New Ashton Wander trail is a historic delight

A new trail is set to launch this month to guide people around the town’s brilliant cultural assets on a journey of discovery.

In a celebration of Ashton’s unique history, the free trail has been developed using UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding. It not only celebrates Ashton’s history, it also encourages physical exercise, social connection, and the exploration of local heritage.

The trail, marked by a series of twelve lampposts, is an easy-to-follow manageable stroll, with all the access points within a one-mile radius of each other so that it’s suitable for families and all ages to enjoy.

Followers will be taken on a journey around some of Ashton’s best loved attractions on an exploration of the town’s 100-year history. Key stops on the trail include the vast treasure trove of knowledge that is Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre, the brilliant Portland Basin Museum which highlights the best of our history, and the central hub that is Ashton Library and Information Service.

The trail also offers an alternative way to support wellbeing by combining physical exercise with the opportunity to take in and explore your surroundings, connect with other people, and even pick up a new hobby or interest in finding out more about Tameside’s history on the way.

The trail is easily accessible and, to follow it, visitors and residents can simply scan the QR codes along the route or pick up a leaflet from any of the attractions to join in the fun.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage, Participation, and Sport, said: “The Ashton Wander is a fabulous idea as it combines creativity and culture to highlight some of the town’s best loved heritage assets. It offers residents, visitors and even people who work in Ashton the chance to get out and explore to find out more about the town and borough’s history or get involved in something new. Getting out and doing something new is great for both your mental and physical wellbeing and it is easy to link up with the trail and take and enjoy it at your own pace.”

To find out more go to www.intameside.co.uk/wayfindertrail