If you’re looking for more walks to do across Manchester, look no further, as there’s a secret nature walk you’ve probably gone by on the tram, but have never actually stopped to do
Danielle Kate Wroe Senior Social News Reporter
10:12, 20 Jan 2026
There’s a secret walk in Manchester you’ve probably never done (file)(Image: Getty Images)
Discovering new places in your local area is so much fun, and this ‘secret’ nature walk in Manchester is something you’ve probably gone past before on the tram, but never actually visited. If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to go on more walks and reconnect with nature, then the Castlefield Naturehood Trail could be just what you’re looking for.
The walk is self-guided on the Go Jauntly app, and they shared on TikTok: “The Castlefield Naturehood Trail is a brilliant step-free nature walk that helps you discover the hidden nature all around you”. It’s a three-mile circular walk that is step-free, so perfect for wheelchair users or those with prams.
They also share: “Please note that Castlefield Viaduct is open Wednesday to Sunday at the moment, but you can still enjoy the walk anytime. Add some extra fun to your walk by joining the Naturehood challenge, enjoy the best of urban nature at your fingertips – all while earning badges, exploring nature, and feeling more connected to the world around you!”
The person doing the voiceover for the video, Hanna, said: “Have you ever been to Castlefield Viaduct? It’s Manchester’s secret nature park. This nature-filled walk is about three miles and just two hours of your time to enjoy at your leisure.
“Start at Deansgate-Castlefield tram station and head straight to Castlefield Viaduct, which has been turned into a gorgeous sky garden by the National Trust. It’s the perfect place for a dose of nature. Next up is the Roman Gardens”.
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It’s worth noting that at Deansgate-Castlefield tram station, there is a lift so you can avoid walking up the steps if you cannot use them. For the rest of the route, there are also no steps, so it makes for an accessible and leisurely walk.
If you “look closely,” here you’ll be able to spot “old Roman stone work” and also “deep ditches that once helped defend the fort”. Then, you’ll head to Saint John’s gardens, which are “another mini oasis away from the busy streets”.
Then, you head canalside. Hanna said: “Did you know Castlefield Basin was once the busiest part of Industrial Manchester? A contrast to how calm and tranquil it feels today. Next stop is Mamacuin, the Roman fort that gave Manchester its very name”.
The walk is circular, so you’ll eventually end up exactly where you started, meaning that it’s easier for you to make your way home, and you’ll be able to work out roughly where you’re up to in the walk when you’re out and about based on where you started.
It’s not the only walk that the Go Jauntly app has to offer, either, across central Manchester and the surrounding suburbs. A recommended walk if you like this one is ‘Moments of Joy in Manchester’, which, again, is a circular walk but around Castlefield and Spinningfields. This will take around an hour and 45 minutes.
Did you know that you can walk to the Trafford Centre? (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
There’s also a walk offered where you can head to the Trafford Centre on foot. “Ever wondered whether you can walk to the Trafford Centre? Well, you can! Take a canal-side wander from Castlefield via some city icons,” the website shares. This is a slightly longer walk, coming in at two hours and 25 minutes.
Another recommended central Manchester walk is the city centre highlights, which takes two and a half hours, and allows you to marvel at what both Manchester and Salford have to offer around the Greater Manchester ringway. This is ideal if you’ve got a decent chunk of time to spare.
However, if you’re pressed for time but are still keen to see some glorious sights around the Manchester area, then you can try the Manchester whistle-stop tour, which takes just 35 minutes and gives a “quick look at some of the city’s most famous monuments and the architecture of its historical buildings”.