Our Top Manchester Walks - 5 Amazing Walks You Need To Know About!
City and Country Walks
Manchester is a beautiful city with plenty of green space to explore. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Manchester walks that wind through the city, allowing visitors to get a taste of the local flora and fauna. Walking is also a great way to see some of Manchester's most iconic landmarks, such as the Gothic cathedral and the Royal Exchange.
Of course, no visit to Manchester would be complete without taking a stroll through one of its many parks. With its towering trees and lush gardens, Heaton Park is a particularly popular spot for a leisurely stroll. So whether you're looking to get some exercise or simply soak up the sights, be sure to add a few of these nice Manchester walks to your itinerary.
1. Manchester Wharf City Trail (A City Walk)
First on our list of the nicest walks in Manchester is the Whalf City Trail. This 4km circular route runs via all the best city sights including the beautiful Gothic hall and several waterways, making it one of the best walks in Manchester. You’ll begin on the Rochdale Canal towpath, crossing over quaint cobbled bridges to Princess Street. There will be a chance to stop at the beautiful Library for tea before meandering to Castlefield Urban Heritage Park to discover some history. With so much to see and do, the Manchester Wharf City Trail is a great way to explore everything this fascinating city has to offer.
- Distance: 4km
- Accessible
- Nearest Station: The starting point is 1.2 miles from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station
2. Marsden Moor Walks (A Country Walk)
Just outside Manchester’s bustling city and into Yorkshire is the beautiful village of Marsden, accessible via Northern Rail from Manchester Piccadilly. If you're looking for a breathtaking spot to enjoy a walk near Manchester, a walk in Marsden Moor is well worth a visit. It's only half an hour by train from Manchester Piccadilly, and is the best way to connect with nature. This incredible moorland offers six varied walking routes to suit all abilities, ranging from 2-10 miles. With panoramic views over the countryside, it's no wonder Marsden Moor is popular with photographers. It also makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie to commemorate the day. The three reservoirs and Huddersfield narrow canal offer plenty of opportunity to snap some beautiful scenery and wildlife. Marsden village is also worth exploring, with its traditional cottages and pubs it's the best spot to relax and refuel after exploring Marsden Moor. So why not ditch the city for a day and enjoy all that Marsden Moor has to offer? We'd certainly rank this walk as one of the nicest in Manchester.
- Photogenic
- Family-friendly
- Nearest Station: Marsden
- Trails start from the National Trust which is conveniently located next to Marden Station
3. New Manchester Walks - Manchester Walking Tour (A City Walk)
Third on our list of the best Manchester walks is a Manchester Walking Tour. Their expert tour guides will take you on a wondrous walk through time, on a trail of womens' history to discover the Pankhursts, or maybe to see technological history from Alan Turing. There are many other specialist tours including L. S. Lowry and Frederich Engels tours among others. And if you're a fan of Victorian architecture, the Pre-Raphaelites tour is not to be missed as it stops at the Victorian gallery!
- Guided Manchester Walking Tours From: FREE
- Nearest Station: Manchester Piccadilly Train Station
- New Manchester Walks Website
4. Irwell Sculpture Trail Circular Walk (A Country Walk)
The Irwell Sculpture trail is another nice route to walk in Manchester and features an impressive 70 sculptures along a 33 mile trail. Only the fittest amongst us would be up for tackling the whole trail in 1 day, but it is broken down into handy clusters that can be tackled in much more manageable chunks. The 14.3-km loop trail around Salford Quays is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. The moderate difficulty level means it's not too challenging, and the average completion time of 3.5 hours makes it a perfect option for a leisurely afternoon walk. You're unlikely to encounter many other people on the trail, making it a great choice if you're looking for some peace and quiet. Of course what makes this walk unique is the incredible artwork on show, with 70 contemporary sculptures dotting the path from Bacup to Salford Quays.
- Distance: 14.3km
- Nearest Station: Salford Central Train Station
- Irwell Manchester Walking Trail Website
5. The Bleaklow Bomber Crash Site (A Country Walk)
Last on our list of the best Manchester walks is something completely off the beaten path, the Bleaklow Bomber is a fantastic day out. The area approaching the crash site is a challenging walk that takes in some of the wildest and most remote parts of the Peak District, just outside Manchester. It's a long, tough hike, but the views from the top are more than worth it. This walk is not for the faint-hearted – it's steep, often boggy, and can be quite challenging in places. But if you're up for a real adventure, it's an unforgettable experience.
The trail takes you past the crash site of a WWII bomber aircraft, which collided with the hillside in low cloud in 1948. The wreckage is scattered across the moorland near Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow. This is a truly wild and beautiful part of the world, and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So if you're looking for an adventure, this Manchester walk is for you!
- Distance: 18.5km
- Nearest Station: The trail start is under 1 mile from Glossop train station
- Route: Walking Britain: Bleaklow Bomber
That rounds off our list of the nicester Manchester so if you're looking for a great way to explore Manchester, then why not try one of these fantastic walks? With so much to see and do, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. And who knows, you might even discover some hidden gems along the way! What’s more, all of our suggestions are accessible via Northern Rail train routes, so you can ditch the stress of driving and fully enjoy your day out in and around Manchester. Book your train tickets ahead of time to save up to 65% off!
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