THE VELVET TRAIL

A circular route through one of the largest areas of wild dune land left in Britain

Distance: 6.41 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Facilities: parking, toilets, cafe

Navigation: follow the route here

The Velvet Trail takes you through scenery that many of us often don’t see; encompassing rich sand dunes and a mixture of freshwater and saltwater marsh. Due to the nature of the terrain, you can leave your toughwalking boots behind… but make sure to grab for the wellies, instead!

Of course, climbing a sand dune is completely different to scrambling up a rocky hill and you’re likely to find the soft sand fighting against you.

Once you’ve made it to the top, however, the view is your reward — and it’s beyond worth it. Because of its coastal location and land reclamation, the area around Southport is incredibly flat — meaning that even from the top of a 15-metre sand dune, you’re greeted with the most spectacular views around for miles.

On a clear day looking north, you can see Blackpool Tower, the crags and mountains of the Lake District and looking south, Anglesey and the peaks of Snowdonia can be seen.

Fun fact: Southport musician Marc Almond took inspiration from this trail, naming his 2015 album ‘The Velvet Trail’. As well as inspiring music, the sand dunes and salt marshes of this coastal walk are a haven for wildlife, in particular endangered species such as the Great-Crested Newt, Natterjack Toad and the Sand Lizard.

Following the trail along the seafront, you’re likely to see slacks; seasonal ponds which form in the gullies of sand dunes. On warm days, the sand is crisscrossed with imprints of where the Sand Lizards have been — so make sure to keep an eye out for them.

Given the lack of incline throughout, this is a perfect walk for families and young children. There’s parking close by and it’s also very accessible via public transport — just stop off at Birkdale train station.

The velvet trail is most certainly one of Southport’s hidden gems, and you can follow the route here.

THE ROMAN LAKES, SK

A short but scenic stroll around Stockport’s industrial history and hidden wildlife

Start: Roman Lakes, Marple, SK6 7HB

Distance: 5.2 miles

Duration: 2 hours

Facilities: Carpark, Toilets, Tea Room

Navigation: follow the route here

Tucked away down a quiet country lane in the picturesque Goyt valley, this circular walk takes you through a forgotten part of Stockport’s history.

In recent years, archeological work has been underway and transformed the spaces surrounding into a time gone-by, offering ample opportunity to explore with both easy and demanding routes on offer through the surrounding woodland and bridleways.

The Roman Lakes has a rich heritage stretching back to the 18th century. Excavated by the Mellor Archeological Trust, the newly unearthed sites allow you to walk around the remains of the mighty Mellor Mill — a place which, at its peak, employed more than 550 people.

Built by known industrialist Samuel Oldknow, it was the largest cotton mill in the world when it was completed in 1793, with an undeground tunnel network that connected millworkers to their nearby homes.

With gardens, lakes and woodland every way you turn, the manmade lakes you see today were originally millponds formed by diverting the River Goyt.

In 1892, the mill was destroyed by fire and the surrounding beauty spots were turned into a pleasure park with rowing boats, a dance hall and amusements that attracted thousands of people from the surrounding towns and villages — a far cry from the quiet spot we see today.

Today, the lakes are used for fishing and canoeing, while the surrounding valley provides a walker’s paradise — with the option to follow all types of distances and difficulties around the surrounding trails and bridleways.

Fancy learning a bit more about the area? Free history and nature trail leaflets are available from the tearoom — a perfect place to stop off an soak up Stockport’s history.

MALHAM COVE, SHIRE

Looking for best walk in the Yorkshire Dales? Look no further…

Distance: 8.32 miles

Time: 2-4 hours

Ascent: 900 feet

Start: National Park Centre, Malham

Navigation link: follow the trail here

Feel like you might’ve accidentally clicked the wrong link?

As much as these images feel like another country entirely, they’re still very much within driving distance to our rainy city! This trail truly has it all: not one, but two fairytale-esque waterfalls (Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar), a hidden cave… and a cove that wouldn’t look out of place in Arizona… and a fairly flat route throughout!

A magnet for families and ramblers alike, Malham, North Yorkshire is home to so many enchating places to explore — that said, it can get pretty busy in the summer months, so if you’re after a less populated stroll, we’d recommend popping down during the week.

Unlike a lot of other waterfalls in the surrounding area, Gordale Scar allows walkers to discover its beauty without having to undertake a difficult climb en route.

Fancy a dip? Wild swimming has become immensely popular over the past year - and we couldn’t think of a better place to dip a toe in than this one!

All in all, if you’re looking for one of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dale’s — you’re sure to find it in Malham.

Follow the route step by step here — or if you fancy shortening the route, a quick pit stop to the National Park Centre will have you set.

MAM TOR, SHIRE

A stunning walk starting in Castleton taking in some of The Peak District’s most incredible views

Start: Peak Cavern, Castleton

Distance: 7.41 miles

Duration: 3-4 hours

Ascent: 1,700 feet

Navigation: follow the trail step-by-step here

Offering more scenery than you can shake a walking pole at, The Peak District offers a plethora of adventures — and Mam Tor is certainly up there. If green valleys, friendly summits and routes for all abilities sounds like your cup of tea, then a trip to Mam Tor is a must.

Nestled on the foothills of Castleton and Edale, Mam Tor offers something for everyone — the route below is a little on the challenging side, but by following the waymarked paths set out by National Trust, a day out here is never hindered by ability.

Arguably the star attraction of the Peak District, Cave Dale and Mam Tor attracts walkers from all across the globe. Standing at 517 metres tall, Mam Tor sits on the edge of the Dark Peak and the White Peak — boasting spectacular views for miles around, including every photographer’s favourite: Winnats Pass.

On a really clear day, you can even see our city in all its glory — keep an eye out for a good weather day before you plan your trek, the views are definitely worth it.

This route itself is a little on the challenging side — but should you want to take in the views with a little less of a climb, parking at Mam Tor’s National Trust carpark gives you the best of both worlds.

The weather changes fast on this peak — so remember to pack extra layers, and enjoy the view!

WOODFORD CIRCULAR

As atmospheric walks go, this one’s certainly up there.

Start: Old Hall Lane

Distance: 2.5 mile circular

Ascension: 50 feet

Pitstops: Notcutts Garden Centre, The Unicorn

Navigation: follow the route here

Call us novices, but until we took a venture around this abandoned Aerodrome in Woodford (near Stockport), we’d never followed a public footpath that meanders through a golf course before.

Aside from watching out for golfers’ swings, we were pleasantly surprised by the mix of urban and natural landscapes — blending into one to create a pretty spooky (but nontheless interesting) trail so close to home.

Woodford Aerodrome first opened just after the First World War and became an important production centre for military aircraft during the Second World War. Notable planes made here include the Arvo Vulcan and the Arvo Lancaster — and most of its remains are still standing, waiting for passersby to explore but for a tiny fence blocking the view.

If you’re looking for one of the best short walks close to Stockport perfect for the whole fam, then a trip to Woodford is always a good shout!

---

“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking. ”

— Friedrich Nietzche

Enjoyed this guide? We love sharing our favourite local routes with you both online and on our socials.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for even more adventures delivered straight to your feed.

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!