As the mercury falls and the days grow shorter, it’s tempting to put on the telly and get cosy under a blanket on the sofa. But there’s only so many Netflix true crime documentaries a person can watch before the urge for a stroll takes hold. We’ve outlined some of our favourite spots for a walk in and around Manchester to get that winter vitamin D topped up.

Chortlon & Sales Water Parks

Did you know you can walk all the way across South Manchester along the Trans Pennine Trail? This cross country route is perfect for a taste of the outdoors without travelling far, our favourite sections run from Didsbury through to Urmston, taking in both Chorlton Water Park and Sale Water Park.

If you just wish to dip your toe in, you can drive or get public transport to to either park and spend 30 minutes circling their respective lakes, if you’re after a longer walk why not circle both and stroll between them on the River Mersey, crossing near the Jackson’s Boat pub.

Swans are a common sight at Sale Water Park

Lyme Park

Welcome to a stunning National Trust estate that combines rich history with breath taking natural beauty. The centrepiece is Lyme Hall, a grand Elizabethan mansion famously featured as Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Surrounding the house are formal gardens, including an Italian Garden and a reflection lake, perfect for leisurely strolls.

Located just outside Stockport, the park is home to red and fallow deer that roam across the expansive grounds. The parkland is home to numerous beautiful buildings including the hunting lodge known as The Cage.

From the cage you get panoramic views of the Cheshire plain and it’s a great spot for photos. There’s plenty of walking options that take in the buildings, grounds and surrounding woodland, head over to the National Trust site here for a full rundown or just head out and explore.

Macclesfield Forest

This managed woodland is the closest significant forest to Manchester that we know of, offering gorgeous walking routes throughout and access to nearby hills including ‘The Matterhorn of Cheshire’. Despite it’s grandiose name, Shuttingsloe is an easy hike for most and presents stunning views all year round.

Originally part of the extensive Royal Forest of Macclesfield, it was established during the Norman period as a hunting reserve for the nobility. The "forest" in its historical sense referred more to a legal designation for land reserved for hunting, rather than dense woodland. At its peak, the Royal Forest spanned much of east Cheshire, but over time, portions were cleared for agriculture and settlement.

Likely to be a little muddier than the previously mentioned walks, you may want to pop on your boots for this one.