Living in Manchester is an excellent experience as it offers the best of both worlds: the hustle and bustle of city life and the serene countryside just a short distance away. As a dog owner, you probably enjoy taking your furry friends on exciting walks to different locations. Dogs love exploring new places and scents, and it’s a great way to keep both ourselves and our pets happy and healthy.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog walks in Manchester with distances, estimated times, and additional information to ensure a relaxing and safe experience. Please look at the pictures at the end for some of our lovely walks. If you know of any other great walks, feel free to share them with me.
Best Routes for Dog Walks in Manchester
1. Chorlton Water Park
If you’re looking for a great location for dog walks in Manchester, Chorlton Water Park is the ideal place to explore. It is located on the river Mersey and is part of the local nature reserve. The park features a well-maintained path around the lake’s perimeter, surrounded by lush woodlands for your furry friend to explore. The path is perfect for jogging, cycling, or stroll.
If you’re driving to the park, you will come across a set of traffic lights on the way to Manchester City Centre. Turn left at the ‘Chorlton Water Park’ signpost and follow the signs to the park. Parking is free, so you don’t have to worry about additional expenses. The park has something for everyone, including a small playground for children and the occasional ice cream van. However, it can get crowded, especially during school holidays and weekends. So it’s best to visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful and refreshing walk with your furry companion.
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2. Clifton Country Park
The local nature reserve is a must-visit for those looking for a serene and picturesque spot for dog walks in Manchester. The reserve offers a tranquil lake, dense woodland, vast meadows, and several ponds to explore. The highlight of the reserve is the path running parallel to the river Irwell, offering a perfect view of the surrounding landscape. To get there, take the A666 from the M61 towards Salford and follow the signs for the park. The car park is located after you pass through a residential area and go under a railway bridge. The park’s postcode is M27 6NG.
Additionally, visitors can explore the visitor centre, which provides more information about the country park. It is one of the earliest coal mines in the area, and the centre offers an opportunity to learn about its rich history. So, if you want an informative and peaceful walk with your furry friend, the nature reserve is a superb spot to visit.
3. Fletcher Moss Gardens and Stenner Woods
Looking for the best dog walks in Manchester? Look no further than this charming park that offers a wealth of options for you and your furry friend! The park has a well-maintained path that takes you through the beautiful gardens (with the caveat that dogs must be kept on a leash in this area) and continues through the lovely woodland. Expansive playing fields flank the park on either side, where dogs can run and play to their hearts’ content. If you’re up for a longer walk, the park also offers access to the River Mersey track, which extends for miles beyond.
Head to Didsbury Village and follow the main road towards Parrs Wood to get to the park. Turn right at The Didsbury and Ye Olde Cock and follow the road around until you reach a place to park your car. This parking area is located right next to the park’s main gates. This park is a fantastic place to explore with your furry friend, providing plenty of exercise, relaxation, and adventure opportunities. So why not plan a visit today and see what this lovely park offers?
4. Heaton Park
Heaton Park is one of Europe’s largest parks, covering approximately 600 acres of grassland. This park in Manchester is a great spot to enjoy a lovely walk with your furry friend. It’s a beautiful place to exercise your dog, with plenty of paths, grassy areas, and woodlands to explore. Moreover, Heaton Park has various attractions, such as animal farms and playgrounds, making it a perfect place to visit with your family.
You can easily reach Heaton Park from Manchester by taking exit 19 off the M60 and turning right at the roundabout. Then, follow the signs for Heaton Park and look for the car park. Remember that car parking charges apply. When you’re there, keep your dog on a lead when you’re near the livestock pasture. You can also take a break and have lunch at the lovely café in the park. Overall, Heaton Park is excellent for dog walks in Manchester. It’s a vast park with beautiful scenery, many paths to explore, and plenty of attractions for the whole family.
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5. Peel Park
Like most urban areas, finding open green spaces for dog walks in Manchester can be challenging. However, a simple park beside Salford University is perfect for city centre residents looking for a place to take their furry friends for a good run. This park is one of the best dog walks in Manchester, with surfaced pathways and the option to stroll beside the River Irwell and onto the playing fields.
Head around Trinity Way anti-clockwise from the city centre and turn left onto Chapel Street to reach the park. Follow it to the end and veer left onto University Road West. Then, follow the signs for Peel Park. While there is no parking available in the park, there are plenty of free parking options on nearby roads.
