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.
Behind the doors of the stunning £1.5 million Georgian manor house in the Stockport countryside
Emily Sergeant
Fancy a look inside a grade II-listed Georgian manor house that’s currently on the market in the stunning Stockport countryside?
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £1.5 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £1.5 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
Take a look behind the grand front door of what is, by far, one of the finest properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment.
Strawberry Hill is one of the finest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester / Credit: TAUK
This is Strawberry Hill.
Eagle-eyed readers of our monthly ‘hot properties’ series may recognise this residence as being featured in March’s round-up article.
And can you believe it’s only in Stockport? Well, Marple shall we say, which is very much one of the borough’s most sought-after and affluent residential areas, combining the best of semi-rural living with easy access to all the amenities in the town’s centre, as well as Manchester being not far off either, so it’s ideally placed for peace and quiet yet modern life is within reaching distance.
Steeped in history, Strawberry Hill dates back to the 18th century and estate agents describe it as being a ‘fine example’ of Georgian architecture.
This grade II-listed Georgian country house is currently on the market for £1.2 million / Credit: TAUK
The property was once home to prominent local mill manager Edwin Furness, and is known for having played a role in Marple’s rich heritage – with its original sash windows, grand entrance hall with a semi-elliptical overlight, period features, and older adjoining wing all being a carefully-preserved to keep its timeless charm intact.
Despite this being a historic home and a well-known local landmark though, once you step through the front door, you’ll see that the property has been modernised to a very high standard by the current owners and is a true testament to their eye for design.
The property is steeped in history and dates all the way back to the 18th century / Credit: TAUK
Estate agents say the home’s design-led approach brings ‘sophistication, character, and individuality’ to every space, with each room having been thoughtfully-curated with a distinct aesthetic and luxurious fittings to add to its eclectic feel.
Every corner of this stunning home is flooded with natural light, and most rooms boast open fireplaces, classic sash windows, and opulent furnishings to enhance all its grandeur and warmth.
The property also boasts a barn attached to the main living quarters, providing plenty of potential for renovations by the new owners.
And when you step outside, the property only continues to impress.
The outside grounds of the property are just as impressive as the interiors / Credit: TAUK
Not only does the property benefit from being beautifully-positioned in an elevated setting above the River Goyt, but it’s enjoys fantastic views thanks to being surrounded by picturesque countryside, with the river flowing to the west and rolling fields, woodland, and gardens all enveloping the estate.
Strawberry Hill is currently on the market with national estate agency chain, TAUK, for a whopping £1.5 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosey at the Rightmove link here.
Featured image – TAUK
Trending
Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
The Manc -
18th September 2020 
