This route is a short one, mostly flat and mostly paved. You can easily shorten the route by taking little shortcuts. Of course, as it is a loop route, you can start at any point and run in any direction.
There are a number of ways to reach Prestwich Forest Park:
By Tram: Get off at Prestwich and walk down Mere Clough or Prestwich Clough. The Metrolink Walks leaflet No. 2 may help.
By Bus: The 92, 93, 97, 485 and 513 pass close by the Park.
By Car: Via Park Lane to Philips Park. By Agecroft Road to Drinkwater Park
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Route overview
Prestwich Forest Park is designated as a site of biological importance. If you have the time to wander around and search, you may find some evidence of roughly 800 years of occupation. You can find the boundary remains of the deer park pale in Meer Clough and the foundations of Peter Drinkwater’s Irwell House. Some activities include orienteering courses at Philips Park and Waterdale and fishing at Dams Head and Kingfisher Lodges.
Prestwich Forest Park. Credit: Visit Manchester
Leaving Prestwich Forest Park, head down Philips Road West. Continue down this paved road until it splits right and left. Turn right and take care not to run along the Mountain Bike Trail. Just before you reach the lake, Kingfisher Lodge, turn left to pass it on your right.
Part 1 of the beginner-friendly run in Manchester with map
At the next split in the pathway, turn sharply left to run through Waterdale Nature Reserve and Waterdale Meadow. Following this same path for roughly 1.2km will have you running parallel to the River Irwell. After 1.2km, turn left to pass Drinkwater Park on your right. Continue on this path as it curves to the left, short-cutting the bigger paved road to your left, then turn right away from Buckley Lane and left onto Clough Lane. You can follow the paved road, then turn right before Buckley Lane and turn left onto Clough Lane.
Part 2 of the beginner-friendly run in Manchester with map
Drinkwater Park Nature Reserve and Waterdale Meadow are both home to some magnificent wildlife, including the Kingfisher, Kestrels, sparrowhawks, buzzards, and peregrine falcons. You will also catch a glimpse of the 13 arches viaduct, a Grade II-listed structure currently disused and closed to the public. The viaduct stands in stark contrast to the lush meadows and flowerbeds beneath and beyond.
Clifton Viaduct, 13 Arches. Credit: UK Aerial Photography
Drinkwater Park is believed to have formed part of the medieval estate of Robert de Prestwich and was once the site of the Irwell House built around 1790 alongside the River Irwell. Irwell House and Drinkwater Park were then sold to the Salford and Prestwich Councils in 1902, and the House was converted into a smallpox hospital for isolation purposes. Sadly, it was eventually abandoned and left in ruins. During a civil defence exercise, the house caught fire and was eventually demolished. All that remains today is the foundation, a layer of stones, and some remnants of the gardens. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and maybe some deer. If you’re fascinated by nature, you can download an app here which allows you to record your finds. You can also follow part of the sculpture trail, a 48km footpath with 28 art pieces. See the visitor guide here. Please watch out for the Hogsweed along the pathways, which can cause painful blisters and rashes on the skin if you touch it.
Drinkwater Park. Credit: Tony Jones
At the end of Clough Lane, you will find Gardner Mount on the right in Gardner Road. Leaving Gardner Mount, turn onto Leach Street, following its curve to the left. Turn left onto Clifton Road, following it past Prestwich Hospital. At the body of water, continue slightly straight, then at the next split in the road, turn right to return to start.
For many years, Gardner Mount was known as “Spion Kop,” which means Spy Hill or look-out and came from a battle location in the Boer War. According to local residents, some 30-40 years ago, one could see views of the whole of Manchester; however, today, it is almost entirely covered by self-seeded trees like Oak and Ash.
Part 3 of the beginner-friendly run in Manchester with map
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our 13km Dog-friendly run.
Download the GPX file here.
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