There are many health benefits of walking but it is still an under-rated form of exercise in many households.

As well as helping you to lose weight, increasing your heart and lung capacity and strengthening your bones and muscles, it’s just great to get out in the fresh air once in a while.

It’s national walking month in May and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is celebrating its fifth Walking Festival, which encourages people to rediscover their local area, connect with friends and family, and get out and about.

Ultimately, the ambition is to make Greater Manchester a ‘walking region’ where walking is the first choice of travel.

I think we’ve a long way to go, but we can all make a start by incorporating more walking into our daily routines.

If distance allows, why not walk part of the way to work or school? You could walk to the shops or try and go for a stroll with family or friends in the evening.

You could even organise a workplace walk at lunchtime.

Here at the CCG we are introducing a Friday lunchtime walk, once a month to start with.

We’ll be undertaking the ‘Daily Mile’ route that was introduced by the council a few years ago – it starts in Victoria Square and does a tour of the town centre before finishing back in front of the town hall.

I’ve checked it out and it should only take around 20 minutes at a moderate pace, which gives people a decent break.

Our first outing will be this Friday, May 17 so if you see a throng of people meandering through the town centre, why not come and join us and get some steps in!

For walks in your area visit: https://tfgm.com/walking