Travel & Tourism

Brilliant Boxing Day walks around Greater Manchester

Come on, peel yourself off that sofa, just for a little bit.

Daisy Jackson - 24th December 2024

It’s Boxing Day, and for a lot of us, the only requirement of the day is to sort out (eat) the leftovers and enjoy one last day of vegetating in front of the telly… walking is not high on the agenda.

But all that over-indulgence from Christmas Day can start to creep up on you – waistbands straining, head a bit foggy, bank balance definitely suffering from the Christmas Eve pub session.

Without wanting to sound like your nan, sometimes a bit of fresh air is exactly what you need to get yourself put back together again.

Not to mention it can help you to build up an appetite again to dive into that cheeseboard for the sixth time this weekend.

Greater Manchester is blessed with beautiful walks in all directions.

We’ve rounded up a handful of beautiful Boxing Day walks to try out.

Macclesfield Forest

There aren’t many places in the UK that look so much like a Christmas postcard as Macclesfield Forest, making it one of our favourite winter walking destinations.

Here, huge conifers dominate the landscape like giant Christmas trees – it’s about as close to an alpine wonderland you can get without travelling all the way to actual mountains.

There are a number of walking trails to follow, from a gently green route all the way to a more challenging red route that takes you deeper into the forest.

You can find a full trail through AllTrails here.

Read more: The country walk that looks like a Christmas postcard in winter weather

Greenbooth Reservoir, Rochdale

Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated beauty spots.

If you tackle a full loop of all three reservoirs, you’ll come across a small waterfall, a stunning view of the Manchester skyline from the dam wall, and paths carved into steep hillsides.

It’s all nestled up in the Naden Valley in Rochdale, just above Norden.

A full loop of the trio of reservoirs is just over 6km, but you can shorten the walk by just circling around one.

Read more: The hugely underrated reservoir walk with amazing views of Manchester and a waterfall

Peel Tower, Bury

Let’s see how awake your quads are, shall we, with an entirely uphill climb from Ramsbottom village to its magnificent Peel Tower.

The walk’s not too tough if you take it at a slow pace, and it’s well worth it for the views. Trust us.

You can go straight up the hill and straight back down again if you’re not wanting to rack up too many miles, or turn it into a circular and stroll across Holcombe Moor instead (beware – it can get windy up here).

There’s a map of the circular route here and some great pubs in the village to relax in afterwards.

Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham

Dovestone Reservoir is a beloved gem among many Mancunians – it might be busy on Boxing Day, but thanks to its mostly-wide footpaths and circular route it’s easy enough to have your own space on your walk.

The path around the water is mostly flat and accessible, making it ideal if you’ve still got a few generations’-worth of relatives hanging about.

You can keep going if you’re feeling adventurous, extending your walk to include Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, or heading up to Saddleworth moor and the crags above.

You can find more information about Dovestone Reservoir here.

Read more: The lesser-known beauty spot above one of Greater Manchester’s most popular destinations

Roe Green Loopline, Salford

This is another one that’s pram-friendly, and not at all strenuous, so it’s perfect for both little legs and hungover ones.

A 3km circular walk will take you from Monton along the old Roe Green train line, then back along the Bridgewater Canal.

On your walk, you’ll see churches, an old abandoned train station platform, and the Monton lighthouse, as well as beautiful woodland scenery.

You can see the details of the walk and learn more about its history at Visit Salford.

Sale Water Park, Trafford

This is far and away one of the best winter walks you can do locally, especially on a crisp sunny day (which we hope Boxing Day will be).

The water is surrounded by woodland and meadows, and you chuck in a stroll along the banks of the River Mersey while you’re out here.

The lake itself is actually an artificial one, and was flooded after gravel was dug up to build the M60 in the 1970s.

In summer it’s packed with people doing watersports, but in winter it’s a picturesque little local stroll – and as a bonus, you can even get the tram right to the gate.

Reddish Vale, Stockport

Right then, if you want maximum bang for your buck (as in soaking in as much fresh air and scenery as you can in as short a time as possible), Reddish Vale is the one.

There’s a really gentle loop that starts from the car park and skirts the edge of the bottom pond, also taking in views of the enormous viaduct that looms overhead.

