Want to put that ‘New Year, new me’ promise to the test by swapping Manchester city centre for a scenic walk in the great outdoors? Cure those January blues with an expedition for all abilities right on your doorstep.
The Roaches and Lud’s Church circular in Allgreave, Cheshire has all bases covered for a perfect Peak District adventure and it’s only about an hour away in the car.
This 10km hike takes around three to four hours and features everything from rocky scrambles up to exposed ridges to green woodlands leading through mysterious caverns. Winter can be the perfect time to get out there as well, so dust off your boots, wrap up warm and set off on an adventure only an hour away from the town.
The easiest way to access the starting point is via car, parking at The Roaches Tea Rooms. A small stroll up the road will take you to the beginning of the footpath with the jagged crest of The Roaches ahead. The 550m rocky ascent is the first and arguably most difficult obstacle of the entire journey.
Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll see walkers and climbers alike gearing up at the base of the first striking ridge. Its unique rock formations are notoriously admired by climbers and made famous by Salfordian mountaineer Don Whillans who trained on the very rocks.
Once you’ve scrambled up through the cracks of the landscape, you get to soak in the views of Leek and the nearby Tittesworth Reservoir and the rolling moorland of the Peaks. Dotted along the horizon are grazing sheep amongst self-sufficient farmhouses that have catered for the land for decades.
As you continue along the open ridge, the elements can be pretty relentless, especially on a fresh winter’s morning. Check the forecast before you head off but we’d consider a hat and gloves mandatory!
Following the trail north, you will pass a series of small pools, only applicable to swim at this time of year if you are brave enough — or slightly insane. The most famous is named ‘Doxey Pool’, which has a historic and mysterious reputation.
In folklore, some say the small body of water is bottomless and is home to a malignant mermaid otherwise called a ‘blue nymph’. The creature was reportedly sighted emerging out of the tarn in 1949 by a woman on her morning swim although the sighting could never be confirmed.
Sadly, we didn’t see any mermaids on our stroll, so for now we’re calling it mythical nonsense.
Around halfway through the walk, the well-trodden route will lead to a cross junction showing signposts for Lud’s Church, where the scenery gets even more dramatic. They say what goes up has to come down, and the trail towards this 15th-century cavern takes you so deep through the woods you step into another world.
The entrance to the gorge takes you into a rocky cavern plastered in moss and ferns. Lud’s Church itself lasts only around 100m but there are a variety of different routes to explore.
We can’t think of many more walks as unique and scenic as this so close to Manchester.
The name derives from its use as a secret place of worship in the early 1400s for Lollards, a group of reformed Christians who were often persecuted for their beliefs. It is likely that the ‘Lud’ came from Walter de Lud Auk, who was captured at Lud’s Church during one of their meetings.
The circle back to the start begins as you exit the chasm with the latter half of the walk being much less physically demanding than the way there. Returning back to the cross junction, take the paved road which splits the face of Roaches Ridge to the left and the spanning views of the Reservoir to the right.
The leisurely downhill stroll should take around 40 minutes, passing more farmhouses, more sheep and on this occasion a few donkeys. Enough time before you get back to the car to decide which local pub to grab a roast on the way home. A rewarding end to a wholesome day.
If you’re looking for more scenic walking routes so close to Manchester that you can get there using public transport, we’ve got a load of great ones for you here:
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 11 – 17 August 2025
Emily Sergeant
August is well underway and we’ve had a mix of weather so far.
Despite the storms, schools across Greater Manchester are now out for the summer holidays, and that means the fun is just getting started, so there’s plenty happening this week to celebrate – from festivals, and themed events, to new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Afterglow
Chester Zoo
Monday 11 – Sunday 17 August
Afterglow / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s much-loved Afterglow event is back this summer, and organisers say it’ll be ‘bigger and better’ than ever.
Returning to the UK’s biggest charity zoo by popular demand, Afterglow is already known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours… and this time around, there will be ‘even more’ surprises to discover.
Animal lovers will get the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour – which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
Find out more and see if there’s last-minute tickets here.
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The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years
Manchester Museum
Monday 11 August – onwards
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
Looking for an even more special Operation Ouch! experience this summer?
For those who haven’t been able to pay a visit yet, this Tuesday 12 August couldn’t be a more ideal opportunity to do so, as Dr Xand Van Tulleken himself will be at the museum in to meet visitors as part of his myth-busting mission to answer some of the public’s deepest questions about our senses.
He will not only join mini medics on their voyage through the senses, but will also be on-hand to answer brain teasers from the audience during a series of live Q&As.
Meet Dr Xand at the Science and Industry Museum / Credit: Science Museum Group
Whether it’s banging on a super-sized eardrum, venturing into a massive eyeball, or even taking a whiff of a ‘smell library’, Dr Xand will be there every step of the way.
