STAY WELL FEEL GREAT
WALKS OF LIFE
MC magazine reporter Jackie Rankin and photographer Joel Goodman put their best foot forward to discover the joys of canal walking.
I
t’s a dreary Monday morning – mustering the energy for a walk doesn’t come easy. At Bootle Life Rooms walk leader Kevin Corcoran from the Canal and River Trust welcomes his group. Regulars mingle with newcomers.
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As the room fills, there’s a growing sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Kevin leads the way to the local railway station. Train tickets paid for by the Trust, are handed out. Fifteen minutes later we’re heading
down steps onto the Leeds Liverpool canal not far from Aintree Racecourse. It’s a complete contrast to the busy A59 above; trees full of winter berries, calm still water and the company of passing waterfowl. There are 11 walkers in our group, led by Kevin and fellow walk leader John Goodman. Some have been involved since the programme was launched back in March 2020. They’d hardly stepped out of the door when lockdown forced them to become virtual.
Walking group members enjoying a Monday morning stroll along the Leeds Liverpool canal.
Members would do the walk during their permitted outdoor activity time, then meet on Zoom to discuss the sights and sounds they’d experienced. Others are joining the walk for the first time. Dave, a quietly spoken chap, was planning to come along with his neighbour, who wasn’t able to make it. A little nervous to begin with, he’s soon in conversation with Anne, a regular since she retired from the Civil Service.
