The best walks and hikes around Greater Manchester
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Hiking around Greater Manchester offers a diverse landscape, blending urban accessibility with rugged natural terrain. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Peak District National Park, featuring gritstone moorlands and reservoirs. River valleys and woodlands also provide varied hiking environments. This area provides a network of trails suitable for different abilities, from gentle park walks to challenging moorland ascents.
Best hiking trails around Greater Manchester
- The most popular hiking route is Chew Valley reservoirs loop from Greenfield, a 12.8 miles (20.5 km) trail that takes 6 hours to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through the Chew Valley.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is The Trinnacle loop from Yeoman Hey Reservoir — Peak District National Park, a moderate 4.2 miles (6.7 km) path. This trail offers views of the Trinnacle rock formation and surrounding moorland.
- Local hikers also love the Mill Brow, Etherow Country Park & the Peak Forest Canal loop from Marple, a 6.4 miles (10.3 km) trail leading through varied landscapes including a country park and canal paths, often completed in about 2 hours 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Greater Manchester is defined by gritstone outcrops, expansive moorlands, and serene reservoirs. The network of routes offers options for easy family walks as well as more challenging hikes.
- The routes in Greater Manchester are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5,800 reviews. More than 56,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Greater Manchester's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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20.5km
06:00
540m
540m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(145)
656
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(102)
283
hikers
10.3km
02:55
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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324
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11.2km
02:51
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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13.1km
03:32
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Greater Manchester
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#WalkHome2020 — Sheffield to Cockermouth in 15 days
Pennine Way – Take on England's ultimate long-distance hike
Cyan Lines – 100 miles of nature in the city
The nature and culture of Greater Manchester – GM Ringway
Rugged moorland, scenic hilltops and urban canals – Oldham Way
Britain’s most incredible art hike — Irwell Sculpture Trail
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
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Tips from the Community
That Birchen Clough Waterfall scramble looks like a fantastic challenge, especially with the detour! It’s the perfect spot for a bit of adventure after a long week. I actually spent my downtime yesterday playing at https://123games.io while planning my next hike, and now I’m definitely adding this Peak District loop to the list!
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Bleak but well worth it, Chew reservoir is high in the dark peak, surrounded by pretty rugged moorland. Heading east or south from here will involve crossing small streams and wet grasses, with some hard to follow paths. The reservoir access road down to Dovestones is steep but very easy going, terrain-wise.
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Amazing but boots are essential
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Wear boots!! Ankle breakers
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Nice and easy walk around the reservoir. Great to stretch your legs. Plenty of options to make it harder or longer by climbing up the hills.
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More Information
A metropolis liberally sprinkled with greenspaces
Walks in Greater Manchester explore some beautiful greenspaces and the city is a marvellous base for adventure. Public transport makes getting to many of the region’s most beautiful spots very straightforward; you can even access the heart of the Peak District in less than an hour by train.
To the east of Stockport, the Goyt Valley is a delight to explore. Highlights include Etherow Country Park, a sanctuary for wildlife where you can amble alongside mill ponds, rivers and streams, with colourful views of the valley. In the west, Wigan’s Greenheart region is a beguiling area of greenspaces born from former industrial sites.
Moor fun in the Dark Peak
Some of the wildest hikes around Greater Manchester take you into the Peak District National Park and its atmospheric Dark Peak region. The trails along the high plateau and gritstone escarpments of Saddleworth Moor have been firm favourites with generations of Mancunians. Reaching a height of 1,778 feet (542 m), Black Chew Head is a popular objective, being both the Moor’s and Great Manchester’s highest point. The summit is crossed by the Pennine Way and offers huge views on a clear day.
Wonderful walking in the West Pennines
Many of the best hiking trails around Greater Manchester are found in the north. This is where the urban sprawls of Bolton, Bury and Rochdale make way for the grandeur of the West Pennine Moors. You’ll find yet more country parks, reservoir loops and glorious hillwalking amidst spellbinding, wild-feeling landscapes.
It’s a region where charming former mill towns and picturesque lakes jostle for space in steep-sided valleys. Brooks cascade from windswept heights peppered with the remnants of industry and criss-crossed by trails. Grand monuments adorn the highest summits, boasting wonderful panoramas across the city and the wider North.
