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Manchester might be a thriving metropolis and a city known for its nightlife, football, and culture but it’s also in the perfect location to access amazing nature spots.
There are so many great walks near Manchester that you are spoilt for choice.
From Manchester, you can be in the Peak District National Park within 30 minutes and the beautiful Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is just over 53 miles north of the city.
As soon as spring comes and definitely in summer, it’s time to make the most of the picture postcard English countryside.
Whether you are walking alone, as part of a group or with your family, these are some of the nicest walks around Manchester.
1. Holcombe Hill
🥾 Distance: 8.7km – 🕒 Time: 2hr 35 min
One of the walks near Manchester is Holcombe Hill which is a circular trail near Ramsbottom and Bury.
To reach the trailhead of this walk you will want to head to Lumb Carr Road Car Park along the B6214.
From Manchester’s city centre, it’s around 35 minutes drive north of the city.
This walk is moderately challenging and is suitable for those looking to birdwatch, walk and even camp.
During quieter times of the year, you may have the whole walk to yourself. It’s the perfect spot for much needed silence.
The trial is open year-round and dogs on leads are welcome too.
This highlight of the Holcombe Hill circular is the views along Moor Road and the summit of Bull Hill and out to Harcles Hill.
At the top of Holcombe Hill is Peel Tower which stands at 128 ft and offers views of Manchester and Wales.
2. Dovestone Reservoir
🥾 Distance: 4.3km – 🕒 Time: 1hr 10 min
You can be at Dovestone Reservoir in the northern Peak district in under an hour from Manchester.
This is another of the best walks around Manchester, especially if you like to be near the water.
This circular trail starts just off Bank Lane close to the Dovestone Reservoir Public Toilets.
It’s easiest to drive from Manchester via the A62 and A669 and it takes around 45 minutes.
The route starts along the south of the reservoir before heading up the eastern banks and back around again.
This place is popular with day trippers and families.
The reservoir even has a sailing club and open access to the moorland.
You can even stop at Chew Brook, kick off your shoes and have a paddle in the stream.
It’s a pleasant and easy walk ideal if you have young children or just fancy being by the water.
3. Tandle Hill
🥾 Distance: 2.4 km 🕒 Time: 40 minutes
If you are searching for short but nice walks near Manchester, check out this Tandle Hill circular.
This walk only takes around 40 minutes but it’s an excellent activity if you are close by and want to also see Tandle Hill Country Park.
Just a little way past Oldham it only takes 35 minutes to drive to the start of this walk.
Though this walk is around 40 minutes there are many other adjoining paths within the park so you can either shorten or lengthen your walk.
Once at the peak of Tandle Hill, you will discover wonderful views of rolling countryside.
The landscape is varied with some sections of woodlands and other more open terrain so there’s always something to see.
At the top of Tandle Hill, there is also a WW2 obelisk monument.
This is a relatively easy walk with a steeper section as you ascend the hill but overall, it’s a pleasant walk that most of the family can do.
4. Mam Tor
🥾 Distance: 3.9km – 🕒 Time: 1hr 20 min
Mam Tor is one of the most popular places for walking on this list of best hikes around Manchester and another of the Peak District National Park’s gems.
Once you arrive, you will understand why it really is a beautiful part of the UK.
For the start of this Mam Tor circular, it’s best to head to Mam Nick car park.
From there you can climb the steps at the top of the car park and start following the path. It is well worth starting this hike early before sunrise.
You will absolutely not regret the early wake-up.
At the top of Mam Tor be prepared for the gusts of wind!
Though there is an elevation gain of 188m it’s a route that even young children can do.
The best time of year to set out on this hike is between June and September.
5. Tatton Park
🥾 Distance: 12.7km – 🕒 Time: 3hr 30min
Tatton Park is a circular trail near Knutsford in Cheshire.
From Manchester, it takes just 40 minutes via the A5103 and M56 to reach Tatton Park.
At the centre of this historic estate park is the Tudor-era hall.
The walk starts at the grand entrance gate at the Knutsford end of the park.
As you follow the well-marked trail you can enjoy three historic tree avenues: Beech Avenue, Rostherne Drive, and Lady Mary’s Walk.
These tree avenues were originally planted in 1739 by Samuel Egerton so this is a place of history as well as natural beauty.
Dotted along the trail are information points where you can learn more about your surroundings.
If you are looking for dog walks near Manchester, this is a great option as the trail is long and you are allowed to let the dogs off-lead in some places.
Tatton Park is a fantastic day out from Manchester and with a hall, a farm park, and trails there’s plenty to do.
6. Blackstone Edge
🥾 Distance: 11.9km – 🕒 Time: 3hr 40min
Head up the M62 for just over 20 miles and you will reach Littleborough.
There’s a lovely Blackstone Edge circular walk here that takes you past the Blackstone Edge Reservoir.
This route is considered moderately challenging because of the steep climb up and takes not only along the ridge of Blackstone Edge but also across countryside with cute cottages and farms.
You will be walking along some of Blackstone Edge which is 1,323 ft high and runs along Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
This route can be a little muddy in places especially after the all-too-frequent northern rain!
So be sure to pack some good sturdy walking boots.
7. Lyme Park
🥾 Distance: 11.6km – 🕒 Time: 3hr 35min
This Lyme Park circular is another of the best Peak District walks near Manchester.
The walk starts just outside Disley train station, so this is a great walk if you don’t have a car.
You can get a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Disley station, it’s affordable and just takes around 30 minutes.
This walk gives you a view of the well-known and hidden parts of Lyme Park.
There are some great geographical features including the Red Rock Fault and Bow Stones.
You will also head past Lyme Hall which is a Palladian mansion with formal gardens.
You can also discover Lyme Park’s Cage which was built originally as a banqueting house in 1735 but which later turned into a stag hunt observation tower and poaching prison!
This is a great walk for those looking for a combination of nature and historical sites.
Enjoy the stunning and expansive views from the Cage as well as views of the grounds.
8. Worsley Circular
🥾 Distance: 5.6km – 🕒 Time: 1hr 30min
Another of the best walks around Manchester is the Worsley circular.
The walk starts just off Barton Road close to the Worsley Court House Roundabout.
From Manchester city centre Worsley is around 25 minutes drive northwest along the M602.
Worsley Woods will transport you away from Manchester city life to a wonderful and peaceful place.
You will encounter the Bridgewater Canal on this Worsley walk and if you want to explore it more you can take a slight detour from the circular route.
Along the route and through the woods the Worsley Woods Action Group have created an adventure route for kids.
There is now a boat swing, monkey bars, parallel bars, wobble boards and climbing nets too!
This is a lovely walk to enjoy with kids or without. You can even bring your bikes and head along the designated biking trails.
9. Kinder Scout
🥾 Distance: 15.9km – 🕒 Time: 6 hours
Another of the fantastic Peak District walks near Manchester is this Kinder Scout circular starting at Edale.
Edale is a popular and picturesque village around an hour’s drive from Manchester via the A624.
Alternatively, you can get the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale which takes around 45 minutes with zero changes.
This is definitely considered a challenging walk, but the views are well worth it.
As well as climbing up high you will enjoy lovely views from Edale looking at Kinder Scout.
There’s a section leading towards Kinder Downfall that can be quite a challenge and boggy in places but it’s a full-on adventure experience not to be missed.
Be sure to start out early and don’t underestimate the length of time it may take you as you won’t want to be returning in the dark on moorland.
After your walk, head to Edale to one of the cute café for a well-deserved cup of tea.
10. Roddlesworth Woods
🥾 Distance:11.6km – 🕒 Time: 3hr 20min
This trail starts just off the Tockshole Road outside of Darwen in Ryal Fold.
There’s a handy car park super close to the starting of the hike.
It’s easiest to drive from Manchester and it takes just 45 minutes via the A675.
In the small village of Ryal Fold this walk starts at the Royal Arms.
You will head northeast passing through the quiet Sunnyhurst wood and then past Earnsdale and Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir.
From the reservoirs to streams with bridges and beautiful rolling hills there is plenty to see on this country walk near Manchester.
Throw in a couple of dry stone walls and you’ve got yourself a quintessential British countryside walk.
You can also extend the walk so that you can see Roddlesworth Waterfall, a simple but charming fall.
11. Sale and Chorlton
🥾 Distance: 10km – 🕒 Time: 2hr 20min
This is one of the nice walks near Manchester, in fact, it’s only around a 20 minutes drive from the city centre and 10 minutes from Trafford Park.
Described as circular water parks because of the many bodies of water you will pass along the way this is a lovely place to be for some fresh air and relaxation.
You will pass by Sale Water Park, the River Mersey, and Chorlton Water Park.
Along the waterways you will be able to spot swans as well as a lot of birdlife.
If you really want to make a day out of it head to Sale Water Park where you can enjoy water sports activities.
You can park close to the Trafford Water Sports Centre and head in either direction around the lake.
You will also find toilet facilities at the Chorlton and Sale end of the water.
Though the path is flat it can get quite wet and muddy so be sure to bring boots.
