Manchester’s ever-changing skyline is instantly recognisable and one local photographer is intent on documenting its beauty.
Tomasz Kozak is an aspiring photographer originally hailing from Rzeszow in Poland, but now living in Manchester.
After calling Manchester home for many years now, he has had the chance to see the city skyline from many different angles up above, which is why he has decided to rank some of his favourite hilltop views across the region.
By creating this list of his seven favourite hilltop views in Greater Manchester, Tomasz said he is hoping to “help those who want to start in cityscape photography but don’t know where to go”. He admitted that “you don’t need to be a pilot of a drone to [capture] amazing images” of the city’s ever-changing skyline and “you don’t need an expensive camera or super long zoom lens” either.
He also recommended that any budding photographers research each of these locations before visiting then as “they offer much more than just pretty picture of our city”.
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He continues: “From woodland areas with hidden waterfalls, or bare hilltops spiked with wind turbines, these are beautiful natural landmarks [with] easy access [which] makes them perfect to enjoy a walk in nature with family or friends.”
So, ready to see the list then?
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Here are Tomasz’s top seven hill views in Greater Manchester.
This number one spot probably won’t come as a surprise to many Mancunians.
Werneth Low in Hyde has taken the crown for the best hilltop view in Greater Manchester according to Tomasz as, in his own words, “this location offers panoramic views of Manchester and it’s great at sunsets”. He recommends that the best time to visit for pictures is “probably September or April as the sun sets directly behind city centre”.
You can find more information about Werneth Low via the Tameside Borough website here.
Bury’s 1852-built Peel Tower Monument takes the second spot.
When it comes to skyline photo opportunities, Tomasz explains that “composition offers quite a bit of foreground interest especially at the dusk where you can capture car trails creating leading lines into the city” and suggests that you “leave your car at the bottom of the hill” for ease as Google Maps will likely lead you thorough narrow private roads.
You can find more information about Peel Tower at the Visit Bury website here.
Hartshed Pike is clocking in at number three on the list.
Tomasz said that “this hill over-viewing Ashton-under-Lyne can offer nice view on Manchester skyline”. He revealed he hasn’t had the chance to visit the location at dusk to photograph it yet, but is planning to do so soon.
You can find more information about Hartshed Pike via the Ashton-under-Lyne History website here.
White Nancy is the furthest south location on the list, ranking in fourth place.
Tomasz admitted that this is the “hardest to shoot because of longest distance to the city” and any aspiring photographers will probably “need clear day to capture Manchester from this angle”, but he did say that in terms of foreground “there is plenty of interest with Bollington village’s natural shape creating leading lines [and] drawing eye into the city”.
You can find more information about White Nancy via the Bollington website here.
Taking the number five spot on the list is Crompton Moor in Oldham.
When it comes to photography opportunities, Tomasz said that this location has “good foreground interest” and “it’s worth a visit to the waterfall hidden close to the carpark to the left”.
You can find more information about Crompton Moor via the Oldham Council website here.
Clarks Hill in Whitefield ranks at number six on the list.
This is a personal favourite of Tomasz’s as he said he “discovered this area in one of my daily runs” during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, and admits it’s a fairly easy shot as “there is not much to think about [with] composition… [with there being] only one place along the road where you can stand without trespassing onto private land”.
You can find more information about Clarks Hill via the Bury Council website here.
Last but not least on the list is Phillips Park in Prestwich.
Whilst Tomasz has admitted that this is “probably the weakest location among all since there are power lines obstructing the view quite a bit” and he’d recommend any photographers “remove [them] in post production, which is quite easy to do even with the basic software”, it’s still no less an impressive view.
More information about Phillips Park can be found here.
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You can see more of Tomasz Kozak’s work via his photography portfolio website here.
Kobbie Mainoo shouts out more of his favourite food spots in Manchester
Danny Jones
Man United star Kobbie Mainoo is back putting people onto his favourite places to eat in Manchester, and judging by his picks, he doesn’t just know football – he knows his food spots too.
The Stockport-born footballer turned 20 years old this month, and as well as celebrating leaving his teens with that impressive goal in the comeback against Lyon, the Manchester United midfielder was met with a birthday cake by his club, along with a fun little game of 20 questions.
Sharing the short but insightful Q&A, in which the number 37 dove into his favourite parts of matchdays, the best birthday gift he’s ever received, as well as the tried and tested dream dinner guest lineup.
