Where to go for a relaxing walk in Manchester

Whether you’re a regular hiker or have recently introduced walking into your routine, Manchester might surprise you with its range of scenic routes. From hour-long dog walks to four-hour hikes, there’s something for all fitness levels in our guide, so you can see a different side to Manchester while getting your step count up.

Here’s your guide to the most relaxing walks in and around Manchester, complete with everything you need to know.

1. Fletcher Moss park botanical gardens

Distance: 2.5 mile loop

Total walking time: one hour

Not exactly a walk you’ll need hiking boots for, but the botanical gardens in Fletcher Moss park is our go-to for a picturesque morning or afternoon stroll – right in the city centre. From tree-lined walkways and riverside paths to pretty flower beds, you could easily spend an hour walking through the gardens.

Take your time or even bring a picnic to make a day out of it – you might even spot a grazing cow or two.

2. Chorlton water park and Mersey

Distance: 5.5 mile trail

Total walking time: two hours

For more of a challenge, alongside pretty river views, try the Chorlton water park and Mersey walking trial. Categorised as moderately challenging by alltrials.com, it’s a gentle walk that takes an average of two hours to complete. Don’t have that long? You could just walk around the river instead, which should take about 30 minutes.

It’s a flat, easy-to-navigate path which also makes it perfect for walkers of all ages and fitness levels – plus, spot ducks, swans, and herons along the way. 

3. Heaton park

Distance: 3 mile loop

Total walking time: one hour

Covering over 600 acres, Heaton park is one of Europe’s largest parks that’s great for both walkers and cyclists. If you’re looking to hike, or even take your dog on a walk, then there’s three trails to choose from – two of which are easy and great for families, and one that’s more of a challenge. 

For an hour-long walk follow the path all around Heaton park, enjoying lake views on your way. For something more difficult, walk from Heaton Park to Walkden – taking around four hours.

4. Pots and pans, Saddleworth

Distance: 2.4 mile loop

Total walking time: one hour 30 minutes

A walk that you can start and end at the pub, Saddleworth is considered slightly challenging as a walk, combining an uphill climb with rewarding views. You’ll head up Dick Hill and Pots and Pans Hill – once you hit the top, you’ll find an honour to the villagers of Saddleworth who died in WW1, a popular spot on Remembrance Sunday. 

After taking in the countryside views, there’s a footpath to follow on your way down and should take about an hour and a half to complete. 

5. GM Ringway

Distance and total walking time: multiple

The GM Ringway (Greater Manchester’s walking trail) is a collection of walking routes around Manchester, which take from 3.5 hours to 7.5 hours. There's a total of 20 different walks to choose from, spanning from countryside to canals and villages, split into four sections:

• The Southern Start-up 

• The Exhilarating East 

• The Noble North 

• The Western Wind-Down 

What makes it great is the amount of places to visit along the trail – from heritage attractions to local pubs, cafes and country parks, these walks are far from boring. So whether you want to challenge yourself to completing one a week, or your usual walking route is getting repetitive, there’s loads to choose from – just head to gmringway.org/routes to take your pick.

6. The Pennine Bridleway

Distance: 205 miles in total

Total walking time: depends on chosen route

The Pennine Bridleway is the UK’s first national trail designed for walkers, horse riders, and mountain bikers that winds through the Pennine Hills near Littleborough. The trail stretches across the Peak District, the South Pennines, and into North Yorkshire and Cumbria, making it a bucket-list route for the outdoorsy fan.

If you’d rather try a shorter loop, you can link routes around the bridleway to create circular walks that’re ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll.

Feeling more ambitious? Try the Mary Towneley loop — a 47-mile circular section of the bridleway that offers a rewarding three-day trek. You can also join this loop at Watergrove Reservoir, with great views stretching from the Yorkshire border to Manchester’s skyline and even as far as the Cheshire Plain.

7. Sale water park

Distance: 2.4 mile loop

Total walking time: one hour

Another local walking spot is Sale water park, taking just under an hour to walk. With free parking, it’s a popular walking route with lakeside views, swans and ducks. It’s quite an easy one to do, perfect for a sunny weekend or post-work stroll. 

From the path around the lake, to the woodlands and meadows, there’s a range of routes you can take – there's also a cafe and restaurant on site too. And be sure to visit in the summer when the water sports centre opens with sailboats and jet skis.

8. Daisy Nook country park

Distance: 4 miles

Total walking time: one hour 30 minutes

Just slightly outside Manchester city centre is Daisy Nook country park, a flat walking route that follows along Hollinwood branch canal. Alltrials.com has six different walking routes to choose from around this country park, from easy to slightly harder, all between 40 minutes to just under two hours.

There’s canal views, places to go fishing and floral meadows – so it’s a relaxing walk in Manchester that’ll keep your eyes busy. 

9. Hollingworth lake

Distance: 2 miles

Total walking time: 50 minutes

Another walk with a lake view, Hollingworth lake should take around 50 minutes to complete, with a constant view of the water. It’s a flat walk, so completely accessible and an easy route for those not used to walking long distances. You can also try out some water sports while you’re there.

10. Clifton country park

Distance: 3 miles

Total walking time: one hour

Clifton country park in Salford offers a mix of woodland trails and open spaces, taking about an hour to complete. What’s unique about this country park is its sculpture trail – keep an eye out for owls, squirrels and more creativity that’s been carved into wood, dotted around the park.

It gets pretty muddy if it’s been raining, so pack some shoes you won’t mind getting messy.

Give your legs some love with an at-home Urban massage

If you’ve challenged yourself to a longer hike than usual, take recovery seriously with an at-home deep tissue or sports massage. And when you book with Urban, you won’t even have to leave your house. Download the app, pick your pro and we’ll bring muscle-relief straight to your door.