With a four-day weekend and decent weather on the cards, this Easter could be the perfect opportunity for a great family walk. Greater Manchester is lucky to boast so many scenic locations which make the perfect backdrop for a walk, and many of those can be found in Tameside.
From stunning parks and countryside, to historic canals which were once vital to northern industry, there are plenty of places for walkers young and old to explore. The Met Office says Tameside can expect dry weather and top temperatures of 18C on Good Friday, 17C on Saturday and Easter Sunday, and 13C on Easter Monday - so it could be an ideal time to explore the borough's outdoors.
Here are 10 of our favourite spots for a stroll around the borough. If we've missed your favourite Tameside walk off the list, let us know in the comments section below.
READ MORE: Things to do in Manchester over the Easter bank holiday weekend
Hartshead Pike
One of Tameside's most famous beauty spots, Hartshead Pike is a perfect spot for a more challenging Easter walk. Sitting 876ft above Ashton and Mossley, Hartshead Pike provides stunning views of Greater Manchester from the top.
The iconic Grade II-listed tower which sits at the top of the hill was rebuilt in 1863, replacing a structure that dates back to 1751. Experienced walkers can tackle the 'hike to the pike' - a four-mile circular route which starts at Park Bridge Heritage Centre.
Stamford Park
Sitting on the border of Stalybridge and Ashton, Stamford Park is one of the borough's best-loved attractions. It is the borough's top-rated park on Trip Advisor and Tameside's second most popular attraction overall on the review website.
The park is steeped in history, opening in 1873 following three decades of calls for open space that mill workers could benefit from. With gardens, a duck pond and playground, Stamford Park is an ideal place to spend a spring day with the family.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal
If you're looking for a long stroll through the borough, take a trek alongside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Starting near Asda in Ashton, follow the route through Stalybridge and Mossley before reaching Saddleworth.
The canal reopened in 2001 after being restored by volunteers, following 50 years of dereliction. It's now a great way to enjoy the dramatic hills and stunning scenery which surrounds Tameside, as well as the borough's industrial landscape.
Daisy Nook
One of Greater Manchester's best loved country parks, Daisy Nook is a stunning escape from the region's hustle and bustle. The 40-hectare site is a hugely popular spot for fishing and birdwatching, while its waterside walks are perfect for families.
Crime Lake and Sammy's Basin are idyllic spots, while trekkers can lose themselves in woodlands and meadows. Children's play areas and accessible paths for wheelchairs and buggies also make Daisy Nook ideal for explorers of all ages.
Werneth Low
If you're looking for incredible views, this is the place to be. Werneth Low is an 80-hectare country park with peaks sitting high above Hyde, with views stretching as far as the Welsh mountains in the right conditions.
The country park was opened in 1980, after being established by Tameside and Greater Manchester councils, along with Hyde War Memorial Trust - which bought the land as a tribute to the 710 local men who died in the First World War. Footpaths, cycle routes and picnic areas make it a popular place to unwind.
Stalybridge Country Park
Another gem in Stalybridge, the country park features two sections - the Brushes Valley, in Millbrook, and Carrbrook - linked with footpaths. The former industrial landscape is now a hub for wildlife - including birds, rabbits, weasels, hares, frogs and toads.
The country park is popular among ramblers, cyclists and horse riders, while there are plenty of picnic areas available. For those looking for a more adventurous walk, a trip up to the top of Wild Bank is well worth it for the breathtaking views.
Lovers' Alley Trail
The two-mile Lovers' Alley Trail is one of Tameside's most popular walking routes, taking in the Tame Valley and the Peak Forest Canal. Explore old warehouses and mills along the route, as well stunning woodland and countryside.
Historically, the cobbled path was used by packhorses for transporting coal. Starting at the Cheshire Ring Hotel, the Lovers' Alley Trail is within easy reach of Hyde town centre.
Portland Basin
Why visit one Tameside canal when you can see three? Portland Basin is where Peak Forest Canal, the Ashton Canal and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal all meet in Ashton.
It's a picturesque spot for a picnic where you can expect to be joined by ducks, swans and moorhens, before venturing further along one of the canal towpaths. The site is also home to the Portland Basin Museum, where the whole family can explore more about the area's industrial heritage.
Cheetham Park
Cheetham Park, in Stalybridge, is packed with character and plenty of things to explore. Visitors can enjoy the Cheetham Park nature trail, with its horticultural and historical features, while herbaceous perennials have been planted in the park to boost wildlife.
An impressive sculpture trail is on display, while visitors can also explore the Eastwood Nature Reserve and the park's community orchard. Youngsters can also enjoy Cheetham Park's popular play area.
Haughton Dale
One of many popular parts of the Tame Valley, Haughton Dale is Tameside's biggest nature reserve. Ancient meadows have been joined by newer woodlands which were planted where textile mills, coal mining and glassmaking sites once stood.
Expect to see plenty of wildlife, with a variety of insects common to see at this time of year. Birds such as woodpeckers, owls, bullfinches and nuthatches are also frequent visitors to Haughton Dale, along with blackbirds, thrushes and robins.
