Manchester walks

A short city-centre walking tour from a historic alehouse, featuring a mix of well-known landmarks and lesser curiosities.

This rewarding dérive reveals the B side of our heritage and culture, an antidote to the country walk, and one which for many folk is right on their doorstep. It explores the unique post-occupancy landscape of a Northern town where the rot has set in, viewing iconic heritage sights from the relative safety of the pavement.

This short walk begins at Yew Tree Farm at the end of Bolshaw Road. Follow the path through Styal Golf Course and cross the railway bridge towards Beech Farm.

Canal towpath and riverside walking in a wildlife-rich rural oasis, including a local nature reserve.

Follow the Trans-Pennine Trail to a popular local landmark with extensive views.

Wide views, interesting corners, and a quiet stretch of canal towpath with a spooky tunnel.

A rewarding walk along varied waterways, featuring historic buildings and striking canal architecture.

A level walk full of interest, visiting a historic chapel, a holy well and a stretch of the River Goyt.

A rewarding walk along varied waterways, featuring historic buildings and striking canal architecture.

Along the Goyt to a historic half-timbered farmhouse, returning via the Peak Forest Canal and Chadkirk.

A level walk full of interest, visiting a historic chapel, a holy well and a stretch of the River Goyt.

A rewarding walk along varied waterways, featuring historic buildings and striking canal architecture.

This a pleasant little walk and sadly part of it is disappearing under concrete. Manchester Airport have developed on either side of Sunbank Lane. There was a petition to stop it but sadly it failed. There are some before and after pictures on the slideshow.

Great walk from Castle Mill Lane to Kell House Farm.

This walk starts at the big roundabout on Altrincham Road just before the airport tunnels.

Circular walk from Woodford Church passing by woods and fields.

This circular walk crosses greenbelt land at Handforth Dean which may soon be built on. This is a great shame as this area is pretty unspoiled.

A route that takes in the delights of the countryside surrounding Lyme Park

This interesting walk through Pownall Park takes in Carnival Fields and St. Olaf's Chapel which was built by the Boddington Family. Sadly, it is now just a ruin. Some of this route follows public footpaths through the Pownall Park area which are now are pretty much back alleys through the area.

Lindow Common is a very popular area and is well worth a visit in its own right. The common is crisscrossed by numerous footpaths and contains the Black Lake. It’s worthwhile exploring areas away from Black Lake where there are some small pools and expanses of heather. There is a lot of conservation work being carried out on the common which is designed to keep its open aspect and to protect wildlife and fauna. It is designated as a site of special scientific interest.

This walk starts from Wilmslow Park and follow River Bollin to Handforth.

Lovely parts of the walk are with swathes of Bluebells along the steep banks down to the River Bollin in Spring.

Easy and flat walk from Wood Lane to Higherhouse Farm.

Nice walk around Wilmslow and across the River Bollin.

Beautiful walk from Fulshaw Cross to Alderley Golf Course.

Nice and flat walk from Lady Lane to Valewood Farm.

Lovely walk from Ladybrook Valley to Lockgate Farm along Macclesfield Canal.

This is a short walk around Lindow Moss. The area became famous when Lindow Man was discovered by peat cutters in August 1984. The footpath skirts the edge of Lindow Moss where peat is still extracted. There is a Lindow Moss website here and you can find information about Lindow Man here. This route keeps to the public footpaths, but there are many unofficial routes across the moss.

Walk from Moor Lane to Mobberley Golf Course passing through Nature Reserve.

A surprisingly varied route visiting a former industrial site now converted to a popular nature reserve, and sampling both the Macclesfield Canal and Middlewood Way.

Sample both the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals, returning via Disley Golf Course.

Lyme Park is administered by the National Trust. The grounds are free to enter on foot, but a fee must be paid to enter the house.

There are a few farms along the route, farm animals to see and a surprising number of wildflowers.

Historic farmhouses, a picturesque lake and wildlife-rich woodland and peatland.

An interesting, level walk around the peatlands and heathlands of Lindow Moss, passing two attractive lakes.

Farmland walking along tracks and field paths, returning via Saltersley Hall and an area of heathery peatland.

Easy walk from Upcast Lane to Clay Lane and around Row-of-Trees.

Lovely flat walk from Heyes Lane to Prestbury Road.

This pleasant walk takes in some less well known parts of Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. There are lots of horses along this route and some pleasant views of Alderley Edge and its big houses.

Great and flat walk from Mobberley to Mountpleasant Farm.

Great and flat walk from Smith Lane to Booths Mere.

A more complete exploration of Alderley Edge, with a return route via farmland.

A fine church, a historic watermill, and some lesser-known paths on Alderley Edge.

This walk takes you to some of the highlights of Alderley Edge.

Nice and flat walk from Mobberley to Paddockhill Lane.

This is a lovely walk up a gentle incline to Styperson Pool and above to Long Lane. There are good views towards Alderley Edge and Bollington.

A very pleasant walk at any time of the year, but particularly good in spring when the bluebells are out. This walk is a little steep up towards Clock House Woods. There are lovely views all along the route, beautiful woodlands and a small Lake as you enter the grounds of Hare Hill. Hare Hill has a colorful display of Rhododendrons in Spring and the walled gardens are well worth a visit. Hare Hill is a National Trust Property.

