Stockport, located in Greater Manchester, England, is known for its rich industrial heritage and stunning natural landscapes. For those who love spending time in nature and going for walks, Stockport and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of scenic routes suitable for all types of walkers, including adults, kids, and disabled individuals. In this article, we will explore the best walks near Stockport, catering to different types of people and groups, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Lyme Park
Lyme Park, a magnificent estate spanning over 1,300 acres, is a popular destination for nature lovers and walkers. Located in Disley, on the outskirts of Stockport, this beautiful park offers a variety of trails suitable for different abilities. The most famous trail in Lyme Park is the “Gritstone Trail,” which is a 35-mile long-distance footpath that passes through the park. However, there are also shorter and more accessible walks, making it suitable for families with children or individuals with disabilities.
One such accessible walk is the “Cage Walk,” which is a circular route around the park that is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it wheelchair and pushchair-friendly. This walk takes you through the picturesque parkland, where you can spot wildlife, including red deer and fallow deer, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The park also boasts a beautiful 15-acre deer park where you can observe these majestic creatures up close.
For those looking for a longer walk, the “Macclesfield Canal Walk” is a great option. This 6-mile linear walk starts from the park and takes you along the scenic Macclesfield Canal, passing through beautiful countryside and charming villages. The towpath of the canal is well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchair users and families with young children.
Etherow Country Park
Located in Compstall, Etherow Country Park is a beautiful park spread over 240 acres, offering a range of walking trails suitable for all abilities. This park is well-known for its picturesque lake, which was created by the damming of the River Etherow in the 19th century to power local mills. The park has a network of well-maintained paths that are suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, making it accessible for all.
The “Nature Trail” is a popular walk in Etherow Country Park, which takes you through woodland and meadows, and offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. There are also several picnic areas along the trail, making it a great option for a family day out. The park also has a visitor center, where you can learn about the history and wildlife of the park through displays and exhibits.
For those looking for a longer walk, the “Etherow-Goyt Valley Way” is a fantastic option. This 10-mile circular walk takes you from Etherow Country Park to the nearby Goyt Valley, passing through stunning scenery, including woodlands, rivers, and reservoirs. The walk involves some steep sections and may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, but it offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in nature.
Vernon Park
Vernon Park, located in the heart of Stockport, is a historic park that offers a variety of walking routes suitable for all ages and abilities. The park, opened in 1858, is known for its beautiful flower displays, ornamental pond, and Victorian bandstand, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and picnics.
One of the most popular walks in Vernon Park is the “Heritage Trail,” which is a circular walk that takes you through the park’s
beautiful gardens, historic features, and play areas. This walk is suitable for all ages, including families with young children, and offers an opportunity to learn about the park’s rich history and heritage through informative signs along the trail. The park also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and festivals, making it a vibrant and lively place to visit.
Vernon Park also offers accessible walking routes for individuals with disabilities. The park has paved paths and ramps, making it wheelchair-friendly and accessible for those with mobility issues. There are also designated parking spaces for disabled visitors, as well as accessible toilets available in the park.
Brabyns Park
Brabyns Park, located in Marple, is a picturesque park that offers scenic walks along the River Goyt. The park, spread over 60 acres, is known for its woodlands, meadows, and beautiful gardens, making it a tranquil oasis for nature lovers and walkers. Brabyns Park has well-maintained paths suitable for all abilities, including families with young children, making it a popular destination for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
One of the highlights of Brabyns Park is the “Goyt Way,” a popular walking route that takes you along the River Goyt and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. The path is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river and spot wildlife, such as ducks and swans, making it a delightful walk for nature enthusiasts.
For those looking for a longer walk, the “Marple Locks Walk” is a great option. This 7-mile circular walk starts from Brabyns Park and takes you along the Peak Forest Canal, passing through picturesque locks and charming villages. The walk offers beautiful scenery, including woodlands, meadows, and historic canal features, and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the area’s industrial heritage.
Reddish Vale Country Park
Reddish Vale Country Park, located in Reddish, is a beautiful nature reserve that offers a range of walking trails suitable for all abilities. The park, spanning over 160 acres, is known for its woodlands, meadows, and the stunning Tame River Gorge, which is a Site of Biological Importance. Reddish Vale Country Park has well-maintained paths that are suitable for families with children, as well as individuals with disabilities.
One of the popular walks in Reddish Vale Country Park is the “Gorge and Meadows Walk,” which takes you through the scenic Tame River Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the towering sandstone cliffs and the river below. The walk also passes through beautiful meadows, woodlands, and historic features, making it a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, and woodpeckers, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching along the way.
Reddish Vale Country Park also offers accessible walking routes, including the “Valley Loop,” which is a circular walk that is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. The park also has designated parking spaces for disabled visitors, as well as accessible toilets and picnic areas.
Etherow Country Park Sculpture Trail
For those who appreciate art and nature, the Etherow Country Park Sculpture Trail is a unique and creative walk that combines both. Located in Etherow Country Park, this trail features a series of sculptures created by local artists, displayed along a designated walking route. The sculptures are inspired by the natural surroundings of the park and offer an immersive experience in art and nature
. The park, located in Compstall, is set around a reservoir and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
The Etherow Country Park Sculpture Trail offers a diverse range of sculptures, including contemporary and traditional artworks, which are placed strategically along the walking route to create an interactive and engaging experience. The sculptures are made from various materials, such as wood, metal, and stone, and represent different themes and concepts, adding an artistic element to your walk.
The trail is approximately 2 miles long and is well-marked with signposts, making it easy to follow. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the park, including woodlands, meadows, and the tranquil waters of the reservoir. The trail also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, as the park is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, kingfishers, and swans.
The Etherow Country Park Sculpture Trail is suitable for all ages, including families with children, as it offers an interactive and educational experience through the combination of art and nature. The park also has accessible paths, making it wheelchair-friendly and suitable for individuals with disabilities. There are designated parking spaces for disabled visitors, as well as accessible toilets and picnic areas in the park.