Heading outside and going for a walk with your dog is one of life’s simple pleasures. Not only does it boost your mood and fitness, but has countless benefits for your four-legged friend too.
Now that summer is nearly here it’s the ideal time to be more adventurous with your dog walks and try somewhere new. Luckily we’re spoiled for choice in Greater Manchester.
We’ve rounded up some of the best dog walks below, along with dog-friendly cafes nearby so you can grab much-need refreshment after your stroll. If you’ve got a favourite walk in Greater Manchester, please let us know in the comments section below.
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Jumbles Country Park, Bolton
Located in the Bradshaw Valley, north of Bolton, is Jumbles Country Park - offering waterside views and forest trails. At the centre is Jumbles Reservoir, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971.
You can follow a three-and-a-half mile circular route around the reservoir, which starts and ends at the car park. For a longer walk you can head north to Turton Tower.
Dogs are welcome at the onsite café, which has an outdoor seating area. It serves a great selection of food and drinks, the perfect way to start or end your walk.
Jumbles Country Park Café is open Monday - Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Sale Water Park to Longford Park, Trafford
This route takes you along the River Mersey, through the flood meadows of Sale Ees, ending in Longford Park, Trafford’s largest public park. It's just under three miles long and there are lots of different landscapes to keep your dog interested.
In the centre of Longford Park you’ll find Longford Café. Dogs are allowed inside on a lead and the café serves a delicious range of cakes and light meals.
Longford Café is open Monday - Sunday, 9am to 4.30pm
Burrs Country Park, Bury
With 89 acres of countryside to explore, Burrs Country Park is a great spot to walk your dog. There are open spaces, woodland and water for dogs to have a splash about in. While you’re there keep your eyes peeled for steam strains, as the East Lancashire Railway passes through the park.
The Lamppost Café at Burrs Country Park is a popular spot with humans and hounds alike. Its menu features a range of tasty dishes and delicious cakes, while there’s a separate ice cream parlour where you can order through a hatch. The best part? They serve a special ice cream just for dogs.
The Lamppost Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Etherow Country Park, Stockport
Sandwiched between Marple and Romiley in Stockport, Etherow Country Park boasts an impressive 240 acres of green space - more than enough to let your dog burn off some energy. It has grassy fields, woodland areas, lakes and a river, with paths taking you along the waterside.
Overlooking the lake is Etherow Country Park Café, where dogs are welcome inside and out. There’s outdoor seating if the sun is shining and it serves a good selection of sandwiches, light meals and cakes.
Etherow Country Park Cafe is open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Daisy Nook, Oldham
One visitor described Daisy Nook Country Park as a “dog’s paradise” on Google reviews, and it’s easy to see why. The park, which follows the route of a disused canal, features a network of footpaths passing along waterways, through woodland and wildflower meadows.
After your walk head to Café Riverside, located in the Daisy Nook Garden Centre, for a bite to eat. It has a terrace which overlooks the river and there’s a separate seating area for those with dogs.
Cafe Riverside is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 10.30am to 4pm
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