17/09/2026
So you’ve all got lots & lots of questions about Saturday understandably so this is it, the big post, all the answers, total coverage.
But let’s kick things off with the two questions we keep hearing over & over so let’s get them out of the way top of the bill.
- Yes you can sign up on the day.
- No you don’t have to do the ramble to come & enjoy the day.
Now buckle up because we’ve got some facts to dish out.
PARKING.
Anyone who’s been to the ramble before knows we absolutely cannot cope with all of your cars so we have borrowed the car parks at both Christ Church at Healey & Shawclough Primary. We’ll have marshals on the car park to direct you if you don’t know where to go but what we really suggest is that you get dropped off, use public transport or walk down, especially if you’re stopping for a drink.
REGISTRATION.
We’d suggest getting to us about 9am to register, collect your tshirt (big up Icon sports) & generally soak up the atmosphere. There’s a lot going on in the morning from glitter stations, to warmup workouts with Gymbound and just as every year we’re setting you off with full stomachs with brew & quite possibly the most outrageous pastry stall anyone’s ever seen thanks to our mates at Yearsleys, Martin Browker & Brakes. And we’ve had so many enquiries about this but yes, online registration is closed but you can 100% still sign up on the day of the ramble. If you’re registering on the day then give yourself a little more time & head straight to the “new registration” shed, we’ll be about to show you the way. Roch Valley radio are on hand before we set off with some feel good music & Ella’s going to be getting about doing some interviews for them so if you’ve got a particularly powerful connection to the hospice please seek out our Girl in Green & share your story.
RAMBLING.
Even if you’ve done the walk before keep an eye on the route, we’ve made a few tweeks again this year. As always there’s a few surprises along the way, plenty of photo ops & the small matter of 1000 bananas from our mates at Ribble Farm Fare & thank you Bev for being head of banana distribution. Pack something waterproof if the weather turns nasty (it won’t) and as always get some sensible shoes on.
AFTER PARTY.
Ok, this is the good bit. Six food vendors. Two live acts. And one incredible way to end the whole show, ladies & gents make sure your walking boots are your dancing shoes because it’s finally happening, we end the largest mass participation event in the borough with Ria McNeeney’s Car Park Disco.
Catering wise wether your idea of a post walk feast is a smoked bratwurst or a big fat samosa, a freshly made pad Thai, a mountain of Dutch pancakes or an outrageous brownie we have got you covered. And if you want to work your way round the food village & eat the lot we’re not here to judge. The pub is open as usual & Paul’s got his gin bar packed & ready to go so there’s going to be no shortage of places to get a drink. With live music through the day from Jacey Mae & The Happy Hours as well as the team from RVR keeping the show going inbetween all ending in our kid turning the car park into a 500 strong hen do.
And the best part of it all? If you’re not up to doing the ramble, if you’re busy in the morning or if you just want to get involved in the day then from 1pm come along; make a donation to the hospice & make the most of this incredible event, everyone’s welcome along.
EMOTIONAL BIT.
Saturday is a huge day. Huge for the hospice. Huge for the pub. Huge for the town. And while we make it outrageously fun whatever the weather, it can at times be tough. We’re all there for one reason & often that’s because of a very personal connection to a very special place and we encourage you to embrace all the emotions of the day. If you have a little cry be assured that we’ve all been there on ramble day. Ella usually gets half a dozen in before we set off.
And finally.
Thank you.
All of you.
To everyone walking with us. To the army of volunteers, to everyone & every business that’s helped make this incredible event take place again even bigger than before. There’s too many thank yous and not enough praise in the world but know you’re on the side of the angels every last one of you.
Let’s make every mile count Rochdale.
Team McNeeney
