ALL TRAILS
The Best Pub Walk Near Manchester: The Torrs Millennium Walkway & New Mills Circular
A spectacular 7-mile walk featuring riverside woodland, the iconic Torrs Millennium Walkway, peaceful canal paths, independent cafés and one of the best pubs in the Peak District.
Start: The Strines Nightingale (recommended), Strines Station or New Mills Central
Distance: 7.32 miles
,Elevation: 750 feet
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy (non-technical paths, minimal elevation)
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
If someone asked me to recommend the best pub walk near Manchester, this would be my answer every single time.
Starting at the dreamy Strines Nightingale pub, this 7-mile circular walk combines everything that makes a great day outdoors. Woodland trails, dramatic river gorges, historic mills, canal towpaths, independent cafés, brilliant pubs and one of the most impressive walkways in Britain—all within easy reach of Manchester.
From Strines, the route heads into the vibrant town of New Mills, where you'll descend into the spectacular Torrs Gorge to cross the iconic Torrs Millennium Walkway. Suspended high above the River Goyt, the walkway offers an unforgettable perspective of the gorge below before leading you past the historic Torr Vale Mill and the community-owned Torrs Hydro scheme.
After exploring the Torrs, the walk slows the pace along the tranquil Peak Forest Canal, where colourful narrowboats, waterside wildlife and peaceful towpaths provide a complete contrast to the dramatic gorge you've just left behind.
One of my favourite things about this walk are all the many things you can see and do along the way. New Mills is packed with fantastic independent cafés, bakeries, pubs and little shops, making it somewhere you'll genuinely want to spend some time before heading back.
Finish where you started, back at The Strines Nightingale, for a well-earned pint within the woodland.
For me, it's one of the best day walks you can do within half an hour of Manchester.
Route difficulty: Easy
This isn't a particularly technical walk, but the distance and a handful of gradual climbs mean you'll want a reasonable level of fitness. Expect:
Woodland paths
Canal towpaths
Riverside trails
Some muddy sections after rain
A few steady climbs
Plenty of opportunities for food and drink stops
Route highlights
The Strines Nightingale – Quite possibly one of the best pub gardens near Manchester. Hidden amongst woodland beside the river, it's the perfect place to begin and end your walk. They regularly host outdoor woodland events, live music and seasonal gatherings, giving the place a magical atmosphere.
Torrs Millennium Walkway – One of Derbyshire's most impressive engineering projects. This striking steel walkway clings dramatically to the side of the gorge, suspended above the River Goyt, transforming what was once an inaccessible stretch of valley into one of the Peak District's most memorable walks.
Torr Vale Mill – One of Britain's oldest surviving textile mills, standing proudly above the gorge and offering a glimpse into New Mills' industrial past.
Torrs Hydro – The UK's first community-owned hydroelectric scheme, quietly generating renewable electricity using the same river that once powered the town's cotton mills.
Peak Forest Canal – Peaceful waterside walking, colourful narrowboats and plenty of wildlife make this one of the most relaxing sections of the route.
New Mills – One of Derbyshire's most underrated towns, filled with brilliant independent cafés, bakeries, pubs and quirky local shops.
The story behind the Torrs
This peaceful riverside park was once one of the busiest industrial landscapes in Derbyshire.
Around 200 years ago, the Rivers Sett and Goyt powered a collection of cotton mills that transformed New Mills into a thriving manufacturing town. Huge mills clung to the sides of the gorge while workers' cottages were stacked high above them, all connected by bridges, tunnels and steep cobbled tracks.
As the textile industry declined, many of the mills fell into ruin and the gorge became neglected for decades.
Thankfully, the local community recognised what an incredible place it was. Through years of restoration, the Torrs was transformed into what locals affectionately call "The Park Under the Town"—a beautiful green space where nature and industrial heritage now exist side by side.
The Millennium Walkway, completed in 1999, became the symbol of that regeneration. Curving around the sheer rock face above the river, it finally connected the two sides of the gorge and completed a missing section of the Midshires Way.
Just downstream, Torrs Hydro continues the story by once again harnessing the power of the river—this time to generate clean electricity for the local community.
Is this route for me?
This walk is ideal if you:
Love a proper pub walk
Enjoy varied scenery
Want somewhere easy to reach from Manchester
Appreciate industrial history
Like canal and riverside walking
Enjoy discovering independent cafés and shops
Fancy turning a walk into a full day out
Optional detour: Roman Lakes & Mellor Mill
If you've still got some energy left, or simply want to extend your day out, I'd highly recommend making the short detour to Roman Lakes.
Despite the name, the lakes aren't actually Roman. They were created in the late 18th century as mill ponds supplying water to Mellor Mill, once one of the largest cotton spinning mills in Europe, built by industrial pioneer Samuel Oldknow. Today, woodland trails wind past the lakes and through the remains of the old mill complex, creating one of the area's most fascinating hidden historical sites.
It's a peaceful place to explore and a brilliant add-on if you're interested in local history or fancy stretching the day out a little longer.
If you're short on time though, don't worry, the main route is already packed with enough highlights to make it one of the best walks near Manchester.
Where to eat and drink nearby
One of the biggest strengths of this route is just how many places there are to stop. My favourites:
The Strines Nightingale ⭐ (the perfect place to start and finish)
The Torr Vale Tap
The Beer Shed
The Pride of the Peaks
The Shrub Club
If coffee is more your thing, New Mills has a fantastic collection of independent cafés, bakeries and delis, making it well worth spending an hour exploring the town before heading home.