Naming a very sporty trio of Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan and Jon Jones, the only logical next step was to ask him where his favourite places to eat around Manchester were, to which he answered…
That’s right, spotlighting a personal favourite of ours, the first Manc venue on his list was Pho Cue, the authentic family-run Vietnamese spot known for great value, top-quality street food such as their big hitter bánh mìs, as well as big queues every lunchtime.
If you don’t know already, then get to know.
As you can see, the second place he mentioned with the booked-up-till-kingdom come Onda Pasta Bar, which went viral for its ‘Tiramisu drawer’ last year and opened their first proper restaurant back in June.
Since then, it’s fair to say it’s more popular than ever and you’re lucky to get a table; if you, however, you’ll be treated to some of the most luxurious and indulgent pasta not just in Manchester but probably anywhere in the country, if you ask us.
These latest shout-outs come after Mainoo famously put Salford’s culinary kings, Burgerism, on the nationwide map after name-dropping them in his British GQ interview in November 2024.
You can watch the full thing HERE, but you already know the biggest takeaway from that chat, quite literally: the boy knows his burgers.
Kobbie is actually just one of several famous faces to have proclaimed Burgerism as the best in the business, at least in Greater Manchester of late.
Not only have British influencers Ollie Ball and Jacob Pasquill now become seemingly regular presenters on their social media, but online content creator turned boxer and WWE star Logan Paul also visited the beloved burger joint and reviewed it during a recent visit to the UK.
We’ll confess we’re more likely to take the local lad’s word on board over the bloke who used to make Vines, but it’s just yet more proof that the Manc food scene is top tier.
Come on, just look at the state of these selections:
Not a bad little spread there, Kobb… (Credit: The Manc Eats)
We’re not sure how much of this stuff Mainoo is allowed on the diet sheet, but we can at least confirm that Kobbie knows his Manchester food, and as far as favourites go, we might just stand a chance of becoming best friends yet.
Happy birthday to a young man with a very bright future and hopefully a very active metabolism.
Featured Images — Manchester United/The Manc Group
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Marcus Rashford reportedly sheds light on his future
Danny Jones
Manchester United star and current Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford has reportedly shed some light on his future, i.e. whether or notit remains at Old Trafford.
Wythenshawe’s world-famous winger and England international has spent the last few months on loan at Villa after being sidelined by Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Since arriving in Birmingham, he’s managed to discover some of the form that made him one of the Premier League‘s most talented players and still one of the most sought-after in Europe, registering four goals and 5 assists in 16 games under new manager Unai Emery.
Having already labelled him ‘one of the world’s dangerous attackers’ before his arrival at Villa Park was confirmed, going on to insist that he is steadily “regaining confidence”, it’s clear that his new gaffer would happily keep and it seems like Rashford now feels a permanent move elsewhere might suit him.
Marcus Rashford not in any hurry to decide his future. Will wait until the summer before talking to anyone. https://t.co/RtQqbKKs9j
While BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reported that Rashford is “not in any hurry” to decide where he goes next, the football writer and reliable transfer source did note that the 27-year-old at least “feels it is unlikely he will play for Manchester United again under Ruben Amorim.”
It is thought that the Portuguese ex-midfielder and former Sporting CP boss had taken issue with Rashford over his effort levels in training and application in games, the suggestion being that the lifelong Red Devil wasn’t quite buying into his ideas.
As a result, Stone goes on to add that “while his United contract is due to run until 2028, and it is not completely out of the question Rashford might return, sources close to the player do not see an obvious way back into the Old Trafford fold.”
Not unlike the situation between Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho, with the fellow forward being ousted from the squad following a fall-out, leadership might prove a similar obstacle in this case as well.
That being said, and given the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are looking to build around their new manager as opposed to starting from square one yet again, a reconciliation between Amorim and Rashford would be required. Given how much he’s enjoying his football at Villa, it seems doubtful.
"It worked for both parties" 🤝
Gary Neville believes that Manchester United letting Marcus Rashford leave was still the right' decision 🔴 pic.twitter.com/DNAmejWKC3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 23, 2025
What little we do know regarding Rashford‘s future is that he looks to have ruled out a move to London and would prefer to settle at a team playing Champions League football, with Aston Villa in with a strong chance of finishing in the European places once again.
Villa are said to have an option buy clause worth around £40 million; other continental clubs said to still be interested in his signature include Barcelona and PSG.
You can watch the highlights from Rashford’s last game against familiar rivals Manchester City, in which he grabbed yet another goal for Villa, down below. He could have had two, were it not for the post…
Do you think Rashford should try and make a Villa move permanent, return home or look elsewhere?
The Manc -
18th September 2020 
