The weather is FINALLY warming up a little and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter – it’s time for a walk.
There’s nothing quite like the arrival of spring to (so sorry) put a spring in your step, especially after such a dreary few months post-Christmas.
Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now, and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – perfect for a spring walk.
We’re talking fields full of daffodils and bluebells and trees dripping with blossom.
Here are some of the prettiest walks to tackle this season around Greater Manchester to make the most of the north west in spring.
It may be a bit of a schlep up the road, but Manchester’s relative proximity to the Lake District is something we should all be taking advantage of.
Although Cumbria is known for its big hills, you don’t have to climb high to get the best spring experiences at Loughrigg Fell.
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The lower slopes are often ablaze with beautiful bluebells at this time of year.
Countryfile has pulled together a lovely walking route here.
Salthill Quarry, Clitheroe
This spot in Lancashire actually once lay at the bottom of the ocean, but it’s now a shining example of a northern nature reserve.
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It’s home to an incredible array of wildlife and plant life, including masses of wildflowers in the spring and summer that makes for a dream walk for nature lovers.
All those blooms bring loads of birds and butterflies to the area too.
The Geology Trail is a circular walk that will show you all the best bits, with QR codes to scan for extra information on your way round.
Monsal Dale, Peak District
Monsal Dale is beautiful spring walk. Credit: Unsplash, Rob Bates
Surrounded by dales scenery, hiring a few bikes to cycle the Monsal Trail is an absolute Peak District must-do.
But for wildflower lovers, you want to duck off the former railway line and explore Monsal Dale instead.
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This handy walking route from Countryfile includes viaduct views as well as encounters with all the new-season blooms.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston
Credit: Facebook, Brockholes
The Brockholes Nature Reserve spans a massive 250 acres and actually only opened around 10 years ago.
It’s drawn in more than one million human visitors and even more feathered and furry ones, including different species of deer, badgers, hares, osprey and red kites.
Tegg’s Nose Country Park really comes into its own in spring, when clambering around the rocky landscape isn’t such sweaty (or slippery) work.
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From May, the meadows around this corner of Cheshire will be a blanket of yellow when the pansies bloom.
It’s not too far to travel from Greater Manchester either, so makes for a great spring walk.
This AllTrails loop around Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest is a real winner.
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Ahead of the National Trust’s annual BlossomWatch event, the charity has pulled together a list of where to see the best blossom trees across the country.
In the north west it’s Dunham Massey, Speke Hall, Rufford Old Hall and Little Moreton Hall, as well as the grounds around the old mill at Quarry Bank.
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The National Trust says: “The walled garden bursts into life in April with the blooming of the apricot tree, followed by the arrival of apple, pear, nectarine and peach blossom. The Apprentice House Garden is home to apple, plum and pears trees, making it the perfect place to enjoy a picnic under a canopy of blossom.”
Bloomtown Blossom Trail, Manchester city centre
Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage GardensBlossom trees in Ancoats
Manchester never looks better than it does in the spring, so if you don’t fancy heading out in the countryside, there’s plenty of nature to admire with a walk in town itself.
The National Trust and Castlefield Viaduct have created a walking trail around Manchester that’s all about celebrating the blossom.
It loops from the Viaduct down Canal Street, through Ancoats, and back again, taking in landmarks like the Central Library, Parsonage Gardens, and the Rochdale Canal.
Makeup stations, drag shows, and selfie spots to take over Manchester Arndale ahead of Pride weekend
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Arndale has announced details of a huge Pride takeover to warm the city up for Manchester Village Pride.
The centre will be filled with all sorts of installations, dazzling performances, pop-ups, and community projects to kick off the celebrations for another year.
Taking place this weekend (22 and 23 August), ahead of the main event in the Gay Village on the bank holiday weekend, Manchester Arndale wants to start the Pride celebrations in style.
Pose with Pride, in partnership with Manchester Village Pride, will include everything from makeup stations and selfie spots to live performances in the heart of the city.
So whether you’re looking for inspiration for your Pride makeup look, fancy watching a free drag show, or want to chat to some friendly faces from local LGBTQ+ organisations, Manchester Arndale has you covered.
There’s a minimum £3 donation required covering both the makeover and photo activities – but every penny goes directly to supporting Manchester Village Pride and its associated charities.
The Pose with Pride event will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, and here’s everything that’s going on.
Visit the Pride selfie station
You don’t need to wait until you’re in the mix at Canal Street to get an iconic photo, not when Manchester Arndale is installing a colourful rainbow archway for the weekend.
You can strike your fiercest post at the Pride selfie station, and receive a digital print to take home on the day.
Get your glam nailed on
There’ll be makeup stations for Pride across Manchester Arndale
Want to look and feel like your best self for Manchester Village Pride? You’ll be able to find loads of beauty and makeup inspiration across Manchester Arndale this week.
There’ll be makeup beauty stations dotted all around the centre, including Sephora, Space NK, BPerfect, KIKO Milano, and Lush.
From rainbow glitter makeovers to Pride-inspired face art, you’ll definitely leave feeling fabulous and very inspired.
Catch a spectacular drag show
The brilliant dance collective Ghetto Fabulous will be taking over the rainbow carpet at Manchester Arndale, with spectacular performances all weekend.
Led by the fabulous Coco Cannelll, the talented troupe will be premiering their brand-new ‘Byoncé’ drag show in Manchester Arndale.
Performances will take place at 1pm, 3pm, and 4.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Share a Letter from the Heart
Manchester Arndale will post the Pose with Pride event this weekend. Credit: Supplied
It’s not just about dancing and slathering yourself in glitter – Manchester Arndale’s Pose with Pride event will also host the Letters to My Younger Self community project and touring exhibition.
Here, LGBTQ+ people and allies are invited to write a letter to their younger self, where it’s words of encouragement, a heartfelt message of resilience, or simply something you wish you’d heard more growing up.
Every letter will become part of a powerful national exhibition celebrating lived experiences across the community.
The Letters to My Younger Self project was originally created by Perthshire Pride and is brought to Manchester in collaboration with Manchester Village Pride.
Find your people and support
As much as Pride is a celebration, it’s also a chance for the community to come together in support of one another.
A number of local organisations, including George House Trust, Sparkle, LGBT Foundation, The Proud Trust and AKT, will be on hand to offer information, support, or simply a friendly chat.
You can learn all about their work supporting LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Manchester Arndale’s Pose with Pride event will run from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday 22 August; and 11.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday 23 August – see more HERE.
You can ALREADY book tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally the middle of August, and we’ve still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of a bank holiday weekend, Halloween, and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The iconic heritage railway has announced that its hugely-popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam trains are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
Santa Specials are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
You can ALREADY book tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains this Christmas / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station, and first get to meet some old favourites and new characters – including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess – all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves – with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipples, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
Daisy Jackson -
28th March 2024 
