Back in 2021 Manchester was crowned one of the best cities to have a dog, so we thought we’d share some great walks for your four-legged friends.
Manchester’s Finest
Clayton Vale
For those living on the Ancoats/Northern Quarter side of the city centre, you can make use of Clayton Vale country park and the River Medlock. This urban countryside has the River Medlock running through the middle and plenty of different tracks to keep your dog’s brain active. You can walk almost straight there down the Ashton canal from New Islington Marina or opt for public transport. There is also a small car park.
David Dixon/Geograph
Jumbles Country Park and Reservoir
Located just north of Bolton there is plenty of woodland and a good network of paths to keep your dog entertained. There are off-lead areas so this area is super popular with dog owners. It takes around an hour to do the full reservoir – perfect for a lunchtime break.
Manchester’s Finest
Longford Park
Bordering Stretford and Chorlton, Longford Park is perfect for the whole family with plenty of space for dogs to run, Longford Park Cafe serving up delicious hot coffees for parents and even a petting zoo for the kids. Say hi to Gandalf the Goat from us!
Chris Morgan/Geograph
Mam Tor
The popular Peak District district walk is great for those in the region. The huge summit will give you fab views and is even said to be one of the best ridge walks in the country. Expect plenty of rivers, fields and greenery for your dog to explore.
Richard Buck/Wikimedia
Lamaload Reservoir
South of the Peak District near Rainow you’ll find Lamaload Reservoir that gives you a number of options for different lengths of walks depending on your dog’s ability and age. You can head through the Goyt Valley and Shining Tor for a hefty 20k or mix a few less strenuous trails such as Long Monsal Trail and Edale route together.
John Darch/Geograph
Dovestone Reservoir
A popular hotspot throughout lockdown, Dovestone Reservoir is around an hour’s drive from Manchester’s city centre and perfect for those living over Ashton and Oldham-way.
Darren Lewis/Wikimedia
Chorlton Water Park
For those on the south side of Manchester, Chorlton Water Park is a great way for your dog to socialise with other dog’s and it offers a good range of walks for you too. You can even walk down the River Mersey and head to Fletcher Moss Park too. Watch out for the fabled ‘Beast’ though.
David Dixon/Geograph
Worsley Village Circular
Steeped in history, the circular walk around Worsley Village is great for both humans and dogs. The walk is three miles in total and perfectly picturesque if your dog’s Instagram is due some content
Hartshead Pike
Get views of the whole city (on a clear day), you can even see as far out as Snowdonia in Wales if you squint hard enough. The walk up to the pike can be acomplished from a variety of starting points, and there’s loads of empty fields and green space for your dog to run and jump through. Once at the top – its perfect for a little picnic while enjoying the views.
Lyme Park
Lyme Park features a beautiful National Trust house, complete with gardens surrounded by moorland and even a deer park. I love a good view and let me tell you, Lyme Park’s setting is nothing short of astounding and all the other adjectives you can muster up. Then there’s the Tower of London -esque ‘The Cage’ which provides ample picture opportunities too.
Heaton Park
Whilst technically a stroll in the park more so than a country walk, a visit to Heaton Park in all it’s 600+ acres is not to be sniffed at. Literally in this case. A massive park just outside the city, Heaton Park is also home to a Grade I listed country house, a lake, a brilliant cafe, and some rather eggy llamas which might start on your dog if you get too close.
