A new walking challenge to raise money for charity is being launched this summer.

The Greater Manchester Ringway walking trail has teamed up with the charity Forever Manchester to raise funds for community projects across Greater Manchester.

Individuals and groups are being encouraged to register their interest in walking part of the route, which connects all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, including Bolton.

The "Summertime Trek" challenge will kick off on the longest day of the year – Friday, June 21.

Everyone who has taken part in the challenge will be invited to a final celebration event in Manchester city centre on the August bank holiday – Monday, August 26.

Those wishing to sign up can do so on Eventbrite.

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Designed around existing footpaths, parks and open-access land, the GM Ringway route takes in a wide variety of landscapes as well as heritage attractions such as stately homes, museums and ancient monuments.

Each stage of the walk is designed to be accessible via public transport.

One Bolton section of the 186-mile long (300 km) route was completely signposted earlier this year.

Individuals and groups will also be able to raise funds by walking the trail independently using the free Go Jauntly walking and wellbeing app.

The app also includes ten shorter GM Ringway walks – including five step-free ones – that can be walked or ‘wheeled’ to raise funds, organisers have said.

The project team will also run a series of guided walks as part of the challenge that are designed to be suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

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Andrew Read, GM Ringway’s project lead said: “This is the perfect partnership as both the GM Ringway and Forever Manchester are all about improving the lives of everyone who lives in Greater Manchester.

“Not only will we deliver a great event but we also hope to foster a sense of community.

“There’s already a real buzz about the GM Ringway and this will get even more people out in the great outdoors exploring more of the region. So, get involved!

“We want everyone taking part to have the best time this summer, as well as improving their health and well-being and making some incredible memories.”

Nick Massey, chief executive of Forever Manchester said: “The GM Ringway has already captured the imagination of local people who are lacing up their walking boots and getting out and about on the trail.

“We expect to see a lot of our regular supporters sign up to the challenge.

“This is also a great opportunity for Greater Manchester’s businesses to take part in, whether as a team-building away day, for client hospitality or even as a volunteer day.”

A list of each of the 20 stages, alongside shorter and more inclusive step-free walks, can be found on the GM Ringway website.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.