These 12 beautiful countryside walks are on Manchester’s doorstep

If you’re after some fresh air this Easter weekend, go for one of these walks that aren’t too far from Manchester!

With lockdown restrictions eased once again on March 29th, people in England can now travel outside of their local area to go for exercise.

You can even meet up with friends and family outdoors now, either in a group of up to six from different households or a larger group from just two households.

This means you can go on a family walk this Easter bank holiday weekend – and if you’re stuck for ideas of where to go, we’ve got you covered.

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Hartshead Pike 

A classic walk in Tameside is the one up and around Hartshead Pike and on a good clear day will promise you views of Manchester, and even Snowdonia in Wales. The Grade II listed building was built to celebrate the marriage of Albert Edward and Princess Alexandra.

John Darch/Wikimedia

Rivington Pike

Another pike that will give you dead good views of Manchester is Rivington Pike. There’s also the reservoir, and if you get there early enough you might even get a spot on the very small bit of ‘beach’.

Derwent Reservoir

This is a big old reservoir that’ll take a good portion of your day to walk around, or a nice few hours on a bike. It’s a good drive away from the city centre, taking about an hour from Glossop, but the views are definitely worth it! It’s pretty flat all the way round and can look incredibly picturesque.

Rob Bendall/Wikimedia

Mam Tor

A classic walk, no list would be complete without a nod to Mam Tor. You probably have done it at some point in your life, maybe it was when you had to measure how fast an orange went down a stream on a Geography trip. It’ll be green for miles so you’ll definitely be feeling fresh.

Briangeorge1945/Flickr

Lyme Park

A huge estate owned by the National Trust, you know this one is gonna be pretty. The grounds are home to gorgeous gardens, structures and even a deer park so you’re bound to get your nature fix here. According to the National Trust website, ‘the park and garden will remain open during the current lockdown’.

Richard Buck/Wikimedia

Lamaload Reservoir 

There’s a real pick ‘n’ mix of walls available on this one with the reservoir being the main starting point. Head for the hills with your freshly bought lockdown treat walking boots and get some cracking views and the freshest of air in your lungs. While you’re in that neck of the woods, there are plenty of good chunky walks around Macclesfield forest.

Dave Dunford/Wikimedia

Kinder Scout

If you fancy seeing a waterfall, this is the one for you. Kinder Scout is a moorland plateau and National Nature Reserve and will offer fantastic views of Winter Hill in Bolton and on super-duper clear days even Snowdonia. The best view is where the Kinder River flows into an amazing waterfall at Kinder Downfall.

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Winter Hill 

Speaking of Winter Hill, you can definitely do that one, too. Although it sounds like something from Game of Thrones it, unfortunately, is not that exciting. Unless you’re after a 1,500-foot hilltop walk and some cracking views OBVS! You’ll also find a medieval manor house, Smithills Hall.

Nigel Homer/Wikimedia

Saddleworth Circuit

This one starts on the Huddersfield Canal but has some good heart-pumping hill sections. There are a number of options to shorten the route or skip out the hills if you’d rather not bother with them. No judgement here.

Parrot of Doom/Wikimedia

Worsley Village Circular 

This is a good leisurely one if you fancy a takeaway coffee or butty while you stroll. It’s about a 3-mile (5km) walk that’s got just about everything you need; a picturesque village, greens, a canal, a church and even an aviary. Job done, that’s enough outside for one weekend.

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South Pennine Water Trail

A short 5-mile trail perfect for those who don’t want a huge hike and really good for animal lovers with a nature reserve and bird hide near Hollingworth lake (that’s actually a reservoir). Or you could just opt for a wander around Hollingworth Lake itself which is a nice 3.8km walk.