4 walks with snowdrops in Manchester (and where to go for cake afterwards)

To find the snowdrops, walk along the lake towards the weir, then follow the lane uphill to Hirst Cottage and Sunny Corner. If you keep going, you can do a circular walk through ancient woodland then loop back to the lane.

I’ve never seen Libby’s Bread & Wine quiet. It probably never is, except, perhaps, when the bakers arrive at 5am to start making that day’s loaves and cakes. By mid-morning, it’s buzzing with chatter. Tables are filled as soon as they’re cleared, and even when the terrace overlooking the river Goyt is open, seats aren’t easy to come by.

Want to stay central but still get a nature fix? Go for a stomp around Castlefield with a stop at Castlefield Viaduct – a free National Trust garden high above the cobbles and canals. There’s just a handful of snowdrops here, peaking through the dead leaves. The scarcity makes them extra special.

Duke Street Coffee is a recent arrival to Castlefield, bringing speciality brews like Japanese green tea hojicha to an area short on independent cafés.

Explore the woodlands at Heaton Park to spot clutches of snowdrops sheltering against the tree trunks. Afterwards, check out the park’s newly refurbished Lakeside Cafe or wander into Prestwich for brunch at All The Shapes.

All The Shapes has that relaxed café-bar, all-day-eatery thing nailed. It’s the sort of place where you feel equally comfortable rocking up with toddlers in tow or drinking your way through the craft beer range until closing time.

The winter garden at Dunham Massey is the place to go if you want early visual evidence that spring truly is on its way. Crocuses, daffodils, irises, camellia and cyclomen bring a welcome splash of colour. While carpets of snowdrops are framed by the sweeping paths and the slender white trunks of silver birch.

If you’re not in the mood for the National Trust cafe at Dunham Massey, you have a locally-grown option here at The Dunham Barn. You can walk there in ten minutes or less from the house – and you’ll be rewarded with a rustic, independently-owned business serving homemade cakes, coffee, real ales and daytime staples such as sandwiches, soups and breakfasts, all done well.