These are (in our opinion...) undeniably some of the best running routes around the city...
So you’ve just moved to Manchester, and you’re in desperate need for some running routes around the city. Here are our top routes to try on your own or with your friends. Some may even feature a cafe or two along the way.
The Deansgate Canal Loop
Starting things off with a classic, the Deansgate Canal loop. This picturesque and peaceful run allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city taking you along the canal and out of the city centre.
It is a simple 5km out and back route, which follows the canal towpath providing scenic view. The flat and even surface makes it perfect for first time runners, who wish to enjoy some gentle exercise. It is also a loop, making it nearly impossible to go the wrong way and get lost.
Starting at Deansgate train station follow the path along the canal past the red bricked flats towards the Throttles Nest Footbridge. The initial phase of the run takes you away towards the outskirts of the city, where you are immediately greeted with the industrial heritage and contemporary architecture, running under bridges plastered with colourful graffiti and past the canal boat traffic.
Throttles Nest Footbridge is a significant landmark on the run, offering not only a crossing point for the run, but a perfect spot to take some Instagram and Strava worthy shots.
This simple loop misses the business of the city and is perfect if you wanted to run straight after a busy day working in the city. We would, however, recommend avoiding this route at night as it is not a well lit area.
The Quays Waterfront
For those of you looking for a shorter route, the Salford Quays route might be perfect for you. This route begins at the Salford Quays tram stop and is a 3Km loop around Media City and the Quays.
At the tram stop follow the waters edge left, running through Merchants Quay. You will be greeted by an old industrial row of brick houses named after saints. Follow the canal until you reach the Holiday Inn hotel, and then cross the blue and white drawbridge to keep running along the canal, passing sights such as the Lowry and Imperial War Museum.
Cross the canal via Millennium Bridge and take in the sights of the Quays making your way back to the tram stop, crossing the same drawbridge you did earlier.
This route is scenic, picturesque and running by the Quays allows you to take in the historic sights of Manchester.
'RunCoats' (Ancoats)
Ancoats is the perfect spot for a run and cheeky coffee or brunch pit spot, with its endless row of quirky bakeries and brunch spots.
Starting in the New Islington Marina running past The Castings apartments located by the Marina, at the end of the Marina turn left to run along the Ashton Canal. Carry on down the canal and enter Phillips Park. The park is one of the largest in Manchester and is right next to the Etihad Stadium. With its beautiful green spaces it is also a good spot to take a break and rest your legs!
Run around the park, and then head back either back down the Ashton Canal or down the hill through the park tp pick up the Rochdale Canal path, running down until you reach Ancoats.
You could then stop at one of the many bakeries within the Marina for a pastry and coffee.
Heaton Park
Heaton Park Park Run takes place at 9am every Saturday and is 5km run around the park. Unlike many park runs the run does not include endless laps around the same course, so is perfect for runners who get bored of the same landscape.
The course is made up of a short lap and a big lap, passing Heaton Hall and the lake. The atmosphere of Park Run is safe and inclusive as you run with hundreds of people of different abilities. This run also has a social aspect to it as every week they grab a post run coffee in the Pavilion Cafe, or you can head towards the trendy Prestwich to the recently opened RBP+Coffee if you want to extend your morning.
It is quick and easy to get to from the centre of Manchester as the park has its own tram stop, Heaton Park.
Blog by Alice Smith.