Daisy Nook Country Park Circular
Greater Manchester
Daisy Nook is a pocket of real countryside hidden between Failsworth, Droylsden, and Ashton under Lyne, centred on the meandering River Medlock and the overgrown remains of the old Hollinwood Canal. This dog friendly circular takes in the canal arm, Crime Lake, mature woodland, and pasture edges, and is one of the most relaxed, cafe equipped local walks in east Manchester. It is ideal for daily walks, training younger dogs, or a lazy Sunday amble.
Dogs are welcome throughout and most of the park is comfortably off lead on the woodland and canal paths, with leads recommended near Crime Lake where waterfowl gather, around the cafe and play areas, and on the short on road link sections. Livestock is minimal inside the park itself, though adjoining fields occasionally hold sheep and horses, so keep an eye on field boundaries. Paths are a mix of tarmac, crushed stone, and softer woodland trails that can get properly muddy in winter. Free parking is available at the main Stannybrook car park, with cafe, ice cream stand, toilets, and play area on site.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Canal, River, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe, ice cream stand, public toilets, picnic benches, and a children's playground at the Stannybrook entrance.
- Parking
- Free car park off Stannybrook Road, limited spaces at weekends and on sunny days, arrive early.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daisy Nook Country Park Circular dog friendly?
Daisy Nook Country Park is a great choice for dog owners, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, and the mix of woodland, old canal paths, and river valley makes it a genuinely enjoyable outing for dogs of most ages and energy levels. It's popular for everything from daily exercise to a relaxed Sunday walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Daisy Nook Country Park Circular?
Most of the park is comfortably off lead, particularly along the woodland and canal paths. Leads are recommended near Crime Lake where waterfowl gather, around the cafe and play areas, and on the short on-road link sections. Livestock is minimal inside the park itself, though it's worth keeping an eye near field boundaries where adjoining land can occasionally hold sheep and horses.
What should I know before visiting Daisy Nook Country Park Circular with my dog?
Parking is free at the main Stannybrook car park, but spaces can fill up quickly at weekends and on sunny days, so arriving early is a good idea. Paths are a mix of tarmac, crushed stone, and softer woodland trails, and the latter can get properly muddy in winter, so bring appropriate footwear. On the plus side, there's a cafe, ice cream stand, and public toilets on site, making it one of the better-equipped local walks in east Manchester.
What’s Nearby?
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