STRETFORD MEADOWS

A scenic hideaway right on our doorstep…

Start: Hawthorn Lane, Chorlton

Distance: 7.03 miles

Duration: 2.5 hours

Elevation: 125 feet

Navigation: follow our route here

Looking for one of the best walks in South Manchester? Look no further…

Scenic views and wildlife might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of Stretford, but that’s what makes this scenic spot just off the M60 so special.

One of the best short walks in Manchester, this route has it all: country lanes, a coffee pit stop and many links to extend the walk, including the Trans Pennine Trail.

While much of Stretford’s agricultural history has been lost to urban progression, this place is very much still teeming with wildlife. In the 19th century, Stretford was a hub for agriculture—known locally as Porkhampton due to the of pig farms which provided produce for the nearby Manchester Market. Wild, eh?

Back then, Streford was also an extensive market gardening area, described as the "garden of Lancashire" by writers of the time. In 1845, over 508 tons of vegetables were being produced each week for the Manchester Market, with their specialty being rhubarb—known locally then as “Streford beef”.

So successful was Stretford’s vegetable output, it became known as “ the Eden of Lancashire” throughout the Victorian era. In 1845, over 508 tons of vegetables were reported to be produced by Stretford market gardens for Manchester residents.

Pre-industrialisation, Romans named the area we now know as Stretford ‘Streta’—meaning street on a ford. Until the 1800s, the area existed as a cottage community dependent on hand-weaving, providing employment for almost 800 workers.

Our route takes you along a path which follows the line of the old Roman road from ‘’Deva Victrix’’ (Chester) to ‘’Mancunium’’ (Manchester), crossing the Mersey into Stretford at Crossford Bridge, a crossing point of the ancient ford.

Upon reaching the meadows, you’ll explore woodland paths, ponds and secluded spots which provide an ideal habitat for wildlife and a perfect place to unwind.

After a short stroll around the meadows, you’ll join the Trans Pennine Trail where you can enjoy panoramic views of the River Mersey. Along the way, you’ll pass Riverside Cafe, a gorgeous pop-up cafe selling hot drinks, sweet treats and homemade food.

For those looking to make a proper day of it, you can extend the route by heading to Old Ees Brook in Urmston, or by meeting up with one of the route’s many traffic-free transport links, including the Trans Pennine Trail or the Bridgewater Canal.

Fancy giving it a go? Follow the route here