One of the positives to come out of the current pandemic is that we really have been able to appreciate the wonder of the outdoor spaces right on our doorsteps.
For many of us, our daily exercise has allowed us to discover the vast parks, wooded areas and valleys near to us that we never knew existed before.
With that in mind and as the weather starts to really shine, we thought it was time to look at just some of the best beauty spots situated in and around Manchester.
While on site tourist centres and shops will be closed, the outdoor areas of these woodlands and parks can all be visited by local residents as part of their daily exercise.
People should still follow social distancing rules, while large gatherings are still prohibited. It is also advised to leave if the area is busy and to visit at another time.
Etherow Country Park
Located at Compstall in Stockport, close to Romiley and Marple Bridge, Etherow Park was actually one of the first country parks in England.
Originally a mine and a cotton mill in the 1820s, the park now features a 31-acre nature reserve and was recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1977 for its biological interest.
With the River Etherow flowing through the park, it’s a tranquil spot oozing with wild inhabitants including Canadian geese, swans and the secretive water rail birds.
If enjoying the colourful views of the Goyt Valley weren’t enough, Compstall Weir provides a magnificent wall of water while the reservoir is used by the local sailing club.
Springwater Park
Described as an ‘hidden beauty in the shadow of the M60’, delightful birdsong greets you as you enter Springwater Park in Whitefield, Bury.
The land, which was formerly a printing works in the 1800s, is home to herons, kingfishers, and grey wagtails, alongside deer, rabbits and frogs.
Make it through the park and along the countryside paths to Hurst Wood and you’ll be able to witness glorious views of Manchester's lofty cityscape in the distance.
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Hollingworth Lake Country Park
Spanning 118 acres, Hollingworth Lake was originally built as the main water supply for the Rochdale Canal in the 19th century.
Another attractive spot for watersports activities, the country park is also popular for fishing and walking.
A short walk uphill from the lake in Rochdale will take you towards Whittaker Woods.
The 4.6 acres of woodland mainly consists of sycamore and beech trees and is surrounded by steep hillsides. It also happens to be a popular spot for sheep from the nearby farmland.
Serving as a dramatic backdrop for the country park is Blackstone Edge, which is situated 472m above sea level on the spine of the Pennines.
On a good day, climbing to the trig point on the Edge will allow you to see Manchester city centre and the mountains in North Wales.
Rivington Pike
A distinctive landmark for miles around, Rivington Pike is 361m above sea level and accessible from Belmont Road in Bolton.
Good conditions will allow you to see as far and wide as the Cumbrian Fells, Blackpool Tower and even the Isle of Man.
The hill summit is topped by the grade II*-listed Pike Tower, which dates back to 1733.
Built as a hunting lodge, the foundations of the 5ft tower were built using stone from an ancient beacon.
The Pike is believed to have been first used as a beacon back in 1138 and was also used in 1588 to warn England of the approaching Spanish Armada.
A beacon was last lit on the site in 2016 for the Queen's 90th birthday.
Cadishead & Little Woolden Moss
Walking down the footpaths of Little Woolden Moss in Salford, the first thing you discover is the never-ending stretches of peat.
In the 19th century, a railway between Manchester and Liverpool was built running right through the Chat Moss area, roughly around 30 pc of Salford, in order to extract peat from nearby mossland.
The 247-acre Cadishead and Little Woolden Moss was given a lifeline in 2012 when The Lancashire Wildlife Trust bought the land in order to salvage it from these years of peat extraction.
Since then, it has become a natural habitat for dragonflies, lizards, owls, rabbits and birds.
Birds including the stone curlew and lapwing call the moss home, as do willow tits, who are Britain’s most endangered small bird.
Sale Water Park
Formerly a gravel pit until the 1970s, the lake at Sale Water Park has become a popular spot for watersports activities and in the summer will often be seen peppered with jet skis and sailboats.
Waterbirds, such as cormorants and swans, can also be seen enjoying the delights of the 52-acre lake.
Those who prefer on-land activities can take a stroll along the lake, or head through the nearby grassy meadows to Broad Ees Dole.
The Local Nature Reserve in the northeast of the Water Park is known for its diverse plant life and is also a habitat for migratory birds and newts.
Dove Stone Reservoir
With breathtaking views of the South Pennine hills, Dove Stone is popular with walkers but also rock climbers and sailing enthusiasts using the reservoir.
The 2.6 mile walk around the reservoir takes around two hours, and features wildflower meadows, woodlands, and old quarry cliffs which are used as nesting grounds for peregrine falcons and ravens.
Located in Saddleworth, Oldham, Dove Stone lies on the course of Chew Brook which is the perfect stream to paddle in on a hot summer’s day.
Haigh Woodland Park
The Grade II*-listed building Haigh Hall was built between 1827 and 1840.
The surrounding native woodlands were first opened to the public in 1947 and 24 acres of planting were used to help regenerate the area.
While it has since become popular with families for the number of outdoor activities available, the Wigan park has also become a well-known spot for nature lovers.
The 250 acres of woodland, the nearby Leeds Liverpool canal, and picturesque views of the Douglas Valley and Welsh hills all offer chances to embrace nature.
Reddish Vale
Indirectly referred to in Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1848 novel Mary Barton for being a source of rare and wild flowers, Reddish Vale is a popular country park in Reddish, Stockport.
Besides its natural beauty and wondrous wildlife, one highlight of Reddish Vale is the 16-arched brick viaduct built in 1875.
It is believed that King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra crossed the viaduct on the LNWR royal train while heading towards Manchester in 1905.
Heaton Park
Covering an area of over 600 acres, Manchester’s largest park may perhaps be most known nowadays as a music and theatre venue but it's much more than that.
Alongside a boating lake and a farm, there’s the well-hidden Hazlitt Wood Pond which can only be reached by foot.
Meanwhile, climbing to the top of Heaton Park’s Temple will allow you to explore the small circular structure built on the highest point in Manchester.
Fans of Brideshead Revisited may even recognise the temple as it was used as a filming location for the 1981 television series.
