TOP 10 DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS IN AND AROUND MANCHESTER
Manchester is a vibrant city with a surprising number of green spaces that make for fantastic walks with your four-legged friend. Whether you’re looking for a riverside stroll, a woodland adventure, or expansive fields for some off-leash fun, there’s a perfect spot nearby.
Here are the top 10 dog-friendly walks in and around Manchester to explore with your pup.
1. Heaton Park
Location: Prestwich, North Manchester • Distance: 3-5 miles • Difficulty: Easy
As one of Manchester’s largest parks, Heaton Park offers miles of pathways, woodland trails, and open fields for your dog to roam. There’s even a large boating lake and a dedicated dog-friendly cafe, The Stables, where you can grab a coffee and a pup-friendly treat.
Why You’ll Love It: Plenty of space for off-leash exercise and beautiful views of the park’s historic features.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience.
2. Chorlton Water Park
Location: Chorlton-cum-Hardy • Distance: 2-3 miles • Difficulty: Easy
This beautiful nature reserve features a large lake surrounded by footpaths and meadows. Chorlton Water Park is a great place for a relaxed walk, and the wide-open spaces are perfect for dogs that love to run.
Why You’ll Love It: The serene lakeside setting is perfect for a peaceful walk, and there are plenty of spots for a picnic.
Tip: Keep an eye out for swans and ducks near the lake to ensure your dog stays safe.
3. Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens
Location: Didsbury • Distance: 2-4 miles • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
With its mix of manicured gardens, woodlands, and riverside paths along the River Mersey, Fletcher Moss Park is a versatile walking destination. Dogs will love the variety of terrains, and you’ll love the scenic beauty.
Why You’ll Love It: The park’s blend of cultivated and wild areas offers something for everyone.
Tip: Stop by the Alpine Tea Room for a dog-friendly refreshment break.
4. Wythenshawe Park
Location: Wythenshawe • Distance: 3-5 miles • Difficulty: Easy
Wythenshawe Park is a spacious and welcoming park with woodlands, meadows, and gardens. There’s a dedicated off-leash area where dogs can run freely.
Why You’ll Love It: The park’s vast size means there’s always a new path to explore.
Tip: Check out the farm area where dogs are welcome on a lead.
5. Sale Water Park
Location: Sale • Distance: 3 miles • Difficulty: Easy
A popular spot for dog walkers, Sale Water Park offers a beautiful lakeside loop and plenty of green space. Dogs can enjoy a splash in the water or a run through the nearby meadows.
Why You’ll Love It: The combination of water, woodland, and open fields makes this a versatile spot for dog walking.
Tip: The Jackson’s Boat Pub nearby is dog-friendly and perfect for a post-walk treat.
6. Blackley Forest
Location: Blackley • Distance: 2-4 miles • Difficulty: Moderate
If your pup loves woodland adventures, Blackley Forest is a hidden gem. This ancient woodland is filled with winding trails, streams, and plenty of sniffing opportunities.
Why You’ll Love It: The forest setting feels like a mini adventure within the city.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the trails can get muddy, especially after rain.
7. Kersal Wetlands and Kersal Dale
Location: Salford • Distance: 3 miles • Difficulty: Easy
This peaceful nature reserve is a great place for a quiet walk with your dog. The wetlands are home to various birds, and the adjacent Kersal Dale offers a lovely woodland trail.
Why You’ll Love It: A mix of water and woodland makes for a varied walk.
Tip: Keep your dog on a lead near the wetlands to protect wildlife.
8. Phillips Park and the Clayton Vale Loop
Location: Clayton • Distance: 4-5 miles • Difficulty: Moderate
This route combines Phillips Park with the beautiful Clayton Vale. The varied terrain includes woodlands, meadows, and riverside paths along the River Medlock.
Why You’ll Love It: This is a great spot for energetic dogs that love long walks with plenty of variety.
Tip: There’s a small cafe in Phillips Park where dogs are welcome.
9. Debdale Park and Reservoir
Location: Gorton • Distance: 2-3 miles • Difficulty: Easy
This park and reservoir combination offers a relaxing and scenic walk. The pathways around the reservoir are wide and flat, making it ideal for older dogs or pups who enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Why You’ll Love It: The reservoir views are particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Tip: There’s a large grassy area where dogs can play fetch.
10. Reddish Vale Country Park
Location: Stockport • Distance: 3-4 miles • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Located just outside Manchester, Reddish Vale Country Park offers scenic riverside paths, woodlands, and open meadows. It’s a favorite among dog owners for its diverse landscapes.
Why You’ll Love It: This park has a real countryside feel while being close to the city.
Tip: Don’t miss the historic viaduct — a great spot for photos.
