Bramhall Park – an easy walk on level-ground, suitable for families and buggies, dogs welcome on leads
Mossley
Hartshead Pike – multiple options to start the walk from Mossley, Lees, and Ashton.
Dove Stone Reservoir – fairly level with some steep parts. Wheelchair users are recommended to go anti-clockwise.
Benefits of walking 30 minutes per day
Walking is a brilliant way to exercise. We’ve all heard the 10,000 steps a day goal, but for some people that isn’t realistic, especially anyone who works in an office or can’t walk for long periods.
However, doing a couple of brisk 10-minute walks or one brisk 30-minute walk has great benefits for your heart health, mental health, and stamina. When trying to improve your fitness and introduce more exercise into your life it’s important to start with a realistic goal, rather than a huge goal like going to the gym for one hour five times a week. Small goals are easier to achieve, setting you up for success rather than failure, and if you find you’ve started too small, you can always build on it.
Incorporating a few brisk 30-minute walks during your lunch breaks throughout the week can improve your cardiovascular health and strengthen your bones as well as releasing endorphins and reducing stress. Spending time in nature also has huge benefits for your mental health and is a great way to break up a day spent in front of a screen.
Why not start your own lunchtime walking club with your coworkers or find a walking group near you? The Greater Manchester Walking website has both walking routes and walking groups so you can easily find where to go and make friends along the way. Or, if you prefer to wander alone, try walking while you listen to your favourite podcast.
However you do it, introducing this small habit could make a big difference to both your mental and physical health.
