Manchester's Best Urban Hiking Routes

Keep your eyes open

Any trail can have riskier sections whether it be on a mountain ridge or along an urban alleyway in Manchester. If you assess risks along the way, they’re less likely to catch you by surprise. This route will take you through Manchester City Centre so take care when crossing busy roads. Keep an eye out and remember landmarks along the way in case you lose track of where you are.

Take a look around

Some of the coolest ‘WOW’ moments come from unexpected directions. Take the opportunity to look up, down and all around when you’re on your urban hike in Manchester. Pay particular attention when you’re in the Northern Quarter. This is home to some of the finest street art you’ll ever see! If you've got some free time, pop into local shops and bars along the route. Here you'll get a real sense of what Manchester is all about.

Pace yourself for the whole hike

This particular walk around Manchester City Centre should take around 2 hours to complete. Take your time and make sure you take in all of the amazing sights along the journey. Short of time? This walk can be broken down into 3 main areas: Manchester's Gay Village, The Northern Quarter and the area surrounding Manchester's Town Hall. Pick one area and make the most of it!

Part 1: Hiking Route from Manchester Central Library

1: The first Manchester City Centre hike starts at the central library. Start with your back to the library and face St. Peter's square, head left along Mosley Street towards Manchester's Art Gallary. Once you reach the gallery, take a right onto Princess Street.

2: Continue on Princess Street for approximately 150m, then take a left onto Faulkner Street, where you will enter Chinatown, here you'll find yourself at the focal point of Asian cuisine. Walk under the colourful archway (maybe after stopping for a photo) and continue for 50m before turning right onto Charlotte Street.

3: At the end of the street, continue straight and cross over Portland Street, heading onto Chorlton Street. Continue along Chorlton Street for approximately 150m, and before you reach the canal, take a right down Richmond Street. At the end of Richmond Street, take a left again onto Canal Street. Now you're at the heart of Manchester's historic Gay Village. This vibrant street is lined with bars, cafe's and runs alongside the Rochdale canal. Following the pedestrianised street to the end, you will need to take a right over the canal then an immediate left onto Auburn Street. From here, you will find signs at the pedestrian crossing to take you towards Manchester Piccadilly Station where you will continue your journey onto Ducie Street.

4: From the bottom of the Manchester Piccadilly Station ramp, turn right onto Ducie Street. Along here you will find an eclectic mix of Manchester’s industrial past, with former cotton warehouses, red-bricked buildings and newer building and apartments. Continuing along Ducie Street for approximately 150m, look out for the wonderful old “H.A. Howard & Sons Ltd.” advertisement painted on one of the buildings.

5: Turning right underneath the sign, you will start to walk along the Ashton Canal towpath. Continuing along the towpath for approximately 500m, it’s hard to believe that this peaceful walk was once a strategic industrial corridor, serving as an important regional trade link. The Canal’s industrial past shines through, and along the walk, you will find fantastic mills and the Lock Keeper Cottages. Heading over the distinctive yellow bascule lifting bridge, you will be confronted with the colourful Chips building; at this point, you will leave the Ashton Canal by turning left into the New Islington area.

6: Continuing through the marina area, you will arrive at Old Mill Street, where you will find the distinctive streetlights that run through the centre of the street. Taking care to cross the road, you will head to another marina, where you should continue your journey. This area of Manchester is undergoing extensive redevelopment, with a new urban park known as Cotton Field. At this point, you can continue on a straight path through the Marina towards Ancoats, or take a short diversion into Cotton Field Park over the bridge on the left… see if you can find one of the colourful Dovecotes!

Part 2: Walking Route Through Manchester's Northern Quarter

1: Exiting the Marina over the footbridge, turn left onto Redhill Street into the Ancoats area, with its gritty industrial heritage, you will find beautiful former cotton mills hidden amongst these, keep your eyes peeled for the Ancoats Peeps! Carrying along Redhill Street and past the striking Royal Mills, you will come to the junction with Henry Street, before you cross the street to turn down to Henry Street, see if you can find one of the Peeps near to the old Canal bridge! These brass peepholes are set into walls amongst the buildings and structures of Ancoats and provide a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.

2: Continuing down Henry Street for approximately 200m, turn right onto Blossom Street and into the wonderful Cutting Room Square. Here you will find the beautifully restored former St Peter’s Church and the imposing monolithic art installations, each portraying a photograph of the area’s industrial past. Exiting the square via Cotton Street (make sure you look out for another Peep on the way!) you will come to George Leigh Street, before you turn left to leave the Ancoats area, make sure you take a quick look at the beautiful terraced cottages on the right.

