Information on some UK city walking groups to try…

 

🌍 London

London has some of the most established LGBTQ+ walking communities in the country.

• Gay Sunday Walking Group (GSWG)
  One of the longest-running LGBTQ+ walking clubs in the UK, organising regular half-day and full-day walks in and around London and the surrounding countryside.
  👉 Open to LGBTQ+ people and allies, with a strong social community feel.  
• Walking HangOuts (South West London)
  A relaxed LGBTQ+ walking group focused on social connection, gentle walks, and low-pressure conversation. Designed especially for people who find traditional groups intimidating.  
• Queer Walking Group – London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
  Monthly walks across different parts of London exploring parks, green spaces, and canals, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community connection.  

These groups tend to attract a wide mix of people—long-term Londoners, newcomers, and people simply looking for calm, friendly social spaces outdoors.

🌆 Manchester

Manchester has a strong LGBTQ+ wellbeing and outdoor scene that blends walking, socialising, and mental health support.

• Out on Sunday (Greater Manchester)
  A long-running inclusive walking group offering regular seasonal walks, social events, and occasional weekend trips. Focused on wellbeing and community connection.  
• LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Walks (LGBT Foundation)
  Monthly guided walks starting from the LGBT Foundation in Manchester, designed specifically to support mental and physical wellbeing in a safe, structured group setting.  

Manchester’s scene stands out because it isn’t just about walking—it’s about structured community support wrapped into outdoor activity, which can be especially valuable if you’re rebuilding confidence socially.

🌈 Liverpool

Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ outdoor scene is smaller but still active and welcoming.

• Liverpool Frontrunners (Walking/Running Social Group)
  A mixed activity LGBTQ+ club that includes walking, running, and regular social events like hikes, nights out, and group trips. Open to all fitness levels and very community-focused.  

This kind of group is especially good if you want something that blends light exercise with a wider LGBTQ+ social network.

🌿 Leeds

Leeds has a more grassroots feel when it comes to LGBTQ+ walking spaces, but they are very community-driven.

• Leeds LGBT+ Dog Walkers
  A fully inclusive LGBTQ+ walking group that meets regularly for relaxed Saturday walks. Open even if you don’t have a dog—it’s more about social connection than anything else.  

Leeds in general has a strong informal queer social scene, and walking groups there tend to feel very relaxed and easy to join without pressure or formality.

✨ Why these groups matter

Walking groups might seem simple on the surface, but for many transgender people, they offer something genuinely important:

• a way to meet people without social pressure
• a safer feeling in public space
• a routine that supports mental wellbeing
• and a reminder that community doesn’t always have to be formal or political

Sometimes the most meaningful spaces aren’t loud or complicated—they’re just consistent, welcoming, and human.

🌈 Final thought

For me, the biggest benefit of any LGBTQ+ walking groups isn’t fitness or even socialising—it’s the feeling of being part of everyday life without needing to justify who I am. 

I also walk in a local exercise for health walking group it’s not a LGBTQ walking group, but I have found them to extremely supportive and excepting.  

Just walking. Just talking. Just existing.

And sometimes, that’s enough.