The days are getting cooler, the nights are getting longer, and pumpkin-spiced lattes are back on sale. That can only mean one thing: autumn is here.
Throughout autumn, the green of the British countryside transforms into a range of seasonal colours that are breathtaking for both young and old. Trees turn red and gold, walkways become covered in their leaves and fallen seeds, and hedgerows are full of ripe berries.
Now is the perfect time to grab the family and explore the beautiful area we live in. So, make the most of this stunning season and get outside.
Here’s a guide for eight of the best family walks this autumn in and around Greater Manchester.
1. Dove Stone Reservoir
Dove Stone Reservoir is situated on the edge of Oldham, leading into the Peak District National Park. Due to its spectacular scenery and the numerous walks available, Dove Stone Reservoir is a popular place to visit.
The easiest of the walks is two and a half miles on a pushchair-accessible pathway. This walk will lead you around the reservoir, past beautiful woodland and there are even picnic benches where you can take a break.
2. Huddersfield Canal – Greenfield to Diggle
Nestled between the villages of Greenfield and Diggle lies the historic Huddersfield Canal which was essential to the area’s growth during the Industrial Revolution.
The total length of the canal is 20 miles between Ashton-under-Lyne and Huddersfield. However, the section between Greenfield and Diggle is just over two miles, making it ideal for a family walk with numerous activities for the children to do along the way.
Along the towpath is the Huddersfield Narrow Canal sculpture trail, which reflects the canal’s history with art pieces by local artists and school children. There is a children’s play park just off the canal path in Diggle and lots of interactive games and sculptures.
There is only one thing that could top a beautiful walk along the canal: stopping off for a delicious ice cream at the end of it. Grandpa Greene’s cabin is in Diggle and serves the luxurious homemade treat. No matter what the weather is like, homemade ice cream is a must after working up an appetite from a long walk!
3. Daisy Nook Country Park
This beautiful country park has 40 hectares of stunning woodland, meadows, waterways, and a lake. With activities for young and old to enjoy, it’s a popular country park in Oldham.
It’s perfect for the children as its play park features everything from a wetland nature area and a rock hill fort to scrambling boulders. The only problem is you may struggle to tear them away.
For a pleasant, leisurely stroll on a crisp autumn day, Daisy Nook Country Park has a pushchair-accessible towpath next to the canal so everyone can enjoy the great outdoors.
4. Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Situated two miles from Rochdale town centre, Healey Dell is a picturesque nature reserve with stunning scenery and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Healey Dell is rich in industrial archaeology. A disused railway from the 1800s is now a nature trail across a 100-foot high aqueduct.
Once everyone has enjoyed taking in the scenery, viewing the local wildlife, and having fun running through the fallen leaves, there is the Healey Dell Heritage Centre. You can relax in the tea rooms or have further adventures within the Fairy Grotto.
5. Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake Country Park, situated just outside Rochdale in Littleborough, is an award-winning tourist destination. It consists of a 118-acre man-made lake, first created as the water source for the Rochdale Canal, but then developed into a tourist destination in the 1860s.
This gorgeous country park has a two-and-a-half-mile track around the lake that is relatively flat, so suitable for the smaller children in pushchairs. Plenty of benches are situated around the lake for quick rest stops, and several places for refreshments are also dotted around the lake.
6. Tatton Park
Tatton Park is a 1,000-acre park located in Knutsford. It is a fun-filled park with plenty to do for every family member, making it ideal for an autumn walk.
Tatton Park is a deer park. During the autumn, it is rutting season, so an excellent opportunity to see the deer out and about. The park is bursting with wildlife, making it superb for animal lovers.
Many different trails run throughout the parkland, with beautiful walks and stunning views. This is an excellent way to see the many colours of autumn in a beautiful countryside setting. There may even be a seasonal scavenger hunt for the children to enjoy.
7. Irwell Sculpture Trail
The Irwell Sculpture Trail is a 33-mile walk from Bacup to the Salford Quays, with 70 sculptures by renowned artists from Manchester and worldwide.
The trail can also be split into bitesize chunks, called “clusters”, so you don’t have to complete the 33-mile trek in one day! Each cluster enables you and your family to explore your local heritage, communities, and the beautiful autumnal landscape.
The Irwell Sculpture Trail is a different way to explore this fantastic area.
8. Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey, in Altrincham, consists of an exquisite country house, delightful gardens, and magnificent parkland.
The parkland at Dunham Massey is magical and has all the elements of a great medieval park. From ancient trees to roaming deer, the trails over the 330 acres of ancient parkland are a fantastic way to forget the worries of life.
There’s plenty for the children to see and do, such as climbing fallen trees, finding conkers beneath the leaves, and taking part in seasonal activities that may be taking place.
Many trails are also accessible for pushchairs, so younger family members can enjoy the adventure.
Enjoy your free time this autumn
Taking a break from your hectic life and taking your family for a relaxing walk will always help revitalise you after a tough week. And Autumn is the perfect time to explore the superb countryside surrounding Greater Manchester. So, pull on your wellies or walking boots and start crunching through those crisp fallen leaves!
