Across Greater Manchester, parks and gardens are ablaze with rich autumn colours right now. It’s one of the things which makes this time of year so special as nature gives one last hurrah before winter kicks in.
Green leaves are transformed into hundreds of shades of red, oranges, browns and yellows, which appear even more vibrant in the autumn sunshine. But these colourful displays are fleeting and won't be around for long.
So if you haven’t already set aside some time, wrap up warm and venture outside on an autumn walk. Heading out for a stroll can help to boost your mood, too - and even though it’s hard to find the motivation now that the weather has turned and the days are growing shorter, you’ll feel better for it.
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Naturally think of beautiful autumn scenery and vast parks or even the countryside spring to mind. Of course there are plenty of leafy spaces across the city-region with incredible seasonal displays, yet you’ll also find several scenic spots in the city centre, which make a great alternative to a walk in a park.
One place where you’ll come across gorgeous autumn colours is Castlefield. Its tree-lined canal paths feature bursts of oranges, reds and yellows, with the city’s skyscrapers visible in the distance - although it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of town.
It’s a picturesque location, with the smooth canal-water perfectly mirroring the trees, while the red-brick railway viaduct provides a moody backdrop. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering alongside the canal, inspecting the house boats as you go or simply admiring the autumn leaves.
For a longer walk you can follow the Bridgewater Canal towpath into Salford and there’s always the option of hitching a ride back on the tram. Alternatively, you can linger in Castlefield, where there’s a few more hidden gems to discover.
Tucked between Castlefield Bowl and Deansgate is the Mamucium Roman Fort, a reconstruction of a fort which once stood on the site. It’s an impressive structure and a reminder of the city’s origins.
Or head up to Manchester’s ‘sky garden’ where the Victorian-era steel viaduct has been turned into a green oasis by the National Trust. It’s free to visit and you don’t have to book if you go in the afternoon, on Wednesdays or at weekends.
If you fancy stopping for a drink while out on a walk, there’s plenty of watering holes in and around Castlefield. The Wharf is a cosy pub and great for a bite to eat, while Barca has a waterside beer garden for when the sun’s out.
