Stockport

Stockport’s ‘underbanks’ have been improved to welcome shoppers back as lockdown eases

The Manc The Manc - 22nd April 2021

There’s a new look for Stockport’s famous underbanks.

Now that ‘Step Two’ in the government’s roadmap to lifting England’s current national lockdown has commenced – which has crucially allowed non-essential to reopen in towns and city centres across the UK – Stockport residents have been able to see first-hand the progress that has been made on improving the underbanks.

During the winter lockdown, Stockport Council has carried out a number of works to improve the public realm, including the road and footpaths in the underbanks.

The Lower Hillgate/Little Underbank area of the underbanks has now been kitted out with new street furniture, street lighting, paving and a new road surface as part of the second phase of regeneration, with additional work next set to be completed between Royal Oak Yard and the roundabout at Great Underbank, with new street furniture and lighting to be installed.

This regeneration scheme is being delivered by the Town Centre Access Plan in support of the ‘Rediscovering the Underbanks’ project.

ADVERTISEMENT

The scheme has also received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The first phase of works were completed in March 2020 between the automatic bollards and Royal Oak Yard, which saw the road resurfaced in coloured tarmac due to ongoing works to property nearby.

ADVERTISEMENT

Once those works have been completed – which is expected in due course – the coloured tarmac surface will be replaced with the same paving that has been installed at Little Underbank.

Speaking on the new look for the underbanks, Mark Glynn – Director of Place Management at Stockport Council – said: “We would like to thank businesses and residents for their continued patience, understanding and support while these works on the underbanks have taken place [as] we appreciate it has been an incredibly difficult time for so many, [but] we are looking forward to welcoming businesses and visitors back to enjoy the benefits of the refurbished area.

“The Council is reviewing the longer-term vehicle access arrangements in the wider Markets and Underbanks area as we want to make sure it meets the needs of modern-day life and is a great place to live, work, play and connect”.

ADVERTISEMENT
Stockport Council

As was the case before the works began, vehicular access for residents, servicing and loading will be before 10.30am and/or after 4pm.

The Pedestrian Zone then applies between 10.30am and 4pm.

You can find more information about the regeneration via the Stockport Council website.

Featured Image – Stockport Council

Stockport

Five of the best sunset walks in and around Greater Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

The clocks have finally gone forward and this signals the arrival of the longer nights for Greater Manchester and the UK at large, which can only mean one thing: some stunning after-work sunset walks are on the cards.

If you’re eager to make the most of the sun while we have it at our fingertips, these walks are on hand to get you on the go and treat your eyes to some unforgettable views.

It’s not every day we get the sun shining down on us here in gloomy Manchester, so we’ve got you covered with some sunset hotspots that are nothing short of a delight.

Take a stroll with us, won’t you?

Five of our favourite sunset walks around Greater Manchester

1. Dovestone Reservoir – Oldham

Just imagine the light bouncing off here.
You can see what we mean.
Hard to remember this is on our doorstep sometimes. (Credit: Clive Gliddis via Geograph)/Richard Thorpe (via Flickr)

Is there any category this walk doesn’t find itself fitting into? If it’s not already one of the prettiest or ‘Best Boxing Day walks’, now it finds itself claiming its latest title as one of the best sunset walks in Greater Manchester too.

Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham has been a walker’s wonderland for Mancs and trekkers alike thanks to its wide footpaths that offer a much nicer and less cramped experience.

Due to its valley location and neighbouring rolling hills, you can expect to see some gorgeous views of that lovely sun as it reflects onto the already impressive reservoir.

2. Chorlton Water Park – Sale

It's hard to find a picture of Chorlton Water Park that doesn't have a four-legged friend in (We're not complaining).
It’s hard to find a picture of Chorlton Water Park that doesn’t have a four-legged friend in it (not that we’re complaining).
We managed to source one of an equally stunning creature.
Credit: The Manc Group/Monica’s Photographs (via Instagram)

A relatively flat and accessible walk, Chorlton Water Park is an easy route with some beautiful views, even more glorious when the lake and greenery catch the golden and pink hues of the sunset.

This is a dog walking hot spot, so not only are you getting outside and admiring this stunning green space, you’re also getting a chance to see some of Greater Manchester’s cutest little pups.

Being an open space with shrubs and, most importantly, a large lake, come sunset you’ll be able to capture the silhouette of Canadian geese, which makes for the perfect Instagram photo dump.

3. Rivington Pike – Bolton

Aside from being one of the highest points in Bolton, this prime sunset spot has lovely architecture and terraced gardens for you to roam through before you admire the golden hilltop views.

With summer houses, archways, waterfalls, Rivington Pike has every box ticked and maybe even a few more you didn’t even know you had.

Be warned, when people talk about getting their steps in, this place doubles down on that statement. Luckily, not only will you lose yourself in the surroundings, but there are also a lot of stone staircases you’ll encounter along the way.

