BEST WALKS WEST YORKSHIRE: LUMB FALLS

Lumb Falls, located just above the charming Hebden Bridge, is a hidden gem that’s not to be missed.

Start: Bowling Green Car Park, Heptonstall

Distance: 6.7 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 1,250 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Nestled in a lush, green valley surrounded by rolling hills that look out onto nearby Heptonstall, this picturesque waterfall is the perfect spot for a peaceful and idyllic walk.

The walk to Lumb Falls is fairly easy, with well-marked trails that lead you through fields and wooded areas. The route takes you along a small stream, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. As you approach the falls, the sound of rushing water becomes louder and louder, until you finally reach the viewing platform where you can take in the full majesty of the falls.

After taking in the beauty of the falls, you can continue your walk along the winding path that follows the river. The path takes you through a peaceful wooded area, where you may spot a variety of wildlife.

As you make your way back to the starting point, it's worth stopping off at the nearby village of Heptonstall for a bite to eat and a drink. The village is home to a number of charming pubs and restaurants, including the friendly and welcoming The Cross Inn country pub. Here you can sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy a refreshing drink and a hearty meal, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Lumb Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. The walk is easy and the views are breathtaking, and the nearby village of Hebden Bridge offers a charming and welcoming place to stop off afterwards. So if you're in the area, be sure to add Lumb Falls to your itinerary – you won't be disappointed!

Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life or simply want to appreciate the beauty of nature, a walk through Lumb Falls is an experience you won't soon forget.

If you're feeling more adventurous, why not try the Hebden Hey Trail? This challenging route takes you through the heart of the Pennine hills, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is around 13 miles in total, so it's best suited to experienced walkers.

No matter what your fitness level or interests, there's a walking route in Hebden Bridge to suit you. So pack your walking boots, grab your camera, and discover the beauty of this charming village on foot.

Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here

BEST CIRCULAR WALKS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT: SOLOMON’S TEMPLE

An idyllic short walk in Buxton boasting impressive views

Start: Buxton Pavillion Gardens, SK17 6BE

Distance: 5.62 miles

Duration: 2 hours

Elevation: 625 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Perched high over the idyllic town of Buxton lies a monument like no other. Solomon’s Temple is Buxton’s very own folly. The Victorian viewpoint tower built in 1896 stands proudly atop the summit of Grin Low - and, unlike the true spirit of a folly (which usually have no practical purpose whatsoever), Solomon’s Temple actually occupies a site of ancient significance.

It’s built on the site of a tumulus, a Neolithic burial chamber, and replaced the ruins of an earlier structure built by Solomon Mycock. Before the existing tower was built, the area was excavated and contained several skeletons from the Beaker period - spooky stuff.

Grin Low, which Solomon’s Temple is built on, was the main location for the early Buxton lime industry. The large, oddly shaped mounds you see on the walk up to the summit are widespread remains of over 100 large ‘pudding’ lime kilns which date from the 17th-19th centuries.

And as for the route itself? Well, it’s one of our favourite walks this side of the Peaks, that’s for sure.

With your choice of woodland trails leading from Poole’s Cavern to the summit, you’re sure to be met with beautiful landscape and spectacular views whichever way you venture.

Fancy giving it a go? Follow the route here

BEST LONG HIKES NEAR MANCHESTER: DOVESTONE RESERVOIR

This popular Dovestone Reservoir walk is a local favourite for a reason. We prefer visiting at Autumn, but it’s a perfect all-weather!

(Although do make sure you wrap up, it gets chilly up those in those hills)

Start: Greenfield, OL3 7DD

Distance: 7.79 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 1,225 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

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.

Our walk takes you along the edge of the moor to the south of the reservoir for a more secluded walk. Upon reaching Alphin Pike, you’ll enjoy an incredible vista over West Manchester and even as far as Wales, before heading over to Wimberry Rocks for a great view down onto the reservoir and surrounding valley.

Better yet, our walk has an alternative starting point to the main car park, so you won’t be left fighting over a space during those busy periods. Ticketing is rife in this area so please do park responsibly.

