What's On
The best Autumnal walks for this weekend
Get wrapped up!
There is something about Autumnal crisp walks, especially when the skies are super blue and the colourful leaves are falling.
With the majority of our time being spent at home indoors at the moment, it’s important we take some time to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
Greater Manchester undoubtedly has some of the best walks in the North West with some stunning jaw-dropping views.
Make some time for these stunning walks this winter season and enjoy a nice warm mulled wine after – it is the season after all!
John Illingworth/Geograph
Saddleworth Cycle & Horse Trail
Considered to be the posher part of Oldham, Saddleworth is located on the cusp of the Pennines, with stunning landscapes, beautiful nature and some of the best walks Greater Manchester has to offer.
You’re in true God’s Country here, with the valley stretching all around you. I also highly recommend a walk down the canal in Diggle, and if they’re open – a visit
to the excellent Grandpa Greene’s Luxury Ice Cream for a scoop or five.
Download a trail map here.
Francis Franklin/Wikimedia
Rivington
Located in the heart of good old Bolton, Rivington is a large rural area full of some of the most stunning woodland views. With impressive stone-built stairs and outbuildings and the shabby waterfall cascading slowly down the rock face it’s not what you expect to see in Bolton, more like Bali (maybe that’s a little extreme), especially with the charming views of the Japanese inspired pond & gardens.
Keep on winding upwards and your goal will come clearly into view, the landmark Grade II listed Pike Tower sitting proudly at the summit. It’s definitely a climb, but it’s worth it, especially when you get to see the views at the top, and for the insta obv.
David Dixon/Geograph
Chadkirk Chapel
A short trip from east Stockport you’ll find a peaceful walk and a very charming chapel. For anybody who’s local to Stockport will know that it’s not exactly country walk territory, however just 10 minutes out the way you’ll find Chadkirk Chapel and Estate.
The walk itself is pretty easy and certainly children and dog friendly! During this time of year all the leaves are falling and if you look up the colours are beautiful.
Alex Watson
Derwent Reservoir
Derwent Reservoir, The Peak District, the walk itself is a whopping 16KM however if you’re short for time there is the option to rent bikes to speed things up a little. Not only stunning views, but there’s also a little history held at Derwent Res, about 10 minutes into the walk you’ll pass The Howden Dam, used by Lancaster Bomber pilots to practise bombing runs and targeting.
They also created the ‘Bouncing Bomb’ for the 1943 raid of the dams on the German Ruhr. Wrap up for this one, with being right on the water you’ll need hat, scarfs, gloves, the lot!
Ellie Edginton
Entwistle Reservoir
Heading a little further up North, just past Bolton, you’ll find The Entwistle Reservoir. On a crisp autumnal sunny day, you’ll feel like you’ve just hopped off a plane and landed in Canada, no joke.
The views over the water are completely breath-taking. Surrounded by rows and rows of woodland and trees the walk is only around 2.5miles long. A quick heads up, it can be super busy at the weekends and the parking can be a little manic so either get their early or park a little further up the road.
Whilst you’re there grab yourself some serious pub grub and a pint from The Starbury Duck just 5 minutes up the road.
What's On
These cosy Alpine-themed huts with festive drinks and karaoke are back this Christmas
This will get you in the festive spirit!
What's On
Dunham Massey’s festive illuminated Christmas light trail is still happening
This will be mint!
Christmas isn’t looking as festive as usual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, but there is a small ray of light.
While it’s still up in the air whether we will be able to have a big family get together on Christmas Day, Dunham Massey has spread some festive cheer, confirming its stunning festive illumination trail IS still going ahead.
Due to the current restrictions it’s now expected to start on December 3rd when the lockdown is lifted, and is being extended into January 2021 to make up for the cancelled dates in November.
Dunham Massey National Trust
The stunning light show has taken place each Christmas for the last three years and sold out each time. The after-dark event brings visitors through a winding path of lights trail through the park.
Huge snowflakes create an aerial kaleidoscope over the gardens, there are colour-changing reflections on the lakeside and trees dripped with silvery shards of lights, baubles and stars.
This year the tunnel of light will return and visitors can expect some brand new installations too.
Dunham Massey National Trust
Tickets are still on sale but are selling out fast – currently there are only a couple of tickets left for December, with quite a few still available in January.
Tickets cost £20 for adults and £13 for children three to 16. You can opt for a £60 family ticket instead which includes admission for two adults and two children.
The event is planned to run from December 3rd through to January 10th, and you can find more info and book tickets here.
Blackpool is set to get a new £300m ‘indoor theme park’
Boris Johnson confirms England will return to three tier system from December 2nd
Morrisons gives 10% Christmas discount to frontline workers in 16 jobs
Matt Hancock says life could return to normal ‘after Easter’
Festive bubbles mean households will be able to meet up at Christmas for five days
