Olympic Champ Walks Stockport, Finds Hidden Green Spaces

A Paralympic champion who trained for years in Stockport just discovered the town's best kept secrets, and she got there by bus.

Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most decorated female Paralympian, joined a community walk through Reddish Vale Country Park in Brinnington this month. Despite spending countless hours training as a swimmer in Stockport pools, she said she had no idea these green spaces existed.

"I spent so many years training as a swimmer in Stockport, but there are so many nooks and green spaces I didn't realize existed," Storey said. "It was fantastic to explore this morning and see the waterways, the green spaces and even the architecture around us."

The walk brought together people of all ages and abilities, from young families to older residents. Participants got to chat with Dame Sarah while strolling through the park, sharing stories and soaking in the scenery on their doorstep.

Dame Sarah, who now serves as Greater Manchester's Active Travel Commissioner, practiced what she preaches. She took the train to Stockport, then hopped on a bus to reach the walk's starting point.

Born in nearby Cheadle Hulme, she spent years training at Grand Central baths. Returning home gave her a chance to see her borough with fresh eyes.

The Ripple Effect

The walk was organized by Stockport Moving Together partners Life Leisure and Age UK as part of Walking Month. It's just one of dozens of guided walks happening across Greater Manchester this May through the GM Walking Festival.

Storey grew up with walking woven into daily life. Family holidays meant hiking, climbing, and exploring outdoors. "Walking is such a great way to get out, experience your surroundings and get fresh air," she said.

The event shows how simple activities can break down barriers. No special equipment needed, no fitness requirements, just people moving together through beautiful spaces many didn't know existed in their own community.

Local partnerships are making it easier for residents to discover walking groups and routes near them, turning solo strolls into social connections that boost both physical and mental health.

Sometimes the best discoveries happen in your own backyard, you just need to look with new eyes.