10 BEST VIEWPOINT WALKS IN MANCHESTER
Seeking higherground? Check out our top 10 viewpoint walks in and around Greater Manchester
Sometimes, you just need to escape the hustle and bustle of Manchester for the day. And luckily for us, while we may live within a bustling city that can only be described as a playground for grown-ups, we’re also blessed with a vast array of beautiful nature spots – all just a short drive away from the metropolis that we call home. But if you want the best of both worlds, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to soak up the views of our wonderful city.
An old faithful: Lyme Park. When it comes to local walks we just keep going back to, Lyme Park wins time and time again. The Cage at Lyme Park was originally built around 1580 as a hunting lodge where the ladies of the estate could watch the hunt. At night it was used as a banqueting hall. It overlooks the nearby moors and 1,300 acres of park land.
Today, it makes a great vantage point to take in impressive views right across Manchester. So if you're looking for short walk with a big payoff, a walk to The Cage is essential on your visit to Lyme. Walk up the steep but short hill for views of the Manchester skyline, Peak District and deer sanctuary.
Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR
Facilities: Parking, toilets, cafe, restaurant, shop, playground
Route: follow our 6 mile walk up to The Cage and Sponds Hill here
Rising to the north of Bolton and part of the West Pennine Moors, Winter Hill offers a wonderful tramping ground and far reaching views. Its vast moorland landscape and gentle slopes are littered with human alterations, particularly in the north side of the summit.
While there are a variety of routes to choose from, our 6 mile walk takes in the best views and scenery across Bolton, Wigan and the West Pennines Moors. You’ll begin your ascent up to Winter Hill via Rivington Country Park, taking you 1,496 feet high up to the summit.
Start: Rivington Hall Car Park, Bolton, BL6 7SD
Follow our 6 mile walk here
Explore the stunning moorlands surrounding Manchester with a gentle climb up to Darwen Tower, also known as Jubilee Tower, situated on the picturesque West Pennine Moors. Built in 1989 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Darwen Tower — known officially as Jubilee Tower — is located on the West Pennine Moors and overlooks the town. Thanks to its vantage point high up on the moors, this walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot Blackpool Tower and see as far as Cumbria and North Wales.
There are various routes you can take to the tower, depending on how challenging you want your walk to be. A popular route is a two mile circular walk starting at Sunnyhurst Wood Car Park, which is around 40 minutes drive from Manchester. We opted to start from Tockholes Road Car Park, where you’ll find a pub and two cafes to fuel up in before you set off on the short climb up.
The perfect starting point, if you ask us.
Start: Tockholes Car Park, Darwen, BB3 0LR
Follow our 4 mile walk here
Looking to soak up a bit of history on your next trip outdoors? Look no further than this uphill hike around the Cheshire countryside. Not only does this walk provide excellent views that sweep right across the surrounding countryside but you’ll also pass White Nancy — a memorial site atop Kerridge Hill, built to commemorate the victory of coalition forces at the Battle of Waterloo.
Start: Clough Bank, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5NY
Follow our 7 mile walk here
The Trinnacle is a unique three columned gritstone rocky outcrop, towering above the Dovestone and Yeoman Hay reservoirs, with an adventurous trail to get to it. The by-product of glacial activity dating back some 14,000 years, the deep valleys and splintered crags characterising the landscape all serve as a reminder of what once was. Expect dazzling reservoirs, epic waterfalls, steep inclines, exhilarating scrambles and gorgeous scenery throughout.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail up to Saddleworth Moor is quite steep. On your way back you will have to watch your step when you are walking next to Greenfield Brook. At this section, the rocks can get quite slippery and after rain, the terrain can be boggy.
⚠️ Warning: This route requires a scramble up Birchen Clough waterfall, which, especially after heavy rain, can be challenging and slippery without the right footwear and technical ability.
Start: Binn Green Car Park, Oldham, OL3 7NN
Follow our 7 mile walk here
Hartshead Pike, Ashton-under-Lyne
Famed for its hilly terrain and named after the monument that lies at the very top, Hartshead Pike provides stunning views of Ashton-Under-Lyne, Mossley, Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham. The Hartshead Pike walking route, although mostly just a simple hill climb, is a relatively easy walk with accessibility for wheelchair users and fantastic views.
Once you reach the top, and if it’s a clear day, you can see across the whole of Manchester, Cheshire and even as far out as Snowdonia in Wales.
Starting point: Lees, Mossley or Ashton
Werneth Low, Hyde
Located on a hilltop just above Hyde and Bredbury, Werneth Low offers stunning views right across Manchester city centre. With several walking trails to choose from, as well as a visitor centre that provides information about the area, this is a great place if incredible views and a spot of history is your ideal day out.
Werneth Low Country Park Visitor Centre, Higham Ln, Hyde SK14 5LR
Facilities: parking, toilets, visitor centre
Extend your adventure: follow our long route here
The Edge, Alderley Edge
Alderley Edge is a dramatic sandstone ridge with impressive views over the Cheshire plain towards Manchester and to the hills of Cheshire’s Peak District. The broad ridge top is well wooded with Scots pine and beech trees. There is historic interest too as the area has been mined for copper as far back as the Bronze Age, by the Romans, and through Medieval times.
Check out our 5-mile circular walk here
Peel Tower, Ramsbottom
Built in 1852 this well known Bury landmark was erected in tribute to one of Bury's most famous sons, Sir Robert Peel; founder of the Police force and Prime Minister 1841-1846. The tower stands 128ft high and offers stunning views over Manchester and North Wales. Look out for the flag flying from the top of the tower indicating it is open to the public or go to the events sections of this website for the latest dates.
Admission: Adults £2, Children/Senior £1, Family £4
Musbury Heights, Rossendale
Sometimes the best routes are the ones right on your doorstep. Being short on time and opting for a gentler walk around Lancashire’s untouched moors, this 5 mile walk surpassed all expectations…
Starting and ending at Jamestone Quarry, this walk then takes you through the best of the Rossendale Valley before ascending up to Haslingden Moor where you’ll be rewarded instantly with unreal views right across the surrounding countryside. Once you reach the top of the moorland, you’ll soon reach Musbury Heights Quarry, one of the numerous 'Valley of Stone' historical quarries in the area.
Start: Clough Head Car Park, 462 Grane Road, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 4AT
Follow our 5 mile walk here