En route, expect lush greenery, incredible views and a variety of wildlife every way you turn. As a genuine haven not far out of the city centre, it’s no surprise this place is so popular.

Soon after passing Wimberry Rocks, you’ll be greeted with views of Pots n Pans and another reservoir of your very own: Chew Reservoir.

Fancy heading there soon? Follow our route here

BEST WOODLAND WALKS NEAR MANCHESTER: ASHOP CLOUGH

If you’re looking for a magical walk as we head towards the most magical time of the year, a trip to Ashop Clough and the Snake Woodlands is a must

Start: Hope Woodland Car Park, S33 0AB

Distance: 3.59 miles

Duration: 1-2 hours

Elevation: 400 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Easily missable as you drive along Snake’s Pass (A57), this magical wonderland is hidden from view until you venture down into the woodland adjacent.

This stunning pine forest landscape will have you feeling like you’re in the depths of a Canadian national park, much less on the outskirts of Glossop…

Surrounded by rolling hills, pine trees and babbling streams, you won’t be short on fairytale-like scenery on this short circular walk. In fact, this route has a mix of everything: magical woodlands, eerie moorland and even some spooky ruins to boot.

This route in itself is an absolute gem — but if you’re looking to get a few extra miles in, popular Peak District landmarks Higher Shelf Stones and the B52 Crash Site can easily be incorporated. You can follow our Crash Site walk here,

Due limited parking spaces, we advise going off-peak when you can. The good news is, you’ll usually have the place to yourself due to its hard-to-reach location.

Ready to be transported to your very own fairytale? Follow the route here

BEST WALKS NEAR STOCKPORT: HAPPY VALLEY LOOP

Stockport is full of hidden gems perfect for a Sunday walk, but this one in Bramhall is definitely up there with the best

Start: Bramall Hall Car Park, SK7 3NX

Distance: 4.38 miles

Duration: 1-2 hours

Elevation: 125 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Bramall Hall and Park is a firm favourite day out among Stopfordians. It’s one of the borough’s well-kept treasures, one that forms a large part of Stockport’s history.

And thanks to the fact it houses a collection of 16th century paintings and original Elizabethan plaster ceiling, this Tudor manor house is of great national importance, too.

Its history is fascinating, that’s for sure, but it was the surrounding countryside that brought us to Stockport. Just outside of the park lies a great traffic-free route, the Happy Valley, which forms part of the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail.

This is one of those walks that really makes you appreciate the hidden gems you have on your doorstep. We’re talking miles upon miles of untouched countryside — each linking up with other points of interest across Stockport.

Simply put, with trails like this, the possibilities for extending your route are endless.

Fancy heading to Cheadle? Then walk just a couple miles further north and you’ll arrive at Abney Hall, another of Stockport’s hidden gems. After a real stretch of the legs? Then you can follow the River Mersey all the way to Lyme Park, one of the UK’s most favoured parkland and stately homes.

Whichever route you decide to take, why not get inspired by following ours here?

BEST WALKS NEAR MANCHESTER: BLACK LAKE LOOP

A short stroll through the Cheshire Countryside, without having to venture too far from the M60…

Start: Lindow Common Car Park, SK9 5LW

Distance: 3.67 miles

Duration: allow approx. 1-2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

Walks like this are our favourite. They’re the reason we started Getlostmcr - to showcase the hidden, untouched trails right on our doorstep. Lindow Common and its surrounds certainly falls in that category.

Located just outside of Wilmslow town centre, Lindow Common is crisscrossed by numerous idyllic footpaths perfect for a Sunday stroll. In centuries past, the common was an area of heath land where villagers could graze their cattle.

In recent years, trees have taken over the area (how dramatic), which has turned the common into a Site of Scientific Interest with its own designated local nature reserve.

With so many paths to explore. it’s perfect for big kids, little kids and four-legged pals to roam free. In the centre of the maze of idyllic paths you’ll find Black Lake — a gorgeous hidden gem home to plenty of ducks and wildlife. The views across the lake were incredible, particularly on a sunny day.

