By Andy, founder
I'm a big believer in a walk for a first date. You're side by side rather than face to face across a table, there's always something to look at, and if it's going well it's easy to add a coffee at the end. Autumn is the best season of all for it in Greater Manchester: the parks turn gold, the air is fresh and the paths are quieter than in summer. Here are some of my favourite walks for a first date, with a few practical tips.
Why a walk works so well
- Less pressure. Conversation flows more easily when you're moving and there's something to point at.
- Easy to keep short. A loop of an hour or so is plenty, and a natural end point means nobody has to invent an excuse.
- It costs little or nothing. Most of the places below are free to walk, though some charge for parking.
City walks
Heaton Park
Huge, leafy and in north Manchester, with woodland paths, the boating lake and the temple on the hill looking back over the city. In October the trees are at their best. There are plenty of open paths and other people about, which is just what you want on a first date.
The Castlefield canals
If you'd rather stay central, wander the towpaths around Castlefield under the old railway viaducts. It's flat, easy to reach on the tram and there are places nearby to sit down when you fancy a drink.
A little further out
Dunham Massey
The deer park near Altrincham is glorious in autumn, with the old trees turning and the deer wandering between them. Give the deer plenty of space, and check parking and entry details before you go.
Dovestone Reservoir
Up in Saddleworth on the edge of the Peak District, the path round the reservoir is fairly flat with the moors rising all around. Wrap up warm, take a flask and finish with a hot drink in Uppermill.
Closer to home
You don't have to cross the whole county. Wigan has Haigh Woodland Park, Stockport has Reddish Vale Country Park and Bolton has Jumbles Country Park. A walk near home means less travel for both of you, so it's worth seeing who's near you on Go Manchester Dating.
Plan for the season
- Go earlier in the day. The clocks go back at the end of October, and soon after it's dark by teatime. A late morning or lunchtime walk is ideal.
- Dress for Manchester. Good shoes, a warm layer and a brolly. Paths get muddy after rain, so leave your best shoes at home.
- Pick a route you know. Or at least one with clear paths and other people around. Save the remote moorland hike for when you know each other better.
- Have a café in mind. Somewhere warm to finish gives you an easy way to carry on...or a natural point to say goodbye.
Keep it safe and simple
A walk is relaxed, but the usual first date habits still apply. Meet somewhere public and busy, like a park entrance or a café, make your own way there and tell a friend where you're going. Keep chatting on the site until you feel comfortable, and look out for the verified badge on profiles. Our guide to dating safely covers the rest.
Then go for that brew
If the walk goes well, a warm drink afterwards is the perfect way to keep talking. If it doesn't, you've had some fresh air and seen somewhere lovely, which is never a wasted afternoon. Want ideas for when the weather turns? Try our first date ideas in Manchester or our cosy winter dates.
- walks
- autumn
- first dates
