After all the indulgence of Christmas Day (another mince pie, anyone?) a walk in the great outdoors can help to put a spring back in your step. The fresh air can clear your head, while over-excited kids can burn up some energy with a run around.
What’s more, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the stunning locations we have right here on our doorstep in Greater Manchester. Reservoirs, parks and hilltop trails ALL take on a new appearance in the winter, especially if there’s been snowfall or heavy frost.
Put away the board games for a couple of hours and wrap up in your warmest clothing - Christmas jumpers are compulsory - as you embark on this Boxing Day tradition. We’ve rounded up some of the best walks throughout Greater Manchester, from relaxing strolls to hilly hikes, so take your pick from one below.
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Don't forget the best part - returning home with a renewed appetite for all those leftovers.
Lower Rivington Reservoir, Bolton
There's more than just reservoirs to see in Rivington. In the woodland which lines Lower Rivington Reservoir you’ll discover the ruins of Liverpool Castle. Although the tumbled down walls and crumbling arches appear to have been there for centuries, Liverpool Castle is in fact a folly, commissioned by Lord Leverhulme in 1912.
In the “ruins” you’ll find secret passageways and hidden rooms which spark the imagination - and help kids to burn off some of that Christmas excitement. After exploring the ruins you can walk along the banks of the reservoir and take in the views across the water.
Walk further along the banks of the lower reservoir and you’ll come across Rivington Arboretum, with trails leading you through the trees. Historically Rivington was known as the “Little Lake District”, as the Lower Reservoir is joined by three more: the Upper Reservoir, Yarrow Reservoir and Anglezarke.
Burrs Country Park, Bury
Located just a mile outside of Bury town centre, Burrs Country Park features beautiful countryside, woodland walks and waterways. The park holds a Green Flag Award and it's easy to see why with everything it has to offer.
The River Irwell flows through the park offering gorgeous riverside views. Keep your eyes peeled for the weir, which was built in the late-eighteenth century and hints at the park’s industrial past.
The East Lancs Railway runs along the edge of the park so you may even spot a steam train speeding past, creating the ultimate Christmas-card worthy scene.
Heaton Park, Manchester
No list of Greater Manchester walks would be complete without Heaton Park. With 600 acres of green space to explore you could spend your whole Boxing Day taking it all in.
It’s a slice of countryside within easy reach of the city centre and there are lots of different areas to discover. Follow one of the paths which weaves through the wooded areas, or take a stroll around the boating lake.
At the heart of the park is the grade-I listed neoclassical Heaton Hall which overlooks a vast green lawn. For breath-taking views across Manchester, climb up the hill to the temple where you can see for miles around.
Alexandra Park, Oldham
The Victorians were responsible for introducing a lot of the Christmas traditions we still have today, so it makes sense to enjoy a Boxing Day walk in a Victorian park. Alexandra Park is located just outside Oldham town centre and was officially opened in August 1865.
It’s full of historic features you won’t find in modern green spaces, including an ornate public shelter called the “Lion’s Den” and a charming boat house which overlooks the boating lake. These Victorian features look particularly magical when covered in a dusting of snow.
There are several paths you can follow through the park and a children’s play area.
Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale
Nestled at the foot of the Pennines, Hollingworth Lake offers a beautiful wintry walk. The 130 acre reservoir features lots of routes, including a long, flat, circular path around the lake.
There are spectacular views surrounding the lake, which are made even more impressive when there’s snowfall. For those who fancy more of a challenging walk, there’s a direct link from the valley onto the Pennine Way.
If you take the South Pennine water trail towards the Rochdale Canal you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views at 600ft above sea level.
Clifton Country Park, Salford
Located in the Irwell Valley, Clifton Country Park offers everything you’d want from a countryside walk yet it’s just outside of the M60. A designated nature reserve, the park features lots of trails to follow which take you through wooded areas and grassy meadows.
The River Irwell flows through the park, while there’s also a small lake providing waterside views. Some of the paths are hidden too, so children can go on a mini-adventure discovering them.
Etherow Country Park, Stockport
Located between Marple and Romiley in Stockport, Etherow Country Park boasts more than 200 acres of green space. You can enjoy a circular walk around the park which takes you through the different areas.
It boasts a formal boating lake, ancient woodland, a beautiful weir and various ponds. There are several routes you can choose around the park, depending on how long or short you want your walk to be.
The park is home to a huge range of waterfowl too so keep your eyes peeled for them.
Hartshead Pike, Tameside
If you’re after a Boxing Day walk with incredible views, then head to Hartshead Pike, which overlooks Ashton-under-Lyne. The Grade II-listed tower was originally built in the early 18th century and is a beloved landmark for Tameside locals,
From the top of the hill you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Ashton-under-Lyne, Mossley, Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham - it’s the perfect vantage point for wintry scenes on a snowy day. If it’s clear you can even see as far as Snowdonia in Wales.
The walk to the top is an easy-going hill climb, so not too strenuous after all those mince pies. You can extend your walk by picking up the Oldham Way which runs past the pike.
Dunham Massey, Trafford
Dunham Massey has to be one of the most magical places to go for a Boxing Day Walk. It features a seven-acre Winter Garden, which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.
It has more than 1,600 winter shrubs, trees and evergreens which can be enjoyed even during December’s chilly weather. The gardens feature huge beech and oak trees, reminiscent of an ancient woodland.
The grounds are also home to a herd of fallow deer, so you can expect some Christmas card worthy scenes.
Pennington Flash, Wigan
Immerse yourself in nature with a walk through Pennington Flash. It features a vast lake with several smaller ponds and waterways nearby, which are a legacy of the area’s mining heritage.
This nature reserve is a haven for a wide variety of birds with more than 230 species recorded on the site. There’s a circular walk you can follow around the lake, which is just over three miles in total.
Alternatively, choose one of the trails which takes you through the wooded areas. There’s a playground for kids too.
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