Throstle Nest Loop
Distance: 5.5km
A gentle walk along Bridgewater Canal and the Irwell from Castlefield. See Manchester's industrial past right in front of you, watched over by swans.
Manchester City Centre
It may not seem a likely spot for walking. However with a vast array of canals, parks and architecture, there's plenty to see in Manchester.
Reachable by train
Reachable by metrolink
Reachable by bus
Reachable by car
Routes available: 4
Best Views:
- Rochdale Canal: This canal runs all the way out to Rochdale and is entirely walkable.
- Bridgewater Canal: Running from Deansgate out to Worsley and beyond, this canal runs past the Trafford industrial area out into more pleasant green spaces.
- Media City: A new (ish) development technically in Salford. A nice area to wander round with the Lowry Theatre and a few cafes and restaurants.
Amenities:
- Local Pubs and Cafes: There are many beer gardens, cafes and restaurants to refuel after a walk in the centre.
- Parking Facilities: Convenient parking available for tourist. Most are pay and display however.
- Toilets: There are public toilets in most transport hubs and shopping centres. The many food outlets also provide toilets.
- Hotels: There are many hotels around the centre should you be looking to spend a weekend or a fortnight.
- Parks: Though Manchester isn't London, there are plenty of parks around if you know where to look. Most of them are recently renovated with children's play areas.
Getting there
Reachable by train
Train
Served by two main stations, Victoria and Piccadilly, the city centre has regular service from all over the country.. The rail network is surprisingly well spread, being a legacy from the Industrial Revolution, where the outer mill towns needed regular service.
Reachable by metrolink
Metrolink
The Metrolink network serves much of Greater Manchester. Its best feature is its regularity. With one every 12 minutes on every line, you don't even really need to plan, just turn up and one will be there shortly.
Reachable by bus
Bus
The Greater Manchester Bee Network means all buses into the centre are £2 for a single, and £5 for a day rover, which gets you on any bus all day. The network serves most of Manchester, and is regular during peak times. Just heck ahead on a weekend as services are less common, but normally at least hourly.
Reachable by car
Car
Driving to Manchester is easy. There is paid parking all around the centre. Just follow the signs to Manchester.
This button will open Google Maps directions to Manchester City Centre.
Get directions hereCircular Walks
Start and End at the Same Spot
These walks start and end at the same point in Manchester City Centre
Ancoats Marina and Locks
Distance: 2.1km
A short walk round the new developments along the canals of Islington and Ancoats. Very nice on a sunny day.
Agüerooo! The Green Hat-Trick
Distance: 11km
Phillips Park, Clayton Vale and Mayfield Park provide three unique green spaces with the Etihad Stadium and Ashton Canal add a smattering of local history.
Point-to-Point Walks
Explore Two Places in One Walk
These walks start at Manchester City Centre but end somewhere else. Great for exploring different areas.
