Things To Do

The prettiest walks around Greater Manchester and the north west to try this spring

Daisy Jackson - 28th March 2024

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.

Loughrigg Fell, Lake District

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.

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.

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

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.

This handy walking route from Countryfile includes viaduct views as well as encounters with all the new-season blooms.

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

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.

The whole site is managed by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, who regularly update followers with which species pass through as the seasons change.

Tegg’s Nose, Cheshire

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.

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.

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

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.

You can find out more about it here.

Read more

• Bloomtown – the beautiful blossom walking trail through Manchester city centre
• Beautiful Greater Manchester walks you can get to using public transport
• The Roaches and Lud’s Church: one of the most varied and scenic walks you’ll find near Manchester

Featured image: National Trust