In addition to the dog-friendly pathways, there is a small children’s play area for families to enjoy together. If the park is busy, you can cross the bridge at the centre of the park and follow the path on your right to another large field that’s usually quieter. Overall, this park is a fantastic option for peaceful, safe dog walks in Manchester.
6. Sale Water Park
Spanning across an artificial lake created by digging the material for a motorway lies a beautiful walking trail perfect for dog owners. The trail can be accessed by walking through a serene woodland and continuing along the path alongside the lake. The best part of this walk is that you can extend it further by climbing over a small hill and continuing beside The River Mersey. It is a great way to enjoy the stunning views and wildlife while giving your furry friends the necessary exercise.
To access this trail, come off the M60 at J6 and follow the signs for Trafford Water Sports Centre. Drive past the tram stop car park and park for free in the park beside the café. The postcode for this location is M33 2LX. However, it should be noted that the motorway is quite close to this trail, which can make it quite noisy, especially on one side of the lake. Therefore, it is recommended that sensitive dogs be put on a lead in certain parts of the trail. Overall, this is undoubtedly one of the best dog walks in Manchester.
7. The River Mersey
Imagine going on a peaceful and scenic walk by the river with your furry friend, enjoying the beauty of nature and soaking up the fresh air. If you’re looking for the perfect place for dog walks in Manchester, you can’t go wrong with the Mersey River. With a total length of 109 km, this river boasts a fantastic stretch that flows through South Manchester, and there are plenty of places along the path where you and your dog can hop on and explore.
One of the best dog walks along the river is from Sale Water Park towards Chorlton. You can park your car for free by the water park and follow the wooden arrow sign across from the car park to the river, where you’ll be treated to some stunning views. However, it’s important to note that some parts of the river have a strong current, particularly after heavy rainfall, so it’s best to keep your dog on a lead if you’re unsure. Whether you prefer a short stroll or a longer hike, the Mersey River is the perfect destination for dog walks in Manchester. So grab your leash and four-legged friend, and prepare for a memorable adventure!
8. Worsley Woods
When it comes to dog walks in Manchester, there are many options available, but one that stands out is a lovely scenic walk through the woodland with a small stream running through the centre for the dogs to paddle in. This walk is located near the motorway. It can be pretty noisy in some areas, but overall, it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to walk your furry friends.
The walk offers a lake in the middle where some dogs may enjoy a swim, and if you want to extend your walk, you can join the trail at the back of the woods and walk to Walkden along the old railway line. To get there, you must head on the M602 from the city centre, head north on the M60 for one junction, and exit at junction 13 towards Worsley. Then, take a right at the first roundabout and a left at the second roundabout. Park nearby and follow the signs to the woods. The postcode is M28 2WL.
However, it’s important to note that if you have a sensitive dog, you may need to put them on a lead in some areas. Also, avoid visiting on a Saturday morning as Park Run will take place, and the walking places are limited. All things considered, this is an awesome option for dog walks in Manchester, and you and your furry friend are sure to enjoy it.
9. Wythenshawe Park
Lastly, if you’re looking for beautiful dog walks in Manchester, look no further than Wythenshawe Park. This expansive park spans over 109 hectares of greenery and woodland, offering both surfaced circular walks and unsurfaced narrow pathways to explore. Located near the suburbs of South Manchester, Wythenshawe Park provides a serene retreat from the chaotic city life.
You can quickly get to Wythenshawe Park by taking junction 3A off the M60 and turning onto Wythenshawe Road. Follow the signs to the park and make sure you enter through the second entrance signposted Wythenshawe Park/The Courtyard. Although car parking is usually free, be aware that there may be charges on bank holiday weekends.
If you need a break from your dog walks, there is a dog-friendly café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack. Wythenshawe Park is an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry friends while still within easy reach of Manchester’s city centre.
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Explore Manchester with Your Dog!
To sum it all up, Manchester has many beautiful places to take your dog for walks. You can choose between peaceful nature reserves or lively city parks, depending on your preference. These routes are easily reachable by car or public transport, so planning a day out with your furry friend is easy. Don’t forget to share your favourite spots with others so they can also enjoy walking their dogs in the beautiful city of Manchester. For more pet-friendly routes in the UK, check out these dog-friendly hiking trails in Birmingham. Have a wonderful time!
