Blackleach Country Park
This country park in Walkden has nice footpaths to follow around the lake and through woodland. It's a nice peaceful place to visit with lots of birdlife to look out for on the lake. These include Herons, Tufted Ducks, Goosander, Water Rail, Coots and Moorhen. There's a car park and visitor centre where you can pick up the lakeside trail. You can also come by public transport as Walkden train station is only about a mile away.
This route is designed for walkers but a cycle route runs through the northern end of the park. National Cycle Network Route 55 also runs close to the park. You could follow it from the centre of Manchester, through Salford and Roe Green to Walkden.
If you feel like extending your walking in the area then you could head to the nearby Moses Gate Country Park. It's only a couple of miles to the north and covers 750 acres with a number of nice cycling and walking trails.
The site is located on the outskirts of Bolton and includes three lakes while the Rivers Croal and Irwell also run through the park.
Also nearby is Clifton Country Park. Located alongside the River Irwell the park contains walking and cycling trails with features including a pretty lake, woodland, meadows and an arboretum.
Postcode
M28 3TD - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBlackleach Country Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Blackleach Country Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Blackleach Country Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Blackleach Country Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Libby's Diner is located just to the west of the park and a great option for some refreshments after your exercise. The local and family owned cafe offers a wide selection of quality breakfasts, sandwiches, cakes and meals for a good price. You can find the cafe on the western fringes of the park on 38 Worsley Road with a postcode of M28 3GW for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The park is a nice place for dog walking with a nice footpath next to the lake.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Bolton Circular Rotary Way Footpath runs through the park and provides an opportunity for extending your walking. It explores the villages, parks and countryside around the town, visiting a number of the area's highlights.
The waymarked Salford Trail also runs past the park. You could pick up the circular trail to visit some of the other highlights of the area including the picturesque Salford Quays with its shops, cinema, museums and theatres.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Greater Manchester Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lake view of this urban country park centred on former industrial reservoirs to the north of Walkden.
The lake at Hilltop, in the Blackleach country park, bounded by the M61 and the A575.
This footpath and cycleway through Blackleach Country Park follows the course of the old railway line.
View of the benches and information boards in the park. There are good views from this high point in the park.