The best running trails around Manchester

Manchester offers a diverse range of running environments. You'll find expansive urban parks like Heaton Park with varied terrain including paved paths, dirt tracks, and woodland trails. The extensive canal network, such as the Rochdale Canal, provides flat, scenic towpaths ideal for waterside runs. For those seeking more challenging routes, the city's proximity to the Pennine hills, including areas like Dovestone Reservoir and Tegg's Nose Country Park, offers undulating landscapes and moorland views.

Yes, Manchester has plenty of easy running trails. The region features 16 easy routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. Examples include the Pony Pasture and Wetlands Loop, which offers flat paths and waterside views, and the White Blaze Trail Loop. Canal towpaths like those along the Rochdale Canal are also excellent choices for straightforward, flat runs.

The running routes in Manchester are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 9 reviews. Over 1600 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the accessibility of green spaces within and around the city, and the diverse options ranging from tranquil parklands to more challenging hill runs.

Absolutely. Many of Manchester's parks and canal towpaths are ideal for family-friendly runs. Heaton Park, for instance, offers wide paths and open spaces. The flat towpaths of the Rochdale Canal are also a great option for a safe and easy outing with children. Chorlton Water Park provides varied terrain including woods and grassy fields, suitable for a family jog.

Yes, Manchester boasts several scenic running routes. The loop around Dovestone Reservoir in the Pennine hills offers stunning moorland views. Within the city, routes through Castlefield Urban Heritage Park provide picturesque views of Manchester Central and the Bridgewater Canal. The Quays Waterfront Loop around Media City and Salford Quays also offers scenic views along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell. For a mix of green space and city sights, consider routes that pass through Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens or along the River Irwell near Peel Park.

Many of Manchester's running spots feature excellent circular routes. Heaton Park has a popular 5.3 km loop around its boating lake and Heaton Hall. Dovestone Reservoir offers a main loop of about 4-5 km with opportunities to extend. The Pony Pasture and Wetlands Loop is another great example of a circular route, providing a convenient way to start and end your run in the same spot.

For longer distances and more challenging trail running, the areas surrounding Manchester are excellent. The Peak District National Park, a short distance away, offers exhilarating opportunities with breathtaking vistas, hills, and moorlands. Specific locations like Kinder Low Trig Point and Tegg's Nose Country Park provide rugged hill climbs and diverse landscapes for extended runs. The Rochdale Canal towpath also allows for very long, continuous runs if you're looking to cover significant distance on a flat surface.

Many running routes in Manchester are well-served by public transport. Major parks like Heaton Park are easily reachable by tram or bus. The Rochdale Canal towpaths can be accessed from various points across Greater Manchester, often near bus or tram stops. Urban routes, such as those in Castlefield or around the Quays, are directly within the city's public transport network, making them very convenient for runners.

Most major parks and country parks around Manchester offer dedicated parking facilities. Heaton Park, Dovestone Reservoir, and Chorlton Water Park are good examples where you'll typically find parking available. For routes along the Rochdale Canal, parking can often be found at various access points or nearby urban areas. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

Yes, Manchester has many running routes that feature beautiful water elements. The Rochdale Canal offers extensive waterside running along its towpaths. Dovestone Reservoir provides a scenic loop around its waters, set against the Pennine hills. Chorlton Water Park features trails alongside a central lake and the River Mersey. Additionally, routes along the River Irwell and through Peel Park in Salford offer picturesque riverside views.

There are over 100 running routes around Manchester documented on komoot, with a total of 119 tours available. This includes a wide variety of options, from easy urban jogs to more challenging routes near the Pennine hills, ensuring there's something for every runner.