ETHEROW TO WERNETH LOW WALK
Tick off two popular Greater Manchester landmarks in this one circular walk that’s perfect to time with sunset
Start: Marple Train Station, Brabyns Brow, Stockport, SK6 7DA
Distance: 9.7 miles
Elevation: 950 feet
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
This nine mile pub walk truly has it all: a cracking pub, unreal views across Manchester, and my favourite place in Stockport to sit and watch the world go by (the Keg Pool at Etherow Country Park).
The walk takes you to a stunning pub with views right across Manchester — and yntil the end of October, you can grab a ~free~ breakfast here just by completing a walk nearby.
To claim your free breakfast, simply show that you’ve completed a local walking route to a member of the team. The offer is also available across all Chef & Brewer Collection pubs around the country,
Route highlights
Hare & Hounds
No long walk is complete without a proper pub, and this one on top of Werneth Low is my all time favourite in Greater Manchester. With views stretching across Manchester, it’s perfect time to time with a sunset walk.
And until the end of October 2024, you can get a free breakfast at this Chef & Brewer pub just by completing a walk nearby. All you need to do to claim your free breakfast is show a completed All Trails route to a member of staff, or simply show the step count on your smart phone or watch. The promotion is valid across all participating Chef & Brewer Collection pubs throughout October.
Tip: save a trip here for Bonfire Night and watch the fireworks all across Manchester.
Werneth Low
Werneth Low, just outside Manchester, is a well-loved spot for locals looking to enjoy beautiful countryside walks with sweeping views of the city and beyond. Having grown up just down the road, it’s long been my favourite ‘clear your head’ spot. Nothing else seems to matter when you have sweeping views across the city, a cracking pub, and plenty of trails to choose from once you’ve got your fill of view soaking.
If you're following this specific route, Werneth Low marks the halfway point—an ideal spot to pause, take in the stunning views, and recharge at the pub before starting the descent back to Marple.
Etherow Country Park
Etherow Country Park, located near Compstall in Greater Manchester, is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities, offering a range of facilities for visitors. At its heart is a large lake, perfect for a leisurely walk, and there's even a sailing club for thosethat fancy a day on the water. The park also has a café, picnic areas, and a visitor center that provides information about the local wildlife and history.
One of the key highlights of Etherow is how well it links up with other long-distance footpaths. It's a starting point for the Goyt Way, which forms part of the larger Midshires Way, taking walkers on scenic routes through the countryside. From the park, you can also connect to the Peak Forest Canal and explore further into the Peak District on its doorstep.
My favourite place here is Etherow’s Keg Pool, a pleasant lakeside path which takes you away from the hustle and bustle at the start of the park. Etherow Country Park is a great spot to explore year-round, but if you visit in late spring or early summer, you may even be lucky enough to spot cygnets —baby swans— on the lake. Swans usually lay their eggs in April or May, and the cygnets hatch after about five to six weeks, typically around late May or June.
Marple aqueduct
Marple Aqueduct is an impressive highlight along your walk, showcasing stunning engineering as it carries the Peak Forest Canal over the River Goyt. At 100 feet high, it’s one of the tallest aqueducts in Britain, offering breathtaking views over the river valley and the surrounding countryside.
As you approach the aqueduct, you'll also find it links seamlessly with several popular trails, including the Cheshire Ring canal route, the Middlewood Way, and the Goyt Way.
Where is Werneth Low?
Werneth Low is a beautiful hilltop just outside Hyde in Greater Manchester, sitting right on the border between Tameside and Stockport. It’s part of the Pennine foothills, and if you make it to the top, you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see right across Manchester, over Cheshire, and even catch glimpses of North Wales.
The hill is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, perfect for a relaxing walk, a scenic cycle, or even a peaceful picnic. It’s also home to the Hyde War Memorial at the summit, serving as a poignant reminder of the area's past.
Don’t fancy the walk up from Marple? There’s a car park at the pub so you can still take in those stunning views, without the extra legwork.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
We parked at Marple Train Station, with free all day parking. You also have your pick of starting points on this route, with ample parking in Romiley, Etherow Country Park or Werneth Low.
Public transport
You have multiple transport options to choose from on this route. You can catch the train from Manchester to Marple, Romiley, or get the 330 close to Werneth Low in Hyde. This walk starts in Marple, but can easily be picked up by starting at Romiley train station with no extra mileage if this option is easier for you.
✔️ Good to knows
Facilities: Car park, toilets (Etherow), cafe (Etherow)
Sunset variation: Werneth Low is a great place to watch the sun set over Manchester. You can easily shorten this route to just include Werneth Low if you’re wanting to head here for sunset. Simply park at Werneth Low Country Park and it’s just a short walk to the summit.
Hare & Hounds: A stunning Chef & Brewer pub with views right across Manchester
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
Fancy giving this one ago? Check out our full guide on Instagram
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