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.
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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.
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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 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.
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.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.
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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).
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
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.
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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.
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
Things To Do
You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Father Christmas will be paying a very special visit to one of Manchester’s best tourist attractions this festive season.
And you can now book tickets to take the little ones to meet him.
Now that Halloween has passed and November is here, things are really starting to get all festive across Manchester – especially with the Manchester Christmas Markets and Skate Manchester opening from this Friday – so it really won’t be long before Santa sets off on his present delivery rounds. But before then, he’ll be making a special stop in our city first.
That’s because the Science and Industry Museum is inviting you to meet Father Christmas in the atmospheric surroundings of Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery.
Starting later this month from Saturday 21 November and running on selected dates throughout December, this is your chance to meet the main man himself and his friendly elves in one of the most unique settings in the city – set against a backdrop of iconic locomotives and historic engines.
Formerly a shipping shed for the world’s first inter-city steam-powered passenger railway, Power Hall will once again become a hub for deliveries – only this time, for Father Christmas’ presents.
Visitors will get to explore Power Hall and discover the story of the packages and goods that used to arrive there, before making their way up the platform to meet the big red man and receive a special science-themed gift.
Not only that, but on two special dates – Saturday 21 November and Wednesday 23 December – visitors will be invited to enjoy even more Christmas cheer, as the museum welcomes classic Victorian-costumed carol singers to add to the magical atmosphere.
You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season / Credit: Science Museum Group
A number of accessible events will also be running, including BSL supported sessions on the afternoon of Saturday 12 December, and relaxed performances to accommodate a quieter experience and slightly longer time with Father Christmas on both Sunday 29 November and Friday 18 December.
If you want to make a day of it, you’ll also be able to explore the rest of the museum’s free interactive galleries and displays as part of your visit, tuck into some festive food in the museum cafe, and pick up discounted souvenirs in the gift shop before you leave.
Tickets for the Father Christmas at the Museum experience are now on sale, setting you back £15 per child (including a gift) – with accompanying adults going free.
Thomas Melia -
12th April 2025 
