As someone who hails from the rural county of Lincolnshire I’m used to wide open spaces, never-ending fields, animals grazing on farmland and picturesque places to walk for mile upon mile.
On my arrival to the urban behemoth of Manchester I expected my days of long walks and beautiful countryside to be firmly behind me.
But to my surprise I was delighted to discover a vast array of green areas that were just begging to be explored.
For us part-time walkers it’s not practical to spend hundreds of pounds on walking equipment to go gallivanting up and down the Peak District and Pennines.
But not to worry, there’s plenty of trails right here on our doorstep and given the recent weather, there’s no excuse for you not to get out there and be at one with nature.
Here’s MM’s lowdown on the best five walks in Greater Manchester.
5. Boggart Hole Clough to Heaton Park
This route is part of the city’s ‘green corridor’, an initiative introduced by the NHS, City Council and walking websites to get people outdoors and exercising.
As one of Manchester’s 138 green spaces, this route is ideal for casual walkers thanks to its easy access.
Just 3.7 miles in length, the route starts at Boggart Hole Clough in Blackley, and continues through a number of parks, commons and even a heritage area on its journey towards Heaton Park.
The trail is complemented by a number of meadows and woodland, and you can give yourself a well-earned break by stopping at one of the pubs that line the route.
4. Trans Pennine Trail
This traffic-free route for walkers and cyclists is perfect for anyone living on the south side of Manchester.
The trail passes through Stockport, Didsbury, Northenden, Chorlton and beyond on its passage through the city.
The route, which follows the snaking River Mersey, is actually part of a nationwide coast-to-coast trail from Hull in the east to Liverpool and Southport in the west.
Opened in 2001, it is ideal for new walkers who want to enjoy a short walk due to its low gradient – but nevertheless people have been known to walk the entire 213 miles in the past!
3. Peel Monument
The tower, which is situated high above Ramsbottom, is dedicated to Bury’s very own Sir Robert Peel – former Prime Minister and creator of the modern police force.
Standing at 1,100 feet above sea level, it’s an achievement in itself just to reach the memorial tower, but the stunning views across the surrounding countryside more than make up for it.
The entire route is quite a lengthy one, it takes more than two hours to complete the 6-mile trek thanks to the nature of the landscape around Ramsbottom, Holcombe Moor and Stubbins.
The monument occupies a prominent position on the hill and the challenging walk towards it snakes through woodland alongside the riverside and through nearby villages.
Peel Tower gives you the perfect chance to catch your breath after making it up the steep hillside, with a viewing platform allowing you the chance to take in the natural beauty of the North West.
2. Hollingworth Lake
North of Manchester, in Littleborough, lies a 130-acre lake that is just perfect for an afternoon stroll with your dogs.
The reservoir is a thriving attraction for those walkers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a more serene and calm location.
There are a number of routes dotted around the area, but the most common is the short walk around the lake itself which is roughly 2 miles long and shouldn’t take any longer than 50 minutes.
The lake is also a popular attraction for families with a wide variety of sport activities on offer while pubs, cafes and a fish and chip shop can also be found in close proximity.
The lake is readily accessible from the M62, and is well worth a trip the next time you have a spare lazy Sunday afternoon.
1. Rochdale Canal
This is a favourite for those on the north side of the city who want to take advantage of the picturesque canal system which winds its way through Manchester.
Walkers can meander along the canal all the way from its starting point at Sowerby Bridge in Yorkshire to the Castlefield Basin in Manchester.
The canal, which runs for 32 miles in total, offers a pleasant and quiet walk without ever veering too far away from the main part of town.
For most of the route the canal runs parallel to the main bus routes as well as the railway making it easy to hop on and off the route at your will.
Perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and sample the delights of the countryside.
Picture courtesy of Tim Green via Flickr, with thanks
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