These 12 beautiful countryside walks are on Manchester’s doorstep

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

Remember when the only exercise we were allowed was an hour outdoor walk? Seems like a lifetime ago now, doesn’t it!

But it forced people outside and many have found themselves pretty obsessed with walking. And that’s not a bad thing, it’ll get you fit and boost your mood for a start.

So if you’ve found yourself all out of walking routes why not give one of these a go this weekend!

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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. 

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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. 

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.

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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 call in for a swift pint somewhere in Saddleworth. No judgement here. 

Parrot of Doom/Wikimedia

Worsley Village Circular 

This is a good leisurely one if you fancy bobbing in for a pint somewhere or getting a nice sandwich that will be served with a side of own-brand crisps. It’s about a 3-mile (5km) walk that’s got just about everything you need; pubs, 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.