Top Dog Walks In And Around Stockport

Lyme Park is a National Trust park, so you know it's going to be well kept - one thing to note here is that dogs must be kept on a lead, especially around livestock and wildlife. The extensive gardens, woodlands and moorland provide stunning scenery and lots of space for you and your furry friend(s) to roam!

If you are interested in architecture then there is an Elizabethan style house to explore, and if you are into wildlife you can see red deer free roaming in the deer park (dogs must be kept under control). For a more quiet and tranquil walk, you can explore the Rose Garden or Ravine Garden. There is also a café offering hot and cold drinks and snacks, and a kiosk in the car park offering drinks and ice creams.

Entry to Lyme Park is free for National Trust members (including the garden, park and car park). Non-members will need to buy an admission ticket on arrival.

If you visit Lyme then make sure to follow their Canine Code:
- Take the lead:  help reduce the chance of your pup disturbing wildlife by keeping them on a lead.
- Scoop that poop:  bag it and bin it to keep your favourite places beautiful. 
- Paws for thought:  look out for information signs and take extra care around livestock and on tricky terrain.
- Be on the ball:  not everyone loves dogs, so keep them close by.

Assistance dogs are welcome inside the House, Garden, restaurants and shops. All other dogs are welcome in the Garden on a short lead every day.

Woodbank Memorial Park is adjacent to Vernon Park, and they are both located in Offerton, Stockport. They offer wide open spaces for leisurely strolls and lots of space for your dogs to run around to their hearts content!

There are various walking routes from Woodbank Park, including some that will lead you through Poise Brook or towards Otterspool and Bredbury. The Midshires Way and the Fred Perry Way also pass through the park. You can walk alongside the river and there is even a pebbled “beach” area which is perfect for dogs to play, without having to travel to the coast!

Vernon Park is extremely steep in places, so keep this in mind for the elderly or wheelchair users. It is the oldest country park in Stockport and offers a newly refurbished café and beautifully maintained gardens. Vernon Park is a favourite of Joanne's for private commissions as there are a lot of different features to create a variety of beautiful images!

Plenty of parking is available for both parks.

Reddish Vale is a beautiful, large, pet friendly park in the heart of Stockport. There are plenty of places to explore and open spaces for letting your dog run off the lead. There are also the all important facilities such as a café and toilets, perfect for spending a few hours there!

There are walks, cycle routes and bridleways that link Reddish Vale with the Goyt, Etherow, Saddleworth and Longdendale trails. For a more long distance route, try the Midshires Way or Transpennine Trail. Another option is to start the trail near Tesco in Stockport, this an easy, flat walk and takes about 2 hours.
The routes are fantastic for dog walking and there is even a lake that they can swim in when the weather is warmer!

You can sometimes see wildlife such as sand martins and kingfishers nesting in the river banks, as well as wildfowl such as geese, herons, grebes and cormorants in the mill ponds and wetlands (so dogs must be bird-friendly!)

There is also free parking at the visitor centre which is a bonus!

This scenic local park is located in Compstall, Stockport and also has a nature reserve. It was one of the first country parks in England, and now attracts more than a quarter of a million visitors per year!

The nature reserve is home to over 200 species of plants and more than 100 species of birds, so there is plenty to see!
If long distance walks are your thing, Etherow Country Park happens to be situated at the start of The Goyt Way, which is a 10 mile walk to Whaley Bridge.

If you are interested in water sports then there are facilities for sailing, motor boating and angling (rod licence required for fishing). You can also ride horses here - Etherow was one of Joanne's favourite places to ride her beloved horse Badger! 

There is also a pay and display car park at the park.

Pet owners love to walk their dogs at this lovely park located in Edgeley, Stockport due to the big and open spaces! This makes it perfect for family picnics. Other family friendly facilities include bowling greens, children’s play area, tennis and basketball courts, and a skate park to keep everyone entertained! There is a reservoir which is great for walks, spotting wildlife or fishing. 

It is easily accessible by bus and is only a 5 minute walk from Stockport train station. It is described as a "quiet little gem within Stockport" allowing you to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

A free car park is available adjacent to Syke's reservoir Dale Street / Cheadle Old Road.

This is one of the most famous walks in Cheshire and is one of the more challenging routes. It’s a long-distance walk of 35 miles in total! The route takes in sights such as Lyme Park, Sponds Hill, White Nancy, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Croker Hill, The Cloud and Mow Cop. It is recommended to walk the Trail from north to south. On a clear day you can see views of the Welsh hills and the cathedrals of Liverpool!

One of the best routes to take is from Disley to Tegg’s Nose which takes a few hours, during which you can enjoy splendid panoramic views from the top of the hill. Parking is available at Tegg's Nose for a small fee. Alternatively, the Timbersbrook to Kidsgrove route is shorter and more moderate, and will take you past Mow Cop Castle.

If you don't drive then you can start your route from Disley train station. There aren't many facilities along the Trail so it is recommended to take plenty of food and drink.