12. Bamford Edge
🥾 Distance: 8.7km – 🕒 Time: 2hr 35min
Another of the best Peak District walks near Manchester is this Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge Circular.
Using Google Maps, you can head straight to Dennis Knoll Car Park which is around 30 miles southeast of Manchester.
This circular walk is perfect for the family as it’s a long but easy walk.
There is also a lot to see on this walk in terms of flora and fauna. It’s a beautiful spot for a summer’s day walk.
If you fancy pausing for some time and absorbing the fresh countryside air, take a rest on the moor.
If it’s been raining over the last week be sure to bring some sturdy walking boots as it can get boggy underfoot.
It should be noted that dogs are not allowed on this trail, so this is one for without your four-legged friends.
13. Hull Pot
🥾 Distance: 6.4km – 🕒 Time: 2 hours
If you want to explore some of the best countryside views in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, then be sure to check out this Hull Pot out-and-back walk.
This walk starts close to the Crown Hotel next to the River Ribble in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
Before reaching the Crown Hotel you will find a Yorkshire Dales National Park car park.
Hull Pot is a huge pothole or collapsed cavern which leads to the summit of Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
The roof of Hull Pot used to be 18 metres from the floor of the cavern.
The whole walk provides you with stunning Hull Pot the whole way.
If you have a dog, they are more than welcome on this walking route.
Be sure to pack lunch and enjoy the views of Hull Pot before turning back around and heading back to the car park.
14. Pots and Pans
🥾 Distance: 13km – 🕒 Time: 4 hours
Another of the country walks around Manchester is Pots and Pans!
There’s plenty to see on this walk and it’s well worth the drive to the northern part of the Peak District National Park.
The walk starts just outside of Oldham outside of Greenfield train station.
You can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Greenfield station with the quickest train taking 22 minutes with zero changes.
You may be wondering what exactly the Pots and Pans element of this walk is.
Well, it’s the name given to a large stone rock that sits on Alderman’s Hill overlooking Uppermill.
Along the walk you will also have views of Sykes Pillar and standing next to it you can look out over the rolling hills of the Peak District.
As well as the countryside there is also a section where you can stroll along the canal as well as see a number of historic churches.
Overall, this is a long but pretty relaxed route perfect for escaping the bustle of Manchester.
15. B29 Crash Site
🥾 Distance: 13.4 km – 🕒 Time: 4hr 20min
Just north of Manor Park in Old Glossop around 15 miles from Manchester is this B29 Crash Site walk.
The walk starts just down the road from The Bulls Head pub.
So, what is the B29 crash site? On the 3rd November 1948 an American bomber, the Boeing B29 Superfortress named “Overexposed” crashed in the Peak District.
The crash site is near High Shelf Stones on Bleaklow and can be accessed on this walk.
The crash happened because of navigational error in poor visibility and all 13 people on board were killed.
There’s a gradual climb up to the crash site where the walk then plateaus out.
Once at the site, you can still see parts of the fuselage (the main body of the plane) as well as the wheels and part of the engine across 400 yards.
The remains of the plane have been left as a memorial to the people who died. It’s a peaceful and reflective place to walk to.
PRO TIP: This path is known to get quite muddy so it’s better to go there on a dry day (and after a few dry days ideally). Summer would be best.
16. The Great Ridge Walk
🥾 Distance: 12.9km – 🕒 Time: 4hr 15min
This is one of the really scenic country walks around Manchester.
The trail starts close to Mam Tor at Mam Nick car park.
From Manchester, it’s around an hour’s drive via the A57 and A624. The closest train station to this walk is Edale.
This ridge work offers stunning views of Edale Valley, Hope Valley and the edge of Kinder Scout, showcasing some of the most picturesque views in the Peak District National Park.
You will first head towards Mam Tor to the summit then continue towards Black Tor before reaching Lose Hill.
Be sure to bring your camera because the views from Lose Hill are expansive and spectacular.
Next up, it’s the tiny village of Castleton over fun stiles and onto the Cave Dale path. Along this part of the trail, there are some caves to explore.
Whilst the first section of the walk to Mam Tor will be busy on sunny days after that the walk becomes quieter.
17. Padley Gorge
🥾 Distance: 9.5km – 🕒 Time: 3 hr
Another of the best Peak District walks near Manchester is the Padley Gorge circular.
This walk is located near Hathersage and if you are driving you will want to head to the nearest National Trust car park, at Longshaw Estate Woodcroft or park at the Fox House Inn.
From Manchester, it’s around 35 miles and takes an hour and 15 minutes to drive.
This moderate hiking trail heads down Padley Gorge which showcases awe-inspiring views of the valley.
