Greater Manchester is surrounded by diverse countryside, from rugged moorland to the Cheshire Plain. Autumn is an ideal time for walking, with cooler temperatures and longer days, while nature puts on displays of red and orange foliage. Each outing offers something new as the season evolves.
Ending a walk at a pub adds to the experience, whether for a pint or a full roast. The following walks range from canal towpaths to Peak District rambles, each concluding at a pub.
Lymm, Cheshire
Lymm, a picturesque Cheshire village within easy reach of Greater Manchester, features waterways, a bustling centre, and several pubs. The name means "places of running water," reflecting its waterside walks. To the south, Lymm Dam is a reservoir with a footpath encircling it, approximately 1.5 to 3km long. The Bridgewater Canal flows through the village centre, offering a scenic towpath walk.
Beside the canal in the village heart sits The Golden Fleece, an 18th-century pub nestled beside a bridge, known for its picture-perfect setting and welcoming interior.
Entwistle Reservoir, Entwistle
North of Bolton, Entwistle Reservoir offers a relatively flat and easy circular walk of around 4.5km, lined with towering trees on one side and water views on the other. The walk can be extended to nearby Wayoh Reservoir, though the terrain is more uneven; a shorter route is possible via Crow Trees Lane. The Bradshaw Brook Viaduct lies between the two reservoirs.
The Strawberry Duck pub in Entwistle, nestled between the reservoirs and close to the train station, is a convenient stop.
Lantern Pike, Peak District
A walk up Lantern Pike rewards with views over the surrounding area, including the Manchester skyline on clear days. The 373m summit is steep and challenging, with a circular route from Hayfield just under 10km. Afterwards, The Pack Horse in Hayfield is featured in the Michelin Guide and ranked 9th in the Top 50 Gastropubs Awards 2024.
Quarry Bank, Styal
Despite its proximity to Manchester Airport, Quarry Bank offers acres of woodland and a riverside walk. At its heart is Quarry Bank Mill, built by industrialist Samuel Greg, using water from the River Bollin to power cotton mills. The mill is now owned by the National Trust, which also manages the gardens, apprentice house, and parts of Styal Village. The wider estate, woods, and village are free to access.
The Ship, the village's historic pub founded by the former mill family for workers, serves real ales, craft beers, and a menu of local produce.
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
A 30-minute train from Manchester Victoria reaches Hebden Bridge, a market town with mills and canals, ideal for a relaxed weekend ramble. For a proper country walk, Hardcastle Crags is a wooded valley centred around 19th-century Gibson Mill, with 15 miles of paths; it's owned by the National Trust and free to visit. Alternatively, follow the Rochdale Canal towpath past colourful canal boats. The Stubbing Wharf, on the town's edge beside the canal, is a spot for watching the world go by.
Rivington Pike, Rivington
North of Bolton, Rivington Pike offers views across Lancashire, including Blackpool Tower and the Lake District on clear days. The Pike Tower is recognisable from miles around. Along the way, Rivington Terraced Gardens, created by Lord Leverhulme, feature ruins, hidden lakes, and themed gardens. Afterwards, Rivington Brewing Co, a micro brewery and taproom on the western side of Lower Rivington Reservoir, has a large beer garden with views of the Pike.
White Nancy, Bollington
White Nancy, a grade-II listed cone-shaped structure on Kerridge Hill overlooking Bollington, was built in 1817 by John Gaskell to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. It originally had a single room, though the entrance is now sealed. A circular route from Bollington leads up Kerridge Hill to White Nancy, just over 5km long with a moderate climb. The Bulls Head pub in Kerridge, a 17th-century pub popular with walkers, has a beer garden with views.
Edale, The Peak District
The Hope Valley Line from Manchester reaches Edale in 45 minutes, a starting point for exploring Mam Tor, Winnats Pass, and Castleton. A circular route from Edale train station climbs Mam Tor, loops through Winnats Pass, a limestone gorge, and passes through Castleton. A steep ascent up the Great Ridge leads to Hollins Cross, then descends back to Edale. The Rambler Inn welcomes muddy boots.
Cheesden Valley, Heywood
Cheesden Valley, between Bury and Rochdale on the Lancashire border, features a brook, waterfall, and rolling hills. Once home to several mills, remains include Cheesden Lumb Mill with a waterfall flowing through the ruins. After exploring, the Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom offers views of the West Pennine Moors.
New Mills, Peak District
New Mills, on the edge of the Peak District, sits on the River Goyt. The Millennium Walkway, created in 1999, is a steel structure above the Torrs Gorge, covering 160m. Visitors can also explore Torrs Riverside Park, with mill ruins, weirs, and bridges. The Torr Vale Tap is inside Torr Vale Mill, a Grade II-listed former cotton mill accessible via the walkway, with a small beer garden overlooking the gorge.
