Discovering Great Walks in Manchester

Manchester is the home of iconic musicians, world-famous sports teams and a legendary nightlife scene. Surprisingly, it's also a fantastic place to be if you're looking for some incredible walking routes. Whether you're after a quick city stroll to dust off the cobwebs or a full-blown countryside escape, there's something for you around Manchester. So, fish those walking boots out of the shed and get ready to explore the best walks in Manchester.

10 of our favourite walks around Manchester

1. Manchester Wharf City Trail

• Distance: 3.5km (circular)
• Starting Point: St. Peter’s Square
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• A chilled-out city walk that passes through Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, Manchester Cathedral and the Royal Exchange Theatre.
• A great way to see the sights around the city.
• You’ll pass plenty of cafes, because there's nothing wrong with a cheeky cuppa along the way.

2. Irwell Sculpture Trail

• Distance: 53km
• Starting Point: Salford
• Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• A fascinating urban art trail featuring over 70 contemporary sculptures.
• Offers walks around Manchester, as well as towns and villages all the way past Bury.
• Ideal for those who want to mix fitness with a bit of culture while soaking up some fresh air.

3. The Fallowfield Loop

• Distance: 14.9km (one-way)
• Starting Point: Chorlton
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• A peaceful, traffic-free route along an old railway line.
• Ideal for walkers, cyclists or a peaceful dog walk.
• Isn't actually a circular route, despite the name, so plan accordingly!

4. Hollingworth Lake Walk

• Distance: 4.8km (circular)
• Starting Point: Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• A relaxing lakeside stroll with gorgeous Pennine and panoramic views.
• Family-friendly, with picnic spots, cafes and a boating area.
• Takes an hour or so to get all the way around the lake, perfect if you're looking for something short.

5. Heaton Park Walk

• Distance: 5km (circular)
• Starting Point: Heaton Park Tram Stop
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• One of the largest municipal parks in Europe, complete with gardens and a historic manor.
• Great for a peaceful city escape, with plenty of wildlife and open space.
• Ideal for families, runners and dog walkers (dogs, if you're reading this, you’ll love it!).

6. Worsley Village and The Bridgewater Canal

• Distance: 6.5km (circular)
• Starting Point: Worsley Green
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• A scenic canal-side walk through the charming village of Worsley which has some incredible historic buildings.
• Lovely countryside views with opportunities for pub stops (priorities, right?).
• A peaceful escape just a short distance from central Manchester.

7. Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest Walk

• Distance: 9km (circular)
• Starting Point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park
• Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• A stunning countryside hike with breathtaking views of the Peak District.
• Explore rugged moorland, forested trails, and reservoirs in Macclesfield Forest.
• A great weekend adventure for those looking for a bit of a challenge, but does require you to travel outside of the city as it's closer to Macclesfield than it is to Manchester - it's totally worth the trip, though.

8. Rivington Pike and Winter Hill

• Distance: 8.9km (circular)
• Starting Point: Rivington Hall Barn
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Highlights:

• A rewarding hike offering some of the best views in Greater Manchester.
• Walk through woodlands, past reservoirs and up to the famous Rivington Pike summit.
• Ideal for those who enjoy a slightly more strenuous climb and amazing views - it's especially worth visiting on a clear day.

9. Dunham Massey Park Walk

• Distance: 5km (circular)
• Starting Point: Dunham Massey Car Park
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• A beautiful historic estate with gardens and woodland trails.
• Perfect for a relaxed countryside stroll without straying too far from the city.
• A great family-friendly destination with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities in this stunning deer park. Four legged friends are welcome, just make sure you keep them on a lead.

10. The Kinder Scout Hike (Peak District National Park)

• Distance: 13km (circular)
• Starting Point: Edale Village
• Difficulty: Hard

Highlights:

• Just a short drive from the city, this famous Peak District walk has incredible views and amazing landscapes.
• A challenging walk that includes river crossings, rocky trails and waterfalls.
• Ideal for more experienced hikers looking for an adventure exploring one of the best countryside trails in the UK.

Plan your next walk in Manchester

From peaceful city strolls to breathtaking countryside hikes, Manchester has something for everyone. And our list is just the tip of the iceberg, with so many more options in the area, like Tatton Park, Lyme Park and even North Wales if you have a free weekend! Whether you’re after a quick escape from the city or a full-day adventure, these trails offer the best of nature and history. Whatever you choose, there are loads of opportunities to explore. So, grab your walking shoes, a good snack and get out there, there are so many hidden gems to discover.If you like the look of what Manchester has to offer, moving to the city is now easier and more accessible than ever. Here at UNCLE, we have a range of fully serviced apartments in Manchester ready for you to move into right now.