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AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 10 beautiful summer walks you can do within an hour of Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
As much as we all love Manchester city centre, it’s fair to say we all need a little break from the busyness of the city from time to time – and what better timing for us to explore than during this glorious July weather.
I am all too aware of the temperatures that we endured during the Great Hellish Heatwave of June 2026, but now that it has slightly cooled to a more manageable climate – it’s about time we start exploring our local area and make the most of this sunshine, before it’s gone.
With that said, these are amazing walks no matter the weather so if it is still a little too hot for you, stay safe and just wait until a cooler day.
Now for those interested, freeze those water bottles, grab the suncream and a packed lunch, and let me walk you through your options.
Prewarning – it may be wise to download the All Trails app for some of these to avoid getting lost.
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- Chee Dale Stepping Stones and Monsal Trail – Buxton
This one is a little further afield, at about an hour from Manchester city centre, but is well worth the trip.
The Chee Dale Stepping Stones and Monsal Trail takes you along the River Wye, through some disused railway tunnels, old lime kilns and over – you guessed it – lots of stepping stones.
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This route expertly combines history with an exciting alternative to walking on a regular path – just make sure you wear some grippy shoes to avoid slipping in and your mates laughing at you.
The walk is just over 5k and should take around 90 minutes. After all of that walking, why not reward yourself with a crisp post-walk pint at one of the lovely pubs nearby, we suggest The Castle or The Anglers Rest.
Read more: The Peak District beauty spot where you can cycle through old railway tunnels
- Torrs Millennium Walkway via Goytside Meadows – New Mills
This has got to be one of our favourites, it really does have a bit of everything, from ruins and viaducts, to llamas and canals – what more could you ask for?
Hop off the train at New Mills Central to find this 3.2k route which can take between 30 minutes to an hour. There are many variations of this walk on All Trails so you can cater for whatever length and difficulty you desire.
One thing is for certain – you must stop for an obligatory pint at the Torr Vale Tap, an 18th century cotton mill overlooking the Millennium Walkway, and have a browse at the cheese, beers and wines at The Cheese Wheel shop.
Read more: A stunning Peak District walk that hovers above a huge gorge
- Todmorden Gaddings Dam – Todmordon
Visit Todmorden’s ‘secret beach’ only a 25 minute train from Manchester Victoria.
Follow the trail to Gaddings Dam where you will find a sandy shoreline, sheltered from the wind, making it a perfect sun trap to relax. The water is freezing though so we don’t recommend swimming, especially if you’re on your own.
Todmorden is known for its cute cafes and pubs but the Shepherds Rest Inn, serving hearty homemade food, would have to be our recommendation.
- Rivington Pike and Lower Rivington – Bolton
If you’re up for a bit of a longer varied walk, head over to Bolton for this 9km route.
It has great views, a peaceful wooded area and lots of animals to spot along the way, including beautiful horses and some sheep.
Not to mention this route takes you through the Rivington Terraced Gardens which feature hidden paths and restored Japanese and Italian lakes with historical architecture designed by legendary garden designer, Thomas H. Mawson.
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It is such an interesting walk and not one to miss.
Read more: The beautiful country walk that ends at a taproom with stunning views
- The Trinnacle Trail Walk from Dovestone Reservoir – Oldham
This is a little more of a challenging route through Saddleworth Moor, consisting of incline walking and a scramble up a waterfall but the views from the top, where you can spot Manchester’s beautiful skyline, make it worth the effort. Alternatively you can do a shorter circular walk around the reservoir itself.
Whichever route you pick, be sure to treat yourself to a post-walk ice cream from the van that can often be found in Dovestones Reservoir car park during the summer months.
Be warned – the parking can fill quickly to be sure to get down early and park considerately. If you are taking public transport, get the train to Greenfield Station and then either a short bus, taxi or a 40 minute walk to get to your starting point.
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Read more: The lesser-known beauty spot above one of Greater Manchester’s most popular destinations
- Dunham Massey Park – Altrincham
This historic National Trust offers 200-acres of flat land, perfect for a family friendly, leisurely stroll and the chance to spot some fallow deer. Not to mention the iconic rose garden in summer
Simply hop on the Metrolink to Altrincham from the city centre, followed by a short 10-minute bus ride to arrive at this idyllic wildlife filled spot.
