Bright blue and sunny skies; crisp, frosty mornings; trees resplendent in bright reds, oranges and yellows; winter is the perfect season for blustery walks and warming pub pitstops. Whether you’re a family with children, a happy hill hiker or a mountaineer, some of the most rewarding outdoor experiences take place in the autumn (and winter). So, lace up your boots or pull on your wellies – here’s where to escape the Christmas markets and concrete jungle of the city, without straying too far. Stretch your legs on one of these picturesque routes.
1. Boggart Hole Clough -Blackley
Steeped in local folklore, Boggart Hole Clough is one of Manchester’s most atmospheric green spaces. The word “boggart” comes from old Lancashire legends about mischievous spirits said to live in wooded areas, and the clough has carried that name for centuries.
Today, it’s a large and welcoming park with woodland paths, a boating lake, open green areas and plenty of space to explore. In winter, the tall trees and winding routes give it a calm, almost storybook feel, making it ideal for quieter walks, reflective time, or gentle exploration with children.
Despite its legendary past, the park is well-used and family-friendly, with clear paths and plenty of spots to pause and take in the surroundings.
Address: Charlestown Rd, Blackley, Manchester M9 7DH
2. Daisy Nook Country Park – Failsworth
Daisy Nook feels quietly magical, without trying too hard. This gentle 6.4 km loop winds along riverside paths, over small bridges, through wooded stretches and open fields, offering plenty of variety without feeling overwhelming. Keep your eyes on the water near the millponds and slow-flowing streams – these are some of the best spots to catch a flash of brilliant blue from a kingfisher. If you enjoy birdsong, calm water, and space to breathe, this one’s a real mood-booster.
Address: Stannybrook Rd, Failsworth, Oldham, Manchester M35 9WJ
3. Clayton Vale – East Manchester
Just a short tram ride from the city, Clayton Vale feels like a world away. This underrated riverside nature reserve follows the Medlock, offering winding trails, wildlife habitats, peaceful ponds, and plenty of spots for a winter picnic. As you wander, you’ll notice traces of its industrial past – from old mill sites to subtle remnants of Manchester’s manufacturing history – adding an extra layer of interest to your walk. Boots and a warm flask are recommended, making it perfect for soaking up the rural atmosphere without the long drive.
Address: Manchester M11 4RU
4. Rivington Terraced Gardens – Near Bolton
Rivington Terraced Gardens is a beautifully maintained historic space, with elegant terraces, stone features, winding woodland paths, and wide-open skies. A mid-winter stroll here feels more like exploring a carefully crafted architectural park than wandering through untamed nature – it’s magical, like stepping into another country. Perfect for peaceful reflection, photography, or simply soaking in the crisp winter air.
Address: Belmont Rd, Rivington, Bolton BL6 7SJ
5. Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens – Didsbury
One of South Manchester’s most cherished winter walks, Fletcher Moss combines botanical terraced gardens, riverside paths along the Mersey, woodlands, and open fields. It’s perfect whether you’re a seasoned walker or just after a gentle, restorative stroll. The atmosphere is peaceful and therapeutic, offering a brilliant way to clear your head, reconnect with nature, and embrace the quiet magic of winter.
Address: 18 Stenner Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RQ
6. Etherow Country Park – Stockport
One of England’s first country parks, Etherow Country Park is perfect for a winter stroll for the whole family. There is plenty to discover from mill ponds, rivers and streams. You might even catch a glimpse of a kingfisher if you are up earlier enough and fortunate enough, although in the colder months they usually move to coastal marshes and gutters. If your not in luck, see if you can spot the kingfisher sculpture.
Situated at Compstall, a small village nestled between Marple Bridge and Romiley, in Stockport is spans 240-acres of parkland. It is a Local Nature Reserve and the starting point of the Goyt Way, which is a 10-mile walking route from Etherow Country Park, Greater Manchester, to Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.
The country park benefits from a small cafe which serves all day breakfast, freshly made paninis and also as a lunch menu, sides, and serves real artisan coffee (supplied by Manchester’s own Heart and Graft Roastery). The cafe is pet friendly both inside and out.
Next door to the cafe is a visitor centre Etherow Visitor Centre that hosts family events throughout the year.
