Why Manchester Might Be England’s Best City for Mountain Lovers
As Manchester finds itself back in the national spotlight thanks to the arrival of No. 10 North, the city’s new role at the centre of political debate has prompted plenty of discussion about what makes Manchester such an influential place to live. Recent plans will see the Prime Minister and senior government staff working from a northern base in Manchester as part of a wider push for devolution and regional decision making.
But while politicians are talking about Manchester’s economic and political strengths, outdoor enthusiasts have known about another advantage for years.
Manchester may be the best city in England for orophiles – that’s the official term for people who love mountains.
Unlike many major cities, Manchester sits within easy reach of some of Britain’s most celebrated landscapes. The Peak District is virtually on the doorstep, while the Lake District, Eryri and Yorkshire Dales all make realistic day trips or weekend adventures.
For walkers, hikers and mountain lovers, few cities can compete.
What Makes a Great City for Mountain Lovers?
Most outdoor enthusiasts are looking for a balance and for many of use we have to live near a city as it’s where the work is.
You want the opportunities that come with city life, but you also want to spend as much time as possible on the hills. The best outdoor city isn’t necessarily the one closest to a single mountain range. It’s the one that gives you access to the greatest variety of landscapes with the least amount of travel.
Positioned on the edge of the Pennines and well connected to northern England and North Wales, it offers access to some of Britain’s best walking destinations without sacrificing culture, careers, restaurants, transport and entertainment.
Four Mountain Regions Within Easy Reach
The Peak District alone would make Manchester attractive to walkers. However, the real advantage is the variety.
Head north and you’ve got the Lake District, home to England’s highest mountains. Travel west and you’re in Eryri, where rugged peaks, glacial valleys and classic mountain days await. Move north east and you’ll reach the Yorkshire Dales, with its limestone scenery, waterfalls and famous Three Peaks.
Few cities in England can offer access to so many distinct upland landscapes.
One weekend could be spent on the gritstone edges of the Peak District. The next could involve climbing Yr Wyddfa or exploring the Langdale Pikes.
How Far Are Britain’s Best Peaks From Manchester?
One reason Manchester has such a strong claim to be England’s best city for mountain lovers is the sheer number of major summits within easy reach. Here are the highest summits in each of the nearby National Parks.
| Mountain Area | Highest Peak | Distance from Manchester City Centre | Typical Off Peak Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak District | Kinder Scout (636m) | ~20 miles (32km) | 45 mins |
| Yorkshire Dales | Whernside (736m) | ~60 miles (97km) | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Eryri | Yr Wyddfa (1,085m) | ~85 miles (137km) | 2 hrs |
| Lake District | Scafell Pike (978m) | ~95 miles (153km) | 2 hrs |
| North York Moors | Urra Moor (454m) | ~95 miles (153km) | 2 hrs |
| Northumberland National Park | The Cheviot (815m) | ~145 miles (233km) | 3 hrs |
Distances and driving times are approximate and based on typical off peak conditions from Manchester city centre. You could also look at the great public transport connections from Manchester to these beautiful landscapes – another highlight of living in a big city.
Manchester Offers Adventure Without Giving Up City Life
The arrival of No. 10 North has reinforced Manchester’s reputation as a city with growing national importance. Government functions are being established in the city as part of broader efforts to rebalance decision making across the UK.
For outdoor enthusiasts, however, Manchester’s appeal has always been about balance.
It offers all the benefits of one of Britain’s largest cities alongside access to some of the country’s finest walking country. Plus you can also find plenty of walking both in and around the city with the introduction of the Greater Manchester ringway.
Manchester City Walks
Manchester offers countless opportunities for a walk in fresh air and nature without going far from the city.
Where are the Best Waterfalls near Manchester?
Find the best waterfalls close to Manchester with scenic walks in beautiful surroundings.
Walking in Greater Manchester: A Conversation with Guidebook Author Dr Andrew Read
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A Different Mountain Every Weekend
You can spend Saturday on Kinder Scout, Yr Wyddfa or Scafell Pike and still be back in the Northern Quarter for dinner. When so many iconic mountain areas are within easy reach, outdoor adventures become part of everyday life rather than something reserved for holidays.
You could spend:
- One weekend walking the Great Ridge.
- The next exploring the Langdale Pikes.
- The following week climbing Tryfan.
- Then head to Malham Cove for waterfalls and limestone scenery.
What’s the earliest you have to get up to drive to the mountains for for a day hike?
Is Manchester England’s Best Outdoor City?
Now that’s a pretty big claim, as there is more to the outdoors than just mountain hiking. Cities such as Sheffield, Chester and Bristol all have strong claims, so let us know if you agree or which city you think is the best for outdoorsy people to live in. We can’t all be lucky enough to be able to work from remote villages in the countryside, so embracing city life with weekend adventures is a great way to get that balance.
Manchester’s combination of urban life, public transport, National Park access and proximity to multiple mountain regions makes a compelling case for it being the number 1 city for outdoor enthusuasts to settle or study in.
By Hilary Pullen
Meet Hilary, Editor of OS Maps Discover. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales.
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