BEST WALKS NEAR WIGAN: FAIRY GLEN LOOP

Looking to escape to an enchanting woodland over the weekend? This short Greater Manchester walk has your back

Start: Parbold Hill Viewpoint, Wigan, WN8 7TH

Distance: 4.24 miles

Elevation: 400 feet

Duration: 1-2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

From pie trails to the infamous pier… there’s no doubt a day in Wigan is a day well spent. It’s said the Manchester town has become the centre of the pie-making and pie-eating world, and who are we to argue with that?

So if you’re after a day of fine pastry once you’ve headed off on your Sunday stroll, you’re in for a treat with this one.

Starting from Parbold Hill Viewpoint, this short loop is great for a Sunday stroll with four-legged pals in tow. Before long, you’ll start your descent towards the Liverpool-Leeds canal, before ascending back up to Appley Bridge, which is where the real gem of this walk lies: Fairy Glen.

Nestled on the side of Parbold Hill, Fairy Glen is a serene patch of forest with picturesque cascades, streams and waterfalls, with plenty of hiking trails perfect for extending your walk should you wish to venture further.

Fancy giving this woodland walk in Manchester a go? Follow the route here