Getting to the starting point
By car
There are several options for starting this walk. My recommendation is to begin at The Strines Nightingale, where you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy a drink at the end of the walk. Alternatively, there are several public car parks in New Mills if you'd prefer to begin in the town itself.
By public transport
This is one of the easiest Peak District walks to reach without a car.
You can start from:
Strines Station
New Mills Central Station
Bus services stopping at The Strines Nightingale
Whether you're travelling from Manchester or Sheffield, public transport makes this a brilliant car-free adventure.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate with a handful of steady climbs.
Footwear: Walking boots are recommended, especially after wet weather when woodland paths can become muddy.
Dog-friendly: Yes, although some sections pass through farmland so leads may be required.
Food & drink: Excellent throughout, with plenty of pubs, cafés and bakeries in New Mills as well as The Strines Nightingale at the start and finish.
Best time to visit: Beautiful all year round, but especially magical in autumn when the woodland surrounding the Torrs has its autumn coat on.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation.
To follow this walk step-by-step, simply open the komoot route or download the GPX file and upload it to your preferred navigation app.
11 STUNNING PUB WALKS BY TRAIN NEAR MANCHESTER
No car? No problem 👇
Manchester has some of the most stunning pub walks on its doorstep, and the good news is you don’t need a car to reach them. From wild swimming at Gaddings Dam to breathtaking moorland views at The Trinnacle, these 10 incredible pub walks are all easily accessible by train.
1. Gaddings Dam Loop (England’s Tallest Beach)
Start Point: Todmorden Centre (OL14 5QA)
Train from Manchester: 20 minutes from Manchester Victoria to Todmorden Station
Nestled above Todmorden, this beautiful Gaddings Dam loop takes you to 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.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 5.34 miles
Duration: 2–3 hours
Elevation: 660 feet
Route difficulty: Easy-moderate, some steep sections
Navigation: follow step-by-step here.
Post-walk pub: Head back to Todmorden and treat yourself at The Golden Lion for a well-earned meal or pint, or stop off at The Shepherd’s Rest mid-route.
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 sweet, and one of my favourite local routes.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 1.5 hours
Elevation: 350 feet
Route difficulty: Easy
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: 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 to Hathersage
A Peak District favourite, this circular walk starts in the idyllic village of Hathersage before gently climbing to Stanage Edge and the popular Robin Hood’s Cave.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Easy (gentle climbs, mixed terrain)
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: 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
Post-walk pub: 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 to Buxton
This scenic walk to Solomon’s Temple starts and ends in one of the Peak District’s most-loved towns. Solomon’s Temple is a charming Victorian folly sitting atop Grin Low Hill, offering stunning views of Buxton and beyond. Along the 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
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: 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 to Greenfield
Sitting high on Saddleworth Moor, The Trinnacle stands is a unique rock formation overlooking Dove Stone Reservoir. The route offers steep climbs, cascading waterfalls, and a bit of optional scrambling if you’re wanting to add a slight challenge to the route.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 4.13 miles
Duration: Less than 2 hours
Elevation: 950 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (scrambling sections up the Clough)
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: After your walk, unwind at The Clarence Inn or explore the nearby pubs in Greenfield.
7. Prestbury Village Circular
Start Point: Prestbury Station
Train from Manchester: 30 minutes from Manchester to Prestbury
The Cheshire countryside at its best. A relaxed mix of fields, quiet lanes, and leafy woodlands with a beautiful pub finish.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 6 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 375 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: After your walk, unwind at The Bridge Inn or cosy up in one of the village’s many coffee shops.
8. Ramsden & Riding Wood (Via Holmfirth)
Start Point: Huddersfield Station
Train from Manchester: Train to Huddersfield or Sowerby Bridge, then 314 Holme Valley Bus Connection towards Holme
The Walk Details:
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 800 feet
Difficulty: Easy (gentle incline)
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: After your walk, unwind at The Fleece Inn.
9. Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge (Heptonstall)
Start: Hebden Bridge Station
Train from Manchester: ~45 minutes
A mix of woodland trails and moorland ridge with a riverside mill café halfway round.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 8 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 950 feet
Difficulty: Easy (gentle incline)
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: After your walk, refuel at The White Lion Inn in Heptonstall.
10. Etherow to Werneth Low
Start Point: Marple Railway Station
Train from Manchester: Train to Marple (26 mins)
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), before winding up at The Hare and Hounds.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 9.7 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation: 950 feet
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: Mid-walk, refuel at The Hare and Hounds - or time with sunset for impeccable views over Manchester.
11. B29 Crash Site (Glossop)
Start Point: Glossop Station
Train from Manchester: 30 minutes from Manchester to Glossop
Remote and atmospheric – a moorland walk to a haunting WW2 crash memorial site.
The Walk Details:
Distance: 9.4 miles
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation: 1,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (navigation + map essential)
Navigation: follow step-by-step here
Post-walk pub: After your walk, unwind at The Queens Arms in Old Glossop, or head back to Glossop Town Centre for your pick of restaurants, cafes and pubs.
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.
UPHILL CHALLENGES:
WALKS WITH WATERFALLS:
