There’s nothing quite like being by the water when the sun’s out. Despite the fact Manchester doesn’t have a beach - as the famous Ian Brown quote goes - we do have more than our fair share of canals, reservoirs and rivers.
Throughout Greater Manchester there are beautiful waterside walks, each one offering something a bit different. You can take your pick from huge reservoirs nestled in moorland to rivers flowers through woodland.
Going for a walk beside the water is a great way to boost your mood and and helps you to unwind. Water is known for having a calming effect, whether it's listening to the sound of babbling brook or watching the sun’s rays glistening on the surface of the water.
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As the weather warms up this week, we've rounded up some of the best waterside walks you can do in Greater Manchester...
Chorlton Waterpark
Tucked beside the River Mersey in South Manchester is Chorlton Water Park. It’s a nature reserve with a lake at the centre, surrounded by grasslands and woodlands.
It’s a beautiful spot for a relaxed stroll, with a path circling around the lake. For a longer walk you can follow the River Mersey from Chorlton Water Park to Sale Water Park.
Greenbooth Reservoir
For a waterside walk with stunning views of Greater Manchester, head to Greenbooth reservoir, a 15 minute drive from the centre of Rochdale. Its surrounded by green hills and rugged moorland and on a clear day you can see for miles.
It’s actually one of four linked reservoirs, the others are Naden Higher, Naden Middle and Naden Lower. There are paths you can follow around Greenbooth and the other three reservoirs if you want to extend your walk.
Pennington Flash
Located just outside of Leigh, Pennington Flash is a country park with a huge 80 hectare lake at its centre. There are trails you can follow along the water’s edge, as well as through the surrounding woodland.
A designated nature reservoir, Pennington Flash is a haven for wildlife and there are even hides dotted throughout where you can bird watch. The lake itself was actually formed as a result of mining subsidence and flooding.
Healey Dell
Healey Dell is a charming nature reserve where you’ll find a riverside walk hidden beneath the tree canopy. Situated two miles from Rochdale town centre, the River Spodden weaves its way through the shady woodland.
Along the way you’ll discover the remains of old mills, waterfalls and an impressive viaduct. If you follow the river north from the viaduct you’ll come across the Fairies Chapel, a pretty rocky gorge with a waterfall cascading down it.
Salford Quays
While it may not offer lots of greenery, Salford Quays does provide plenty of waterside views. It’s a beautiful spot for a wander on a long summer’s evening and it offers some impressive sunsets..
Take a wander around the various basins, canals and of course along the stunning bridges which link everything together. There are lots of bars and restaurants nearby to head to where you can enjoy a waterside drink.
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