A major road that connects Greater Manchester to South Yorkshire has been dubbed ‘the worst road in Britain’ in a TikTok which has since gone viral.
Professional tribute act Emma Wallbank (@miwallbank on TikTok) shared her recent experience of crossing Woodhead Pass while travelling to a gig last week, explaining the series of events which led to her losing out on ‘a night’s work’.
As she explains in the nearly three-minute-long rant, Emma was on the way to a gig in North Wales from Yorkshire when, unfortunately, she realised she had to cross Woodhead Pass – a.k.a. ‘where dreams go to die’ – in order to make it to her destination.
Already a lengthy route, poor timing also played a part as she just so happened to arrive when the road was undergoing a series of unannounced roadworks following a crash on Tuesday evening.
After Google Maps had already added a further two hours onto her journey, she came across a workman who informed her she’d be better off turning back around than waiting for the hold-up to clear. The absolute worst…
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While she admitted that she’d rather do a number of unpleasant, albeit hilarious things involving large animals than cross the pass, it’s not ideal when it’s basically your only route to get where you’re going.
Worse still, part of the Woodhead Pass’ notoriety is the lack of phone reception, and Emma had to mooch for 40 minutes before she could get any kind of signal to use her maps or even contact the event to let them know she wasn’t going to make it.
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As she puts it, the road is in ‘the middle of nowhere’ and your only chance of contacting another soul would be ‘by carrier pigeon’.
Despite being a bit of a favourite for truckers across the country, it would seem the road designated A628 is infamous among plenty of other drivers. One person noted how it regularly closes due to flooding and roadworks, and another said, ‘it simply shouldn’t be a road’.
One person wrote, “I once left work 3 hours early by the time I got through congestion and traffic started moving… it was my normal finish time…”, while another said they had waited more than six hours before completing the 61.48 km stretch.
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Our favourite comment and perhaps the best way to sum up most people’s experience of Woodhead Pass was the person who said, “l think Sam and Frodo would turn around if they had to go through Woodhead Pass”. Petition to rename it ‘Woodhead, you shall not Pass?’…
While it isn’t one of the top ten most dangerous or most problematic routes in the UK, it would seem plenty of people can empathise with her.
What do you reckon, is she right? Or is there somewhere else you think should be considered the worst road in Britain?
A local Manchester run club is holding two special running routes to see the total eclipse
Danny Jones
With the highly anticipated total eclipse fast approaching, people not just here in Greater Manchester but all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world are gearing up to try and watch it – but this native running club are doing it a bit differently.
Eclipses occur once every 12-18 months, but this is set to be the biggest since 1999.
The moon is set to cover approximately 96-98% of the sun this coming Wednesday, 12 August, 2026, and rather than try to watch it from a window at home or drive to somewhere with supposedly ‘the best view’, local sports club Manchester Road Runners are turning it into their latest one-off event.
Sharing details online, the free-to-join local organisation, which boasts thousands of members on Facebook and various other platforms, will be timing things to make sure they catch the phenomenon.
Writing in the accompanying caption, the Road Runners say: “We’ve pulled some strings and have a very special event taking place on August 12th, a solar eclipse! Come run with us under a darkened sun next Wednesday from The Wharf at 18:30, with peak moon coverage expected at around 19:10.”
Better still, they’re also teaming up with their trail running spin-off club for an even more scenic twist on the evening excursion.
“If you prefer to experience your solar phenomena under the wide open skies”, they go on to write, “our friends over at Trail Division will be holding a hike/run off road, meet at Piccadilly Station at 18:00 to get shady in the great outdoors.”
Fortunately, they have issued an important disclaimer, going on to remind runners that “while beautiful and majestic, the sun should NEVER be directly looked at in the face unprotected”, signing off by adding, “Respect the sun, respect your peepers, stay ocularly safe out there.”
If you’ve never come across MRR before, they’re probably the biggest run club in the entire Greater Manchester region and their social-first jogs, intervals, track sessions and more revolve around meeting back up with your mates for a wholesome pint and a chat.
For many, it’s the biggest and the best in the city.
As for the eclipse run, it’s set to be a very magical variation on their usual Wednesday evening meets.
Quite rightly, they also point out in the post that you can actually buy certain glasses to view eclipses on these rare occasions, with search traffic often ramping up in and around these events.
Meanwhile, the Trail Division branch is yet to confirm the route for their run/hike, but it will most likely remain in the nearby North West vicinity; keep your eyes peeled on their social media pages (linked above) for more information and other upcoming trail events.
Speaking of trail runs, there’s a pretty beautiful albeit challenging one coming up next month…
Stunning vistas, walkers welcome, and multiple distances available.🏃♂️🥾
And the best part? It's less than 90 minutes away from Manchester. 🏞️
10 things to do this summer across Greater Manchester, all accessible by Bee Network buses and trams
Daisy Jackson
We’re right in the heart of the summer holidays now, and there’s loads going on all over Greater Manchester to keep families occupied.