3: Heading out of George Leigh Street, you will come to Great Ancoats Street, where you can cross over this main road using the pedestrian crossing and turn right along the pavement. Taking care to cross the top of Spear Street, and Oldham Street, you should take the 3rd exit left onto Tib Street. This street is named after the River Tib, which once flowed through the area, and is now one of Manchester’s many lost rivers hidden beneath the streets. Continue down Tib Street for approximately 200m. The Tib Street area is home to a wealth of artisan and specialist shops, and for foodies, there is a great selection of delicatessens, cafes, and bars, including the beautifully restored Tib Street Tavern.

4: At the crossroad, turn right onto Thomas Street, then take the next right onto Oak Street. Before you turn down Oak Street, look on the opposite side of the road to see if you can find the stunning ornamental birds perched high above John Street. After approximately 50m on Oak Street, you will find the impressive Manchester Craft and Design Centre, a Victorian former fish market. This fabulous glass ceiling building is full of art and craft gems and worth a detour inside to enjoy its unique charm. Heading down Copperas Street adjacent to the Craft and Design Centre (be sure to look out for the hidden miniature artwork on the building wall), head towards the façade of another landmark, the striking former Smithfield fish market.

5: Turn left out of Copperas Street onto High Street; after 50m you will meet Thomas Street again, taking care to cross the street, continue along High Street. If you have time before you leave this area, it’s worth exploring around Thomas Street to enjoy some more independent shops and cafes.

Part 3: Walking route from Manchester Picadilly to the Town Hall

1: After 80m, turn left off High street onto Turner Street, where you could be mistaken for feeling as if you had just stepped down a side street in Manhatten, New York! In this historic area, you will find splendid industrial buildings; continuing down this street you will come across the fabulous Abel Heywood building. Next to Abel Heywood, turn right down Union Street and continue to the main road (Church Street) where you should turn left. After approximately 100m you will see the prominent Tib Street Horn coiled around the remnants of an old Victorian hat factory; this gothic sculpture is a famous landmark in the area and is placed next to the Manchester institution that is known as Afflecks.

2: Crossing the road at the pedestrian crossing opposite the Tib Street Horn, and then crossing Tib street itself, continue your journey past Afflecks (or via Afflecks for some alternative shopping treats) onto Dale Street and take the next right onto Oldham Street. Walk down to the end of Oldham Street where it meets up with Piccadilly Gardens, an urban oasis in the heart of the city.

3: Taking care to cross over the Metrolink tracks, exit Piccadilly Gardens in the North Western corner onto Mosley Street. This area is home to many magnificent listed buildings, including the Portico Library, built in a wonderful neo-classical architectural style.

4: Turning right opposite the library onto Charlotte Street, you will head towards the top of King Street, one of Manchester’s most impressive thoroughfares. At the top of the Street, you will find the iconic Art Deco styled 100 King Street. The area was formerly an important part of the banking industry in the North West of England, and the collection of grand buildings undoubtedly reveals its opulent past.

5: Halfway along King Street with the junction of Cross Street, turn left along Cross Street and travel for approximately 75m, where you will find Albert Square. Taking care to cross the road into Albert Square, you will find the imposing gothic Town Hall. A trip inside is a must to appreciate the amazing vaulted ceilings and collection of statues and busts! Continuing out of Albert Square onto Mount Street you will find yourself at the end of your journey, back at the beautiful domed structure of the Central Library.

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Need some Urban Hiking Gear?

Make sure you're prepared for your urban hike with the correct clothing. This walk is around 5km long so it's important you're fully equipped. We've hand selected some of the most suitable pieces of clothing for Manchester's best walking route. Take a look below and simply click to shop.

A Reliable Waterproof Coat

While Manchester may be blessed with stunning architecture, unfortunately, it doesn't have the best track record when it comes to the weather. Make sure you don't get caught out on your urban hike by treating yourself to a reliable, stylish waterproof jacket from our latest collection.

Urban Hiking Trousers

You're going to want a pair of trousers which are comfortable and flexible throughout your hike. Our breathable walking trousers are made from stretchy, waterproof fabric, which is perfect for hiking through Manchester's streets.

Walking Footwear

A good pair of walking shoes can make your urban hike much more enjoyable. You will benefit from wearing a supportive lightweight shoe with a good grip. Our low cut walking shoes are perfect for city exploring and come in a range of styles so you can pick your favourite. Browse our complete collection below to find your favourite pair or if you think you're going to encounter some rain, check out our waterproof shoes instead.

Equally, we also stock a range of quality walking boots in many of the same styles as our walking shoes, which you can shop by each individual category:

• Men's Walking Boots
• Women's Walking Boots
• Kids' Walking Boots