Best walks to or from Stockport

Stockport Station to Romiley Station

A green, fairly direct route over undulating ground between Stockport and Romiley, using quiet back streets to reach the parks, then mostly park pathways and the broad, gravel-surfaced Alan Newton Way. Almost entirely on smooth and compacted or paved surfaces; rougher with small boulders and potholes near Middle Farm. Avoids the flights of steps on the other Stockport-Romiley routes, making it largely step-free; follows National Cycle Route 55. Passes through a working farm, so keep dogs leashed and follow signage.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: A cafe in Vernon Park is a short walk off the path.

End-of-walk reward: the Duke of York.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Stockport Station to Hazel Grove Station

an excellent route. A largely flat, almost entirely paved semi-urban walk through the suburbs of Stockport, avoiding the A6 where possible, passing parks, grand houses and a surprising amount of greenery and ending through an industrial estate. Two flights of stairs cross the railway.

Easy: 5km, gentle ascents.

Two flights of stairs at Woodsmoor and near Hazel Grove cross the railway and are unavoidable. Otherwise only one major road to cross, with safe crossing points.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Levenshulme Station to Stockport Station

A direct urban route to the west of the railway, mostly on pavements with occasional parks and a riverside cycle track along the Mersey. Largely flat, could be walked in street shoes and with a short muddy path and some steps. Makes use of the Trans Pennine Trail; passes Stockport Viaduct and the James Ainsworth Almshouses; links to Heaton Chapel station and buses on Parsonage Road.

6km.

Lunch: Bakeries and coffee shops in Levenshulme and (just off route) Heaton Moor.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

East Didsbury Station to Stockport Station

A pleasant, largely off-road route following Sustrans Route 62 / the Trans Pennine Trail for about 80 percent of the way, mostly along the north bank of the River Mersey. No steps; surface is solid throughout — tarmac, pavement and compacted aggregate. A few short and fairly steep sections and several access-control barriers. Follows part of Sustrans National Cycle Route 62 and the Trans Pennine Trail.

5km.

A short 15m section measured steeper than 1:5 (over 10 degrees), exceeding most mobility-scooter limits; two A-frame access barriers near Riverview. Care needed in winter at times of flood risk.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Bramhall Station to Stockport Station

beautiful views and wildlife. A roundabout route touring Stockport's urban parks, including the Ladybrook Valley Path. Lovely to walk with good views and wildlife, but heavy mud after rain, with the valley path becoming sucking mud and stairs in Hollywood Park.

Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.

The Ladybrook Valley Path becomes sucking mud after heavy rain.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Cheadle Hulme Station to Stockport Station

A fairly direct urban route, mostly paved and making the most of small green spaces such as Alexandra Park and Edgeley. Steps when crossing the railway bridge at Adswood.

4km.

Lunch: Shops, pubs and restaurants along the way, with some independents near the Stockport end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route