UPDATE: |’A slice of calm from the busy streets, but there was one thing letting it down’ News

Local Democracy Reporter Declan Carey shares his experience of a walk along the Fallowfield Loop.

Greater Manchester has been blessed with a spell of glorious sunshine this week.

With temperatures rising in the cloudless skies, the gloomy winter is starting to feel like a distant past.

This has seen streets and cafes around the region fill up with people keen to get outdoors.

Luckily, there are plenty of good spots to go for a spring or summer-time stroll with a coffee and bite to eat.

One of those places is the Fallowfield Loop, a 14km walking and cycling trail winding from Chorlton and through parts of south Manchester over to Fairfield in Tameside.

The route is named after the former railway line which used to run along the same way, and offers a slice of calm and nature between the busy streets of Manchester’s suburbs.

Joining the loop is easy, there are plenty of accessible points to enter and exit across the trail – handy for families with prams or those with bikes who are often seen enjoying it.

From an entrance on Ladybarn Lane or anywhere nearby, there is a lovely walk heading east along the Fallowfield Loop over to Levenshulme to grab a hot drink and something to eat.

One of the best things about the loop is that it takes you away from the noise and hustle of the road.

After starting the walk, you can see the back gardens of houses along some of the way, and even pass under some of the city’s major roads such as Kingsway – but it offers a genuine sense of quiet and feels like a brief escape from the chaos of city life.

Either side of the path are tall trees and green spaces providing a good dose of nature, with plenty of shade and signs along the way marking the exits.

There are a few gentle hills along the walk, which could be a bit tricky when pushing a toddler, but large numbers of families and children on the route proves that these are not too difficult to manage.

The Fallowfield Loop is a popular spot for cyclists too, and the path can feel a bit narrow when they’re whizzing past, but there’s generally plenty of room for everyone to get by.

One thing that is letting the trail down is litter.

There’s not a huge amount of it, but you don’t have to look far to spot it sticking out of the grass and bushes.

Drinks cans, colourful sweets packets, tissue paper, and other rubbish can be found pretty much all along the sides of the path.

It’s a real shame, it dampens what is otherwise a very beautiful place to walk and a hive of nature, with plenty of birds singing in the surrounding trees.

But don’t let that put you off, the Fallowfield Loop is still a great place to go for a spring or summer walk.

As you get into Levenshulme on the loop you can’t miss Station South.

In fact, you have to walk under it just to get there, as it’s based on a bridge above the walking path on the A6.

A self-described ‘cycle cafe for everyone’, Station South offers plenty of bike parking as well as a bike station on site, where you can find services such as repairs and maintenance, and parts and accessories.

There’s a good food menu too, with options for dishes and drinks which anyone can enjoy, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

A plaque on the wall reminds visitors that the building was first opened in 1892 by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, which used the Fallowfield Loop Line for access to Manchester Central Station.

But the station closed to passengers in 1958, and ten years later the line was shut too.

The site was then used for various retail purposes before falling into disrepair and being restored by the community, reopening in 2022.

Station South is a real favourite in this area and beyond, and it’s easy to see why.

Outside, customers bask in the sunshine on a number of tables and benches, while inside the former station building there is plenty more seating, including a balcony-like area with tables overlooking the Fallowfield Loop itself.

There’s lots to choose from, with small plates and sides complementing brunch dishes, a choice of tacos, and larger options too.

That’s along with a range of teas and coffees and a bar for your choice of drink.

Be warned that the ‘Manc Muffin’ option is very good but can be messy – make sure to get some napkins.

A bite to eat and a coffee costs £12.50 on this occasion, which is by no means the cheapest lunch, but it feels worth it in a setting like this, with friendly staff on hand and a lovely atmosphere.

After stopping at Station South, the walk can be continued heading further along the route, or by simply heading back.

Greater Manchester has no shortage of places to eat and drink, and there are a lot of great walks and hikes in the city and further out.

But there’s something special about having a walk such as the Fallowfield Loop which is so close to home for many people – and a trail that can be done again and again when good weather arrives.