There are wholesome activities for little Mancs, like fruit-picking on a local farm, and a gigantic pop-up summer fair at the Trafford Centre complete with beach, splash pool, and fairground rides.
You’ll also find loads of free cultural events for all ages, including a huge installation of inflatable famous faces all across Manchester Arndale, and a real rocket that’s currently in situ at the Science and Industry Museum.
Not got kids to entertain but looking for fun things to do with your mates? We’ve got you covered there too, whether it’s kayaking down the Bridgewater Canal or taking on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide at Heaton Park.
And no matter what you’re doing, you’ll be able to get there on the Bee Network’s trams, buses, and Starling Bikes – visit the Bee Network app or website to plan your journey.
Trafford Centre Summer Fair
Trafford Centre Summer Fair. Credit: The Manc Group
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre this summer.
The event has attracted thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond in recent years, ready to build sandcastles on the massive manmade beach, or splash around in the splash park with lots of water jets perfect for cooling you off.
Adrenaline junkies both young and old will also get to enjoy retro fairground rides, including ‘Star Flyer’, ‘Sea Storm’, while the event’s in town, as well as a giant inflatable area, and loads more.
Tickets from £3
Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum
Visit a real rocket at the Science and Industry Museum. Credit: The Manc Group
You can spend the summer in space at the Science and Industry Museum, which has loads of space-themed free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities, Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you. Zip World up at Heaton Park has launched a brand new attraction this summer that’ll have you whizzing through the woodland on the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide.
There are two slides side-by-side, with one measuring a whopping 262ft, which you zoom down in huge inflatable rings.
It’s suitable for ages four and up (and trust us adults, you’ll love it too).
Strawberry picking at Kenyon Hall Farm / Credit: The Manc Group
We might be creeping towards the end of strawberry season, but Kenyon Hall Farm has absolutely loads of different pick-your-own activities.
The family-run farm has been growing strawberries and other fruit for almost 50 years, and it’s one of our top recommendations for where to spend some time this summer.
You can frolic around the fields, then enjoy loads of seasonal summer treats in its cafe and farm shop too.
Local trailblazers including Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing, and even Aitch have been turned into enormous inflatables, measuring up to a whopping six metres in length.
The impressive installation comes from celebrated local illustrator Stanley Chow.
Open all summer, free to visit.
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Check out the Manchester Open exhibition at HOME
Manchester Open exhibition at HOME. Credit: The Manc Group
The Manchester Open is back for 2026 – more than 1,500 applicants entered, of which 420 have been selected to showcase their works inside the gallery space at HOME.
With mediums ranging from ceramics, digital, painting, photography, sculpture and more, there’s art made for everyone to enjoy.
The exhibition is completely FREE and you’ve got plenty of time to visit before its final date on Sunday 6 September.
Walk along to Riverbank Coffee
The view from Riverbank CoffeeRiverbank Coffee’s famous sausage rolls
The only way to find this charming outdoor cafe on the River Mersey is on food – but that makes for a perfect summer activity.
Whether it’s a pitstop on a dog walk, a break on a family stroll, or a dedicated trip for one of their legendary sausage rolls, Riverbank Coffee is a gem.
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You’ll also find breakfast barms, pasties, cakes, cookies, coffees, milkshakes, and loads more.
Get lost at The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill in StockportA corner of vintage fashion
Who knew the North West’s largest vintage lifestyle centre was hiding inside an old cotton mill in Stockport?
Set within the historic Pear Mill, The Vintage Emporium is home to more than 65 independent traders, selling everything from vintage fashion and furniture to retro vinyl, jewellery and one-of-a-kind antiques – plus finds like giant Flake statues, Japanese parasols, and taxidermy.
After browsing, stop by the charming on-site tea room for a toastie, homemade cake and a brew, all served on vintage crockery.
You never know what treasure you’ll discover.
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Have a pint or a play at The Airport Pub
Flights taking off outside the Airport PubYou can sit inside a booth built from an old engine
Have you ever been to a beer garden where jets land just 50ft away from you? No? Get a visit to The Airport Pub on your list.
This has got to be one of the most unique pub gardens in the UK, perched right beside the runway at Manchester Airport.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or you just like a side of very noisy adrenaline with your pub lunch, it’s a Manc icon for a reason.
And there’s a huge play area in the garden to make it a truly family-friendly day out.
Kayak down the Bridgewater Canal
Paddling along the Bridgewater CanalPaddling down the Bridgewater Canal in Greater Manchester
You really don’t have to travel far to spend an idyllic day on the water.
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In fact, you could be paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddle board in just a short tram journey.
This is Grip Adventures, and you’ll find it in Sale right on the beautiful Bridgewater Canal.
The team here will send you on your way along the water, and if you paddle far enough, you could even visit Walton Perk for a coffee or a takeaway Aperol spritz, without even leaving your boat.
If you’re planning a trip around Greater Manchester this summer, visit the Bee Network to plan your journey.
Danny Jones -
20th September 2022 
