Wintry weather is finally here making it the the perfect time to get outside for a good walk - as long as you wrap up warm.
With stunning parks and countryside on our doorstep it would be a shame to stay cooped up inside all day long, plus a warming glass of mulled wine or a hot chocolate always tastes better when you’ve been out in the fresh air.
There’s plenty of gorgeous walks to choose from across our region, which are even more beautiful when snow and frost arrive.
Read on for some of the best snowy walks you can do in and around Manchester.
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Heaton Park, Prestwich
Just a short drive or tram ride from the city centre, Heaton Park has everything you would want from a walk in the countryside right here within the city.
It’s full of beauty spots to discover, including the Grade I-listed Heaton Hall, the tranquil boating lake and The Temple, which offers impressive views of the city, especially when there’s snow or a frost.
Families will love this walk in particular thanks to several play areas, cafes and toilet facilities.
South Pennine Water Trail, Rochdale
Views of Hollingworth Lake on a clear winter’s day are not to be missed, and this waterside walk is a great way to enjoy them.
Negotiate your way through the 55 locks along the Rochdale Canal on the west of the Pennines, then take in another 36 on the east side, starting and ending your adventure at the lake.
On the way you’ll pass Bear Hill, Littleborough, Clegg Hall and there’s plenty of incredible scenery along the walk.
Chorlton Water Park
Of course, a wintry walk doesn’t have to take several hours, if you’ve only got enough time for a brief wander then Chorlton Water Park offers a small but perfectly formed circular walk.
There’s a route to follow around the lake itself, as well as surrounding grasslands and woodlands. This area is stunning in winter on a clear day, and is even more tranquil when it freezes over.
Parking is available and there are some picnic benches, as well as a play area.
Etherow Country Park, Stockport
With woodland areas, a reservoir and ponds to explore, a wander around this park on a crisp day is a brilliant way to escape reality for a few hours.
Offering 240 acres of greenspace, it’s one of the most widely visited parks in Stockport and it's not hard to see why.
There’s several routes to follow, including ones which take you through the ancient Keg Woodland and past Weir cottages.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
This 18th century house is home to an impressive 7-acre Winter Garden, which is the largest of its kind in the UK.
Here you’ll find more than 1600 winter shrubs, trees and evergreens, making it the perfect place for nature-lovers to visit.
The grounds are stunning on frosty and snowy days - you may even spot some of the fallow deer which call the park home.
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