Embrace the chilly season with a long country walk, topped off with a well-deserved pint. Take a look at our recommendations for great nature trails with even greater pubs.
There’s nothing better than some pub grub and a nice crisp pint in some good company to enjoy at the end of a relaxing walk. Luckily for us, Greater Manchester is full of hidden gems, with lots of country walks and trails, and excellent pubs to explore. Keep reading to find out more about some of the best pub walks that you can enjoy in and around the Greater Manchester area.
Swan With Two Nicks
Just a stone’s throw from Dunham Massey, a National Trust site, the Swan with Two Nicks is an ideal pub to relax in after a nice walk. Pop on a cosy sweatshirt like this Fred Perry Classic Crew Neck Jumper and enjoy the Dunham Massey trail before sitting down with a pint and some grub in this traditional English pub. When walking, there’s the option of either taking a trip around Dunham Massey or walking along Bridgewater canal, both of which the venue recommends. There is a huge amount to explore, especially at Dunham Massey where you can explore more than three hundred acres of land, along with spotting local deer. Along the canal, there are narrow boats drifting along that you can admire. Since it’s a long canal, you’ll need to loop back towards the pub once you’ve explored the local part.
Worsley Old Hall
Located just off Junction 13 of the M60, Worsley Old Hall is the perfect pub to relax in after an afternoon exploring Worsley Woods and Worsley Canals. It has a circular walking trail, which heads over the nearby golf course towards an old rail line, and finishes through Worsley Woods. There's also a nearby canal, located by Worsley Courthouse, which is a fantastic walk through the historic village. There’s a lot to explore, so wrap up warm and make sure that you’re comfortable – this Women’s Black Monaco Wax coat from Barbour International is a perfect choice.
The Strawberry Duck
Located in Entwistle in Bolton, the Strawberry Duck is a firm favourite pub among walking enthusiasts. The area is super-scenic so you’re sure to enjoy a lovely day here, or if you want to enjoy a nice weekend away, then you can also stay there for around £70 per night. The pub itself recommends taking a walk lasting almost three miles around the nearby Entwistle Reservoir, exploring the surrounding woodlands too. If you want a longer day out, there’s also the Wayoh Reservoir that is worth exploring before you walk around Entwistle. It can get windy here if you go in the colder months, so wrap up warm and keep dry with this cosy Black East Moor Quilt coat from Barbour International.
The Wizard Inn
Named after the local legend about the wizard of Alderley Edge, this pub is based on a story of a farmer who took a trip into an old cavern, after meeting an old and mysterious man while traveling to Macclesfield with a horse to sell. The Wizard Inn is located along the ‘wizard walk’, one of the most popular walking routes in the area, where legend has it that you’re following in the footsteps of the farmer and the wizard from the legend itself. It’s just one of the many walks that you can enjoy in the Cheshire countryside, and the Wizard’s Inn is well worth visiting for some relaxation, good food, and good drinks. Although you can follow the designated wizard’s walk path, there are also plenty of options for getting off the beaten track and exploring further into the area if you prefer. Keep your feet warm and cosy while you explore with sturdy Kildare Walnut Boots from Dubarry.
The Old Sessions House
Located right in the heart of historic Knutsford and close to Tatton Hall and the one thousand acres that Tatton Park has on offer, the Old Sessions House is well worth a visit after a day out walking through the area. This family and dog-friendly pub welcomes everybody, combining stunning traditional English pub design with some modern features for a unique vibe. This Barbour Black Heritage Liddesdale Quilted Jacket is the perfect option for a day in Tatton Park, to keep you warm and dry whatever the weather. If you’re a history fan, you’ll also love walking through the centre of Knutsford to admire all the architecture of the cobbled streets and listed buildings. Don’t miss out on paying a visit to the heritage centre, either.
Yew Tree Inn
Rivington Pike is one of the most popular walks in the Greater Manchester area. After visiting the beauty hotspot, there’s no better place than the Yew Tree Inn for some tasty food and a drink. This pub is based just across the reservoir, with stunning views of the open water on the walk up to the pub. Rivington Pike is one of the Hills on Winter Hill in Chorley, and the tower at the summit is a Grade 2 listed building. You can find plenty of different routes for Winter Hill, so there are lots of options to consider if you want a day out in the area. At high altitudes, as you can imagine it can get rather chilly if you go in the colder months, but don’t let that put you off – wrap up warm in a Barbour Modern Tartan Lambswool Scarf and make the most of it. You can take your dog in the pub, too.
Whether you live in Greater Manchester, or you're planning to pay a visit in the future, there are plenty of options to choose from. From canals and woodlands to hilly walks and reservoirs, historic towns, and more, there’s lots to see, and some amazing, welcoming pubs to visit once you’re done.
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