6 STUNNING PUB WALKS BY TRAIN NEAR MANCHESTER

Tired of the same old city walks? You don’t need a car to explore some of the most stunning trails near Manchester. From wild swimming at Gaddings Dam to breathtaking moorland views at The Trinnacle, these stunning pub walks are all easily accessible by train. Enjoy!

1. Gaddings Dam Loop (England’s Tallest Beach)

• Start Point: Todmorden Centre (OL14 5QA)

• Train from Manchester: 20 minutes from Manchester Victoria

Nestled above Todmorden, Gaddings Dam offers the rare experience of a hilltop beach. Perfect for a sunny day, this route offers wild swimming for the brave and scenic views for those who prefer to stay dry. After exploring the dam, you can extend your adventure to nearby Stoodley Pike, an iconic Pennine monument.

The Walk Details:

• Distance: 5.34 miles

• Duration: 2–3 hours

• Elevation: 660 feet

• Navigation: follow step-by-step here.

Post-walk, head back to Todmorden and treat yourself at The Golden Lion pub for a well-earned meal or pint.

2. New Mills Millennium Walkway (The Torrs Circular)

• Start Point: New Mills Central Station

• Train from Manchester: 20 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly

Discover the hidden gem of The Torrs, a dramatic river gorge beneath the historic town of New Mills. The highlight of this walk is the Millennium Walkway—a suspended bridge that winds along the River Goyt. With a mix of lush greenery and industrial history, this walk is short but packed with charm.

The Walk Details:

• Distance: 4 miles

• Duration: 1.5 hours

• Elevation: 350 feet

• Navigation: follow step-by-step here

After your walk, explore New Mills’ cafes and shops. Stop at Revive Cafe for a hearty lunch or pick up a treat at High Street Books & Records.

3. Hathersage and Stanage Edge

• Start Point: Hathersage Station

• Train from Manchester: 50 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly

A Peak District favorite, this walk starts in the idyllic village of Hathersage and leads to Stanage Edge and the popular Robin Hood’s Cave.

The Walk Details:

• Distance: 7 miles

• Duration: 3 hours

• Elevation: 1,200 feet

• Navigation: follow step-by-step here

After tackling the edge, head back to Hathersage where you’ll find pubs and cafes aplenty.

4. Macclesfield Forest & Shutlingsloe (The Cheshire Matterhorn)

• Start Point: Macclesfield Station

• Train from Manchester: 25 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly

Shutlingsloe, often called “The Cheshire Matterhorn,” is a sharp peak that rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The trail starts in the peaceful Macclesfield Forest, winding through tranquil woods before the exhilarating climb to the summit.

The Walk Details:

• Distance: 6 miles

• Duration: 2–3 hours

• Elevation: 1,200 feet

• Navigation: follow step-by-step here

The route descends past picturesque reservoirs, offering perfect photo opportunities. Wrap up your walk with refreshments at The Leather’s Smithy, a charming pub on the forest's edge.

5. Solomon’s Temple Walk (A Historic Folly Above Buxton)

• Start Point: Buxton Pavilion Gardens (SK17 6BE)

• Train from Manchester: 1 hour from Manchester Piccadilly

This scenic walk to Solomon’s Temple combines history and natural beauty. The Victorian folly sits atop Grin Low Hill, offering stunning views of Buxton and beyond. On your way, explore the remnants of historic lime kilns and the surrounding woods.

The Walk Details:

• Distance: 5.62 miles

• Duration: 2 hours

• Elevation: 625 feet

• Navigation: follow step-by-step here

Finish your adventure with a visit to Buxton’s famous Georgian architecture or a relaxing tea at one of the town’s many cosy pubs.

6. The Trinnacle Loop (Dove Stone Reservoir)

• Start Point: Greenfield Station

• Train from Manchester: 35 minutes from Manchester Victoria

High on Saddleworth Moor, The Trinnacle stands as a unique rock formation overlooking Dove Stone Reservoir. The route offers steep climbs, cascading waterfalls, and a bit of optional scrambling for the adventurous.

The Walk Details:

• Distance: 4.13 miles

• Duration: Less than 2 hours

• Elevation: 950 feet

• Navigation: follow step-by-step here

For those driving, parking is available at Binn Green Car Park, but spaces fill quickly. Afterward, unwind with a pint at The Clarence Inn or explore the nearby pubs in Greenfield.

OVER-EXPOSED! CRASH SITE, SHIRE

Start: Manor Park, Glossop

Distance: 9.24 miles

Duration: 3-4 hours

Ascent: 1,600 feet

Navigation: follow the route step-by-step here

By no means the easiest walk but defintiely a firm favourite amongst locals, the climb up to Higher Shelf Stones and the Over-Exposed crash site is definitely one of the most rewarding ones close to Manchester.

Starting from Glossop makes for a longer ascent — but if you’re looking to shorten the route, parking on Snake Pass near to the Pennine Way entrance gives you the best of both worlds: a shorter trail with the same amount of rewards.

Unlike a lot of the more strenuous hikes where the best views lie way up top, this route offers you insane views with every step you take.

Along the way, you’ll escape the confines of the valleys in favour of the sanctuary of high moors. The streams you see along the way make for a great respite on a sunny day — but it can get quite boggy so walking boots are a must on this one.

Before approaching the crash site, you’ll emerge at Higher Shelf Stones; the third highest summit in the Peak District. It’s a tremendous vantage point — and on a clear day, you can even spot Carneddau as well as a succession of endless flowing ridges.

Do bear in mind, the section across Bleaklow to the summit and crash site can become unclear if visibility isn’t great, so try and plan for a clear weather day and always take a navigation app with you.

After bearing right from Higher Shelf Stones trig point, it won’t be long before you come acrross the B29 crash site.

Walking around the remains of the wreckage was a truly sobering experience. The Over-Exposed! crasbed in November 1948 while carrying wages and supplies to Burtonwood USAF airbase (near Warrington) from Lincolnsire.

The crew were due to fly back to the States just a few days later but sadly didn’t make it home.

Definitely a route that tugs on your heart strings — but an important piece of our local area’s history nontheless.

A must-see if history is your bag, and an interesting route for all regardless.

Just remember the wellies!