And after a short stroll around Black Lake, Wilmslow itself is well worth a visit. It’s home to lots of quaint coffee shops, chic charity shops, designer boutiques, upmarket homeware stores, and maybe even a few footballers’ houses if seeing how the other ‘alf live is your thing.

Or if you’re looking to extend your walk, why not take a stroll along the River Bollin towards Styal Village and Quarry Bank Mill? This National Trust gem is a firm favourite of ours, and you can follow our best routes around Styal here.

Fancy stopping off in Wilmslow next time you head for the Cheshire countryside? Find full navigation details here

BEST WALKS NEAR WIGAN: FAIRY GLEN LOOP

Looking to escape to an enchanting woodland over the weekend? This short Greater Manchester walk has your back

Start: Parbold Hill Viewpoint, Wigan, WN8 7TH

Distance: 4.24 miles

Elevation: 400 feet

Duration: 1-2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

From pie trails to the infamous pier… there’s no doubt a day in Wigan is a day well spent. It’s said the Manchester town has become the centre of the pie-making and pie-eating world, and who are we to argue with that?

So if you’re after a day of fine pastry once you’ve headed off on your Sunday stroll, you’re in for a treat with this one.

Starting from Parbold Hill Viewpoint, this short loop is great for a Sunday stroll with four-legged pals in tow. Before long, you’ll start your descent towards the Liverpool-Leeds canal, before ascending back up to Appley Bridge, which is where the real gem of this walk lies: Fairy Glen.

Nestled on the side of Parbold Hill, Fairy Glen is a serene patch of forest with picturesque cascades, streams and waterfalls, with plenty of hiking trails perfect for extending your walk should you wish to venture further.

Fancy giving this woodland walk in Manchester a go? Follow the route here

GOYT DAM

Panoramic views, magical woodlands and peaceful picnic spots are just some of the reasons you’ll want to head to Goyt Valley

Start: Whaley Bridge, SK23 7LX

Distance: 7.71 miles

Elevation: 1,075 feet

Duration: 2-3 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

This relaxed Peak District walk is beautiful in any season, but the way the woods are painted with gorgeous auburn hues come late September should make this route appear high on your list of autumn woodland walks.

Lying just a few miles northwest of Buxton, The Goyt Valley is magical place — one that’s gained popularity from visitors since Victorian times.

Once a prosperous and industrious community, the signs of a time gone by are all but extinct, bar from the ruins of Errwood Hall. Back in 1937, the construction of Fernilee Reservoir completely changed this beauty spot’s landscape, but the area remains a wonderfully peaceful place to visit to this day.

Expect stunning views every way you turn, thanks to a unique landscape which was carved out by successive Ice Ages and the River Goyt. It’s the perfect location for a day of recharging your batteries, with the natural scenery and rolling hills surrounding making for a wonderfully soothing trip outdoors.

With free parking at many of the valley’s landmarks, enjoying a day’s stroll around Goyt Valley is easy — especially if you follow one of the waymarked routes starting from Errwood Car Park.

For us, though, the beauty of this trail starts not in the valley, but in nearby Whaley Bridge. Along the way, expect dense pinewoods and azalea bushes, ruins of worker cottages and even a shrine close to the ruins of an abandoned hall.

And if folklore is more your thing, local legend has it that a highwayman called Pym used to lay in wait to ambush those who used the old packhorse route, hence the name Pym Chair given to one of the peaks in this mesmerising landscape.

Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here

THORPE CLOUD

Gothic manors… idyllic tearooms… and a trig point to boot — this walk in Ashbourne has it all

Start: Blore Pastures Carpark, DE6 2BS

Distance: 5.49 miles

Duration: 2.5 hours

Elevation: 1,000 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Whether you’re here for the stepping stones across the River Manifold, or fancy indulging in the history of this quaint town’s old manor house, a day trip to Ilam Park is always a good idea.

