Barrow Steps Up: Hundreds Hit the Streets for Walk This Way Festival
Barrow’s streets came alive last week as the Walk This Way Festival took over town, with more than 300 participants walking, dancing, exploring and even running their way towards better health and happiness. Over seven days, 24 creative walking events transformed everyday strolls into unforgettable adventures.
The festival’s mission was simple - show everyone how walking can be fun, functional and fit easily into daily life. From Nordic Walking taster sessions that turned a gentle stroll into a full-body workout, to treasure hunts with custom-made town maps and family-friendly disco walks lit up by glowsticks, there was something for everyone.
One of the week’s highlights was the Walk This Way: Celebration Event on Thursday 31 July. Over 50 residents gathered to hear moving stories about how walking had changed lives. An interactive quiz kept spirits high, revealing quirky facts such as walking sideways burns 78% more calories than walking forwards. The event ended with a scenic hike up the slag banks, offering breathtaking views over Barrow.
Later that day, the town marked another milestone - the official launch of the North Walney cycling and walking path, connecting Vickerstown Park to Earnse Bay. Mascots from Barrow AFC, Barrow Raiders, Youthability and Active Cumbria joined the celebrations, marching alongside the crowd. Cyclists enjoyed a lively ride to the beach and back, with music to keep them going and free ice cream as a reward for sharing their thoughts on the new route.
The week was packed with joy, laughter and inspiration, thanks to the hard work of the Travel Actively team, who are dedicated to making active travel - walking, wheeling and cycling -accessible to all.
Want to join the movement? Follow Active Cumbria's Travel Actively Barrow on Facebook to see what’s coming next.
