Best dog walks in Manchester

Often seen as a Northern hub of culture, Manchester ranks highly for its fashion and music scenes, which have long been the envy of other British destinations. Do the city and the Greater Manchester area offer ample dog-walking routes for its canine population?

Platt Fields Park

Looking for a dog-walking field in the middle of Manchester? Amidst Fallowfield is Platt Fields Park, one of the city's most significant public green spaces. It contrasts the urban setting of Wilmslow Road with its heavy student population.

Both humans and hounds can enjoy 170 acres of park encompassing Platt Hall itself and the lake. Many dog walkers enjoy a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s city centre with this popular inner-city dog walking route.

Heaton Park

Just 4-5 miles north of Manchester Victoria station is the iconic Heaton Park, the largest municipal park in Europe! Manchester City Council has an entire directory detailing all the activities in this green space. The park was originally the grounds of the Heaton Estate, which accompanied Heaton Hall.

Numerous dog walking routes in Heaton Park will give you and your hound a decent amount of choice, whether it be the Three Mile Sight-Seeing Walk, the Hazlitt Wood Walk or another popular route. Given the length of these routes, plan for a pit stop with dog treats for your pooch!

Dove Stone Reservoir

Historically, Dove Stone Reservoir was part of West Yorkshire, but it is now recognised within Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester, on the western edge of the Peak District National Park. The land here is almost flat, making for a very accessible and unchallenging dog walk.

The reservoir area has received national acclaim, as Petsure named the route the second-most scenic dog-walking path in the UK. Indeed, on a bright blue day, the skies encapsulate the beautiful scenes of the lush green grass reflecting off the body of water. Fido, your Sapsali, might like it too, continuing to bark—or they might just have dog food ideas, primarily about being fed Salmon Bites with Sweet Potato.

Alexandra Park

When Alexandra Park opened in 1870, it was seen as a very unusual design for the Victorian era with its oval shape and curved pathways. This was foreign to the norm of strict geometric designs in Victorian landscapes seen before.

There are many different routes to Alexandra Park. Popular options include observing the football pitch and cricket ground, while the wooded areas on the southern tip of Manchester offer a serene dog-walking escape for French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers and any breed! 

Dunham Massey

National Trust members (or those willing to pay for entry) can enjoy this English country house and its bountiful grounds. The parkland offers vista-style views, while the gardens are brimming with colourful, exuberant flowers, making a beautiful backdrop for a picture of your Bergamasco Shepherd.

This is a highly rated dog destination with amenities like dog bowls, dog fouling stations, and other elements that make it a canine-friendly environment.

Clifton Country Park

Clifton Country Park is located outside the city centre, within the M27 Salford region. It offers open woodlands, lakeside walks, and stunning views of the River Irwell. Many trails and routes suit every hiking (or leisurely) ability. Forty-eight hectares of beautiful countryside await you and your Bernese Mountain Dog.

Farnworth Manchester Walks

If you’re looking for a dog walking route well outside of the city centre (miles away from the crazed crowds of Manchester Victoria), then it could be an idea to visit Farnworth within Greater Manchester. Multiple websites and other resources document all the top walking routes in and around Farnworth. Some are longer hikes towards Bury, and some are shorter jaunts around the town’s perimeter.

Given the weather in this area, it will be worth searching for the forecast via BBC Weather in Manchester to ensure that your desired dog walking route isn’t subject to adverse weather conditions.