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre has welcomed back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography
An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition has taken over the streets of the city centre this summer.
The new exhibition, which is titled Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city, is a collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art – the creators of the famous Bee in the City project – and Manchester City Council.
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back for 2025.
Prices have been slashed at more than 30 different restaurants, cafes, and kiosks inside the shopping centre, and there’s some huge discounts to be had, so whether you fancy savoury or sweet, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
You can grab free ice cream with any large drink at Lazy Sundae, get 20% off food at Sides and King Pins, get a massive 25% off at HOP Vietnamese, plus 15% off at The Bagel Factory,
There’s many more offers running too, and you can find out more here.
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NEW OPENING – Zara
Trafford Centre
NEW OPENING – Zara Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
It’s official – the best Zara store in the UK has landed here in Manchester, so fashionistas and trend-setters get ready, because this brand-new supersized store has opened over at the Trafford Centre this week.
It’s the first concept store of its kind in the country, complete with exclusive collections that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
From a dedicated shoe room and exclusive activewear department, to 37 assisted checkouts, and so much more, this is a Zara like you’ve never seen it before, and it’s SO worth a visit.
It really wasn’t that long ago that cult-favourite beauty retailer Sephora opened its doors in the Trafford Centre, but now the city centre’s getting in on the action too, as after the first site proved so successful, a brand-new Manchester Arndale store has just opened, and she’s stunning.
Packed with all things skincare and beauty, there exclusive-to-Sephora brands in store, like Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Rare Beauty, and many more.
NEW OPENING – Oop Stay Art Cafe / Credit: The Manc Group
A brand-new art cafe has opened up in Manchester where you can make your own phone case, paint a masterpiece, or craft an adorable Moru doll.
At Oop Stay Art Cafe in Chinatown, it’s all about switching off from the outside world and getting a little bit crafty, with seriously cute charms, patches and paints to play with.
Whether you’re building a phone case covered in miniature food charms or a claw clip plastered in flowers, you can do it with a matcha or an iced coffee – and leave with an adorable creation and a caffeine buzz.
There’s even a ‘messy room’ where you can whack on a rain coat and fling paint around to your heart’s content.
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SmileyWorld® Art Trail
Stockport
Monday 11 August – onwards
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Cheshire Oaks has brought its popular The Great Summer Social event back for another year, and there’s currently loads to get involved with while schools are out.
Not only is there a bunch of retail offers and promotions to make the most of, as well as free family-friendly interactive activities to get involved with too, but there’s also a big wheel, a mini golf course, a big screen showing entertainment events, DJs blasting out tunes, and a wide variety of street food and drink vendors across the Designer Outlet.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this week.
Aspiring witches and wizards for all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery on the East Lancashire Railway this summer as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour’ of the Wizard Academy.
They’ll get to learn to become a master of mystery and magic during this immersive interactive experience through the Irwell Valley of wonders that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train.
Featured Image – ELR | The Manc Group | Science Museum Group
Things To Do
There’s a ‘not snobby’ cheese tasting evening coming to Manchester this autumn
Thomas Melia
An evening dedicated to celebrating all things cheese is coming to a Manchester city centre pub this autumn.
Leeds-based cheese company Homage2Fromage launched its cheese-focused company back in 2011 as a monthly service highlighting all the delicious dairy offerings.
Since this, Homage2Fromage has gone on to host incredible events and activities, including an all-you-can-eat cheese festival right here in Manchester back in 2023.
Now, the cheese fanatics return with a brand-new event titled ‘Extreme Cheese’, where it’s bringing lots of creamy and crumbly varieties to local Manchester city centre pub, The Wayfarer.
You can expect to sample eight dairy delights, with some expected to be ‘very strong’, as the company adds ‘fromage not for the faint-hearted’, so if you like your cheese strong, then this one’s for you.
Homage2Fromage host cheese tasting experiences across the country including Manchester / Credit: Supplied
This cheese provider offers tasting experiences up and down the country, including prime spots in the north like Halifax, Harrogate, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The newest cheese-inspired event is set to be no different, with an itinerary packed regarding all things cheese.
You can grab a drink on arrival, and as soon as you hear ‘CHEESE’ the tasting begins, followed by scoring and, most importantly, an informative chat where you learn all about this dreamy delicacy.
For those who are cheese aficionados, the company even lets you host your own cheese event and provides everything you could ever need – including that golden flavour-packed good stuff.
If you’d rather put your hosting skills to one side though, and just simply tuck into some of the best cheddar varieties there is, then you can do just that at this upcoming cheese testing evening this autumn.
Homage2Fromage is bringing an exclusive cheese tasting evening, ‘Extreme Cheese’, to Manchester city centre at The Wayfarer on 24 September, and you can find tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Harry Quick -
13th January 2024 