Though this walk can be completed by kids as well, the Padley Gorge section is a little challenging.
The walk leads you through forest and past cascading water and harder sections are rewarded with incredible views.
This walk is popular on weekends and bank holidays so head out early to avoid the crowds or midweek for even more quietness.
18. Malham Cove
🥾 Distance: 12.4km – 🕒 Time: 4hr
Did you know Malham Cove features in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One?
This Malham Cove and Gordale Scar circular route is perfect for any Harry Potter fans or just those wanting to take in the geological wonderment of the area.
From Manchester, you will have to head to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to start this walk.
From Manchester to Malham Car Park it’s around an hour and 30 minute drive north.
The first part of this walk is a little challenging because it’s uphill but when you are at the top of Malham Cove you will feel the rewards.
Malham Cove is a fascinating curved crag of carboniferous limestone. It was formed in the last ice age and erosion has caused the rocks to look like individuals’ rectangles.
You will also be able to enjoy Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss too.
19. Greenbooth Reservoir
🥾 Distance: 6.3km – 🕒 Time: 1hr 50min
One of the walks near Manchester that is a little closer to home is the Greenbooth Reservoir circular.
It takes just 40 minutes to drive to Greenbooth Reservoir via the A6045.
The walk starts along Field View Lane at the south end of the reservoir and leads you up its left side and back around again.
Back in 1846 three reservoirs in the area were completed but by 1958 it became apparent that another one was needed to cater for the expanding population, so construction on Greenbooth Reservoir began.
The village that previously existed in this area was completely submerged by the reservoir!
If you are looking to escape the city for a while this reservoir walk near Manchester is a beautiful walk to take.
As you walk on the paths near Greenbooth Reservoir you’ll spot the Scout Moor Wind Farm.
This is a walk for all the seasons as it’s flat and on a clear path.
20. South Pennine Water Trail
🥾 Distance: 8km (shorter 4km option) – 🕒 Time: 2 hours
The South Pennine Water Trail takes you along Hollingworth Lake and Littleborough.
The hike is 8 km but there is also a shorter 4km route that is fully accessible with no styles or gates that just goes around Hollingworth Lake.
The walk starts at the Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre where there is extensive parking, which is labelled as the Hollingworth Country Park on Google Maps.
From Manchester city centre it takes around 40 minutes to get there via the M62.
This walk provides visitors with beautiful views of the Pennines.
The start of the walk through Ealees Valley, Littleborough and the Rochdale Canal towpath is flat and provides a gentle walk.
The final section is a little more challenging with expansive views over Littleborough and Rochdale.
You can also explore Littleborough on your way around this walk.
21. Teggs Nose and Macclesfield Forest
🥾 Distance: 5.8 km – 🕒 Time: 2hr 15min
This walk starts just outside of Macclesfield on the Ridgegate Reservoir. You can drive from Manchester, and it takes an hour via the A5103.
This circular walk is interesting because it passes by reservoirs as well as Macclesfield Forest.
A short but fairly steep walk will lead you to some spectacular views overlooking the water and surrounding forest.
The walk can get a little busy as you head towards Tegg’s Nose but after that sightings of people become less frequent.
Heading through the forest adds a level of tranquillity to the walk. Visit on quiet days and you may not meet too many people.
Dog owners will appreciate their four-legged friends being allowed on this trail and a reward after a lovely walk can be a drink or meal at one of the local pubs.
22. Bridestones Moor
🥾 Distance: 12.1km – 🕒 Time: 3hr 40min
As well as the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Park, another park within driving distance of Manchester is the North York Moors National Park.
It is one of the furthest walks from Manchester, but you can still be there in two and a quarter hours.
What’s more, if you start early you can also pop to Scarborough by the sea which is an additional 40 minutes.
This circular walk takes you to the incredible Bridestones which are some strange rock formations among the heather moorland landscape.
This is a real get-back to nature walk, through overgrown heather and mud and some scrambling in parts.
If you are down for an adventure and some beautiful moorland views, then this is a lovely walk.
After your walk, you can have an enjoyable drink or meal at The Fox and Rabbit Pub.
23. Cave Dale
🥾 Distance: 5.5km – 🕒 Time: 2hr
Another treasure of the Peak District National Park is this Castleton and Cave Dale out-and-back trail.
The trail starts just off the Buxton Road in Castleton close to the Silver & Stone Shop around 30 miles from Manchester.
This trail takes you past Peveril Castle, a beautiful and ruined 11th century building that overlooks Castleton.
It is well worth taking a slight detour and heading up to the castle, there is also a visitor centre.
