Bordering the beautiful landscapers of the Peak District, Pennine Moors and reservoirs, Greater Manchester offers a plethora of beautifully scenic walking trails for all types of hikers to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for grassy peaks, water-side walks or historic hillsides – Manchester has it on its doorstep. Here are 11 of the regions favourite walking trails: 

1. GM Ringway  

The GM Ringway is a new walking route that covers the borough of Greater Manchester, 200 miles long and falls into four broad sections, each made up of five one-day stages: 

  • The Southern Start-up 

  • The Exhilarating East 

  • The Noble North 

  • The Western Wind-Down 

And what makes this such a great experience is that there are plenty of places to visit, eat, drink and stay on or near the GM Ringway trail. From heritage attractions, natural sites and country parks to local pubs and cafes, rest assured you will be spoilt for choice. Click to see the route.  

Find more information here.  

 

2. Dunham Massey - Trafford 

Leafy avenues, wide vistas, accessible paths. A medieval deer park that is home to historic structures and ancient trees. Perfect for a longer walk or breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for history before your walking route, Dunham Massey is home to a 17th-century house, home to an extensive collection that spans throughout its history.  

Find more information here. 

 

3. Goyt Valley – Stockport 

The Etherow Goyt Valley Way is a 15-mile footpath linking Vernon Park in Stockport with the Longdendale Trail in the Peak District near Hadfield. It passes through riverside meadow and many areas of fine woodland. It has constantly changing and extensive views, especially in the middle section where the Way runs high above the valley. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Download the walking guide here. 

 

4. Fletcher Moss – Didsbury 

The very popular and historic Fletcher Moss Park and Gardens are situated in Didsbury, South Manchester. Dating from public use in 1915, the site has won numerous awards from the Royal Horticultural Society and Fields in Trust. Fletcher Moss has peace and quiet and a variety of environments from meadow to woods to gardens. Lots to explore both above ground and bug hunts in the soil and water.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Find out more information here. 

 

5. The South Pennine Water Trail – Rochdale 

Discover Hollingworth Lake and Littleborough with this delightful 5-mile walk. With scenic views over the Pennines this circular route takes in some of the best countryside the area has to offer. This walk might be more suitable for more experienced walkers, as the final stretch is perhaps a little more testing, but the rewards are worth it with breathtaking views over Littleborough, Rochdale and beyond. 

Download the walking guide here. 

 

6. Peel Tower, Holcombe Moor and Ramsbottom – Bury 

Across in Bury, explore the two-mile circular route that gives you magnificent views for miles around. When you reach Peel Tower, take a minute to catch your breath and admire the changing scenes from across Greater Manchester, the Derbyshire Pennines and over to North Wales. 

Download the walking guide here. 

 

7. Dovestone Reservoir – Oldham 

Situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, Dove Stone Reservoir is a spectacular area popular with visitors and for family days out. A picturesque spot with an easy access path makes it simple for the whole family to take a stroll round the reservoir, stopping on the way at Chew Brook to explore the rocks and paddle in the stream. 

Find out more information here. 

 

8. Healey Dell Nature Reserve – Rochdale 

Healey Dell is a beauty spot and nature reserve rich in industrial archaeology, 2 miles from Rochdale town centre on the way to Whitworth and Bacup. The River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands down thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls which once powered ancient corn, wool and cotton mills. A disused 1800s railway line is now a nature trail with magnificent views from a 100-foot-high viaduct. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Find out more information here. 

 

9. Turton and Entwistle Reservoir Circular – Bolton  

Enjoy this circular trail near Bolton - Generally considered an easy route, this is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Download the walking route here.  

 

10. Three Sisters and Viridor Woods – Wigan  

This is a lovely route through Viridor Wood and Three Sisters Nature Reserve between Ashton-in-Makerfield and Huntley, which is a great place to get some fresh air and stretch the legs. Viridor Wood is a popular place for walkers, runners, and cyclists, and there is plenty of wildlife and birdlife to be observed in this area. It’s a mix of grassland and woodland and is the site of a former colliery. This trail is ideal for a dog walk, with plenty of opportunities for them to be off-lead. Many of the paths are suitable for horse riding as well. 

Download a walking route here. 

 

11. Kersal Wetlands – Salford 

Kersal Wetlands is a stunning new outdoor space to enjoy, created as part of a £10 million flood protection scheme. The Wetlands is just off Littleton Road, at the site of the old Manchester Racecourse and is a fabulous new home for birds, wildlife and nature. The view includes the skyline of Manchester, the woodlands of Kersal Dale and the shimmering River Irwell. There are cycle paths and wonderful dog walks as well as ten hectares of wildflower habitat to explore. Perfect for runners, cyclists, walkers and anybody who enjoys the outdoors. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Find out more information here.