Manchester has loads going on, but sometimes it’s good to escape to the quiet countryside for some R&R. The good thing is, you’re 30 minutes away from Peak District walks and loads of other hidden gems that are easily accessible by train. Here are some of our favourites walks and a pub lunches around Manchester.
RHS Bridgewater – Worsley
Opened only three years ago, RHS Bridgewater has quickly become a firm favourite for anyone wanting a nice walk that’s 7 miles outside the city centre and easily accessed by jumping on the X50 bus straight to the entrance. With over 154 acres of gardens to walk around, you could easily spend all day at this place. Its development, from 2016 until opening in 2021, was the biggest project of its kind in Europe. The RHS cafe serves traditional northern food such as lamb hotpot and pies from Great Northern Pie Co.
Todmorden
Easy to get to from Victoria, Todmorden is a small market town that is perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding and bird watching. Stoodley Pike is a great option if you want a small hike with some amazing views. The Golden Lion is known more as a music venue but also has a great menu with authentic Thai food on offer that includes curries and pad thai which is something a bit different to a traditional pub menu.
Edale
Trains run once an hour from Piccadilly on the main Manchester-Sheffield route and within 40 minutes you’re in the heart of the Peaks. Mam Tor and Jacobs Ladder are easily accessible from the station or if that doesn’t take your fancy, just pick a ridge and start walking up it. There are some great pubs near the station that serve some of the best food that will be needed after a long walk. The Rambler Inn close to the station is in a beautiful setting with a lovely beer garden.
Rivington Pike
Easy to get there by train to Blackrod, Rivington Pike is a perfect Sunday walk. It’s a circular hike of just under 2 miles so it’s not something you have to spend all day walking up. At the summit you’ll find the Pike Tower, which is a Grade II listed building. The Ridgeway Arms serves up their twist on pub food including lamb henry and chicken stroganoff.
Lymm
Lymm has a reputation for being one of the best places to live in the UK with The Times and Telegraph calling it one of the most desirable towns. Although there is no train station, a regular bus runs from Altrincham that takes 30 minutes. It’s worth it to see a dinosaur footprint that is 240 million years old and for a stroll around the Lymm Dam and Bridgewater Canal. Lymm means a place of running water in celtic and it is surrounded by it with plenty of nice pubs and restaurants along the canal. The Spread Eagle pub is renowned for Sunday roasts and steaks.