6 INCREDIBLE WALKS WITHIN 1 HOUR’S DRIVE OF MANCHESTER
Check out our favourite, tried-and-tested walks less than 1 hour from Manchester…
Tired of the same old, over-populated walks? Living in a city doesn't have to mean concrete skyscrapers and canal walks. With so many hidden gems right on our doorstep, our collections are here to get you back to nature... without having to travel too far from home.
There’s no shortage of impressive sights to be found around Greater Manchester, whether you’re into walks that look straight out of Lord of the Rings or short strolls that make you feel straight out a fairytale.
With the Peak District right on Manchester’s doorstep, stunning scenery and dramatic views aren’t as far away as you may think. Take a look at some of our favourite walking spots found on the borders of our region.
Below the hustle and bustle of the main shopping centre lies New Mill’s (not so) hidden gem: The Torrs. We’ve done this walk a few times, and every time we’re amazed by the astounding natural gorge that lies below.
Expect colourful cliffs, enormous viaducts and a long bridge that transports you to the Goyt Way — making for one of the best lesser-known walks in Derbyshire.
The route
Start: New Mills Central Station
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5 hours
Navigation: Follow the route step by step here
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > New Mills Central (20 mins).
If you’re short on time but keen on big views, this walk’s for you. The Rossendale Valley is an outstanding and distinctive part of beautiful East Lancashire. Set in the South Pennine hills, it’s the perfect setting to escape the city for the day and explore some of Lancashire’s forgotten history.
The route
Start: Clough Head Car Park, 462 Grane Road, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 4AT
Distance: 5.6 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 725 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow our route here
Breathtaking scenery? Check. Two iconic Peak District landmarks in one walk? This route has you covered. Starting and ending at the base of Bamford Edge, this walk first takes you up to Bamford Moor and onto Stanage Edge, before heading back through the iconic Bamford Edge — where there’ll be photo opps aplenty.
The route
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow our route here
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > Bamford (41 min). From the train station, take the 257 bus to the starting point.
The Peak District ‘big one’. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge on your next Sunday walk, a trip to the highest point in the Peak District is a must.
The route
Start: Bowden Bridge Car Park, SK22 2LH
Distance: 8.15 miles
Duration: Allow approx. 3-4 hours
Elevation: 1,500 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > New Mills Central (20 mins). From the train station, take the 358 bus to Hayfield.
Whether you want to climb to one of the area’s trigs or lay low and stroll around the forest’s multiple reservoirs, Macclesfield Forest is a perfect Sunday day out. The forest is the last remnant of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield and now home to red deer.
The route
Start: Trentabank Visitor Centre, Macclesfield, SK11 0NS
Distance: 3.66 miles
Elevation: 600 feet
Duration: 1.5 hours
Navigation: Follow our route here
With over 15 miles of woodland trails and meadow-lined paths to explore, Hardcastle Crags is a walker’s utopia. Lying just above Hebden Bridge, you’ll be able to take your pick from the town’s many independent shops and cafes once you’ve finished your stroll.
The route
Start: White Lodge Pay and Display Car Park, DE45 1NL
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 625 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
Public transport
Manchester Victoria > Hebden Bridge (28 mins)
Read more
The Torrs Millennium Walkway – a stunning Peak District walk that hovers above a huge gorge
Macclesfield Forest loop – a magical woodland walk with staggering lake views
Hidden gem - easy walk lancashire walk around Jamestone Quarry
