Skip to content

Don't miss out on our latest news, events and trail updates!

Your information is safe with us and will never be passed to any third parties. Visit our privacy policy here.

Use ourapp

The trail route

The GM Ringway is 200 miles (322 km) long and falls into four broad sections, each made up of five one-day stages:

  • The Southern Start-Up
  • The Exhilarating East
  • The Noble North
  • The Western Wind-Down

Each of the 20 stages, which explore all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, is easily accessible by public transport.

View the route

map of the GM Ringway trail

Places to visit

There are plenty of places to visit, eat, drink and stay on or near the GM Ringway trail. These include natural sites and country parks, museums and heritage attractions, and cafes, pubs and hotels. Click below to see a detailed map of the places you can visit on your next GM Ringway adventure.

CLICK FOR DETAILS

Using the trail

You can walk the GM Ringway either independently or by joining a guided walk. We’ve also provided a selection of shorter and step-free routes for those who want to sample part of the trail. This section of the website also includes some safety tips, accessibility information, and advice on getting to and from the trail. Please also note the trail terms and conditions, particularly the fact that any walks undertaken are at your own risk.

FIND OUT MORE

Shorter walks

For those looking for a walk that samples part of the GM Ringway, our shorter walks are perfect. Covering all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, each walk is accessible by public transport. What’s more, five of the routes are totally step-free.

Walk Grade:  Moderate

Dove Stone Reservoir link

Est time: 3 hour 10 minutes

Distance: 5.6 miles / 9 km

Ascent: 174 metres

Public transport: Train | Bus

Facilities: Toilet | Pub | Cafe

Walk Grade:  Step-free

Hollingworth Lake Circular

Est time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or 1 hour 40 minutes from station)

Distance: 2.3 miles / 3.7 km (or 3.2 miles / 5.2 km from station)

Ascent: 50 metres

Public transport: Train | Bus

Facilities: Toilet | Pub | Cafe

Walk Grade:  Moderate

Tameside station-to-station

Est time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Distance: 4.6 miles / 7.5 km

Ascent: 211 metres

Public transport: Train

Facilities: Toilet | Pub | Cafe

Our latest news and events

NEWS: Peak & Northern Footpaths Society (PNFS) and the GM Ringway

NEWS: Information boards installed marking completion of GM Ringway walking trail

NEWS: The Hollingworth Lake monster-and our Summertime Trek finale!

NEWS: Sleuth & Stride Trail at Hollingworth Lake - Perfect for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike

Supporting the GM Ringway project.

Individuals, businesses, community groups and other organisations can all get involved in our inspiring project. If you’re interested in volunteering, organising an event, promoting your business, or sponsoring the trail, click below.

Ways to get involved

1

Project partners