After a meander around Ilam Hall, our route takes you up Thorpe Cloud as you summit the hill for breathtaking views across the dale, and return home via the stepping stones across the River Dove.

Thorpe Cloud is found in the White Peaks on the southern end of Dovedale — a gorgeous limestone hill that attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its unique shape and close proximity to Dovedale Stepping Stones.

The route up to the summit is easy-to-follow, navigated by blue markers on signposts. With some steep parts that’re a good challenge for beginners, the walk is short and sweet with plenty of options to extend if you’re feeling particularly energetic.

The Stepping Stones are a very popular Peak District attraction, so if you’re wanting to explore free from pedestrian traffic, we’d definitely recommend visiting off-peak if that’s an option for you.

That said, they’re a must-do Peak activity… and well worth the visit!

Grab yer hiking boots and follow one of our favourite Peak District walks here

LANTERN PIKE

A stunning stroll around Hayfield’s lesser populated countryside

Start: Sett Valley Trail Car Park, SK22 2JG

Distance: 7.63 miles

Elevation: 1,150 feet

Duration: 3.5 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

If you’re an avid hiker, we’re sure you’re no stranger to the Peak District ‘big one’, Kinder Scout. But have you ever traversed this village’s lesser known trails?

Starting on the Sett Valley Trail. this walk leads you up to the fallen trig point at Lantern Pike, finishing off at one of our favourite country pubs this side of the Pennines, The Little Mill.

As far as trig point routes go, this is a scenic one for sure. The start of the walk takes you along Birch Vale Reservoir along a tree-lined path that’s a haven for wildlife.

From here, you journey onwards to a short climb up towards the Pennine Bridleway where the lane narrows into a stony path just before the base of Lantern Pike. Once you’ve reached this point, it’s smooth sailing up to the rig point atop the summit.

And as for the views when you’ve reached the trig? You’ll instantly forget about the slog up to the summit — rewarded with insane, far-reaching views as far as the eye can see. Expect a patchwork of fields, heather moorland and the magnificence of towering neighbour, Kinder Scout.

Don’t fancy giving the trig challenge? Fear not, The Sett Valley Trail itself makes for an incredible Sunday Stroll with 2.5 miles of traffic-free scenery perfect for walkers and cyclists alike.

The trail follows a former railway line through the beauty of Derbyshire’s countryside, taking you along the Pennine Bridleway between Hayfield and Birch Vale.

And if you’re after ticking off a few trigs in one day, why not extend the walk to include nearby Harry Hut and Burnt Hill?

Or if you fancy following our shorter route, give it a go here!

KERRIDGE HILL LOOP

Discover the beauty of Cheshire from up above with one of the best walks near Greater Manchester

Start: Pool Bank Car Park (Free Parking), SK10 5PS

Distance: 6.88 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 1,000 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Looking for a bit of history on your next trip outdoors? Look no further than this uphill hike around the Cheshire countryside. Not only does this walk provide excellent views that sweep right across the surrounding area, but you’ll also pass White Nancy fairly early on — a memorial site atop Kerridge Hill, built to commemorate the victory of coalition forces at the Battle of Waterloo.

With its comically shaped physique, White Nancy isn’t your typical historical landmark. Thanks to its lofty position, the site White Nancy sits on had been used as a warning beacon of invasion for centuries, featuring other small structures before Nancy took up residence.

In 1817, the Gaskell family of Ingersley Hall built the structure you see today, in belated commemoration of the victory at Waterloo, 1815. Originally, White Nancy had a door and was used as a summerhouse, but was soon sealed off due to vandalism over the early 20th century.

Whether you’re here for the views or the stories of yesteryear, you’re sure to be taken aback by the undisturbed peacefulness of this route. On a clear day, you can see as far as Snowdonia, Liverpool’s coastal line and the windmills off the Wirral peninsula.

After admiring the views surrounding White Nancy, walking across Kerridge Hill is a must. The route’s quite steep in parts — but the views? So worth it.

