If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, with an optional stop at Marmalade Coffee Shop for a bacon sandwich and some caffeine.
Then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
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The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
Lantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc GroupLantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
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Instead, turn off to the right to cross the River Sett and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
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Walk straight over the summit and back down the other side, passing the Lantern Pike pub (we won’t judge if you pause for a pint here), cross the road, and join Snake Path.
This will take you past Twenty Trees, which is literally a group of trees standing on its own, and back into Hayfield.
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in the last year.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
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You can see a map of the circular walking route at alltrails.com.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Travel & Tourism
A local Manchester run club is holding two special running routes to see the total eclipse
Danny Jones
With the highly anticipated total eclipse fast approaching, people not just here in Greater Manchester but all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world are gearing up to try and watch it – but this native running club are doing it a bit differently.
Eclipses occur once every 12-18 months, but this is set to be the biggest since 1999.
The moon is set to cover approximately 96-98% of the sun this coming Wednesday, 12 August, 2026, and rather than try to watch it from a window at home or drive to somewhere with supposedly ‘the best view’, local sports club Manchester Road Runners are turning it into their latest one-off event.
Sharing details online, the free-to-join local organisation, which boasts thousands of members on Facebook and various other platforms, will be timing things to make sure they catch the phenomenon.
Writing in the accompanying caption, the Road Runners say: “We’ve pulled some strings and have a very special event taking place on August 12th, a solar eclipse! Come run with us under a darkened sun next Wednesday from The Wharf at 18:30, with peak moon coverage expected at around 19:10.”
Better still, they’re also teaming up with their trail running spin-off club for an even more scenic twist on the evening excursion.
“If you prefer to experience your solar phenomena under the wide open skies”, they go on to write, “our friends over at Trail Division will be holding a hike/run off road, meet at Piccadilly Station at 18:00 to get shady in the great outdoors.”
Fortunately, they have issued an important disclaimer, going on to remind runners that “while beautiful and majestic, the sun should NEVER be directly looked at in the face unprotected”, signing off by adding, “Respect the sun, respect your peepers, stay ocularly safe out there.”
If you’ve never come across MRR before, they’re probably the biggest run club in the entire Greater Manchester region and their social-first jogs, intervals, track sessions and more revolve around meeting back up with your mates for a wholesome pint and a chat.
For many, it’s the biggest and the best in the city.
As for the eclipse run, it’s set to be a very magical variation on their usual Wednesday evening meets.
Quite rightly, they also point out in the post that you can actually buy certain glasses to view eclipses on these rare occasions, with search traffic often ramping up in and around these events.
Meanwhile, the Trail Division branch is yet to confirm the route for their run/hike, but it will most likely remain in the nearby North West vicinity; keep your eyes peeled on their social media pages (linked above) for more information and other upcoming trail events.
Speaking of trail runs, there’s a pretty beautiful albeit challenging one coming up next month…
Stunning vistas, walkers welcome, and multiple distances available.🏃♂️🥾
And the best part? It's less than 90 minutes away from Manchester. 🏞️
10 things to do this summer across Greater Manchester, all accessible by Bee Network buses and trams
Daisy Jackson
We’re right in the heart of the summer holidays now, and there’s loads going on all over Greater Manchester to keep families occupied.
There are wholesome activities for little Mancs, like fruit-picking on a local farm, and a gigantic pop-up summer fair at the Trafford Centre complete with beach, splash pool, and fairground rides.
You’ll also find loads of free cultural events for all ages, including a huge installation of inflatable famous faces all across Manchester Arndale, and a real rocket that’s currently in situ at the Science and Industry Museum.
Not got kids to entertain but looking for fun things to do with your mates? We’ve got you covered there too, whether it’s kayaking down the Bridgewater Canal or taking on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide at Heaton Park.
And no matter what you’re doing, you’ll be able to get there on the Bee Network’s trams, buses, and Starling Bikes – visit the Bee Network app or website to plan your journey.
Trafford Centre Summer Fair
Trafford Centre Summer Fair. Credit: The Manc Group
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre this summer.
