Getting There
Leave the M60 at Junction 19 to take the A576 signed Manchester City Centre and Heaton Hall and Park, Eastbound 3rd exit, Westbound 1st exit. Heaton Hall is brown-signed from the motorway.
Turn right at the traffic lights, A6044.
Enter Prestwich and turn right, signed Lakes car park.
Return to M60 Junction 19
Exit the grounds of Heaton Park and turn left.
At the traffic lights, turn left onto the A576, signed Rochdale.
Continue along the A576 to return to the M60.
Heaton Park
With 600 acres of parkland, Heaton Park is a massively popular open space for Mancunians as the enormity of the car parking spaces suggests. Also a venue for large scale open-air concerts and events, the road-weary hound may despair of a tree and piece of ground to call his own amongst all the municipal merry making during the school holidays.
We practically stalked a local dog walker to find the quietest dog walking spot, admittedly on the hottest weekend of the year.
Leave the rear of the car park and head in the direction of Heaton Hall, walking around the edge of the lake to reach the Hall and facilities. Continue to walk round the front of the Hall to find an open area where the doggie people are. There is plenty of space here for drivers and dogs to relax and take in the view of Manchester and the Pennines beyond.
Facilities
Car park: free car park, closes at dusk. Cafes (Lakeside and Stables), WC, children's play areas, pets corner and show farm, dog poo bins.
This is MY favourite walk
Molly