And if you’re after something slightly more involved, you can keep exploring – this urban oasis spans 161 hectares with the River Tame running right through it.

Alderley Edge, Cheshire

A stroll around Alderley Edge is one of the top days out in our region for good reason.

There’s that view, for one thing, viewing the ever-changing Manchester skyline from the south, while standing on its dramatic sandstone escarpment.

We like parking up in the village and ogling at all the mansions on the way up.

Alderley Edge is a National Trust site and they’ve pulled together a handy woodland walk to follow.

Lantern Pike, Derbyshire

If you’re after a view of Greater Manchester you might not have seen before, get your hiking boots on and make for Lantern Pike.

Right on the edge of the Peak District near the village of Hayfield, this hill has incredible 360 degree views across the Peaks and towards the city.

The best bit is the pint you’ll have earned at the renowned gastropub, The Pack Horse, once you get back down again.

Read more: The countryside walk with amazing views, an old railway line, and a great pub at the end

Rivington Pike, Lancashire

Rivington Pike is a real gem in the North West, just across Bolton’s border with Lancashire, with loads to explore.

There’s a trio of reservoirs at the foot of the hill but most people head upwards, towards the historic tower at the peak, where you can soak in views for miles around.

The Terraced Gardens are well worth exploring too, where you’ll find a hidden Japanese Garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves.

Heaton Park, Manchester

It might not be the most adventurous of Boxing Day walks – Heaton Park is one of Manchester’s most popular and prominent green spaces and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – but it’s a perfect option for a family-friendly stroll.

The huge park has miles of accessible footpaths which loop around the boating lake, the Grade I-listed Heaton House, and the ‘Temple’, which stands at the highest point in the city of Manchester.

There are also cows and horses wandering about (even when the animal park itself is closed) and the old tramline to check out.

Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough

What’s better than a walk where after you’re done you can stop off for a well-deserved friday night feast, fish and chips.

This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.

This very lake has also been home to a BBC series released this year ‘The Jetty’ which starred Jenna Coleman as Dectective Ember Manning.

Burrs Country Park, Bury

Stone sculptures, a water wheel model and an East Lancashire Railway station, it’s hard to tell what this walk doesn’t have.

Located just a nine minute drive away from Bury town centre, Burrs Country Park is a great chance to be at one with nature while also making sure you’re not too far from home.

This lovely stroll is certainly a-MOO-zing with comforting pub grub at The Brown Cow or nearby ice cream parlour Jersey Girls’ – we may have a little ice cream obsession…

Peel Park & Kersal Wetlands

Featuring some a vast green space and some of the most intricately landscaped paths and patterns, Peel Park is like stepping into a mini Bridgerton inspired garden, all that’s missing is keys to your own castle (We wish).

Another Salford beauty spot is just a 20 minute walk away but if the conversation is flowing the time will fly by.

Kersal Wetlands is a circular route that offers visitors the chance to see some cute feathered friends, mainly ducks, while burning off some of yesterday’ Christmas treats.

Both these walks are flat making them accessible for all and are ideal for anyone with a pram or people who may struggle with strenuous walks.

Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury

A Didsbury gem, Fletcher Moss Park is a 15 minute tram ride away from Manchester city centre and just under 15 minute walk from Didsbury Village tram stop.

This is more than a park, it’s a hidden oasis with well-maintained and lush garden spaces to a fascinating rock garden that’s simply awe-inspiring.

Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the retro food and beverages truck and take a minute to appreciate this quiet spot before making your return to the usual hustle and bustle.

Millennium Walkway, New Mills

Ever wanted to ‘hover above a huge gorge’ while getting all your steps in? Well this Peak District town has got you covered.

Situated directly next to the River Sett, the impressive 175 yard walkway can be incorporated into various walking trails and routes that surround the area.

New Mills has it all, whether you’re after a walk that admires some grand architecture in the shape of the impressive railway arches, or the lovely forest trails and greenery, there’s something for every type of walker.

Read more:

• People are flocking to the ‘best sunset spot’ with beautiful views of Manchester
• The Roaches and Lud’s Church: one of the most varied and scenic walks you’ll find near Manchester
• The Peak District walk with a giant cave and a mysterious ‘disappearing river’

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Featured image: Wikimedia Commons