Manchester might be one of the biggest cities in the UK boasting a tall, ever-changing skyline but the brilliance of this city is that it’s not hard to reach the countryside to marvel at some natural wonders. We have lakes, reservoirs, woodland areas, hills and mountains all close to the city for us to enjoy a grand day out, however one stunning natural feature which you wouldn’t believe is so local to the Greater Manchester region are waterfalls. Yes, you can go chase waterfalls a lot closer than you think. Check out our guide to some of the most wonderful waterfalls near Manchester to visit, all of which are less than an hour’s drive away.
1. Edenfield Waterfall
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Just past the Greater Manchester border and close to the market town of Ramsbottom resides the village of Edenfield. It’s the starting point for several walks though the Lancashire countryside – but you don’t have to walk far to discover it’s best-kept secret. From the centre of the village head east along Plunge Road where you’ll discover this gorgeous waterfall hidden among the trees, where water tumbles over the crag into a pool below.
Drive time from central Manchester: 40 minutes
2. Weir Waterfall
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Possibly one of the closest waterfalls to the centre of Manchester, but certainly not the largest. Hidden away under the M60 going towards Middleton, this is one of the waterfalls which offers a little slice of escapism right here in Manchester. Walk along the River Irk heading to Middleton Park and you’ll see Weir Waterfall on route and for lovers of water you can turn off to Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve.
Drive time from central Manchester: 30 minutes
3. Pingot Quarry
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Another waterfall which you needn’t have to go far to get to is the one at Pingot Quarry. So close to Manchester that you could even hop on the Rochdale line tram getting off at Shaw and Crompton and walk out of the town to witness this natural wonder. Head up to Crompton Moor for views of the nearby greenery and rolling hills and on your descent you should be able to spot Pingot Quarry waterfall.
Drive time from central Manchester: 46 minutes
4. Reddish Vale Country Park
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Reddish Vale Country Park in Stockport has all of the sights. As well as having plenty of green space to wonder, the country park has quite the showstopper slap bang in the middle of the park. Not just the iconic viaduct that you can hardly miss but also a waterfall. You can spend most of your day at Reddish Vale Country Park as it offers a mix of both nature and history for you to soak up and enjoy.
Drive time from central Manchester: 35 minutes
5. Ashworth Waterfall
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A go-to so spot for wild swimmers, Ashworth Waterfall is located in Ashworth Valley close to Rochdale. Located within a forest, visitors to the waterfall can also discover the remains of Ashworth Mill from the 19th century and there is also still an old waterwheel that’s still intact. Who’d have thought something so majestic was so close to our doorsteps?
Drive time from central Manchester: 45 minutes
6. Tiger’s Clough
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Don’t be fooled by the name as there are no tigers here, however this waterfall in Rivington, near to Bolton, is so mesmerising that it could pass off as a waterfall you’d find in the jungle. Located on the lower slopes of Rivington Pike, Tiger’s Clough is the larger of two waterfalls in the ravine, the other being Crooked Edge Waterfall. It can be reached by a short walk along the wooded ravine formed by the River Douglas.
Drive time from central Manchester: 1 hour
7. Cheesden Valley
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If you fancy hitting two waterfalls near Manchester in one day, then you can as both the waterfall in Edenfield and the one in Cheesden Valley are not too far away from one another. What was once a thriving place during the Industrial Revolution is now a peaceful spot where you can see wildlife like wagtails, skylarks and frogs and hear the calming rush of water cascading down. Situated next to the ruins of Cheesden Lumb Mill and beautiful countryside, it is a picturesque spot to stop for a break during a walk and switch off.
Drive time from central Manchester: 46 minutes
8. Waulkmill Waterfall
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Just when you thought the north of Manchester had all of the fun when it comes to waterfalls there’s Waulkmill Waterfall. Located in Ingersley Vale, Bollington near Macclesfield and just bordering the Peaks, this spot is a tranquil paradise to pass whilst following nearby trails. This silky smooth waterfall is quite a hidden gem tucked away on the slopes of the ridge of Kerridge Hill that’s definitely worth chasing.
Drive time from central Manchester: 58 minutes
9. Middle Black Clough
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This secluded waterfall can be found at the end of Longdendale Valley in the Peak District. Lesser known than other waterfalls in the country, which means that it very rarely attracts large crowds. Middle Black Clough is perfect for a quick getaway and you also have the option to go for a dip in the ponds. There are three beautiful black cloughs here named near, middle and far, and the middle clough is where you will find this extraordinary waterfall.
Drive time from central Manchester: 1 hour
10. Greenfield Waterfall
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Situated close to Manchester within Saddleworth Moor, the area surrounding Greenfield Waterfall is one of Greater Manchester’s most impressive beauty spots. You can reach the waterfall by walking along the nearby bodies of water, Dovestone Reservoir, Yeoman Hey Reservoir and Greenfield Reservoir before scrambling up it to then be rewarded with stunning views. With such a gorgeous landscape as this part of the Peak District you might be a little reluctant to head back to the city.
Drive time from central Manchester: 1 hour