Greater Manchester Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Greater Manchester.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Amberswood - "Amberswood is a 160 hectare nature reserve at the heart of Greenheart. The area consists of a series of small lakes, ponds, woodlands and wetlands, including a Site of Biological Importance. The area has many different environments to discover, from woodlands to wildflowers meadows, grasslands to wetlands. This mosaic of habitats support many birds, insects and mammals. Today, over 6km of paths and part of the excellent Greenheart Jubilee Way run through Amberswood, so it is easy to get out and explore" "Many footpaths have been upgraded on the site including the main path around the lake." "A new, small car park has been created off Manchester Road with 1 disabled access space, opposite La Cava restaurant with direct access into Amberswood via the newly dedicated Greenheart Jubilee Way." - from the Wigan Council website
Silver Walk - "The routes are along hard surfaced footpaths and are accessible to wheelchair users, prams and cycles." 
Brownhill Countryside Centre - "The Brownhill Countryside Centre is in the heart of Saddleworth between Dobcross and Uppermill and is surrounded by dramatic Pennine scenery. The centre has free exhibitions and toilets (wheelchair and pushchair accessible). The nature garden is accessible for all via a ramped walkway with tactile path indicators and raised planters. The garden is planted with a range of cottage garden plants which are beneficial for wildlife especially pollinators. These include herbaceous perennials and annuals as well as a selection of herbs and vegetables. The garden includes woodland and a hazel coppice area along with a wildflower meadow and pond with dipping platform." - from the
Daisy Nook Country Park - We understand that as well as accessible paths there is some play equipment suitable for disabled children and accessible toilets - "Daisy Nook Country Park is 40 hectares of varied landscape in the heart of the Medlock Valley and is managed by both Oldham and Tameside Councils. There are waterways, a lake, a canal, woodlands and wildflower meadows. The park is a great habitat for wildlife and bird-spotting - with an abundance of creatures from great-spotted woodpeckers and owls, to foxes and squirrels. There are footpaths and bridleways for horse riding that link to neighbouring countryside areas." - from the
Dove Stone Miles Without Stiles - "1.2 km and 3 km to complete the loop" "A gateway to the uplands which encircle the waters of Dove Stone reservoir. RADAR key required for gate." - from the Peak District National Park Authority website
- Download the leaflet from the Peak District National Park Authority website
Haigh Woodland Park - We understand that there are paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair access, disabled parking facilities and a drop-off point - but could find no official accessibility info. "Haigh Woodland Park is one of the north west's most treasured natural attractions. Perfect for picnics, amazing for adventurers, fantastic for foodies. Golf of all kinds. Kitchen Courtyard full of boutique food and drink stores. High Ropes for aerial adventures. And miles and miles of walking trails." - from the Haigh Woodland Park website.
Hollingworth Lake Country Park - "Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough is an award-winning tourist destination, built originally as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal but was later developed as a tourist resort in the 1860s. This much-loved beauty spot offers a wide range of facilities for all ages, making it the ideal place for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors." "All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Wheelchair hire. Guide Dogs Permitted. Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors" - from the Visit Rochdale website
Middlewood Way - "Sensitively reclaimed from a former railway line to provide a natural attraction for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers. An 11 mile (16km), traffic-free greenway from Macclesfield to Marple on the Peak Park fringe with car parking, toilets and information points, with fine views over the Cheshire Plain to the west. The Middlewood Way follows the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns. For much of its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal, and there are many options for easy circular walks." "The Middlewood Way is mostly level and wheelchair-accessible. To help you plan your visit, we have attempted to show on the map (see below) see easy access points and areas of the Middlewood Way that may be difficult for wheelchairs. - from the Cheshire East Council website
- Download the trail leaflet .
Pennington Flashes - "Pennington Flashes (Local Nature Reserve) is part of an impressive country park. The lake and surrounding marshland are home to a diverse group of mammals, birds and insects, including 5 RSPB red listed birds and the protected water vole." "The term ‘Flashes’ refers to the lakes on the site which were formed over time as a result of the mining subsidence. They are a legacy of Wigan Borough’s industrial heritage and those at Pennington Flash are a stunning example of how the industrial past has developed a beautiful location for wildlife." - from the Wigan Council website
Silver Walk - "This route, and the hides along it, are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Prams and cycles are also welcomed"
Gold Walk - "Most parts of the walk are on hard surfaced paths and pavements, however it is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs."
