
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
1. Peak District National Park
A historic and expansive park offering diverse landscapes for hiking, with gritstone edges, moorland, forests, and rivers.
- Variety of Terrain: Provides a mix of flat, steep, and challenging terrains suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Historic Sites: Features numerous historic sites like castles, viaducts, and medieval villages along the trails.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable from Manchester by train or car for a day trip or extended hike.
2. Lake District National Park
Iconic British park with scenic lakes, fells (mountains), and picturesque villages.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of the English countryside, especially from mountain tops.
- Lake Cruises: Provides lake cruises for resting and enjoying the landscape while on a multi-day hike.
- Water Activities: Allows opportunities for swimming, canoeing, or boating during summer months.
3. Yorkshire Dales National Park
Beautiful limestone dales and grassy moorland, with historic sites like Bolton Abbey and Skipton Castle.
- Limestone Formations: Features unique limestone pavements, caves, and waterfalls along the hiking trails.
- Historic Sites: Includes numerous historic sites and charming villages with traditional pubs for rest and refreshment.
- Walking Festivals: Hosts annual walking festivals celebrating the region's rich hiking heritage.
4. Pennine Way National Trail
Long-distance trail spanning the Pennines from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, passing through rugged landscapes and historic sites.
- Long Distance Hike: Provides a challenging, multi-day hiking experience for experienced hikers.
- Historic Sites: Features historic sites along the route like Hadrian's Wall and hillforts.
- Remote Scenery: Offers remote, untouched landscapes that showcase the rugged beauty of northern England.
5. Wild Boar Fell and Tarn Hows
A scenic fell walk with beautiful views over Coniston Water and the surrounding Lake District.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers panoramic views of Coniston Water and the surrounding mountains.
- Relatively Easy Hike: Provides a relatively easy hike for families or less experienced hikers.
- Beautiful Tarn Hows: Includes the picturesque Tarn Hows, a popular spot for picnicking and photography.
6. Shap Abbey Circuit
A short but scenic hike around the remains of Shap Abbey in Cumbria.
- Historical Significance: Hikes through the ruins of a 12th-century monastery with informative signage.
- Short Distance: A relatively short and easy hike suitable for families or less experienced hikers.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and reflective atmosphere among the ruins.
7. Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre & Castle Ring
A hike combining the unique Jodrell Bank Observatory with the historic Castle Ring hillfort.
- Science and History: Combines the science of space exploration with the history of an ancient hillfort.
- Diverse Landscapes: Provides diverse landscapes, from open fields to wooded areas and the unique observatory.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational activities at the observatory, including guided tours and interactive exhibits.
8. Gordale Scar and Malham Cove
A picturesque hike through Gordale Scar to the iconic limestone formation of Malham Cove.
- Unique Geology: Features a unique geological formation, including the limestone pavement at Malham Cove.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides scenic viewpoints over the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding countryside.
- Family-Friendly Hike: Offers a relatively easy hike suitable for families or less experienced hikers.
9. Hudson's Circuit
A scenic walk around the picturesque village of Alderley Edge, with panoramic views of Cheshire and Manchester.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides breathtaking views over the Cheshire countryside and Manchester skyline.
- Historic Sites: Includes the historic Alderley Edge, a rock formation associated with legends of buried treasure.
- Easy Accessibility: Easily accessible by train from Manchester, making it an ideal day trip hike.
10. Mam Tor and Castle Nab
A challenging hike to the iconic Mam Tor hill and the nearby Castle Nab in the Peak District.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a challenging hiking experience with steep ascents and rocky terrain.
- Iconic Viewpoints: Offers iconic viewpoints over the Peak District and surrounding countryside.
- Rich History: Features ancient hillforts, Iron Age settlements, and Roman remains along the trail.
11. Lyme Park and Goyt Valley
A hike through the picturesque Lyme Park estate and the scenic Goyt Valley in Cheshire.
- Historic Mansion: Passes by the beautiful Lyme Hall, a 16th-century manor house.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides scenic viewpoints over the Cheshire countryside and Goyt Valley.
- Variety of Terrain: Offers a mix of flat, wooded trails and challenging ascents for hikers of all levels.
12. Eastmoor & the Mersey Valley
A scenic walk through a wildlife-rich valley and along the banks of the River Mersey in Cheshire.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for spotting diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and otters.
- Historic Sites: Passes by historic sites like Latchford Roman Fort and the medieval village of Frodsham.
- Relatively Easy Hike: Offers a relatively easy hike suitable for families or less experienced hikers.
13. Ribblehead Viaduct and the Three Peaks
A challenging multi-day hike to conquer the Yorkshire Three Peaks and pass by the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides a challenging multi-day hiking experience with steep ascents and rocky terrain.
- Iconic Viewpoints: Offers iconic viewpoints over the Yorkshire Dales, including the Ribblehead Viaduct.
- Historic Sites: Features historic sites like Ingleborough Cave and the remains of World War I soldiers' huts.
14. Ilkley Moor and the Cow and Calf Rocks
A scenic hike on Ilkley Moor with panoramic views over Wharfedale, and the iconic Cow and Calf Rocks.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides breathtaking views over the Wharfedale countryside and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales.
- Historic Sites: Includes historic sites like Ilkley Manor House and the ancient burial grounds of Baildon Moor.
- Family-Friendly Hike: Offers a relatively easy hike suitable for families or less experienced hikers.
15. Northumberland National Park
A vast and remote park offering challenging hikes, ancient castles, and dark skies.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides challenging hiking experiences in the Cheviot Hills and Simonside Hills.
- Historic Sites: Features numerous historic sites like Alnwick Castle, Hadrian's Wall, and Lindisfarne Priory.
- Dark Sky Preserve: Offers opportunities for stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserves at Kielder Water and Ingram Valley.