The best running trails around Manchester

Manchester offers a wide variety of running routes, with over 80 trails documented on komoot. These cater to all fitness levels, including 11 easy routes, 65 moderate routes, and 6 more challenging trails for experienced runners.

Yes, Manchester has several easy routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed run. The Fitness Trail is a popular easy path, and the Carriage Path and Lookout Mountain Loop also offers an accessible experience. Many of the city's parks, like Platt Fields Park and Alexandra Park, provide well-maintained, gentle paths suitable for all.

Manchester boasts several expansive parks ideal for running. Heaton Park is a vast 600-acre park with varied terrain, from paved paths to dirt tracks. Other excellent options include Alexandra Park in Oldham, Platt Fields Park in South Manchester, and Peel Park in Salford, which offers picturesque riverside views. Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens and Chorlton Water Park also provide beautiful green spaces for a run.

Yes, many of Manchester's running routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Lookout Mountain Loop is a great option. Many park trails, such as those in Heaton Park or around the lakes at Chorlton Water Park, also offer natural circular paths.

Absolutely. Manchester's extensive canal network and river paths offer flat, scenic routes. The towpaths of the Rochdale Canal and Ashton Canal provide continuous, relatively flat runs, showcasing the city's industrial heritage. The Bridgewater Way and paths around Salford Quays also offer pleasant waterside running with diverse views.

The running routes in Manchester are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.5 stars from more than 4 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse blend of urban green spaces, historic canal networks, and accessible natural landscapes, providing options for different ability levels and scenic variety.

Many of Manchester's parks and canal paths are suitable for families. Parks like Platt Fields Park, Heaton Park, and Alexandra Park offer wide, well-maintained paths that are generally flat and safe for children. The flatter sections of the canal towpaths also provide an easy and engaging environment for family runs.

Manchester's excellent public transport network, including trams and buses, makes many green spaces and running routes easily accessible. Parks like Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Alexandra Park are well-served by public transport, allowing you to reach them conveniently from the city center.

Yes, many routes offer points of interest. For example, the Cheney Rail Trail passes by the Cheney Rail Trail highlight. Other routes might take you past historic mills along the canals, Heaton Hall in Heaton Park, or modern attractions like the Imperial War Museum and The Lowry at Salford Quays. For more natural sights, you might encounter highlights like Blackledge Falls or the Bushnell Park highlight.

Yes, for longer runs, you can combine sections of canal paths or explore the larger parks. The Cheney Rail Trail is already 4.2 miles (6.8 km), offering a good base for a longer run. You can also extend runs in parks like Heaton Park or along the River Mersey paths, which connect several green areas, forming extensive greenways.

For those seeking more demanding runs, areas slightly outside the city offer dramatic landscapes. Dovestone Reservoir in the Pennine hills provides a scenic main loop with options to extend into surrounding trails and open moorland. Destinations further afield like Tandle Hill Country Park, Rivington Pike, and Kinder Downfall in the Peak District present opportunities for more strenuous trail running with significant elevation gains.

Many of Manchester's parks and open spaces are dog-friendly, making them suitable for running with your canine companion. Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Chorlton Water Park are popular choices where dogs are generally welcome, often with designated off-leash areas. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs on trails.