While many of us love Manchester, it’s a cultural hotspot and the hustle and bustle of it can be exciting, we often need to escape it too.
The city can be a stressful place, a stressful and dull space with it often grey, dark and a little bit glum. The sight of the commuter stuck to their mobile phones, not looking up to even see where they are walking. We can all be guilty of that, after all, more and more of us are addicted to our smartphones these days, with behavioural addiction massively on the rise.
That’s why escaping the city is so important, and Greater Manchester is awash with peaceful walks, all a stone’s throw from the centre of town, whether that be on the tram, train or in the car. But where are the best and most peaceful walks in Greater Manchester you should take this Spring?
Heaton Park
Located in the north of Manchester, Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. The park offers a variety of walking routes, from gentle strolls around the ornamental lake to more challenging hikes through the wooded areas. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including birds, deer and squirrels. The park’s formal gardens and historic buildings also offer a tranquil setting for a peaceful walk.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Didsbury’s Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens is a peaceful oasis on the outskirts of the city. The gardens offer a range of walking routes through wildflower meadows, woodland areas and around a picturesque pond. The gardens are home to a range of plant and wildlife species, including rare butterflies and birds.
The Rochdale Canal
The Rochdale Canal is a peaceful waterway that runs through the heart of Greater Manchester. The canal offers a tranquil walking route, with scenic views of the surrounding countryside and industrial heritage. The canal towpath is a popular route for walkers, cyclists and boaters, and there are many pubs and cafes along the route for a pit stop.
Werneth Low Country Park
Werneth Low Country Park, located in Hyde, offers stunning views over Greater Manchester. The park offers a range of walking routes, including a gentle stroll around the lake, a woodland walk, and a more challenging hike up to the summit of the hill. The hilltop offers panoramic views of Manchester and the surrounding countryside.
Sale Water Park
Sale is an up-and-coming area of Manchester and its premier peaceful spot is Sale Water Park. The nature reserve has a variety of walking routes, as well as some water-based activities, including wild swimming if that’s up your street. The park offers a tranquil setting for a peaceful walk, with a lake, wetland areas and meadows. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, and a range of waterfowl.
