TOP 10 WALKS NEAR MANCHESTER
Discover the best walks near Manchester with our top 10 local haunts
From the stunning scenery not too far from Peak District to the tranquil greenspaces on the edge the Bridgewater Canal, we've scoured the region to bring you the top hiking trails and nature walks for all skill levels. Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in the natural beauty right here on our very doorstep.
Lyme Park: on the outskirts of SK lies one of our favourite places to recharge… National Trust’s Lyme Park.
Whether you want take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, or venture out into the woodlands for a more challenging hike, you won’t be dissapointed with the breathtaking Peak District views surrounding the grounds.
Location: Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR
Facilities: toilets, parking, cafe, restaurant, playground.
Extend your adventure: follow our long route here.
2. Werneth Low Country Park: Located on a hilltop just above Hyde and Bredbury, Werneth Low offers stunning views right across Manchester city centre. With several walking trails to choose from, as well as a visitor centre that provides information about the area, this is a great place if incredible views and a spot of history is your ideal day out.
Location: Werneth Low Country Park Visitor Centre, Higham Ln, Hyde SK14 5LR
Facilities: parking, toilets, visitor centre.
Extend your adventure: follow our long route here.
3. Tandle Hill Country Park: Just a short drive from Manchester, Tandle Hill is a mixture of magnificent beech woodland and open grassland with a wide panorama of the surrounding countryside. There are several walks around the park and links to Crompton Moor with a range of trails to explore, ranging from easy to moderate.
Tandle Hill is Oldham’s oldest country park. It has 48 hectares of parkland with mature beech, mixed woodland and grassland. There are views across the Manchester Plain and the Pennine Hills.
Location: Tandle Hill Road, Royton, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL2 5UX
Facilities: toilets, cafe, parking, play area.
4. Etherow Country Park: Located in Stockport, Etherow has a variety of walking trails to explore. With a history stretching back to the 1820s, this country park between Marple and Romiley has everything needed for a wholesome day out.
Growing steadily from its mill and manmade lake days, the park now covers an impressive 200 acres and lies at the heart of the Etherow-Goyt Valley. The park also marks the start of The Goyt Way — a 10-mile trail towards Whaley Bridge.
Location: Compstall, SK6 5JD.
Facilities: toilets, cafe, parking.
Extend your adventure: follow our long walk here.
5. Dovestone Reservoir: Located in Saddleworth, this reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. There are several walking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
Dovestone Reservoir has become increasingly popular in recent years and can get quite crowded. Fortunately, routes like this one exist: taking you on the outskirts of the popular landmark for an even better view of the area, instead.
Location: Dovestone Reservoir, OL3 7NE.
Facilities: parking, toilets.
Extend your adventure: follow our alternative route here.
6. Heaton Park: This expansive park is located just north of Manchester city centre. It has a variety of walking trails to suit all fitness levels, and the views of the city skyline are impressive.
More than just a stroll in the park, Heaton Park is host to cafes, an animal centre, tennis courts, bowling greens, golf course, boating lake, adventure playground and the historic Heaton Hall; an 18th century grade I listed building.
Location: various carparks surrounding. Heaton Park, M25 2SW.
Facilities: toilets, parking, cafe, boating lake, playground, hall and orangery, farm, fair, treetop trek.
Extend your adventure: Heaton Park spans a whopping 600 acres, making it the largest municipal park in the whole of Europe… so you won’t be short of places to walk, or things to do.
7. Chorlton Water Park: Smaller than neighbouring Sale Water Park but arguably much more scenic, Chorlton Water Park makes for a perfect wholesame day out. The park comprises a central lake surrounded by woodland and is pipular with walkers, runners and cyclists alike.
Just south of the park is the River Mersey and the Mersey River Valley — a large area of urban countryside stretching from Manchester to Stockport. Covering many square miles of open green space, the Valley makes getting back to nature in the depths of the city accessible for all.
Location: Maitland Avenue, Chorlton, M21 7WH.
Facilities: carpark, picnic benches, playground, toilets.
Extend your adventure: check out our route to Fletcher Moss here.
8. Reddish Vale Country Park: Reddish Vale Country park spans 161 hectares along the River Tame in the heart of Stockport. It provides a green corridor linking the town centre with Denton in Tameside, and Woodley, Stockport.
There are walks, cycle and bridleways that link with the Goyt, Etherow, Saddleworth and Longdendale trails. There are also long distance routes such as the Midshires Way and Transpennine Trail.
Location: Mill Lane, Reddish, Stockport, Greater Manchester.
Facilities: carpark, picnic benches, cafe, toilets.
Extend your adventure: check out our route around nearby Alan Newton Way here.
9. Hollingworth Lake: This beautiful lake is located just outside of Manchester, and is surrounded by picturesque countryside. The lake itself is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and there are several walking trails that take you around the perimeter.
Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough was originally built as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal, later developed as a tourist resort in the 1860s. It's a man-made lake that spans 118 acres.
Location: Rakewood Road, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, OL15 0AQ
Facilities: parking, toilets, picnic site.
Extend your adventure: check out routes across the Pennine Bridleway.
10. Sale Water Park: This park is located in Sale, just a short drive from Manchester city centre. It has a number of walking trails to explore, as well as a lake that's popular for fishing and boating.
Location: Rifle Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 2LX.
Facilities: cafe, toilets, parking, water sports.
Extend your adventure: Check out our route across Sale and Chorlton water park.
