Dame Sarah Storey joins Brinnington residents for Stockport community walk: what residents need to know

Stepping off a bus from Stockport Interchange into the heart of Brinnington, Dame Sarah Storey was greeted by a crowd of local residents ready to explore their local green spaces. The 17-time Paralympic champion joined the group for a community walk through Reddish Vale Country Park, highlighting the importance of accessible green corridors during the region’s Walking Month celebrations. Her arrival by public transport—utilizing both train and bus services—served as a practical demonstration of the integrated travel network she champions as Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner.

Stepping into Reddish Vale with a Paralympic legend

The atmosphere in Brinnington was one of shared purpose as participants of all ages gathered to meet the cycling and swimming legend. The group set off from the community hub, heading toward the expansive trails of Reddish Vale Country Park. For many residents, the walk provided a rare opportunity to engage in direct conversation with a national sporting icon while navigating the local waterways and wooded paths that define this corner of the borough.

Dame Sarah Storey spent the morning walking and talking with the group, emphasizing that walking is the most accessible form of transport and exercise available. The event highlighted the social connection that community walks foster, bringing together neighbors who might otherwise remain isolated. The presence of a high-profile figure like Dame Sarah underscored the message that these green spaces are vital assets for physical and mental wellbeing in urban areas.

Integrating bus and rail for Stockport commutes

A central theme of the visit was the feasibility of sustainable travel within Stockport. Dame Sarah’s journey to Brinnington was intentionally planned to mirror the daily experience of many residents. By traveling to Stockport by train and then transferring to a bus at the Interchange, she highlighted the importance of a joined-up transport system that supports “active travel”—the practice of making short journeys by walking, wheeling, or cycling.

This approach is a cornerstone of the Greater Manchester strategy to reduce congestion and improve air quality. During the walk, discussions naturally turned to how local infrastructure can better support these habits. The ease of access to Reddish Vale from residential areas like Brinnington serves as a template for how nature and urban living can coexist when the right transport links are in place.

Reconnecting with Stockport’s hidden green spaces

For Dame Sarah, the visit was also a personal homecoming. A proud Stopfordian born in Cheadle Hulme, she spent a significant portion of her elite career training at the Grand Central baths. Despite her deep roots in the area, she admitted that the specific nooks and architectural details of Brinnington and the surrounding valley offered fresh perspectives.

“I spent so many years training as a swimmer in Stockport, but there are so many nooks and green spaces I didn’t realise existed,” she noted during the walk. She reflected on her own childhood, where family holidays were defined by being outdoors and exploring nature. This personal connection to the landscape resonated with local participants, many of whom have lived in the shadow of the park for decades but are only now seeing it as a primary resource for health and leisure.

Accessing the Greater Manchester Walking Festival

The Brinnington walk was led by Stockport Moving Together partners, including Life Leisure and Age UK, through the “Live Well” approach. This initiative focuses on creating inclusive opportunities for residents to become more active in ways that feel safe and community-focused. By removing the pressure of formal exercise and replacing it with social walking, the program has seen a steady increase in participation across the borough.

As part of the ongoing Walking Month, the GM Walking Festival is currently offering a diverse range of guided routes across the region. These walks are designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, ensuring that the benefits of fresh air and movement are not restricted by age or physical condition. Residents looking to find a local group or explore new routes in their neighborhood are encouraged to check the festival’s digital listings for upcoming events in Stockport and beyond.

Source: Stockport Council