Address: Etherow Country Park, George St, Compstall, Romiley, Stockport SK6 5JD
7. Worsley Woods – Salford
Worsley Woods is a great place if you like wandering on or off paths. There are several trails and treks for you to explore and there are plenty of entrances and exits. The woods are a very enchanting place to walk with it’s long sweep of trees with overhanging branches. It is especially a magical place in autumn when the leaves change colour and in winter when the trees and plant life get a frosty coating. It’s quite muddy in parts, especially after heavy rain, so definitely take appropriate footwear. There is a kids playground in the middle with an adventure trail to keep the kids busy and active. There are lots of picturesque spots to stop for pictures, especially along the nearby Bridgewater Canal.
If you fancy a pitstop after your walk, there are a number of pub within a 10 minutes walk.
Address: Worsley Woods, Worsley, Manchester M28 2WP
8. Kenworthy Woods – Wythenshawe
Once a former south Manchester tip, and tucked away between Chorlton Water Park and the M60, Kenworthy Woods is the city’s latest nature reserve.
If you are looking for a quiet stroll, Kenworthy Woods is the perfect choice. Situated next to the River Mersey between Chorlton and Northern Moor, just across the river from the ever-popular Chorlton Water Park, it is much less crowded, and offers a perfect urban woodland retreat.
Covering 89-acres, Kenworthy Woods has become a haven for wildlife since being rewilded in the 1990s and is home to many different types of birds, including Blackcap, Wren, Jay, Song Thrush and a good amount of tit species, including the Willow Tit. The woods also boast a wide variety of fungi species, flora and fauna.
Despite the peacefulness, the woods are very well used by the local community, this was particularly evident during the Covid pandemic of 2020-2021, and you will spot remnants of various activities, from den building, mountain bike trails on homemade tracks, to faces carved into the trees, on your stroll.
Address: Willenhall Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 0BD
9. Urmston Meadows and Old Eea Brook – Urmston
Urmston Meadows and Old Eea Brook the perfect opportunity to explore on foot some of Trafford’s most beautiful countryside and provide the perfect tonic to the stresses of the Christmas rush.
Just a short walk from the Urmston town centre, the meadows are located on the southern fringes of Urmston close to the River Mersey. The meadow pastures, woodland paths, pond and ditches provide ideal habitat for wildlife, including Tawny Owls, Swallows, and House Martins.
Enjoy the beauty of the flood meadow in the autumn and winter months and indulge in the panoramic view of the River Mersey, and don’t forget to explore the woodland paths and go in search of Urmston’s majestic oak, the ‘climbing tree’.
There are two coffee shops further along the River Mersey on either side of the river in Sale. Riverbank Coffee Ltd on the Ousel Brook side and The Boundary Coffee Shop next to the Ashton on the Mersey Cricket Club. Both serve delicious freshly roasted coffee and a lovely selection of homemade cakes and other light bites.
Address: Urmston Meadows, Urmston, Manchester M41 9FW
10. Wythenshawe Park – Wythenshawe
Wythenshawe Park consists of almost 270 acres of parkland boasting 13 separate woodlands. It is packed full of new and mature ornamental woods, containing a wide variety of trees, formal bedding, open grassland and in the summer, beautiful wildflower meadows. In the colder months, its a great place to unwind and escape the Christmas mayhem.
Wythenshawe Park boasts a wealth of facilities, including a decent children playground with slides, swing, and climbing frames. There is also a cafe called The Courtyard selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches. Wythenshawe Community and Wythenshawe Horticultural Centre are located within the park, as is Wythenshawe Hall, a 16th-century timber-framed historic house and former manor house.
Address: Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe Road, Manchester M23 0AB
A Final Thought: Winter Walks That Work for Everyone
Winter doesn’t mean hibernation – it just means slower steps, warmer coats, and choosing places that feel manageable, calming, and restorative.
Greater Manchester is packed with green spaces that offer exactly that. Whether you’re after wide open views, quiet woodland paths, riverside walks, or somewhere gentle enough for families and autistic individuals, there’s something here that works – even on colder, greyer days.
As always, every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate at the time of publishing. Facilities, access and conditions can change, so it’s worth checking ahead before setting off.
Wrap up warm, go at your own pace, and remember: a short walk absolutely counts.
