Get together with patients and friends at our next casual Park Walk
Wythenshawe Park
Sunday 22nd March 2026
10:30am
We’re delighted to be introducing a new series of Casual Park Walks – relaxed, informal get-togethers for kidney patients, members, friends, carers and family.
They are designed to be gentle, welcoming and pressure-free – a chance to enjoy fresh air, light movement and conversation with others who understand living with kidney disease.
What to expect
- A calm, friendly atmosphere
- No pressure to keep up or take part beyond your comfort
- Time to talk with other kidney patients and supporters
- A chance to gently support wellbeing through light outdoor activity
Family members, friends and carers are very welcome to join. You do not need to be particularly fit, and you do not need to register as a “walker” in advance – just let us know you’re interested so we can share meeting details.
A gentle and informal activity
These walks are intentionally casual and non-medical. They are not organised exercise sessions and are not supervised clinical activities. There is no ambulance cover or medical support on site.
Everyone attends at their own discretion and takes part at their own risk. We encourage you to walk within your personal limits, wear suitable footwear and clothing, and follow any advice given by your clinical team.
Why we’ve started arranging Casual Park Walks
Living with chronic kidney disease can feel isolating. The Casual Park Walks were created to provide a simple, low-pressure way for people connected to MRIKPA to meet regularly, build friendships and feel part of a supportive community.
We plan to hold walks several times a year in different parks across Greater Manchester, giving people the opportunity to join when it suits them and to explore different local green spaces together.
Join us at Wythenshawe Park
on Sunday 22nd March 2026
Our first Casual Park Walk will take place at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester.
We’ve chosen this popular park for it’s relative ease to find, plethora of accessible locations with wide paths, open green space and handy, nearby facilities.
- Location: Wythenshawe Park, Manchester
- Meeting point: xxxxxxxxx
- Walking pace: Gentle and unhurried
- Duration: Stay for as long or as short a time as you wish
There will be no set route and no expectation to complete a full walk.
Some people may prefer a short stroll and a chat; others may walk a little further. Both are equally welcome.
Getting to Wythenshawe Park
Heaton Park is an ideal location for our Casual Park Walks. It is large, open and easy to navigate, with wide paths, benches and gentle routes suitable for short or longer strolls.
These walks are informal and unofficial gatherings. There is no formal organisation or liaison with Heaton Park. Everyone attends voluntarily and walks at their own pace.
Suggested meeting points
To keep things simple and easy to find, we suggest meeting at one of the following well-known areas. The exact meeting point will be confirmed by email ahead of each walk.
-
Bury Old Road / Heaton Park Tram Stop entrance
A convenient and accessible meeting place for people arriving by tram, bus or car. This entrance opens onto wide, level paths with benches nearby. -
Near Heaton Hall
A familiar landmark within the park with nearby seating and open space, making it a comfortable place to gather and pause. -
Boating Lake area
A calm, scenic part of the park often used as a natural halfway point for gentle walks.
Unfortunately, as these are causal walks, we aren't able to book ambulance support or confirm first aid support. However, we do check that the park facilities have mobile phone coverage and if there is disabled access and a defibrillator on site.
Please check with your GP or consultant team at MRI if you have any doubts about you or your party's suitability to attend.
See out terms and conditions.
Future dates and link to our calendar
We have a google calendar with all the forthcoming dates for MRIKPA events, meetings and walks. You can apply to link to the calendar by requesting access below – we’ll reply to your email address with the link to connect to the calendar.
