WALK THIS WAY FOR BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES

MANCHESTER may be an urban paradise but we’re only a stone’sthrow away from some of the best countryside in the UK.

With beautifully deep wooded valleys and breathtaking peaks, there’s plenty of places to get out in the fresh air.

Especially if you want to walk off some of that festive overindulgence.

Step just a little outside of the city and you’ll discover a whole world of country hikes and hillside trails that are sure to blow off the cobwebs after the festive period.

Check out our suggestions of great places to get to in the great outdoors and stretch your legs.

Note: Always plan your route ahead of travel. Be sure to wear appropriate walking clothes and carry appropriate equipment.

Tandle Hill View Point

Explore the 110 acres of parkland plus surrounding woodland and grassland at Tandle Hill Country Park in Royton, Oldham.

From here you can see spectacular and contrasting views across Manchester, Rochdale and the Pennine Hills - and even as far as Wales on a clear day.

There’s plenty of great walks through the park - an easier path for those hoping for a gentler stroll, or a steeper trail up to the highest point of the park where you’ll find a World War I memorial and some amazing views.

Blackstone Edge

A popular spot with keen walkers, Blackstone Edge is a great place to stretch your legs, whether you want a short walk or a long hike.

With gorgeous views across Littleborough and Rochdale, it’s not the most taxing of hikes, but it is littered with gritstone in all shapes and sizes so care needs to be taken along the way.

The Aiggin Stone, a gritstone pillar, stands alongside the route and marks the county boundary. You’ll also find a trig pillar - a landmark used to determine the shape of the country at the highest point. Start at the White House Pub on Halifax Road near the Blackstone Reservoir and head up towards the Pennine Way and up to the summit.

Or if you really want to put yourself through your paces, start at Hollingworth Lake and use the footpaths from the town across the moors to the Blackstone Edge.

Holcombe Moor to Peel Tower

This sometimes-strenuous circular walk that gives a pleasant combination of spectacular views, ancient woodland, riverside rambling and a whole host of local heritage.

Head upwards towards the imposing Peel Tower and be rewarded with magnificent and uninterrupted views across Manchester and the North West.

The walk starts at Ramsbottom station, so time it right and you can leave the car behind and arrive in style on a steam locomotive.

Parts of the walk crosses farmland and so walkers need to keep to the footpath and make sure any accompanying dogs are on a lead. You can download a map of the route here - you’re looking at around 2-3 hours to complete it.

Roddlesworth Woods

Take a trip to beautiful Riverton and discover the secrets of the Roddlesworth Woods. Walk through the thick forest and you’ll discover what was once Hollinshead Hall - a manor house owned by the wealthy Hollinshead family.

Just fragments of the former mansion remain, but explore further into the site and you’ll find a wellhouse containing what used to be a holy healing well. If you follow the river through the woods you might even spot some waterfalls along the way.

But if you want a more challenging trek, head past the ruins, through the wood and uphill on the flank of Cartridge Hill following the signs for Lyon’s Den.

Carry straight on up to Darwen Tower, taking the spiral staircase to the peak and enjoy the phenomenal views that await you.

Bridestones Moor

Bridestones, Crosscliff and Blakely Topping all make up part of a nature reserve that’s looked after by the National Trust and the wealth of unusual features make it a great place for a hike.

It’s home to some unusual and unique rock formations known as the Bridestones, a Jurassic sedimentary