This Stunning Greater Manchester Walk Has Been Named One Of The Most Family-Friendly In The UK

We love getting out and about for a walk here in Manchester, and although we may not have mountains and seas, we still fare pretty well in the beautiful countryside department. With the Peak District right on our doorstep, and the Pennines winding their way through the region, our neck of the woods is sought-after by ramblers old and new, but just how accessible and family-friendly are our walks?

Luckily, outdoor brand Millets has looked at factors including terrain, gradient and available resources to reveal the areas in the UK with the most accessible walks for families. An ‘accessible walk’ is deemed as one that is suitable for people with mobility issues, including those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids, and families who have prams or younger children.

Unsurprisingly, our very own Dovestone Reservoir Circular was named in the list, coming tenth with an overall accessibility score of 7.75/10. At a distance of 4.3km and elevation gain of 105m, the beautiful Dovestone shows walkers what our region has to offer, with the walk looping around the shimmering reservoir. Expect clear trails, meandering forest and stunning views come rain or shine, as this Dobcross spot is the gateway to Saddleworth Moor, giving way to large expanses of natural beauty.

Greater Manchester also came sixth for accessible trails in the UK, with 196.7 ‘easy’ scoring trails per 1,000sqm. The walks surrounding Manchester are truly stunning, and whether you opt to go west for views of the coast and over to Wales, or experience some of the beautiful trails south or north of the city, it’s easy to see why everyone should, and can, enjoy walks and days out in our region.

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Instagram post via @the_red_hot_silly_trekkers | View over Dovestone Reservoir

Lochore Meadows Circular was named the most family-friendly trail in the UK, with a score of 9.13 out of 10. Located near Fife, Scotland, the 5.5km trail offers a smooth tarmac path and numerous accessible parking spaces, perfect for families with prams or wheelchairs. The trail is highly rated by members of the public, with one reviewer describing it as a “hard surface all the way, wide path and suitable for wheelchairs” and is the highest rated in the rankings.

The top 10 most family-friendly UK walks (distance, elevation gain, overall accessibility score):

1. 1. Lochore Meadows Circular, Scotland – 5.5km / 78m / 9.13
   2. Silverknowes Esplanade, Scotland – 6.3km / 63m / 9.06
   3. Damflask Reservoir Circular, England – 5.3km / 94m / 8.56
   4. Strathclyde Loch Circular, Scotland – 6km / 54m / 8.56
   5. River Dee Walk: Banchory to Milton of Crathes, Scotland – 9.7km / 98m / 8.50
   6. Donmouth Local Nature Reserve to Aberdeen Beach, Scotland – 6.3km / 59m / 8.31
   7. Cambridge City Circular, England – 6.3km / 87m / 8
   8. Tall Trees Trail Circular, England – 3.2km / 60m / 7.94
   9. Llyn llech Owain, Wales – 4.5km / 74m / 7.81
   10. Dovestone Reservoir Circular, England – 4.3km / 105m / 7.75

Whilst you’re out enjoying all Dovestone Reservoir has to offer, why not stop off at nearby Grandpa Greene’s in Diggle for a lovely ice cream or a slap up meal once you’ve tired yourself out? Or even the Fox & Pine in Oldham, named Pub of the Year!

The closest train station to Dovestone Reservoir is Greenfield, or it’s around a 40 minute drive from Manchester city centre.