The best country walks near Greater Manchester ending with a pub

We’re pretty spoiled here in Greater Manchester when it comes to the countryside we have right on our doorstep. From rugged moorland to the vast Cheshire Plain, there’s a different landscape everywhere you turn.

As we move into autumn we’re coming up to one of the best times for a country walk. Temperatures are cooler compared to the summer months but the days are still long enough to enjoy time outside.

Nature also puts on some of its best displays in the autumn as leaves transition from lush greens to burning reds and oranges, something to look out for in the coming weeks. The beauty of autumn is that it’s constantly evolving, and every time you head outside you’ll see something different.

Of course, there’s no better way to round off a country walk than with a visit to a pub. Whether you’re after a refreshing pint or a full-on roast (or both), it always tastes better after a trek in the countryside.

We’ve rounded up some of the best country walks to do near Greater Manchester, all ending in a pub. The walks vary from canal towpaths to Peak District rambles, so there’s something to suit everyone.

Lymm, Cheshire

Cheshire is known for its picturesque villages and one within easy reach of Greater Manchester is Lymm. It features gorgeous waterways, a bustling village centre and several pubs and cafes.

Its name actually means places of running water and it has no shortage of waterside walks. To the south of the village is Lymm Dam, a beautiful reservoir with a footpath encircling it that’s around 1.5 to 3km long.

Flowing through the centre of the village is the Bridgewater Canal, which offers a scenic towpath walk. Sitting right by the canal in the heart of the village is The Golden Fleece pub which couldn’t be more picture-perfect if it tried. Nestled beside a bridge, this 18th-century pub is gorgeous when admired from afar but is just as warm and welcoming when you venture inside.

Entwistle Reservoir, Entwistle

Lying just north of Bolton, Entwistle Reservoir is a lovely spot if you fancy a waterside walk that’s relatively flat and easy to follow.

There is a circular walk around the water which is around 4.5km in length, on one side it’s lined with towering trees and on the other you can look out across the water. You can extend your walk by heading over to the nearby Wayoh Reservoir, although the terrain is more uneven than Entwistle. The trail is a similar length although you can cut across using Crow Trees Lane if you want to make it shorter.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Bradshaw Brook Viaduct which can be found between the two reservoirs. Round off your walk with a visit to the Strawberry Duck pub in Entwistle, nestled between the two reservoirs. It’s located a stone’s throw away from the train station so it's easy to reach by public transport.

Lantern Pike, Peak District

A walk up Lantern Pike in the Peak District will reward you with incredible views of the surrounding area.

On a clear day you’ll even be able to see across to the Manchester skyline. The walk to the 373m summit is steep and rather challenging, but it is worth it for the views from the top. A circular walk from Hayfield is just under 10km.

Afterwards you can swing by The Pack Horse in Hayfield, which is featured in the Michelin Guide and ranked 9th in the Top 50 Gastropubs Awards 2024. Fans of the pub should also plan a visit to Almanca in Glossop, which was launched by the pub’s chef-owner in 2025.

Quarry Bank, Styal

It might be located right next to Manchester Airport, but Quarry Bank couldn’t feel any more different with acres of woodland to explore and a beautiful riverside walk.

At the heart of it is Quarry Bank Mill, which was built by industrialist Samuel Greg, using water from the River Bollin to power the cotton mills. Today the mill is owned and operated by the National Trust, which also owns the mill’s gardens, apprentice house and parts of Styal Village where workers’ cottages can be found. Visitors can access the wider estate, woods and Styal village for free.

The Ship is the village’s historic pub which was founded by the former mill family as a place for their workers to enjoy some leisure time away from the factory floor. It serves up real ales, craft beers and a menu showcasing local produce.

Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

A fast 30-minute train from Manchester Victoria will transport you to the town of Hebden Bridge, a place with a distinct West Yorkshire identity where moody-looking mills tower above snaking canals.

This market town is ideal for a relaxed weekend ramble. For a proper country walk venture to Hardcastle Crags, a beautiful wooded valley centred around the 19th-century Gibson Mill with 15 miles of paths to explore.

Owned by the National Trust, it’s completely free to visit. Or if you prefer you can follow the towpath along the Rochdale Canal and admire the colourful canal boats moored up along its banks.

The Stubbing Wharf is located on the edge of the town and sits right beside the canal, the perfect spot for watching the world go by.

Rivington Pike, Rivington

For spectacular views across Lancashire head to Rivington Pike just north of Bolton.

From the top of the hill you can see as far as Blackpool Tower and the Lake District mountains on a clear day, while the Pike Tower is instantly recognisable from miles around. Along the way a visit to the Rivington Terraced Gardens is a must. Located on the hillside, it’s the mastermind of Lord Leverhulme and features mysterious ruins, hidden lakes and themed gardens.

Afterwards head to Rivington Brewing Co, a micro brewery and taproom located on the western side of the Lower Rivington Reservoir. It has a huge beer garden with views of the Pike itself, so you can look back at where you've been.

White Nancy, Bollington

One of the more unusual features of the Cheshire landscape is White Nancy, an intriguing white structure which stands on the summit of Kerridge Hill, overlooking the town of Bollington. The cone-shaped, grade-II listed building was built in 1817 by John Gaskell to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

Originally inside there was a single room, although the entrance is now sealed up. A circular route from Bollington will lead you up Kerridge Hill to White Nancy, where you can admire the incredible views. At just over 5km long the route isn’t too challenging, although it’s a bit of a hike up the hill.

Afterwards you can swing by the Bulls Head pub in Kerridge, a 17th century pub which is popular with walkers and features a beer garden with excellent views.

Edale, The Peak District

Hop on the Hope Valley Line from Manchester and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Peak District within 45 minutes.

Edale is a fantastic starting point for exploring some of the national park’s top beauty spots including Mam Tor, Winnats Pass and Castleton. A circular route from Edale train station will take you up the iconic Mam Tor hill, which offers spectacular views from the summit.

From here it then loops through Winnats Pass, an impressive limestone gorge, before passing through the scenic village of Castleton. A steep ascent up the Great Ridge will take you to Hollins Cross and from here you can descend back down into Edale.

Round off the walk with a stop at the Rambler Inn - as its name suggested muddy boots are always welcome.

Cheesden Valley, Heywood

Cheesden Valley is nestled between Bury and Rochdale, just on the border with Lancashire. The picturesque valley is home to a babbling brook and a waterfall, all surrounded by miles of rolling hills.

Although it’s now a tranquil spot, the valley was once home to several mills and you can still see the remains of them today. One of the most impressive is Cheesden Lumb Mill, which features a waterfall flowing through the ruins.

After exploring the valley pay a visit to the Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom. It has incredible views of the West Pennine Moors.

New Mills, Peak District

Located on the edge of the Peak District, New Mills is a picturesque town on the banks of the River Goyt.

The town is home to a country walk with a twist: the Millenium Walkway. Created in 1999, the steel structure sits above the Torrs Gorge and allows walkers to be fully immersed in the landscape, covering a distance of 160m.

As well as the walkway, visitors can explore the Torrs Riverside Park, located within the gorge where you’ll find the ruins of mills, weirs and striking bridges. The Torr Vale Tap is located inside the Torr Vale Mill, a Grade II-listed former cotton mill which is accessible via the walkway. It has a small beer garden with views of the gorge.