What makes it 80% Solo-Friendly: The one-mile tarmac loop, bird-rich lake and Trans-Pennine Trail access let solo visitors jog, cycle or photograph quietly, yet lack of café, lighting and shelter can shorten stays in bad weather.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to complete the lake loop, spot birds, take photos and try cycling or fishing
Lake loop walk:
Walk the flat 1-mile path around the gravel pit lake.
Tip: Start at dawn to enjoy quiet trails and spot wildlife
Birdwatching:
Use the pond-dipping platform to observe ducks, swans and herons.
Tip: Bring binoculars and stand still near the reeds early morning
Photography:
Capture shots of changing light and woodland reflections.
Tip: Visit at golden hour and use the wooden jetty for unique angles
Cycling:
Ride the firm paths linking into the Trans-Pennine Trail.
Tip: Hire a bike nearby and carry a helmet and lock
Coarse fishing:
Fish for carp with a day ticket from Chorlton Carp Anglers.
Tip: Call +44-161-8815639 to confirm ticket price and rules

Stacey day
Actually a lovely place for a stroll, fish or sit with nature for a while. Small park half way round. Plenty of parking Lovely cafe near the front, so can stroll with a nice warm drink on these winter days. Dog friendly.
Abi Carless
We went on an Autumn day and spent a couple of hours here walking around and then playing in the park. There is carparking on site and cafe. For the toilets take your own soap and toilet paper, there wasn't any . We always bring some with us.
Julie Marshall
A beautiful park with lots of easy walks around a gorgeous lake ,there is a large car park and nice clean toilets. A great little cafe and an ice cream van in the summer. A great place to visit all year round.
Tim J
Lovely place for a walk if the weather is good, and you can get on to the Mersey and join the Transpennine Trail if you want to extend your stroll. There's a good children's playground and it's pretty flat to go around the lake (suitable for buggies or a robust mobility scooter). There's a car park with toilets (they are not great though) and there's often an ice cream van there too.
Irina Ka
Absolute fantastic 👍 experience here today. Lovely walks, beautiful scenery. There are two playgrounds for kids, one is a bit further down up hill. Absolutely great for dog walking and a must for relaxation. The only downfall+ cafe was shut. Play park is not big, but excellent for over 6+ ages.
Spring brings wildflowers along the trail; summer evenings suit twilight fishing; autumn sees migrating birds; winter paths can freeze—wear sturdy boots
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (walking/cycling) | GBP 0 |
| Bike hire (2 hrs) | GBP 10 |
| Day fishing ticket | GBP 12 |
| Bus fare (return) | GBP 4 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 26 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 74 Maitland Ave, Manchester M21 7WH, UK
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Opening Hours
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Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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