The best running trails around Manchester

There are over 45 jogging routes around Manchester documented on komoot, offering a diverse range of urban and natural landscapes. These routes cater to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to more challenging runs.

Yes, Manchester offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners. Many of the city's parks, like Platt Fields Park, provide flat, accessible paths. The extensive canal network, such as sections of the Rochdale Canal, also offers flat towpaths suitable for a gentle jog. For a specific example, the Running loop from Banner Forest East Trailhead is a moderate 3.2-mile path with minimal elevation gain.

Manchester boasts many scenic running options. The canal paths, like the Bridgewater Canal path, offer pleasant waterside views. For a more natural setting, Dovestone Reservoir in the Pennine hills provides a beautiful 4-5 km loop with open moorland views. Heaton Park also offers a scenic 5.3 km loop around a boating lake and past the neoclassical Heaton Hall.

Absolutely. For longer runs, you can combine sections of Manchester's extensive canal network, such as the Rochdale Canal, which offers miles of continuous towpath. The River Mersey paths are also part of the Trans Pennine Trail, providing an extensive series of river routes. A specific longer route is the Cascadia Marine Trail – Battery Vinton loop from Islandwood, which is 8.7 miles (13.9 km) long.

Yes, many routes in Manchester are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, Heaton Park features a popular 5.3 km loop. The Deansgate Canal Loop offers a picturesque urban circular run, and Dovestone Reservoir provides a 4-5 km circular path. The Battery Vinton – Battery Vinton loop from Fort Ward Park is a 4.9-mile circular trail.

Many of Manchester's parks and canal paths are suitable for family runs due to their generally flat and well-maintained surfaces. Alexandra Park with its oval pathways, and Platt Fields Park with its flat two-lap course around a lake, are great options. The accessible towpaths of the Ashton Canal also offer a pleasant family-friendly experience.

Most of Manchester's parks and canal towpaths are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, often on a lead. Heaton Park, Reddish Vale Country Park, and the various canal paths like the Rochdale Canal are popular choices for runners with dogs, offering plenty of space and natural surroundings.

Manchester's running routes offer a mix of natural features. You'll find extensive canal networks, riverside paths along the River Irwell and River Mersey, and numerous green parks. For more rugged natural beauty, areas like Dovestone Reservoir provide stunning moorland views, while Tandle Hill Country Park offers varied trails through woodland and open grassland.

Many of Manchester's urban and suburban running routes are easily accessible by public transport. The city's extensive tram and bus network can take you close to popular spots like Heaton Park, Alexandra Park, and various points along the canal systems, making it convenient to start your run.

You can combine your run with sightseeing in Manchester. Routes through the city center can take you past landmarks like Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum, and Manchester Town Hall. The Castlefield to the Quays route passes sights such as The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum. In Heaton Park, you can run past the neoclassical Heaton Hall. For more attractions, you can explore highlights like John Nelson Park or Point White Pier.

The running routes in Manchester are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, from flat canal paths to challenging park inclines, and the ability to combine urban exploration with tranquil green spaces. Over 300 runners have used komoot to explore Manchester's varied terrain.

Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, the areas surrounding Manchester offer more rugged trail running. Tandle Hill Country Park, near Oldham, provides varied trails through woodland and open grassland with challenging climbs. The nearby Pennine mountains also offer opportunities for more demanding trail runs with significant elevation changes and stunning views.

Manchester is renowned for its waterside running paths. The extensive network of canals, including the Rochdale Canal, Ashton Canal Tow Path, and Bridgewater Canal path, offers miles of flat, scenic running. Additionally, paths along the River Irwell and River Mersey provide pleasant greenways for waterside jogs.