Walking groups
You don’t need to climb hills or walk for miles and miles to be active – even walking to the shops instead of taking the bus counts as activity. If you’d like to find a group to go with, or get inspiration for places to explore, look for free walking groups in your area. Here are some we recommend:
🥾 Walk Talk Action
Walk Talk Action organises regular free walks in and around Stoke on Trent.
The group focuses on mental health and wellbeing, helping people of all ages and abilities to get outside and make friends.
🥾 Girls Who Walk Stoke
A free walking and social group for women aged 18+ in and around Stoke.
The group is LGBTQ+, Non Binary and Trans inclusive.
🥾 Get INTO Walking – Newcastle-under-Lyme
Free group and one-to-one walking sessions in Newcastle-under-Lyme for different fitness levels.
The sessions include power walking groups, women only walks, and sessions focused on health and mental wellbeing.
🥾 Healthy Walks – Staffordshire Moorlands
Free walks in the countryside organised by local volunteers. These usually happen on the third and last Sunday of each month.
The walks range from shorter, accessible routes to longer treks, and are open to everybody — just book in advance.
🥾 Staffordshire Ramblers
This friendly walking society has regional groups across Staffordshire. Many groups offer 2–3 walks for free, so you can go along and see if you enjoy it.
The routes are generally 4–12 miles long and take place in different locations. They also offer walks focused on wellbeing and socialising.
Free walks in Staffordshire and Stoke
Here are some great local places to walk. All of them are free, though some may charge for parking:
| Location | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Manifold Valley | Picturesque valley with multiple walking routes and the Manifold Way | Free |
| Tittesworth Water | Near Leek, on the edge of the spectacular Peak District National Park. Includes views of the lake, The Roaches and has four different trails to choose from. | Free (parking charges apply) |
| Rudyard Lake | Lakeside walks in Staffordshire Moorlands. Offers routes of different lengths and to suit a range of abilities. | Free |
| Cannock Chase Stepping Stones | Woodland and streamside walks, including the famous Stepping Stones area | Free (parking charges may apply) |
| Dovedale | Stunning limestone valley walks in the Peak District | Free |
| Fradley Junction | Canal-side walks and nature reserve | Free |
| Park Hall Country Park | National Nature Reserve with lakes, woodlands, and sandstone canyons | Free |
| Staffordshire Way | Long-distance trail crossing the county | Free |
Start with a fast walk or short jog
Going for a light jog, or starting out with a power walk (a fast walk), is a great way to get active for free. Just getting outside and moving your body is proven to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Remember, a little goes a long way and it’s ok to start small.
Take a look at other free outdoor activities available across Staffordshire and Stoke.
Couch to 5K
This is a free self guided jogging programme, designed by the NHS, which helps you to build up from zero to being able to run 5km! You can download the app for free.
Parkrun
A group run which takes place in local parks across the country every Saturday. It’s open to all fitness levels and is a great place for meeting new people. Plus it’s completely free!
Cycling, skating and more
Using wheels can be a great low cost way of getting active. If you have a bicycle, skateboard, rollerblades or any other type of wheels, using them to get around is a simple way of fitting more activity into your routine.
🚴🏽♀️ Get INTO Cycling – Newcastle-under-Lyme
The group offers free cycling sessions and can even provide you with a free bike for up to six months. Sessions include small groups and Saturday social sessions.
If you have access to your own bike, you can try exploring local cycle paths or cycle routes – or even organise a fun ride with friends and family!
🛹 Skateparks across Staffordshire
Explore local skateparks for rollerblading, skateboarding and more.
