Best walks to or from Salford

Salford Crescent Station to Manchester Oxford Road Station

A largely off-road, well-paved city walk through Peel Park and a lengthy stretch following the River Irwell, before climbing into central Manchester via ginnels, squares and pedestrianised streets. Surfaces are tarmac or tightly packed throughout and but several flights of steps make it a foot-only route. Heron and cormorant can be seen along the Irwell. Peel Park is claimed to be the world's first public park.

0km.

Multiple flights of steps. Some passages (notably the gated, glass-atrium passage near the Central Library) are closed at night, so it's best done in daylight. Continual city-centre building works can impede progress.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Swinton (Manchester) Station to Salford Crescent Station

A largely green urban route on pavements, paved paths, alleyways and park tracks, all on hard surfaces. Steers away from the busier roads where possible and using safe underpasses to cross the A580. Includes a pleasant stretch through Buile Hill Park.

6km.

Take care crossing Wellington Road, where sight lines along Swinton Hall Road are blocked by a house on the corner.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Eccles Station to Salford Crescent Station

A decent urban route, mostly on pavement past shops, with a gradual uphill section and a stretch through Buile Hill Park on wide tarmac paths. Generally accessible and though pavement parking and informal crossings can hamper passage.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: Many shops along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route