Circular and flat walk from Noahs Ark Lane to Carter Lane.

Lyme Park in Cheshire is popular with visitors yet this walk explores quiet paths and tracks to the south of the Country Park. Navigation is generally easy and the reward for your efforts are some fine views.

This Peak District walk starts from Lyme Park and explores the moors lying to the south of this grand stately home. There is a short section of road walking along a quiet country lane.

Lovely walk around the Wilmslow Golf Course from Chelford Road to Knutsford Road.

This Cheshire walk explores Lyme Park and the lanes around Disley. Most of the route is within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park. It visits Lyme Cage prior to leaving the park. It then proceeds along quiet lanes before returning to the park. The Cage dominates the walk as it is rarely out of sight.

The Cheshire sector of the Peak District National Park is often seen as uninteresting and this route goes some way to dispel this myth. The route does have a couple of lengthy steep ascents towards the end but effort is rewarded with excellent and varied landscapes. Conditions underfoot can be very wet after heavy rain so appropriate footwear is essential.

The fifth of the Bridgend Heritage Trails looks at the industry based around the natural resources that Bollington is sited on. This walk takes you through landscapes where adits, soughs, spoil heaps, gin circles and bell pits can still be seen. The route leads from townland to farmland and from moorland to towpath showing not just the diversity of the environment but the differences in how we use it from past to present.

In the middle of trees discover or rediscover iconic places of Bollington like Tinkers Clough, Dumbah Hollow, Butley Town and the Lowerhouse! This walk encourage us to really look at the grace, beauty and majesty of the trees that grow in our local countryside.

In the middle of trees discover or rediscover iconic places of Bollington like Whiteley Green, Adlington, Styperson, and Pott Shrigley! This walk encourages us to really look at the grace, beauty, and majesty of the trees that grow in our local countryside.

Head up to the spectacular viewpoint of Kerridge Ridge before winding your way through Bollington’s network of paved and cobbled paths to explore how stone and quarrying have shaped the town.
This walk is a similar version of this trail. This Heritage trail contain more paved and concrete road than the Tree one.

In the middle of trees discover or rediscover iconic places of Bollington like Harrop Woods, Billinge Head, Rainowlow and Ingerlsey Vale ! This walk encourage us to really look at the grace, beauty and majesty of the trees that grow in our local countryside.

Circular walks that explore the local countryside and bring Bollington’s past to life. This walk follows Harrop Brook through enchanting woodland before returning via an ancient Salt Trail (A). A feast for the senses in every season, look out for bluebells in spring and an abundance of wildflowers in summer. Packed with history, from battlefields to buildings, mineshafts to trade, along the way you’ll meet some intriguing characters, such as the ‘Midnight Milkman’ and the Black Prince.

A circular walk from Bollington Discovery Centre or Bridgend Centre to discover two iconics places of Bollington : White Nancy and the Clarence Mill.

In the middle of trees discover or rediscover iconic places of Bollington like White Nancy, Kerridge Ridge and the Rally Road! This walk encourage us to really look at the grace, beauty and majesty of the trees that grow in our local countryside.
This walk is a similar version of this trail. This Tree trail contain more forest and grassland path than the Heritage one.

A circular walk following the River Dean to Rainow and returning through farmland. The fourth of the Bridgend Heritage Trails takes you back to the Industrial Revolution with an insight into the lives of mill workers and farm labourers beyond who helped to create the landscape that surrounds Bollington today. Find out about the people who trod the ancient packhorse trails and stone slab paths which have echoed the ring of hooves and the clatter of clogs over the centuries.

Walk to Whiteley Green through Bollington’s unique landscape, taking in stunning views, majestic mills, local tracks and peaceful waterways. Discover intriguing places and half-forgotten artifacts including traces of ancient beekeeping.

Taking a fairly straight out-and-back route to Higher Hurdsfield, this walk initially rises and then gradually descends as it wends from town to farm to canal back to Bollington.

Circular walks that explore the local countryside and bring Bollington’s past to life. Trail N° 7 - Travelling in time. Heading north from Bollington this largely flat walk follows towpath and disused railway line to reach Adlington before returning via Whiteley Green through farmland footpaths and tracks. This trail guides you along, towpath, bridleway, footpaths, farm tracks and roads to discover the different modes of transport used through the centuries.

Heading west from Bollington, this largely flat walk meanders through farmland and the grounds of fine houses to Butley Ash and back. This is an alternative walk from Bridgend Tree Trail 2, Bollington here.

This walk takes in Bollington Village, Macclesfield Canal and White Nancy along Kerridge Hill.

A rewarding walk to a local country park with superb views over the Cheshire Plain and Peak District.

Short but full of interest, this is a perfect evening stroll to Bollington’s most famous landmark.

Mostly level walking, with an extension to a pretty wooded lake with fine views from the adjacent hills.

A hilly walk over a scenic ridge to a pretty Cheshire village and its splendid pub.

An energetic walk through the moorland deer park of one of Cheshire’s finest stately homes.

A gentle exploration of our delightful wooded valley with plenty of scope for varying the distance.