So if you’re after a walk that offers incredible views every way you turn, make sure you stop by and see our Nancy soon. With multiple footpaths, woods and fields to explore nearby, you can easily extend this route into a full date out.

Fancy stopping by to see Nancy soon? Follow the route here

PLAGUE VILLAGE LOOP

Eyam — the quaint Peak District village known to visitors and residents alike as the ‘Plague Village’… take a trip though its fascinating and inspiring history

Start: Eyam Hall, Hope Valley, S32 5QW

Distance: 5.35 miles

Duration: 2.5 hours

Elevation: 725 feet

Navigation: follow the route via GPS here

Most hikers are drawn to Eyam for its famous landmarks nearby, from Padley Gorge and Curbar Edge, to Sir William Hill and Eyam Moor.

But for us? To miss the atmospheric beauty of this village and its fascinating history would be a tale as sorry as Eyam’s past. Because a trip round this setting is to take a step back in time — where you can immerse yourself in the incredible story of Eyam’s unselfish villagers who sealed themselves off from the outside world to prevent the deadly disease from spreading.

Today, in a post-pandemic world, it’s even more poignant than it once was — a story we can all relate to, albeit under slightly less extreme and tragic circumstances.

First concentrated in London, the plague began to spread in 1665, with the authorities doing little to stop the spread. As the rich, including King Charles II, fled the capital to their country estates, the poor were left to face a merciless fate. Instead of providing relief measures and aid, the House of Lords decided that the policy of ‘shutting up’ infected individuals within their household would apply to all, except persons of note. Sound familiar?

The Plague was brought to this Peak District village via package in 1665, a package containing infected cloth from London. As you walk around the village, you can trace the package’s initial movements, from the Church of St Lawrence, to the Plague Cottages, the Riley Graves, and beyond.

Due to the unique actions taken by its villagers, Eyam’s people became known heroically, thanks to their actions taken to stop the spread of disease. As Eyam wasn’t able to support itself while in quarantine, you can see remains of their survival to this day.

Mompesson’s well, found today on the village boundary, was used to exchange money for food and medicine. To pay for these supplies, villagers left money in water troughs that were filled with vinegar — a substance thought back then to ward off and kill disease.

While these measures undoubtedly saved the lives of thousands in the surrounding area, Eyam became so known during the plague due to the high price they had to pay. Percentage wise, the village suffered a death toll greater than that of London.

Our route takes you past the church of St Lawrence, which dates back to Saxon times and still has its original font and Normal pillars. In the churchyard you’ll find an eighth-century Celtic Cross, decorated with a mixture of Christian and pagan symbols signifying life from a time gone-by.

Expect wells, water, plague and pilgrimage aplenty as you follow our gentle hike through Eyam and onto Stoney Middleton, wandering along old paths and tracks between two picturesque Peak District villages.

History lovers: this is one of the best hikes the Peak District has to offer. Fancy giving it a go? Follow the route here

ANDERTON BOAT LIFT WALK

Fancy a wander round Cheshire’s historic boat lift? With the Mersey Canal and the River Weaver as your backdrop, this is one of Cheshire’s best walks for scenic trails and uninterrupted re-charging

Start: Barnton, CW8 4EL

Distance: 3.45 miles

Duration: allow approx. an hour

Elevation: 100 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Searching for a day out that’s perfect for the whole fam? A trip to Anderton Boat Lift is a must. This mighty lift is dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways — but for us, it’s the nearby woodlands and nature trails that make this place truly special.

Starting in Northwich, you’re never far away from the area’s many impressive waterways; taking you through some quintessential Cheshire countryside.

Plus, with its close proximity to nearby Cheshire walking gems like Marbury Country Park, Pickmere and Great Budworth, you can easily extend this walk into a full day’s adventure.

On arrival to the boat lift, you’ll soon learn this monument dates back to 1875, designed by Edwin Clark to transfer narrow boats from the River Weaver, or what’s now known as the Weaver Navigation.

It’s a steel superstructure capable of taking two narrow boats side by side… and seeing it in operation is something else, if not a little nerve-wracking!