The walk then leads you through Cave Dale, a dry limestone valley that feels like it would be right at home in one of the Hobbit movies.
Along the way, you might encounter sheep and cows which adds to the interest of the walk.
As is the way with the Peak District it is a little muddy in places so be sure to come prepared with sturdy walking boots.
24. The Goyt Valley
🥾 Distance: 15.8km – 🕒 Time: 5hr
This walk is close to Buxton and starts at Errwood Reservoir where there is free parking.
It takes around an hour to drive from Manchester and you can also visit Buxton.
The Goyt Valley has been popular among walkers and day trippers since Victorian times.
This trail follows the banks of the River Goyt and you will get to walk past beautiful limestone cliffs, woodlands and the reservoir.
Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs were created in 1937.
The walk will take you up and down a few small peaks including Cats Tor (519m) and Shining Tor (559m).
You will also pass by the ruin of Errwood Hall as you go up to Shining Tor.
After all that walking be sure to stop by the Peak View tea room that’s just off the A537.
25. Rivington Pike
🥾 Distance: 2.7km – 🕒 Time: 1hr
This walk is in Rivington just a 45 minute drive from central Manchester.
Even though it’s a short walk you can head to other locations in the area to make a day trip out of a visit to Rivington.
Heading away from the Lower Rivington Reservoir this is a walking route that is great for all ages and those with dogs.
One of the most beautiful parts of this walk is the section that leads to Rivington Pike.
This 363 metre hill has a castle-esque tower on top and is a great place to stop for a picnic as you take in the expansive surrounding views.
When you get to Rivington Pike, consider heading off the trail and exploring the ruins surrounding the forest area.
You can easily extend this hike by adding an extra 5km.
26. The Roaches
🥾 Distance: 4.2 km – 🕒 Time: 1hr 20min
Another of the famous hikes around Manchester is the Roaches.
The Roaches is a rocky ridge situated in the Staffordshire Peak District above Leek and the Tittesworth Reservoir.
The start of this walk is along Roach Road where there are plenty of parking spots.
From Manchester, it’s around 1 hour and 20 minutes’ drive via the A53.
Be sure to get to the trailhead early, especially on the weekend and during holidays as the Roaches is beloved among hikers and climbers and it can get quite busy.
Along this route, you will see the Winking Man rock formation and Hen Cloud.
The walk has lots of undulations and things to see but is fairly rocky and steep in places.
27. The Pendle Witch Trail
🥾 Distance: 8.7km – 🕒 Time: 2hr 15min
This walking trail is close to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Higherford around 50 minutes drive via the M66.
This circular route actually starts in Barrowford with part of the walk going along the Pendle Witches Trail.
The Pendle Witch Trials in 1612 were some of the most famous in English history. The 12 accused of being witches lived in Pendle Hill in Lancashire and were charged with the murder of 10 people.
One of the first things you’ll see on this trail is Barrowford Reservoir on your right and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on your left.
You will pass through farmland and fields and Slipper Hill Reservoir before heading back to Blacko Bar Road.
28. Derwent Reservoir
🥾 Distance: 17.1km – 🕒 Time: 5hr 20min
Another great reservoir walk near Manchester is Derwent Reservoir.
This is a long trail but a beautiful route to enjoy for the day.
Derwent Reservoir is around 30 miles east of Manchester via the A57.
To reach the start of the walk you will need to head along the stunning Snake Pass.
This road twists and turns just like a snake through the beautiful Peak District landscape.
This reservoir is one of the biggest inland bodies of water and one of the largest in the country.
You will find walkers, day trippers and local joggers along the Derwent Reservoir circular route
You will pass through Hancock Wood and Birchinlee where Tin Town used to be located.
Tin Town was built by the Derwent Valley Water Board and used between 1902 and 1916 for the workers who constructed the reservoir.
29. Alderley Edge
🥾 Distance: 8.2km – 🕒 Time: 2hr 20min
Head to Cheshire for this circular walk along Alderley Edge.
Starting at Chorley Hall Lane just off the B5359 in Alderley Edge this walk is less than 40 minutes’ drive from Manchester.
It’s an easygoing route suitable for the whole family.
During the wetter months, some parts of the trail do get muddy so it’s important to wear some walking boots.
Along the way, you can enjoy pleasant countryside views as well as have a peer at some of the expensive houses in the area.
With a mixture of country lanes, fields, woodlands, and urban areas it’s a varied and exciting route.
There are also plenty of sheep along the route which will please the children and probably quite a few adults too!
We hope you enjoyed this article about the best walks near Manchester, now it’s time to go and explore! Have fun!
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