Things To Do

Five of the best sunset walks in and around Greater Manchester

Stop and take in the rays, right till the very last.

Thomas Melia - 12th April 2025

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.

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).

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).

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE MANC (@the.manc)

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.

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE MANC (@the.manc)

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.

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.

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.

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

Featured Images — Geograph/Instagram