Should you prefer to start at the Boat Lift, there’s ample parking to begin your adventure there. As for its surrounds, we were surprised at just how many trails you can take your pick from. On one side you have the Mersey Forest, the next a country park, a good pub, a pretty village and lots of waterways to reflect.

After wanting to head down to the Boat Lift for a while, we were taken aback by the unexpected scenery every way you turn — a must-visit if you ever find yourself in the area.

Sound like your ideal day out? Follow the walk here

FLETCHER MOSS

This tranquil stretch of Didsbury is perfect for recharging after a busy week in the office.

Start: Chorlton

Distance: 6.13 miles

Elevation: 75 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow the trail here

Tucked away between numerous Mancunian green spaces, you’ll find Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in all of its unsuspecting glory. It’s an oasis, that’s for sure, and given its location just a stone’s throw away from lively South Manchester, an unexpecting one at that.

Better yet, entry into this incredible garden and surrounding woodland is completely free.

There are several different sections and terrains to cover, from the nature reserve itself, to the Parsonage gardens, river Mersey, a trail through the woods… and most people’s favourite: the rockery.

The rockery is well-maintained and a real gem to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for an hour or so. The Old Parsonage is the second oldest building in Didsbury and has only ever been lived in by two of the church ministers.

Back in 1915, Fletcher Moss gifted the house and gardens to the City of Manchester and much of the present layout was designed by Moss himself and his mother.

Today, you’ll find a large number of ornamental trees, a striking neo-Norman stone arched gate and numerous species of wildlife.

Thanks to the park’s clever layout, the stunning rock gardens are protected from the elements — home to a south-facing slope for shelter, perfect for sitting in the garden on a Mancunian summer’s day.

Aside from its perfectly groomed gardens, Fletcher Moss is home to an array of wildlife, and even a Bug Hotel.

And in true Manchester style, you’ll even find a little slice of hipster heaven in the form of The Alpine Tearoom, selling up a gorgeous selection of alcoholic spirtzers, NQ-approved hot drinks and tasty food.

Our route starts in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, meaning you can take in numerous hidden South Mancunian scenic delights in one stretch. With a short stroll along the River Mersey en-route, it’s a calming walk with plenty to see along the way, making it one of our best walks to set off on in Manchester.

Like what you see? Follow the route step-by-step here

WINNATS PASS

One of the best Peak District walks just a short drive from Manchester if impressive views and steep climbs are your thing!

Start: Castleton Visitor Centre, S33 8WN

Distance: 5.02 miles

Elevation: 900 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

This walk takes you high above Winnats Pass and around Castleton, meaning you can take in this amazing Peak District village from all angles. The start of the route leans towards the challenging side, taking you up a steep and rocky path straight up to Winnats Pass, so consider if this one’s for you before heading out.

The first ascent is steep with scrambling required. Thankfully, a kind soul has left a climbers rope tied to a gate post which gives you all the leverage you need. We’ve been meaning to give this one a go for a while, and it didn’t disappoint.

The route starts near Castleton Visitor Centre where you’ll find a shop, cafe and toilets… among a gorgeous array of nearby pubs, eateries and cafes.

The car park is pay and display, but there’s street parking available nearby (be aware these fill up quickly during peak hours, so we recommend getting down early).

Once atop Winnats Pass, you’ll follow a trail that leads close to the boundary wall and takes you along the top of the pass. Be sure to stop and take in the views on this part of the walk, we were blown away watching the tiny cars winding their way through the Way.

From here, you’ll head along a footpath in the direction of Mam Tor, before taking a detour to Odin Mine: a disused mine thought to be in use since around 1260. The landscape surrounding makes for great exploring, leading you to the collapsed road constructed beneath Mam Tor.

Once you reach Treak Cliff Cavern, look out for signs that tell you about the history of the area. Winnats Pass and the surrounding environment was once under a tropical sea, making the site protected by law due to the many fossils of sea creatures which lived here over 350 million years ago.

The valley was created by melting glaciers which gradually dissolved, creating streams which flowed through and under cracks in the rock. One of these streams created a large underground cave system which eventually collapsed, leaving Winnats Pass you see today!

With so much to see in such a short walk, this is undoubtedly one of our favourites when visiting Derbyshire.

Fancy giving it a go? Follow the walk here

TATTON CIRCULAR

If you’re looking for a stroll steeped in history, Tatton Park is calling…

Start: Tatton Park Knutsford Entrance

Distance: 5.63 miles

Elevation: 150 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow the route here

As much as we love heading for the hills, sometimes you can’t beat a leisurely stroll around one of the many country estates we’re lucky enough to be able to explore in and around Greater Manchester.

The parks surrounding these stunning stately homes are perfect for getting the steps in, with grasslands, ponds and woods aplenty. Tatton Park is no exception. With over 2,000 acres to explore, this historical estate is perfect for a weekend romp around its spacious gardens.

Many are drawn here for its stunning Japanese gardens, but for us? It was the majestic creatures above that were the real stars of the show.

Tatton has been a deer park since 1290 and is today home to herds of Red and Fallow deer which roam freely in the wide open spaces, making for a gorgeous day out!

And if you’ve got littl’uns or four legged pals in tow, good news: visitors are welcome to walk, cycle, picnic and play fetch in the park for free, with lots of great trails to explore along the way.

We decided to wander around the perimeter of the parkland, and in terms of amazing viewpoints and idyllic picnic spots, it certainly didn’t disappoint.

It’s not often we set off on a walk without knowing there’s at least one caffeine-shaped pit stop en route, and Tatton’s amenities certainly delivered. We also recommend having a browse around The Housekeepers Store if you too are fond of locally sourced, homemade goodness.

This route does involve ticketed entry to the gardens. Tickets are £8 per adult, £6 for children and free if you’re a National Trust member. You can omit this part of the walk but if you’ve never been before it’s definitely worth the visit.

Ready to discover Tatton on foot? Follow our route step-by-step here

POYNTON COPPICE

Rich in wildlife, Poynton Coppice is classed as an ancient woodland — leading visitors from the Middlewood Way into the heart of the coppice

Start: Lyme Park (alternatively you can complete the walk in reverse by parking at The Coppice)

Distance: 4.23 miles

Elevation: 430 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow the walk step-by-step here

It’s not news that we love walks that link up with The Middlewood Way. With 11 miles of traffic-free paths, we love hopping on here whenever we visit Stockport-way for a little mooch.

We’ve passed Poynton Coppice a few times along the way — and after realising we could walk there from our other favourite landmark in this neck of the woods, Lyme Park, we knew we had to give it a go.

Our favourite part about this part of Greater Manchester are the many off-road transport links that link up with each other. On this particular journey to the Coppice, we walked along The Middlewood Way and The Macclesfield Canal — both offering great links across Stockport.

Poynton Coppice is pretty at any time of year, with swooping trees canopying your every move. Many areas of woodland across the UK are called ‘Coppice’, ‘Copse’ or ‘Copy’ from the French word ‘couper’, meaning 'to cut’.

Traditionally, coppicing provided a continual supply of wood — a traditional method of woodland management which involves cutting young tree stems to near ground level for optimal regrowth.

Fancy a mooch in the woods this weekend? Follow the walk here

ALAN NEWTON WAY

A trail so idyllic it’s hard to believe you’re a literal stone’s throw away from the M60…

Start: Pear Mill, SK6 2BP

Distance: 5.18 miles

Duration: 2 hours

Elevation: 200 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Having lived in Greater Manchester most of our lives, it always amazes us when we stumble across new-found territory just a stone’s throw away from our old stomping grounds. The Alan Newton Way is one of them!

Named after Stockport’s Olympic medal-winning cyclist, The Way provides a safe off-road route from Marple to Stockport via the Goyt Valley and towards the town centre.

Expect quiet, old farm lanes, a forgotten hall and a wonderful little detour back through the Woodbank’s woodland. We stopped off at Chadkirk for a quick refuel and a wander around Marple Garden Centre.

Starting the route from this end means you’ll be able to have a pitstop at Pear Mill’s Vintage Emporium - a must-visit for anyone yet to have a nosey.

To extend the route, you can follow the Way to Etherow Country Park, or join up with the Middlewood Way at Chadkirk.

For us, the highlight came in discovering Goyt Hall Farm, one of Stockport’s many small halls… but due to its remote location, one of the prettiest. This Grade II listed half timbered mansion-house was built around the same time as the popular Bramall Hall. Today, it’s a working farm and stables surrounded by gorgeous bluebell-dotted woods and fields.

Fancy giving this trail a go? You can follow our route step-by-step here

HARDCASTLE CRAGS, HEBDEN BRIDGE

With over 15 miles of woodland trails and meadow-lined paths to explore, Hardcastle Crags is a walker’s utopia.

Start: Bowling Green Car Park, HX7 7LT

Distance: 3.7 miles

Duration: 1.5 hours

Elevation: 650 feet

Navigation: follow our route here

We started this walk just over a mile north of Hebden Bridge, in the quaint village of Heptonstall. It’s the sort of sleepy village you’d never except to find backpackers and tourists, but it’s home to the remains of American literary legend, Sylvia Plath, and thus attracts visitors all across the globe wishing to pay their respects.

Just outside of the village square, you’ll also find the ruins of the St Thomas a’ Becket (built between 1256 and 1260) adjacent to the existing church, St Thomas the Apostle. Uniquely, the ruins are carefully maintained and open to the public, making for a great little start and end point for big kids and little ones to explore.

After a short stroll through the village, we circled around its many quaint side streets before making our way to the stepping stones at Hardcastle Crags, making for an idyllic riverside stroll.

With its 400 acres of untouched scenery, there exists many routes to explore in the areas surrounding, with the possibility to extend your day to popular beauty spots and attractions like Lumb Falls, Gibson Mill, and the Weaving Shed Cafe.

The area’s looked after by National Trust, which provides visitors many routes to choose from here. Of course, you can always extend the route by heading down into Hebden Bridge and exploring its many independent shops and cafes!

Fancy exploring Harcastle Crags yourself? Get inspired by our route and follow along here

WHALEY BRIDGE INCLINE

With neighbouring Buxton and Hayfield (home of Kinder Scout) often taking the peak-shaped glory, Whaley Bridge can be overlooked as a place to grab your boots and go for a walk — and that’s part of the reason it’s one of our favourite places to explore.

Start: Canal Street Free Carpark, SK23 7LX

Distance: 6.9 miles

Elevation: 1,000 feet

Duration: allow 2-3 hours

Navigation: follow our route here

Just a 20 minute drive from Stockport and only 40 from Manchester, Whaley Bridge is one of the most accessible Peak District villages to visit from our neck of the woods — but that doesn’t mean it loses any of its charm. While many walkers use the village as a great base to explore other more challenging routes, Whaley itself has many idyllic spots that’re often overlooked by tourists and ramblers alike.

Whether it’s a walk along Bugsworth Basin towards Eccles Pike, or a trip to nearby Goyt Valley, Whaley Bridge has much to offer in untouched countryside and gorgeous landscapes to explore.

But for us, the true showstopper in Whaley is its own surrounds. Due to the popularity of other routes nearby, we pretty much had the entire trail to ourselves (except for plenty of sheep… and even some llamas!)

Our walk starts at the Whaley Bridge Canal Basin, which you can follow along to Marple one way and Macclesfield the other. Following the incline, you’ll come across plenty of stiles and well-marked paths through idyllic farmland and fields up to Kettleshulme, with a well-earned pitstop at The Swan Inn mid-route.

On the homeward leg, you can stop off at Todd Brook Reservoir and Brookfield Pond nature reserve for a final pit stop and a much-deserved refuel.

Fancy giving this walk a go? Follow one of the High Peak’s best routes here