With it being a National Trust you do have to pay entry but with family packages from £16.50, we think it’s well worth it. If you want to do a deeper dive into the history of Dunham Massey you can pay that bit extra for a visit inside of the 18th century house filled with treasures.
- Hollingworth Lake Circular – Littleborough
Another super relaxing accessible option, with the whole circumference of the lake being paved so that it’s wheelchair and pram friendly. It is around 4km long and so should take between 45-90 minutes to complete, with a cafe halfway round for some waterside dining. This is a great spot for some wildlife spotting and occasionally there are some watersports taking place on the lake too.
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This walk is only 20 minutes on the train from Manchester Victoria station to Smithy Bridge.
While you’re there, why not head over to the Wine Press pub which has an amazing food menu, lakeside views and beer garden – it would be rude not to.
- Chinley Churn and Cracken Edge – Chinley
This is another one for you history-lovers, less than 30 minutes away from Manchester Piccadilly is where you can find the Chinley Churn and Cracken Edge route.
Expect panoramic views of the Peak District and relics from the Cracken Edge Quarry which historically mined slate during the 1800s.
It’s important to note this one isn’t as accessible with a few steep areas, loose rocky patches and depending on the weather it can be muddy – make sure you have some sturdy walking shoes.
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Another cracking post-walk pub is The Old Hall Inn. It has sensational pub grub and the perfect pub garden for this weather.
- Hardcastle crags and Heptonstall – Hebden Bridge
Another great walk only 30 minutes away by train, from Manchester Victoria, is this 12k circular route starting in a lovely market town, Hebden Bridge.
This trail follows the river with some waterfalls and stepping stones, through a shady woodland area, perfect for a break from the sun.
At the half way point there is also a cafe and bookshop at the historic Gibson Mill to pause, grab a drink or some snacks to re-energise before carrying on along the trail.
On your way back, you follow a path along the canal which is lined with quaint pubs and cafes for you to treat yourself – you deserve it.
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Read more: The prettiest autumn walk in the North West with a great restaurant at the end
- Heaton Park – Prestwich
Lastly, head on over to Prestwich for a peaceful loop around Heaton Park.
This historic green space has something for everyone, from play areas and animal centre, to the boating lake, bowls pavilion, and iconic 18th-century Heaton Hall.
It is relatively flat making it accessible for all fitness levels and makes the perfect day out for the whole family. Go on get it on your list.
There you are, I’ve done the hard work for you – now get outside and touch some grass.
Featured image: @GetLostGab
The woodland coffee shop with amazing sausage rolls you can only reach on foot
Daisy Jackson
Hidden away among the trees on the banks of the River Mersey is a coffee spot you won’t stumble across while driving past. In fact, you can’t drive there at all.
The only way to reach the woodland hideaway that is Riverbank Coffee is by following a riverside footpath, from Urmston, Stretford or Sale.
The walk itself is absolutely beautiful, following the meanders of the River Mersey along footpaths that are always teeming with dog walkers, cyclists, and people out for a weekend stroll.
What began as a small coffee pod has grown into a charming outdoor café built from converted shipping containers, tucked neatly into the woodland beside the Trans Pennine Trail.
The owners have gradually added more and more picnic benches, pagodas, wooden booths and flower beds since launching in 2020, just as the nation emerged blinking from lockdown.
Now, you can pull up a seat beneath the trees, or tuck into the sheltered wooden booths with windows overlooking the river.
As idyllic as the location is, plenty of people make the journey for one thing above all else – the sausage rolls.
Riverbank Coffee has built quite a reputation for its generously filled homemade sausage rolls, which have become something of a local legend. They’re made by the team, which is also behind Riverbank Deli in Urmston, and I promise they’re worth every step of the walk.
If sausage rolls aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more on offer. The menu includes locally roasted coffees, thick milkshakes, hearty pies and pasties, warm toasted wraps and breakfast barms, alongside homemade cakes and sweet treats for anyone with room to spare.
Whether you’re planning a weekend walk, looking for a scenic pit stop on a bike ride or simply fancy discovering one of Greater Manchester’s more unusual cafés, Riverbank Coffee proves that sometimes the best places really are the ones you have to seek out.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
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