Senior Social News Reporter Danielle Kate Wroe went on one of the best walks in the surrounding areas of Manchester, and was floored by the beauty she saw around her
Danielle Kate Wroe Senior Social News Reporter
09:05, 11 Jan 2026
It was a lovely walk, and you can take it at whatever pace you want to(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to move more and go on nice walks, you’re certainly not alone. And while the current frosty spell we’re having might not be giving you much motivation, when the frost clears and the sun starts to show itself more often, you’ll be champing at the bit to start getting out and about in nature.
That’s exactly what my partner and I did last year when we went on one of the nicest walks in the surrounding area of Manchester – Millennium Walkway in New Mills, Derbyshire. The Torrs Gorge was made passable for walkers in 1999 by the construction of the Torrs Millennium Walkway. The structure is described as “a steel spider’s web” that stands on stilts above the River Goyt, and the scenery is seriously beautiful.
We went on a sunny but crisp day – the perfect weather for walking(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
Not only that, but you’ll pack in some serious steps, and there are different routes you can take which are suitable for walkers of almost any ability. My partner and I opted for a longer walk in the area, which meant we took on some huge hills – but the scenery was so worth it.
A mum-of-two, from the North West, Charlotte, who posts on TikTok under the username @miles.family.adventures, agreed this was “one of the best” walks that she had been on.
The waterfall is stunning(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
And she reckons it’s perfect, even when you take the kids along with you as well. “The walkway itself is quite short and completely accessible, but if you’re looking for something a little bit more adventurous, then there are plenty of different trails you can do,” she noted.
We used the app AllTrails to find our ideal route, and opted for a ‘moderate’ walk. I’m pretty sure we may have taken a couple of wrong turns and went strange ways from time to time, but we ended up back on track, and it was gorgeous. Sometimes life is all about the unexpected detours!
There were rolling hills, a waterfall, and even a mini farm with animals, as well as a cottage where you could stay. It was seriously cute. The air felt clean. You can walk the route as quickly as you like, or take it at a more leisurely pace if you feel like it. There are no rules. Just do what feels right for you!
Charlotte even said there was a cafe “at the Visitor Centre for a post‑walk warm‑up”. We ended up going to the pub afterwards for a well-deserved bevvy, but if you’re with the kids, a wholesome cafe visit sounds good!
Sometimes the detours can get you the best views(Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)
If you’re looking for a less intense walk, there is an ‘easy’ one that will take just 52 minutes, and that might be ideal if you’re newly making fitness goals, or you’re with kids and want something a little easier. Charlotte did note that no routes are “pram friendly,” however, so it’s worth noting before you go.
Also, in the surrounding area, we decided to have a little browse at some of the shops, and there were some adorable finds in charity stores, so if you’re not too hot and sweaty and you go on a relatively crisp day, it’s worth checking those out, too!
On Tripadvisor, someone wrote: “This walkway is very scenic. Stunning views and spots along the walking route. A Natural Beauty! I use the AllTrails app, but it’s clearly signposted and very easy to follow with or without GPS guidance. I loved this walk and can’t wait to do it again.
“Along the route, you have forestry, canals, waterfalls, farm animals, viaducts and industrial heritage, so it’s quite the mixture of views. The landscapes are stunning. Parking is easy. Lovely cafes and pubs for pit stops. I would highly recommend this walk.”
Overall, it’s a walk well worth doing, no matter your fitness ability, and it’s a fun day out for the whole family!