As temperatures soar above 30°C in Greater Manchester this week, with highs of 34°C forecast for Thursday and Friday, the region is under an amber warning for extreme heat. While staying indoors is advisable, those wishing to venture out can find relief in shaded woodland spots. Here are five shady walks in and around Greater Manchester to cool off during the heatwave.
Chorlton Water Park
Nestled beside the River Mersey, Chorlton Water Park offers a tree-lined path around a man-made lake, created during the 1970s when a gravel pit was excavated to construct the M60. The path is largely under cover, providing ample shade. Visitors can enjoy an ice cream van near the entrance or grab a curry from the Meeting Place Cafe by Tibetan Kitchen.
Tandle Hill Country Park
Covering approximately 48 hectares of woodland and grassland, Tandle Hill Country Park features numerous trails weaving through shaded trees. The park boasts incredible views across Manchester, Oldham, and Rochdale, with visibility extending to Cheshire and North Wales on clear days.
Prestwich Clough and Drinkwater Park
Prestwich Clough is a wooded area with rolling cloughs and towering trees offering plenty of shade. Paths lead to Drinkwater Park, an area of woodland and meadows along the River Irwell. The park is part of the Prestwich Forest Park, which also includes Philips Park and other green spaces.
Healey Dell
Located two miles from Rochdale town centre, Healey Dell Nature Reserve follows the River Spodden through woodland. The reserve features remains of old mills, waterfalls, and a viaduct. The Fairies Chapel, a rocky gorge with a waterfall, was named for a chapel-like rock formation damaged by floods in the 1800s.
Daisy Nook Country Park
Nestled between Oldham and Ashton-under-Lyne, Daisy Nook Country Park offers woodland, waterside walks, and picnic sites. The park includes Crime Lake and paths along the canal and River Medlock. It is a haven for wildlife and popular for bird spotting.
