Manchester’s skyline is a thing of beauty, isn’t it?
It’s ever-changing, instantly recognisable, a brilliant mix of old and new, and a real sight to behold from some of the hill tops right across the region – especially for those with a camera intent on capturing all its beauty.
But for aspiring photographers, where exactly is the best place to see the skyline in all its glory?
Originally hailing from Rzeszow in Poland, but calling Manchester his home for many years now, Tomasz has had the chance to see and capture the city skyline from many different angles up above, so his list was as about as definitive as you could get.
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By creating that initial list of his seven favourite hill views in Greater Manchester, Tomasz said he was hoping to “help those who want to start in cityscape photography but don’t know where to go”, admitting that “you don’t need to be a pilot of a drone to [capture] amazing images” of the city’s skyline and “you don’t need an expensive camera or super long zoom lens” either.
Explaining why he’s chosen to put together an updated list, Tomasz said: “It felt so good when people had written or said to me that my work inspired them to get out more, or that I helped them to become better photographers.
“This is why I kept looking for new places to go and it’s what led me to find another eight Manchester skyline photo spots.”
“I spent most of last year looking for the best place to capture cityscape of Manchester,” Tomasz explained.
“I have found a few interesting locations that led me to create my top seven best hilltop spots described in my previous post [but] at that time however, I was not aware about one spot that instantly became my favourite.
“This place is not only great for capturing amazing skyline photos, but also nice for portrait shoots or even an engagement session – especially for those who enjoy playing football.”
Scout Moor is the second largest on shore green energy provider in England, it supplies electricity to 40,000 homes across Manchester – and it’s earned a well-deserved place on Tomasz’s list.
He said: “It’s a perfect place to cycle on a mountain bike, or simply to walk around to enjoy a good view of the city.”
“Most of the presented images are captured with a telephoto lens at about 200mm,” he added.
A place every Mancunian knows well – and it’s got a special place in Tomasz’s heart.
Tomasz said: “It was the first park where I was taken by my friend when I arrived in Manchester all those years ago [and] I immediately fell in love with this place – I even moved house to be closer to it.”
“You can get really good shots of the town from the Temple area located at the north side of the park,” he added.
Tandle Hill is a real gem loved by many in Greater Manchester.
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“This place is not only a perfect spot for snapping the great cityscape of Manchester, but also a great to have quality time with your family at one of nearby picnic areas or a unique playground with a sand pit and long slide for kids,” Tomasz explained.
If you head just across the border into Cheshire, you’ll find a stunning view of the city.
Explaining how he came across this spot, Tomasz said: “As I was scouting for my new assignment, I found this great place at Alderley Edge with a unique perspective on Manchester skyline.
“Unlike other locations recently visited, this one offers a very clean foreground full of greenery perfectly highlighted with setting sun and Scout Moor wind farm visible in the background.”
As Tomasz puts perfectly, this is an “underrated” pick.
“One of best walks you can find and very underrated with great views over the city,”
While Greenbooth Reservoir has made it onto the list, Tomasz has admitted there’s one caveat – “there are power lines obstructing the view of the city, but it is possible to climb a bit higher on the north side to get a clean shot.”
“If you have never walked along River Irwell from Manchester to Salford Quays, there are certainly some of the best views on the city skyline worth checking out,” Tomasz reccommends.
“Although you’re never going to get a good view of the entire city due to low altitude like you can with spots mentioned earlier, I decided to include this location nonetheless because it’s such a good walk for anyone who is visiting town or those who are not aware.”
He added: “You can get both reflections on the river, as well as for those who enjoy long exposure photography as much as I do, there are Metrolink trams constantly passing by leaving plenty of light to capture.”
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You can see more of Tomasz Kozak’s work via his photography portfolio website here, and make sure to give him a follow on Facebook and Instagram too.
Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary
Danny Jones
One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.
Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)
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Jadon Sancho set for return to Manchester United after Chelsea pay to avoid permanent signing
Danny Jones
England winger Jadon Sancho looks like he’s coming back to Manchester United, at least for the time being, following his stint at Chelsea, with the Premier League club opting to pay a penalty in order to avoid signing him full-time.
Sancho was loaned out to the UEFA Conference League winners just over a year ago after falling out with the previous Man United head coach, Erik ten Hag, playing 42 games for the West Londoners.
The naturally gifted winger, who was considered one of the hottest prospects in Europe just a few short years ago, also pulled back on a Borussia Dortmund shirt for a six-month loan spell in January 2024, but his return was never made permanent either.
In the case of Chelsea, despite having an obligation to buy Sancho when they initially signed him last summer, the deal – worth a reported £25 million – included a £5m clause which would allow them to get out of said obligation: a clause that owner Todd Boehly’s club has seemingly to have activated.
BREAKING: Jadon Sancho will return to Manchester United after failing to agree to personal terms with Chelsea 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1F55sXWoT4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 3, 2025
As per the likes of The Athletic, Sancho is set for a return to MUFC and Carrington as he waits to see what the INEOS administration and new manager Ruben Amorim (who is yet to have the 25-year-old among his options since arriving at Old Trafford) do with him.
It remains to be seen whether or not the former Man City youth star will make another appearance at the Theatre of Dreams itself, but with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said to be strapped for cash and yet still looking to bring in new players, they’ll be hoping at least fetch a decent fee for the him.
Sancho registered five goals and 10 assists during his time at Stamford Bridge, and despite perhaps not lighting the world on fire, he proved to be a useful addition to the squad and contributed in some big moments – that recent European final being the standout this season.
Nevertheless, it is believed that Chelsea were unwilling to match the salary paid by his parent club, with the one-time national team starlet said to be on weekly wages of around £300,000, according to reports.
Born in the capital himself, Sancho grew to be favoured by a sizeable portion of the supporters, and while the Man United fan base is pretty divided when it comes to Sancho coming back, there are plenty of Blues that will miss him.
Meanwhile, regardless of his return to United, Sancho being moved on rather quickly looks the most likely outcome now that the summer transfer window is open.
Emily Sergeant -
29th August 2021 
