The best dog walks from Manchester without a car
If you’re looking for the best places to take your dog for a walk in Manchester (even without a set of wheels) then look no further.
Manchester is a pretty dog-friendly city, but to really enjoy the great outdoors with your pup you want to be able to let them off the lead and have a good run around.
And as anyone who lives in the city will tell you, Mancunians are spoilt for choice when it comes to parks and woodlands where you and your dog can get away from it all and spend the day recharging outdoors.
Dog friendly walks in Manchester
Here are eight recommendations of great dog walking places in and around Manchester to visit with your four legged pal. Avid runner? Most of these locations double as a parkrun which you’re welcome to bring your pup to on a short lead, so they can really run free, as you do, too.
We’ve teamed up with In Our Nature to show you how easy it is for you and your pup to recharge in nature for the day – without ever having to grab for the car keys.
These incredible green spaces in and around Manchester can be easily reached without a car, and are perfect for your next Sunday walkies close to home. Plus, by leaving the wheels at home, you and your pup can refuel at the pub afterwards.
Us and our pals over at @inournaturemcr are firm believers that you don’t always need to travel a million miles away to spend the day fully unwinding outdoors. We’re so lucky to have an abundance of overlooked greenspaces right on our very doorstep — and these are some of our tried and tested favourites.
Visit their website to learn more about the good things happening all across Manchester, and how you can get involved.
Oh, and yes, dogs travel for free on the train & tram 😉
📍 Lyme Park, Disley
Peel Park
Located in Salford, Peel Park is a beautiful and historic green space that's easily accessible from Manchester city centre. The park features open lawns, picturesque pathways, and the scenic River Irwell running alongside it.
How to get there: Take the bus or tram to Salford Crescent Station. From there, it's just a short walk to the park.
Highlights:
Riverside walks
Open spaces for your dog to run freely
Historical monuments and beautiful landscaping
Parkrun
Chorlton Water Park
Chorlton Water Park, a local nature reserve, offers a tranquil escape with its large lake, woodland areas, and open meadows. This place was my absolute saviour in lockdown, and I didn’t realise just how many trails it links up with — like the Mersey Valley, Sale Water Park, and Stretford Meadows. If you’re after a long leg stretch, give this
How to get there: Take the tram to Barlow Moor Road or St Werburgh's Road, then it's an easygoing stroll through Chorlton to the park.
Highlights:
Large lake with ducks and swans
Picnic areas and benches
Wooded trails and open fields
Sale Water Park
Sale Water Park is another fantastic location featuring a large reservoir surrounded by grassy areas and wooded trails. It's a popular destination for dog walkers and nature lovers alike.
How to get there: Take the tram to Sale Water Park Metrolink stop, which is right next to the park.
Highlights:
Scenic lake views
Watersports
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Café for a post-walk refuel
Parkrun
Fletcher Moss Gardens and Stenner Woods
Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden in Didsbury is a stunning blend of well-maintained gardens and natural woodland. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog amidst beautiful flora.
How to get there: Take the train to East Didsbury Station, or board the tram to Didsbury Village, and the gardens are just a short walk away.
Follow the route: There are plenty to choose from, but if you’re looking for a longer walk, check out this 6 mile route here.
Highlights:
Beautiful botanical gardens
Riverside walks along the River Mersey
Historic rock gardens and alpine plants
Parkrun
Stretford Meadows
Stretford Meadows offers a more rugged, countryside feel right on the edge of the city. With its expansive meadows and trails, it's ideal for a more adventurous walk with your dog.
How to get there: Take the tram to Stretford Metrolink stop, and from there it's a short walk to the meadows.
Highlights:
Wide open spaces and wildflower meadows
Natural trails and pathways
Views of the Manchester skyline in the distance
Lyme Park
For those willing to venture a bit further, Lyme Park offers an incredible experience with its vast estate, historic mansion, and stunning gardens. It's a bit more of a journey, but well worth it for a full day out.
How to get there: Take the train from Manchester to Disley Station (30 mins), then it's a pleasant walk through Disley village to the park.
Highlights:
Extensive parkland with deer, highland cows and other wildlife
Stunning views and picturesque landscapes
Children’s playground
Cafe/restaurant
Historical Lyme Hall and formal gardens
Parkrun
Heaton Park
Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering a vast array of activities and beautiful landscapes. It's perfect for a long, exploratory walk with your dog.
How to get there: Take the tram to Heaton Park Metrolink stop, and the park is just a short walk away.
Highlights:
Expansive grounds with woodlands and open fields
Historic Heaton Hall
Animal farm and lakeside café
Boating lake
Parkrun
Alexandra Park
Located in Whalley Range, within walking distance from Chorlton, Alexandra Park is a historic park featuring formal gardens, open lawns, and a lovely lake. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
How to get there: Take the bus to Alexandra Park or Moss Side, both of which have stops near the park.
Highlights:
Beautifully restored Victorian park
Large pond with wildlife
Sports facilities and play areas
Parkrun
Platt Fields Park
Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield offers a mix of gardens, open fields, and a large lake, making it a versatile spot for dog walking.
How to get there: Take the bus to Wilmslow Road or Platt Lane, both close to the park.
Highlights:
Large boating lake
Japanese garden
Open fields and pathways
Parkrun
Wythenshawe Park
Wythenshawe Park is a vast green space with historical buildings, gardens, and plenty of open areas for your dog to explore.
How to get there: Take the tram to Wythenshawe Park Metrolink stop, and the park is a short walk away.
Highlights:
Historic Wythenshawe Hall
Horticultural centre and gardens
Extensive woodlands and meadows
Parkrun
Alderley Edge Forest
This place is an absolute gem, featuring picture-perfect woodland trails and plenty of streams for your pup to paddle in. It also has a dog friendly cafe where you can both stop off and refuel after a long leg stretch.
How to get there: Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Alderley Edge, and the forest is just a short walk away.
Follow the route: Check out this 6 mile walk here.
Highlights:
Mining tours
Wizard Ttail
Extensive woodlands
Dog friendly cafe
