We love a walk around these parts and we have so many tried and tested routes in and around Greater Manchester to try. But what’s everyone’s favourite part? The pub at the end! So we’ve put together a guide to wonderful pub walks in Greater Manchester, in solidarity, that are great for getting motivated to get out into the fresh air.
1. Smithills Estate, Bolton β Bob’s Smithy Inn
If you’re in the Bolton area, Smithills Estate offers many variations of routes around the countryside, which you can adapt to suit your ability and preference. Whether you’re after a hilly hike that’ll tire you out, benefitting from amazing views, or a little woodland walk that’ll restore your faith in humanity and get you connected with nature, Smithills can accommodate. In addition to coffee carts on the way around, you can finish your walk at Bob’s Smithy Inn for a pint, a hearty meal, or just a well-earned sit-down – how good are pub walks?
π Bob’s Smithy Inn, 1448 Chorley Old Rd, Bolton, BL1 7PX.
2. Rivington β Rivington Brew Co
Of course, we had to mention Rivington, since we always do, and although there are plenty of pubs dotted around the area, we’ve gone for Rivington Brew Co, the taproom that comes into its own when you need warming up.
Whether you stroll around the reservoirs, climb up the Pike or fancy a challenge in the form of a Winter Hill walk, you’ll be glad for a pint once you’re back at ground zero, and Rivington Brew Co makes for the perfect end to any walking route – you can even park just outside between reservoirs, if the ‘walk’ part of ‘pub walks’ doesn’t appeal.
π Rivington Brew Co, Horrobin Ln, Chorley, PR6 9HE.
3. Marsden Moor β The Riverhead Brewery Tap
A National Trust site, Marsden Moor is technically West Yorkshire, but at only a stone’s throw from Rochdale and Oldham, we think it’s worth going the extra mile. Take a hike up Pule Hill, March Hill or Cupworth Hill, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from historic Pennine high points. As you saunter back down to planet Earth, push on quickly to reach the Riverhead Brewery Tap for a tipple and a nose about the quaint and pretty town.
π The Riverhead Brewery Tap, 2 Peel St, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6BR.
4. Quarry Bank, Styal β The Ship
A staple for many northerners when planning a day out, Quarry Bank Mill is great for a walk come rain or shine. One of the best preserved textile factories of the Industrial Revolution, the mill’s surroundings are packed with greenery, woodland and water, all of which are completely free to roam – the only thing to pay for is entry to the mill if you fancy a mooch. Once you’ve breathed in the air and the history, The Ship is a traditional pub that takes you into Styal, perfect for a cheeky pint in beautiful surroundings.
π The Ship, Altrincham Rd, Styal, Wilmslow, SK9 4JE.
5. Ramsbottom Circular β The Eagle and Child
Ramsbottom is a real go-to when it comes to rural walks and village strolls, and of course, it has some gorgeous pubs to retire to. After a walk around the circular or Ramsbottom and Holcombe Moor, saunter down to the Eagle and Child Inn. The pub is huge outside and in, with great views across the moors so you can sit back and feel smug seeing the route you just conquered, with a pint in hand.
π The Eagle and Child Inn, 3 Whalley Rd, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 0DL.
6. Pendle Hill, Clitheroe β The Parkers Arms
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Pendle Hill is a wonderful destination as well and somewhere to pass through on a pub pilgrimage. The area is shrouded in history, especially that harking back to the Pendle witch trials of 1612, and makes for a fascinating and challenging walk.
Depending on your preferences and whether you fancy hopping over to the Forest of Bowland, a walk could take you north west to the Parkers Arms. With ample outdoor seating, stone floors and a cosy feel, the Parkers Arms is truly a country pub, and you’ll most likely be able to chit-chat with other ramblers that have taken on some form of walk that day.
π The Parkers Arms, Hall Gate Hill, Newton-In-Bowland, Nr Clitheroe, BB7 3DY.
7. Torrs Millennium Walkway, New Mills β The Shrub Club
The Torrs Hydro loop on the Torrs Millennium Walkway is one of the shortest routes in the area, taking on average just over two hours from New Mills train station. Following a purpose-built walkway showing off the UK’s first community-owned and funded hydroelectric scheme, the route takes in viaducts, wildlife and waterways, offering the option to extend the walk to include the Sett Valley trail.
Dramatic torrs – or huge rock formations – frame the area, making it exceptionally beautiful and something you don’t see every day in Manchester. The Shrub Club is a contemporary pub and eatery, shrouded in industrial charm, embraced by a meander of the River Goyt, and lies conveniently near the train station, perfect for a stop-off before sleeping all the way home.
π The Shrub Club, Torr Vale Mill, Torrvale Rd, New Mills, High Peak, SK22 3HS.
8. Worsley β Worsley Old Hall
Only a short journey out of Manchester and into Salford, Worsley is one of the loveliest places for pub walks close to the city centre. Mostly known for canal walks, but also for RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley is abundant with waterways, fascinating buildings and greenery, perfect for the whole family.
17th-century country house pub Worsley Old Hall provides some respite from the great outdoors, with wood-panelled rooms and food and drink that’ll make you feel as though you’re dreaming, but is also blessed with huge surrounding grounds if you haven’t had enough of nature!
π Worsley Old Hall, Worsley Park, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2QT.
9. Dunham Massey β The Swan with Two Nicks
A classic when it comes to walks and wildlife spotting, Dunham Massey is not only a beautiful Grade I listed hall but boasts 300 acres of woodland. A stroll around the grounds can take anywhere between an hour and a day, whatever you want to get from it! Amazing for all the family, if you don’t fancy ice cream, or more likely it’s raining and cold and you want to dry off, the Swan with Two Nicks is just outside of Dunham Massey, convenient to drop in on your exit, and one of the loveliest pub walks around.
A pretty traditional pub, it does what it says on the tin, with a twist on usual pub grub, and definitely worth a visit for a refuel. Plus, the pub has been featured in iconic northern TV scenes including Coronation Street and Cold Feet – how fun!
π The Swan with Two Nicks, Park Ln, Little Bollington, Altrincham, WA14 4TJ.
10. City centre walks β Peveril of the Peak
Although it’s great and often needed to escape the city centre for some fresh air, we do have some lovely walks here in Manchester city centre, and boy do we have a lot of pubs to end up at. Whether you’re walking from pub to pub, or actually getting your exercise with a canal walk and wanting to reward yourself after, you’re pretty well covered.
One pub we’re choosing to highlight as a bolt hole after one of many walks is Peveril of the Peak, a hidden gem in plain sight. The oldest standalone pub in Manchester, Peveril of the Peak truly feels old inside, with small, rickety rooms and a low bar, and that’s much of the charm of the place. It’s refreshing to see a pub mostly untouched in the city centre, and a pint won’t set you back too much. The history of the place is also fascinating, so do look it up and pay attention to the newspaper clippings on the wall!
π Peveril of the Peak, 127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester, M1 5JQ.