For some, the best thing about living in this city is the countryside that surrounds it. With the Peak District to the east, the West Yorkshire moors to the north, and the rolling Cheshire farmland to the south, there’s no shortage of places to go for a walk near Manchester. And that’s not counting the Forest of Bowland, the Lake District, and Snowdonia – stunning areas of natural beauty that are all within day-trip distance.
Here we’ve whittled down this huge expanse of open countryside to six of our favourite spots for a hike or a stroll, within easy reach of the city. If you want more ideas, check out our Ten walks by train from Manchester.
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Book Now AltrinchamDunham Massey
More detailsDunham Massey is one of the National Trust’s top 10 most visited properties, bringing in 439,000 people in 2020/21. We reckon at least 80% of them were Mancunians escaping the city for their nearest bucolic country park.
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RomileyEtherow Country Park
More detailsIf you want a woodland walk complete with den-making, wildlife, picnic spots, and beautiful views, Etherow Country Park on the edge of Stockport ticks the boxes.
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StockportLyme Park
More detailsLyme Park is a huge estate with a Medieval herd of red deer, stunning views and a handsome Regency house.
Now a National Trust property, Lyme Park has something for visitors of all ages. Jane Austen fans may know it best as Pemberley, the home of Mr Darcy, where he emerges dripping wet from the lake in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
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GlossopSnake Woodlands
More detailsNot long after the road descends from the summit of the Snake Pass, you’ll find an area of Forestry England land known as Snake Woodlands.
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Book Now CheshireTatton Park
More detailsTatton Park is a historic estate on the edge of Knutsford, home to an opulent neo-classical mansion, landscaped gardens, a farm, a huge deer park and a medieval Old Hall.
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WorsleyWorsley Woods
More detailsYou can spend a pleasant few hours wandering through Worsley Woods, a 30-hectare woodland with well-marked trails, ponds, a children’s playground, and paths into the pretty village of Worsley.
