Ed from Greenfield appointed as the first ‘Stage Guardian’ for the GM Ringway

The team behind the GM Ringway - Greater Manchester’s walking trail - has signed up the first ‘Stage Guardian’, Ed Stacey from Greenfield.

The GM Ringway project team is currently recruiting one or two people to look after each of the 20 stages of the 200-mile trail.

These voluntary roles will help ensure the on-going success of the trail for years to come.

The Stage Guardians will be expected to walk their local trail section regularly to identify any improvements or highlight maintenance issues such as replacing any signage. 

They will also report any access problems such as overgrown footpaths or broken stiles as well as temporary obstructions or diversions.

Ed (74), a former business journalist and published author, has signed up to look after Stage 8 from Broadbottom to Greenfield.

Ed, who recently became the footpath officer for the Tameside Ramblers group, took up walking just five years ago after retiring from fell running and long-distance running.

Ed said: “I never did much walking before 2019, but I really enjoy it now.

"I live close to Greenfield station so the GM Ringway is perfect for me and I feel a real affinity with it.

"I’ve walked five of the 20 stages so far but not sequentially, and my aim is to fill in the gaps and complete it all. 

"I plan to walk parts of my stage fairly regularly.

"I’m really looking forward to this new role.” 

Andrew Read, GM Ringway’s project lead, said: “Stage Guardians like Ed will play a vital role as our eyes and ears on the trail and ensure that the route is clear and safe for everyone to enjoy.

"We anticipate the volunteers will live fairly locally to their stage and know the area well.

"We also hope the Stage Guardians will build further awareness for their sections of the GM Ringway, perhaps by organising guided walks or promoting the trail and events on social media.”

Anyone interested in applying for a Stage Guardian volunteer role should email: info@gmringway.org

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