Walk into Christmas Day with John
John Matthews, managing director of Bigger Pictures in Uppermill, is organizing a Christmas Day walk for people facing loneliness. The walk will start at the Lime Kiln Café car park and last no more than two hours, with participants advised to wear appropriate outdoor gear and bring essentials like a charged mobile phone and snacks. John emphasizes that the walk is not led by a professional guide and participants join at their own risk.
Uppermill outdoor enthusiast John Matthews will host an informal Christmas Day walk around Saddleworth for anyone who would otherwise spend the morning alone, inviting them to gather at 9.45 am for a 10 am prompt departure from the Lime Kiln Café car park.
Matthews, managing director of Bigger Pictures, said the two-hour hill circuit grew out of his own experience last year. “I had the most miserable Christmas Day ever in 2023. I vowed to never have another like it. No manner of mediation could shake the loneliness, I felt I was truly awful and never to be repeated,” he explained. “If you want something to look forward to on Christmas Day join me … Please get there early - we won’t be waiting for anyone past 10.”
Participants should arrive prepared for winter conditions: walking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a hot drink in a flask, water and snacks, a fully-charged phone with an ICE (in case of emergency) contact, plus pen and paper. Matthews stressed the outing is not professionally guided. “This is not a led walk - I am not a guide. You are joining me on a walk at your own risk,” he said, adding that he may split the group into easier and moderate routes depending on fitness levels. “I know the local area very well and either walk, mountain bike or run every week in any weather,” noted Matthews, a Friends of Saddleworth member who has operated a local business for more than two decades.
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