Moorland walking can be challenging in adverse weather conditions, so make sure you are prepared with quality hiking shoes, warm layers and waterproofs. However, unlike in many hillwalking regions, in Greater Manchester you are never far from civilisation, a hot beverage or a cosy hostelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Greater Manchester?
Greater Manchester offers a vast network of hiking opportunities, with over 2,700 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging moorland ascents, catering to all levels of experience.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Greater Manchester?
You'll find a diverse blend of landscapes, from the rugged gritstone moorlands and expansive reservoirs bordering the Peak District National Park to serene river valleys, woodlands, and well-maintained country parks. The region offers a unique mix of urban accessibility and wild natural terrain.
Are there easy, family-friendly walks in Greater Manchester?
Yes, Greater Manchester has many options for easy, family-friendly walks. Places like Lyme Park and Heaton Park offer gentle trails and open spaces. For a mix of country park and canal paths, consider the Mill Brow, Etherow Country Park & the Peak Forest Canal loop from Marple, which is a moderate route suitable for many families.
Where can I find more challenging hikes near Greater Manchester?
For more challenging hikes, head towards the Peak District National Park, which borders Greater Manchester. Routes like the Chew Valley reservoirs loop from Greenfield offer significant elevation gain and rugged terrain. The moorlands around Kinder Scout and Blackstone Edge also provide demanding trails with rewarding views.
Are there hiking trails accessible by public transport in Greater Manchester?
Many trails in Greater Manchester are designed with public transport accessibility in mind. The new 200-mile GM Ringway, for example, is specifically structured into stages that can be reached by public transport. Local parks and reservoir walks often have good bus or train connections.
Are there any hikes in Greater Manchester that feature waterfalls?
Yes, you can find beautiful waterfalls on hikes in the region. Kinder Downfall, the tallest waterfall in the Peak District, is a prominent feature within easy reach of Greater Manchester. Healey Dell Nature Reserve in Rochdale also boasts spectacular waterfalls carved by the River Spodden.
Can I bring my dog on hikes in Greater Manchester?
Many trails and parks in Greater Manchester are dog-friendly, though it's always best to check specific park regulations or route details for any restrictions, especially regarding livestock in moorland areas. Popular spots like Dovestone Reservoir and many country parks welcome dogs, often with designated off-lead areas.
Are there good options for circular walks with parking in Greater Manchester?
Yes, circular walks with convenient parking are plentiful. Many reservoir walks, such as those around Dovestone and Chew Reservoirs, offer dedicated parking. The Blackstone Edge & Dog Hill loop from Blackstone Reservoir is another excellent circular option with parking available.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints to discover on a hike?
Greater Manchester's hiking trails lead to several impressive landmarks and viewpoints. You can reach the Kinder Low Trig Point for extensive views, or the Stoodley Pike Monument for breathtaking panoramas over the Calder Valley. The Trinnacle rock formation, visible on the Trinnacle loop from Yeoman Hey Reservoir, is another iconic sight.
Are there any long-distance walking routes that pass through or near Greater Manchester?
Yes, the region is home to the new GM Ringway, a 200-mile walking route encircling Greater Manchester, designed for accessibility. Additionally, sections of the historic Pennine Way, a challenging long-distance trail, pass through areas bordering Greater Manchester, offering opportunities for extended hikes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Greater Manchester?
The trails in Greater Manchester are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5,800 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse scenery, from rugged moorlands to tranquil reservoirs, and the accessibility of routes that blend natural beauty with urban convenience.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Greater Manchester?
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the moorlands are vibrant or changing colour. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter hikes are possible, particularly on lower-level routes, but require appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold conditions.
Are there any historical sites or attractions to visit along the hiking routes?
Absolutely. Many routes incorporate or pass by historical sites. For example, you can visit The Cage at Lyme Park, a historic hunting lodge, or explore the ancient trees and structures at Dunham Massey Hall and Deer Park. The region also features remnants of Roman history, such as the Mamucium Roman Fort.
Most popular routes around Greater Manchester
Most popular attractions around Greater Manchester
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