Explore the fringes of Greater Manchester on the GM Ringway trail

Our autumn walks programme has been exploring the new long distance trail around Greater Manchester, the GM Ringway Walk, developed by Dr. Andrew Read with the support of The Ramblers.  Dr Read’s aim was to come up with a truly sustainable long distance trail to highlight the beautiful countryside and green spaces of the region, therefore he has split the route into 20 stages, with each stage point accessible via public transport.

Our October walk followed stage 2 of the GM Ringway, from Sale to East Didsbury.

Meeting at the Sale Water Park Metrolink stop, walkers signed in, then walked eastwards along the Mersey. We completed a circuit of the lake at Chorlton Water Park, Manchester’s first designated local nature reserve. Common spotted and northern marsh orchids can be seen here in the summer, and the park is a vital community resource for the many visitors who explore its 170 acres on foot or bike . We then walked through Kenworthy Woods and rejoined the Mersey as it flowed north towards West Didsbury. Next came a section along an old right of way, before we took the ancient tree-lined Stenner Lane towards Didsbury.

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens was the next destination. This park was donated to the City of Manchester by Alderman Fletcher Moss in 1915 and is comprised of rock gardens, water meadows and sports facilities. The botanical gardens are particularly interesting because they contain a number of non-native plants that are able to flourish because the garden has been constructed on a south-facing slope, to create a warmer micro-climate.

The walk finished at Parr’s Wood metro station.

November 24th: Wigan Waterways and Green Belt circular walk

Our next walk will take place on Sunday 24th November. This will be a circular walk from Wigan town centre, accessible from either of the town’s railway stations, with parking at Trencherfield Mill for those unable to get there by train. Booking essential via eventbrite, but the walk is free to attend.