4. Peel Tower – Bury

The sunset is almost as impressive as Peel Tower itself over in Bury.
The sunset is almost as impressive as Peel Tower itself over in Bury.
A stunning postcard spot and one of the best sunset walks you’ll find close to Manchester. (Credit: @fell_n_mountain via IG)

Situated in Ramsbottom, an idyllic town in Bury, Peel Tower finds itself overlooking a vast and clear landscape, perfect for anyone trying to witness a distraction-free sunset.

As you wander up to meet the mighty stone structure perfectly placed among a flurry of tall grass, you’ll encounter lots of shrubs and a few well-trodden unofficial walkways.

This route is circular and the views are one-in-a-million, encompassing everything from Manchester to North Wales and Derbyshire (weather-dependent, of course).

5. Werneth Low – Stockport

This next sunset walk is one that people flock to, and it’s fair to say this setting is probably one of the most famous, with people who have visited describing it as ‘the best sunset spot’ in Manchester.

Werneth Low, which borders Stockport and Tameside, has seen itself become a viral star much like the popular Mam Tor; walkers and photographers alike are out in their masses waiting to capture the perfect picture.

You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world once you ramble your way up this Greater Manchester point of interest, and you might even see a plane contrail or two, as the airport is less than half an hour away.

Honourable mention: Blackstone Edge – Rochdale

Glorious sunset over Blackstone Edge in Rochdale/ Credit: @to_lay_myhead_uk on Instagram
A glorious sunset over Blackstone Edge, just outside of Rochdale.
Credit: (@to_lay_myhead_uk via IG)

Here at The Manc, we know there are lots of fabulous walks in and around Rochdale, but when it comes to admiring the sunset, this one takes the biscuit.

ADVERTISEMENT

There’s a reservoir, a rocky incline, plenty of moorland and views across the whole of Rochdale, including a distant Hollingworth Lake, all covered in a honeydew sky.

After a trek upon the Pennines, you can stop off at The White House: an acclaimed pub which welcomes dog-walkers, cyclists and everyone in between, promising a hearty meal and proper good pint after a meander around the moors.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Geograph/Instagram

Stockport

‘Darts needs more Nathan Aspinalls’ – Stockport star praised after emotional hometown win

Danny Jones Danny Jones Nathan Aspinall wins home night in Manchester

Stockport’s very own Nathan Aspinall is being heaped with praise following a hometown Premier League Darts in Manchester that clearly meant a lot to the local lad.

There’s nothing quite like the roar of a home crowd, is there?

It was ‘The Asp‘s first nightly win of the year in what was not only another strong display of resilience but also looks to be the continuation of a steady return to form.

Here’s the moment he won it in front of thousands inside the AO Arena:

We don’t need to explain to you why this was such a big moment for the 33-year-old, who’s had an up and down last few years, to say the least.

Aspinall has been vocal on everything from mental health and injuries to ‘dartitis’ and more in recent times, so notching yet another big win – his first in the 2025 Premier League season (all on Manc soil, no less) – looked like a visible relief.

He did against the odds too, coming back from 3-0 down to beat world number one Luke Humphries in the final by 6-4, who was understandably considered the favourite next to world champion Luke Littler, whom he managed to fight off by the same scoreline in the semis.

It’s been a great start to the year for ‘The Asp’, as this latest victory comes after an exhibition win in Scotland just last week as well as his first European Tour trophy in March.

But more importantly, beyond the personal accolades and love shared by his fellow natives on Thursday night, it was clearer than ever that he’s becoming an increasing fan favourite for his personality, unmistakably Northern sense of humour, wholesome attitude, humility and more.

Speaking after the winning dart and jubilant scenes up on the oche and among the ‘boring tables’ of the AO, Aspinall admitted he had “never been so nervous” – especially given how wins in sporting cities like Manchester mean to anyone, let alone a Stopfordian.

Now fourth in the table on 15 points after night 10 with nine games won, it’s starting to look like ‘The Asp’ might be getting back to the heights we saw early on in his career.

Long may it continue.

You can watch his emotional post-match interview in full down below:

Here’s what fan-favourite Aspinall had to say after adding a Manchester Premier League night to his list of wins this year.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Darts Now/Sky Sports (screenshot)/Nathan Aspinall (via Instagram)

More Stockport

Pep Guardiola says Man United fans should be ashamed of Phil Foden mum chant

News

Pep Guardiola says Manchester United fans should be ‘ashamed’ after ‘sick’ chant

Long Boi's Bakehouse in Levenshulme

Business

Beloved local bakery shares ‘depressing’ cost of ingredients in brutally transparent statement

Callum Camps injured Stockport County

Sport

Stockport County’s playoff fortunes hampered following Callum Camps injury

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches