12 beauty spots on the outskirts of Manchester that are perfect for an autumn walk

There's something special about a crisp autumn morning out in the fresh air, or a peaceful afternoon watching the sunlight burst in between the trees.

And while Manchester has some amazing places to see the seasonal colours in full swing , there's also some great spots just outside the area that are definitely worth checking out.

If you want to make a day of it with the kids, eager to try a more challenging route or simply fancy a change of scenery, there are some phenomenal beauty spots on the outskirts of the city that are worth the trip.

We've rounded up some of our favourite places, all are within about an hour of central Manchester and a 30 mile radius - many of these will be much closer depending where you are.

From woodland that's carpeted with colourful leaves to nature trails waiting to be discovered, picturesque peaks with stunning views to far-reaching and wild moorland, you wouldn't believe these places are so close to the city.

Wrap up warm and get your walking shoes on, and check out some of these beauty spots and get ready to enjoy the best of this vividly colourful season.

Macclesfield Forest, Macclesfield, Cheshire

 

With over 1,000 acres of woodland to explore, this vast forest is a great way to spend an autumn day out in the fresh air.

Most of the woodland is designated a Site of Biological Importance and is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The forest has a herd of red deer and various other wildlife which you may encounter on a visit and the reservoirs are home to many species of wildfowl - in fact,  Trentabank reservoir is home to the largest heronry in the area, with around 22 nests.

Edale, High Peak, Derbyshire

 

Spend a day in the picturesque village of Edale, which is conveniently located at the start and the end of the world-famous Pennine Way walking path.  If you want a more leisurely day out, take a stroll to the The Moordale Visitor Centre, with lots of interesting displays and information about the area.  Then take a walk to see the Mytham Bridge Tollgates - a little piece of local history.  Then finish up at the village, which is home to two pubs, a chippy and two cafes.

If you want to take a long walk, there's an easy circular walk that follows part of the Pennine Way that starts at the train station , along the Edale Valley to Upper Booth, then a descent down to Barber Booth before returning along the valley, following the railway line and back to the starting point.

However if you really want to stretch your legs, the village of Edale is the base point for many walking trails, including an adrenaline pumping hike up and around Kinder Scout.  Head up via Grindsbrook, follow the route of the stream to the top and then down via the famous Jacob's Ladder landmark.  It can be a bit of a challenge but well worth it for the magnificent views. 

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire

 

Venture out to the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank Mill for an easy family-friendly walk that is full of hidden gems.  The fairly flat walk takes you alongside the River Bollin, on a path lined with tall trees as you explore the wider estate at Quarry Bank.  Start at the Mill Yard and follow the waymarked path to the Southern Woods, where you will pass sluice gates (which control the waterflow) and a children's play area. 

Carry on, and you'll find the picturesque mill pond, which is full of diverse wildlife.  Head further along the path and you'll discover the quarry, which is where the site gets its name, and which is where some of the stone used to build the mill were quarried.

Carry along the route and you'll discover more in the woodlands, including a bridge, a river floodplain inhabited by rare plants and insects, an ice age granite boulder which was carried by a glacier from the Lake District, and a stone obelisk from when the gardens housed an observatory.

Bold Forest Park, St Helens, Merseyside

 

This relatively new forest area has been nurtured over the past 15 years transforming brownfield land surrounding a failing coal mine into an attractive green space.  It encompasses a six different sites that all make up the forest park; Clockface Country Park, Colliers Moss, Griffin Wood, Maypole, Sutton Manor and Wheatacre. Meaning there's something to explore in whatever direction you end up travelling.

Try Colliers Moss Common - a peaceful place to explore and now an important habitat for wildlife with a widespread network of pathways offering good access through the area. 

The site at Sutton Manor spans 230 acres and has extensive woodland to discover and has remarkable botanical diversity and during the day you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the resident buzzards and kestrels, as well as te rabbits, hares and partridge.  Walk up the signposted ascent to the top of the Manor Woodland to find the famous Dream sculpture - a commission by artist Jaume Plensa. From here visitors can enjoy views across to the Pennines, Clwydian hills and even Snowdonia. To the north is Billinge Beacon with Rivington Pike and Winter Hill.

Longdendale Trail, Glossop, Derbyshire

The Longdendale Trail follows the former Trans-Pennine railway, the now-disused route of the old Great Central Manchester Sheffield Railway that closed in 1981. It runs for around six and a half miles and covers the picturesque valley which is home to several reservoirs and surrounded by high moorland.

Its shallow gradients and smooth surface make it popular with families and cyclists and encompasses some beautiful views along the way, all set along the backdrop of the Longendale Valley. 

Delamere Forest, Northwich, Cheshire

 

Delamere Forest is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and the ideal spot to escape the crowds and get back to nature.  It's easy to spend a day wandering through the trees and exploring what's hidden between the trees, but if you prefer a walk with direction, there are six waymarked trails that meander through the forest - many which follow gentle forest roads making them ideal for those less-able or for groups with young children.

The Blakemere Trail, a three -mile gentle walk is perfect for wildlife lovers, which takes you among a canopy of mature trees and encompasses Blakemere Moss, a lake which is ideal for birdwatchers.

Take the Linmere Trail and enjoy a short two-mile stroll that leads through some of the most beautiful areas of the forest without venturing too far from the starting point.  This trail also passes the popular Gruffalo sculpture and parts of Blakemere Moss Lake.

If you want a bit more of a challenge, take the Old Pale Trail, a hard circular walk that follows forest gravelled tracks and purpose built stone walkways up a short but significant ascent.  But walkers are rewarded with phenomenal views across seven counties.

Seven Acres Country Park, Bolton

 

The Seven Acres Country Park is more than 300 years old and today, this picturesque stretch of green space is actually much larger than its name implies - at a massive 79 acres.

Seven Acres Local Nature Reserve is a diverse site with around 10 different habitat types including heathland, acid grassland, open water and broad-leaved woodland and wildflower meadows.  There's millponds to discover, over 100 different types of birds including kingfishers, kestrels and sparrowhawks, and it's home to 24 different types of butterfly.  If you're lucky, you might even encounter a roe deer which are present in the woodlands.

There are several different paths through the woodlands, all which encompass stunning areas of the nature reserve,  You might also spot some of the remains of the industry that once covered the land.  The remnants of Toothill Bridge Bleach Works can still be seen at the southern end of the site, and the large sycamore woodland planted and managed for the former bleach works.

Marsden Moor, Marsden West Yorkshire

 

The moors at Marsden are a great way to spend a day out in the fresh air while experiencing a wild and rugged landscape. The site is made up of moorland, valleys, peaks and crags covering 5,685 acres. This fascinating and diverse area is also site of special scientific interest thanks to its variety of wildlife. 

There are a number of marked walkways that are suitable for walkers of all abilities, all which you can download in advance from the National Trust website. 

The Easter Gate return is a short and easy round trip that follow the red waymarkers along the canal towpath and through winding lanes before reaching the historic Easter Gate Bridge, encompassing a nature trail and river.

Those wanting a more challenging hike would enjoy the Standedge circuit walk, an exhilarating 10-mile circular walk that explores the varied landscapes covering the vast valleys, the numerous reservoirs and open moorland with amazing and far-reaching views before descending back along the narrow canal.

Brereton Heath Nature Reserve, Congleton, Cheshire

 

This gem of a beauty spot spans over 50 acres of mainly silver birch and oak woodland surrounding a 15 acre lake, with areas of heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas. It's really accessible too, with changing rooms, public toilets (inc disabled), and has a wheelchair accessible route.

This Green Flag award winning site is the perfect spot for a relaxed walk, whether wandering on one of the many tracks through the woodlands or on the path around the lake - which has information boards explaining some of the wildlife that's on view and easy to follow signage. There's also a recreation area and open areas that are ideal for picnics.

Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

 

Take the Railway Trail at Hardcastle Crags and you'll be treated to amazing riverside views as you explore a picturesque woodland full of streams.

There's loads to see and even more to discover, whether you want to be put through your paces by taking the rocky paths to the top of the hills, or simply enjoy a stroll by the old weirs.

There's a series of waymarked paths to choose from, all taking varying routes through this stunning valley offering miles and miles of footpath to keep the outdoor enthusiast occupied.

Pendle Sculpture Trail, Aitken Wood, Nelson, Lancashire

 

Visit the Pendle Sculpture Trail in an atmospheric woodland setting, against the backdrop of Pendle Hill. A group of four artists have created an intriguing range of sculptures waiting to be discovered in the picturesque Aiken Wood.  The work is inspired by a combination of the natural world and the history of the ten Pendle women who were accused of being witches over 400 years ago.  

It's around a mile to get to the trail from the nearest car park at Barley, and it includes one uphill stretch and a steep path.  The woods are on a slope and there's a variety of different sculptures to find along the way, from impressive tree figures, stone carvings and even overhead figures in the trees, with lots of clues for younger visitors.

Honley Woods, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

 

Honley Woods is one of west Yorkshire's largest remaining ancient semi-natural woodland areas covering 150 acres of oak wood slopes. These peaceful woods have the remains of many old features from the areas industrial past including the quarries, coal pits and boundaries that have now been reclaimed by nature.

There are also prehistoric archaeological features - cairns, earthworks and burial sites - all concealed in the undergrowth.

It's now home to a wide range of animals and plants, including a diverse collection of wild birds.

Park in Honley, which is a 15-minute walk away, and enter the woods at Hassocks Lane (or off Knowle Lane if approaching from Meltham Road), and follow the circular path around meadows and ponds, through woodland and open ground.

Head upland and you'll be rewarded with some great views, and there's plenty of wildlife to discover along the way, too.