The event has attracted thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond in recent years, ready to build sandcastles on the massive manmade beach, or splash around in the splash park with lots of water jets perfect for cooling you off.
Adrenaline junkies both young and old will also get to enjoy retro fairground rides, including ‘Star Flyer’, ‘Sea Storm’, while the event’s in town, as well as a giant inflatable area, and loads more.
Tickets from £3
Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum
Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum. Credit: The Manc Group
You can spend the summer in space at the Science and Industry Museum, which has loads of space-themed free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities, Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you. Zip World up at Heaton Park has launched a brand new attraction this summer that’ll have you whizzing through the woodland on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide.
There are two slides side-by-side, with one measuring a whopping 262ft, which you zoom down in huge inflatable rings.
It’s suitable for ages four and up (and trust us adults, you’ll love it too).
Strawberry picking at Kenyon Hall Farm / Credit: The Manc Group
We might be creeping towards the end of strawberry season, but Kenyon Hall Farm has absolutely loads of different pick-your-own activities.
The family-run farm has been growing strawberries and other fruit for almost 50 years, and it’s one of our top recommendations for where to spend some time this summer.
You can frolic around the fields, then enjoy loads of seasonal summer treats in its cafe and farm shop too.
Local trailblazers including Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing, and even Aitch have been turned into enormous inflatables, measuring up to a whopping six metres in length.
The impressive installation comes from celebrated local illustrator Stanley Chow.
Open all summer, free to visit.
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Check out the Manchester Open exhibition at HOME
Manchester Open exhibition at HOME. Credit: The Manc Group
The Manchester Open is back for 2026 – more than 1,500 applicants entered, of which 420 have been selected to showcase their works inside the gallery space at HOME.
With mediums ranging from ceramics, digital, painting, photography, sculpture and more, there’s art made for everyone to enjoy.
The exhibition is completely FREE and you’ve got plenty of time to visit before its final date on Sunday 6 September.
Walk along to Riverbank Coffee
The view from Riverbank CoffeeRiverbank Coffee’s famous sausage rolls
The only way to find this charming outdoor cafe on the River Mersey is on food – but that makes for a perfect summer activity.
Whether it’s a pitstop on a dog walk, a break on a family stroll, or a dedicated trip for one of their legendary sausage rolls, Riverbank Coffee is a gem.
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You’ll also find breakfast barms, pasties, cakes, cookies, coffees, milkshakes, and loads more.
Get lost at The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in StockportA corner of vintage fashion
Who knew the North West’s largest vintage lifestyle centre was hiding inside an old cotton mill in Stockport?
Set within the historic Pear Mill, The Vintage Emporium is home to more than 65 independent traders, selling everything from vintage fashion and furniture to retro vinyl, jewellery and one-of-a-kind antiques – plus finds like giant Flake statues, Japanese parasols, and taxidermy.
After browsing, stop by the charming on-site tea room for a toastie, homemade cake and a brew, all served on vintage crockery.
You never know what treasure you’ll discover.
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Have a pint or a play at The Airport Pub
Flights taking off outside the Airport PubYou can sit inside a booth built from an old engine
Have you ever been to a beer garden where jets land just 50ft away from you? No? Get a visit to The Airport Pub on your list.
This has got to be one of the most unique pub gardens in the UK, perched right beside the runway at Manchester Airport.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or you just like a side of very noisy adrenaline with your pub lunch, it’s a Manc icon for a reason.
And there’s a huge play area in the garden to make it a truly family-friendly day out.
Kayak down the Bridgewater Canal
Paddling along the Bridgewater CanalPaddling down the Bridgewater Canal in Greater Manchester
You really don’t have to travel far to spend an idyllic day on the water.
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In fact, you could be paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddle board in just a short tram journey.
This is Grip Adventures, and you’ll find it in Sale right on the beautiful Bridgewater Canal.
The team here will send you on your way along the water, and if you paddle far enough, you could even visit Walton Perk for a coffee or a takeaway Aperol spritz, without even leaving your boat.
If you’re planning a trip around Greater Manchester this summer, visit the Bee Network to plan your journey.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd July 2024 
