As part of Telford’s celebration of King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 the Telford Coronation Walks – 23 short circular walks all between 2 and 5 miles long – were designed to showcase Telford’s fascinating history, local wildlife sites and beautiful local green spaces. They were designated and fully signposted by the Friends of the Telford T50 50-Mile Trail, funded by a grant from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Coronation Legacy Fund.
New Year’s resolution
The creation of the walks also became the inspiration for a new community initiative. One of the members of the Friends of the T50 50-Mile Trail, Paul, made a New Year’s resolution in 2024 to walk all 23 of the circular walks during the year, and he invited a few friends on social media to join him. Word got out and an incredible 65 people turned up to join Paul for the first walk, followed by 87 people for the next one!
A Facebook Group was set up called Telford Coronation Group Walks and a poll was run to decide the best day and time for future walks to take place. As a result, the Telford Coronation Group Walks take place fortnightly on a Sunday morning. The Facebook Group now has over 2,000 members and the walks are attended by over 1,000 people each year. Each walk has an average attendance of 50 people, making it the largest walking group in Shropshire!
Growing a walking group
The group has grown organically, with volunteer walk leaders from within the group, and people bringing family and friends of all ages along with them. It has become a sustainable walking group and hasn’t needed any funding to operate by meeting the needs of local people, bringing together those who want to get out for a friendly walk with others.
Feedback from group members highlight the enjoyment they get from visiting new places across the Borough, meeting new people and being part of a mutually supportive community:
“I joined to get fitter and explore the area more. Feel safer and it’s more motivating in a group.”
“After seeing the Coronation Walking Group whilst out walking my dog, I joined as well!”
“Thanks for making the walks so interesting, I’m looking forward to the next ones.”
“Thank you all for such a wonderful year of walking and companionship!”
Health, wellbeing and more…
As well as the benefits to health and wellbeing provided by walking and socialising out in the fresh air, the walks also give people the opportunity to explore their local area in new ways. Members of the group have started sharing aspects of local history during walks, enabling others to stop and reflect on the rich heritage of the area. And interest has also been shown in environmental issues and local flora and fauna across the seasons.
Why not do as Paul did and make a New Year’s resolution to get out and about in your local area this year? You could make new friends, find new places to explore, learn new things and enjoy all the health benefits of walking, just by stepping outside.