4.5
(1098)
12,373
hikers
17
hikes
Hikes around Manley are characterized by the expansive woodlands of Delamere Forest and sections of the Sandstone Trail. The village serves as a starting point for routes that navigate through a mix of well-maintained forest paths, mosslands, and gentle hills. The terrain is generally moderate, with trails suitable for a range of fitness levels.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
86
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
35
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
15.4km
04:03
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
15.0km
03:59
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Lovely ride through Delamere Forest. You can't go wrong on a mtb or emtb. I entered the forest at New Pale and went round lots of trails to the holiday lodges and came out on Waterloo Lane.
0
0
It does get busy around the visitors' centre and the Gruffalo trail. However, if you ride up Pale Hill and follow the perimeter of the forest, there are plenty of quiet trails to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for single tracks going through the forest, there lots of off-the-beaten-path routes to follow if you look for them.
0
0
If you're traveling along the Sandstone Trail in Delamere Forest, you'll come across a picturesque bridge that spans over the railway. The Sandstone Trail is one of Delamere Forests' most popular routes, offering stunning views, rich woodland, and varied terrain.
2
0
very boggy here, step into the trees at the left then edge along the bank to get on the track.
0
0
Blakemere Moss at Delamere Forest is a reclaimed wetland area. The Moss was originally formed from two kettle holes (water filled hollows formed by a detached mass of glacial ice melted in situ towards the end of the last ice age). Delamere Forest is made up of more than 100 peatland basins and includes several sites of rare 'quaking' bogland, a phenomenon in which sphagnum mosses form a carpet above peaty water that appears to tremble when trodden on. The area was drained from the 1800's, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and planted with trees, (mainly oak and Scot's Pine) between 1793-1815 to provide timber for shipbuilding. The Forestry Commission planted the moss with pine and western hemlock during the 1940s, which proved uneconomic. In the late 1990's the Commission allowed the area to re-flood again naturally.
1
0
Seems like the only dog waste bin for miles around !! Handy to know where it is
0
0
Yes, the area around Manley, particularly Delamere Forest, is very popular for dog walking. The wide forest tracks and open spaces provide plenty of room for dogs to explore. However, always be mindful of local signage, especially concerning wildlife or livestock, and keep your dog under control.
Certainly. The terrain around Manley is generally moderate, with many easier options perfect for a family outing. There are 8 designated easy trails in the region. For a straightforward and enjoyable walk, consider the Barnsbridge Car Park loop from Manley, which is a relatively short and flat route through the forest.
Many hikes start from Manley village itself, where on-street parking may be available. For routes entering Delamere Forest, official car parks like Barnsbridge Car Park are excellent starting points. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends and holidays as these spots can fill up quickly.
Yes, most of the popular routes starting from Manley are circular, allowing you to end your hike where you began. These loops guide you through different parts of Delamere Forest and along sections of the Sandstone Trail. A great example of a moderate circular route is the Doolittle Moss – Sandstone Trail Railway Bridge loop from Manley.
Manley is an excellent gateway to the Sandstone Trail, a well-known long-distance path. Several routes from the village connect directly to sections of the trail. You can experience its character on a longer day hike like the Sandstone Trail Railway Bridge – Blakemere Moss loop from Manley, which incorporates a significant portion of this historic path.
The landscape is primarily characterized by the sprawling woodlands of Delamere Forest and gentle, rolling hills. You'll encounter a mix of well-maintained forest paths, tracks through picturesque mosslands, and sections of the Sandstone Trail. Most routes are considered easy to moderate, with very little steep climbing.
There are over 15 curated hiking routes around Manley available on komoot. These range from short, easy loops to more challenging day hikes, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
The routes in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-marked paths within Delamere Forest and the scenic, tranquil atmosphere of the woodlands and mosses.
Yes, you can explore the unique wetland habitats within the forest. The Delamere Forest Wetlands – Barnsbridge Car Park loop from Manley is a fantastic moderate hike that takes you through this distinct area, which is known for its rich biodiversity and primarily flat paths.
While there are no specific 'pub walks' listed, many trails start or pass through Manley village itself. You can easily plan your hike to start or end in the village, allowing you to visit a local pub for refreshments before or after your walk.
Delamere Forest and the surrounding mosslands are rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for various woodland birds, butterflies, and dragonflies, especially around the Blakemere Moss and the wetland areas. If you're quiet, you might also spot squirrels and other small mammals.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.