We now have a selection of shorter GM Ringway walks available on the Go Jauntly app. Many of these routes, which sample parts of the trail, are step-free and therefore suitable for almost all users. To view them simply visit the app overview page. We will be soon be adding further details of these shorter walks to the website. You can also check out our News and events page for forthcoming guided walks that sample the trail.
Note that parts of the trail may be damp, muddy and slippery at any time of year and especially after periods of wet weather. Please bear this in mind when planning your trip.
A key aim of the GM Ringway project is to roll out the benefits of nature, heritage and activity to all of Greater Manchester’s communities and visitors. For this reason, we are working hard to identify sections of the trail – and shorter, often circular routes based on parts of the trail – that are suitable for a wide variety of people including wheelchair-users and families with young children. We are currently identifying shorter and step-free GM Ringway walks in every borough of Greater Manchester and will be adding these to our website and app over the next few months.
City Centre circular
Location: Manchester
Length: 4.8 miles
Grade: Leisurely
Description: An urban walk sampling the Manchester and Salford city centre sections of the GM Ringway. Starting from St Peter’s Square, the route connects an incredible number of historic sites via waterways and traffic-free spaces. There are plenty of refreshment opportunities along the way.
Salford Quays step-free circular
Location: Salford
Length: 4.8 miles
Grade: Leisurely (step-free)
Description: A fascinating step-free walk from MediaCity Metrolink station. The route includes extensive waterside sections as well as Ordsall Hall – a Grade I-listed Tudor manor house – and the Imperial War Museum North. There are plenty of refreshment opportunities along the way.
Tameside Station-to-Station
Location: Tameside
Length: 4.6 miles
Grade: Moderate
Description: A linear walk between two stations on the Manchester-Glossop line. The route features part of the GM Ringway trail within Tameside and other paths from Godley to Werneth Low. There are great hilltop views plus lovely woodland sections to start and finish. Note that the café (and possibly) the toilets at Werneth Low visitor centre are currently (2023) only open on Sundays.
Pennington Flash
Location: Leigh, Wigan
Length: 5.6 miles (or 4 miles from the visitor centre)
Grade: Leisurely
Description: A circuit of Pennington Flash, the largest body of water in the ‘Wigan and Leigh Flashes’ National Reserve. There are plenty of opportunities to spot the many species of water birds for which Pennington Flash is renowned. Refreshments and toilets are available near the car park, from where the shorter version starts. The longer route starts directly from Leigh bus station, served by express buses from Manchester and Salford.
Hollingworth Lake step-free circular
Location: Littleborough, Rochdale
Length: 3.2 miles
Grade: Leisurely (step-free)
Description: A straightforward but attractive circuit of Hollingworth Lake, the largest body of water in Greater Manchester. Along the way there are plenty of refreshment opportunities and the chance to enjoy glorious views across the lake. The path around the lake is hard-paved to the halfway point at the Pavilion Café. The onward route is on a well-made track which may be damp and muddy in parts after wet weather. The walk on the app starts and finishes from the main car park by the watersports centre, while the Plotaroute version shows the short
Sale Water Park step-free circular
Location: Sale, Trafford
Length: 2.5 miles
Grade: Leisurely (step-free)
Description: An enjoyable and untaxing circuit of Sale Water park, with refreshment opportunities and plenty of chances to view the watersports and birdlife on the popular lake.