Last Updated on 18 October 2023 by Colette
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Manchester isn’t all bright lights and big city, there are so many wonderful walks you can take in the surrounding countryside enabling you to really get to know this part of the UK. So pack your walking boots and book into a handy Travelodge, ready to explore the Manchester countryside. Perhaps even choose from one of these great routes:
Ashton Canal
Take a walk through the city’s industrial history as you admire the old mills and factories lining the route of the canal, many of which have now been redeveloped and turned into fashionable new apartments. This route links the Huddersfield Narrow and the Peak Forest canals with the Rochdale and Bridgewater canals. It’s a great way to escape the city for a few hours, take in a little of its history and maybe even try a spot of fishing along the banks of the canals.
Mersey Valley
Covering a wide area from the Manchester Ship Canal to the boundary with Stockport, the Mersey Valley is a wonderful place to explore, rich in wildlife and the perfect place to enjoy splashing in muddy puddles with the kids. A great place to walk is Priory Gardens, said to be home to the ghost of a former owner of the house that once sat in the middle of the gardens. With ponds, grassy areas and wooded areas, it’s great for spotting birds along your walk.
Sunbank Wood is another lovely site within the Mersey Valley – an ancient woodland next to the Bolin River. With a huge boulder that could only have got there thanks to a glacier melting, ponds in the woods dug out by farmers and beautiful carpets of flowers which change throughout the seasons, it’s a stunning wooded area in which to take a walk.
There are of course numerous other great spots to walk throughout the Mersey Valley, from woodland to meadows and river banks.
Public Art Sculpture Trail
Along the Huddersfield canal, you’ll find a number of works of art that depict what life is like on the canal. All of which have been created by local artists. You’ll find six of these pieces along the canal, four of which are gateways, one is a mural and another forms part of a play area. With inspiration and ideas taken from local children, the sculptures not only reflect life on the canal, but also the children of the area. It’s a wonderful way to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Manchester while taking in a little culture as you go. Perhaps stop off at The Limekiln Cafe or Kitty’s Riverside Cafe Bar in Uppermill along the way or if you go a bit further we heartily recommend Grandpa Greene’s or Diggle Lock.
Coronation Street
A little less countryside and little more cobbles, for a limited time (until 4th October 2014) you can visit the famous cobbles and take a tour of the famous Coronation Street. Visit The Rovers, have your photo taken at the bar and wander around the Manchester based sets. Something a little out of the ordinary and a guaranteed hit with Corrie fans.
With such a wide variety of walks to enjoy in the Manchester area, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
