This 13.3km route is perfect for a sunny day run. Feel free to spend time with your doggo in the parks, playing fetch or just giving some cuddles. Up to two dogs per owner can travel for free on train and tram, provided they are well-behaved and on a leash. One can easily shorten this route, for example, by cutting out Stretford Meadows or taking a shorter path through Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve.
Without further ado, grab your running shoes, cap, water bottle (for you and your fur baby), leash, poop bags, and sunscreen, and get ready to feel those endorphins!
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Route overview
Longford Park was designated a conservation area in 1996 to preserve its heritage landscape, buildings, features and historical connections to John and Enriqueta Rylands. Some of the facilities at the park include tennis courts, a basketball court, a climbing boulder, and a wildlife garden. The layout you see today is the same as in 1857, designed by John Rylands, Manchester’s first multi-millionaire. John’s wife founded the John Rylands Library in his memory, which is considered one of the most magnificent in the world. The park was made publicly accessible in 1912. It has since hosted a royal garden party in 1977 and the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Your furry friend can roam around freely and maybe even visit the Pet’s Corner. If your friend is not accustomed to small children, having them on a leash would be best.
Longford Park. Credit: Dog Walking Manchester
Leaving the park, find your way onto Edge Lane and turn right. Turn left onto Lime Road through the Stretford Cemetary. Turn right onto Hawthorn Road, follow the curve to the right, then turn left onto Highfield Road.
To shorten this route and cut our Stretford Meadows, instead of turning right onto Hancock Street, turn left onto Hancock Street, then sharp left under the bridge. Follow the directions from Part 2.
Curve right onto Green Street and cross over when and where it is safe to do so over Chester Road and the pathway through the green. Turn left on Chester Road, then right onto Poplar Road towards Stretford Meadows.
Part 1 of the Dog-friendly Run in Manchester with Map
Stretford Meadows is great for a more adventurous run/walk with wildflower meadows and trails. It’s worth noting that if it is a bit rainy, the trails can be quite muddy. Stretford has an agricultural history that has obviously since changed. The area was once a hub for market gardening, once being described as the “garden of Lancashire” and “Eden of Lancashire.” In 1845, their vegetable production totalled 508 tonnes every week! It is thanks to this fertile ground that one gets to experience the beautiful meadows teeming with wildlife, insects, and birds in their natural habitats. In the meadows, you can visit the Riverbank Cafe for a quick bite to eat or a refreshing drink before you continue.
Stretford Meadows. Credit: Get Lost MCR
Find your way to the pathway, National Cycle Route 62, that runs closest to the main road and walk parallel to it with the road on your right. A few metres after passing the second pylon on your right (very close to you), turn right to go under the bridge and follow the path that runs along the stream. When the road splits, turn right towards the bridge. Take the tunnel to the right, be careful because it can be a bit wet and muddy here, then go under the bridge. Curve with the pathway to the right, running parallel to the railway. Just before the bridge, turn left and follow the path along River Mersey.
Part 2 of the Dog-friendly Run in Manchester with Map
After 750 metres, when the river curves to the right, run over the short bridge to your right to continue along the path closest to the river.
Part 3 of the Dog-friendly Run in Manchester with Map
After about 2,6km, just before the short bridge on your right, turn left towards and around the water pond to find the Chorlton Water Park.
To shorten this route and cut out Chorlton Water Park, turn left at Jackson’s Bridge, follow the path’s curves towards Hardy Lane and continue straight to join Mauldeth Road West.
Turn left towards the car park onto Maitland Avenue. Turn left onto Barlow Moor Road at the end of the road, passing the Southern Cemetary on your right. At the next big intersection, turn right onto Mauldeth Road West, left over the tramway at the pedestrian crossing, right onto Mauldeth Road West again, then left towards the park.
Part 4 of the Dog-friendly Run in Manchester with Map
Chorlton Water Park is a local favourite on a hot summer’s day. The children’s favourite feature is the little playground while the adults get some sunshine, views of nature, and lots of fresh air. Be mindful of others in the area. If your pet enjoys jumping up on others, have them remain on a lead to avoid a negative experience with others. There are toilets throughout the park and a little ice cream van some days if you fancy a sweet treat.
Chorlton Water Park. Credit: Dog Walking Manchester
As you enter Chorlton Park, turn right towards the skatepark, then left, passing the children’s playground. Note that your dog must be kept on its leash and you will need to follow the pathways only. Dogs are not allowed in the following areas of the park:
- Children’s play area
- Multi-use sports area(MUGA)
- Tennis court
- Skate park
- Football pitches
- Visitors centre and community rooms
- Toilets
After passing the tennis courts to your right, turn right at the split, passing the Chorlton Brook on your right. Turn left just before Beechwood Avenue to run along the rows of houses on your right. When you reach the main road, turn right onto Barlow Moor Road, then after 650 metres, turn left onto Wilbraham Road to find the Benito Lounge.
Leaving the Benito Lounge, turn right on Wilbraham Road, then left on Barlow Moor Road for 550 metres to find Mary and Archie on your left in Kensington Road.
Part 5 of the Dog-friendly Run in Manchester with Map
The Benito Lounge is a cosy restaurant that welcomes four-legged besties. Your dog must remain on a short lead with their paws on the floor and silently watch other two-legged friends. They also offer dog bowls for water and treats, so your friend won’t feel left out! Their menu caters to allergies and specific dietary requirements and has value-for-money deals like lunchtime specials.
Benito Lounge. Credit: Food Tourist
Mary and Archie in Chorlton is one of their bigger branches. They offer happy hours (for a generous three hours Monday-Friday), a delicious menu catering to various tastes, generous portion sizes, and are open till late daily. Join in on their Monday quiz nights, along with a pint or two to keep you company.
Mary & Archie. Credit: Happy Cow
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our River Mersey Run
Download the GPX file here.
Remember to download the app here.
For more information on which areas dogs are not allowed, see the official website here.