Chorlton Water Park Tree Trail

Overview

Chorlton Water Park is a Local Nature Reserve comprising a lake surrounded by grasslands and woodlands. There is a car park, small playground, picnic benches and a network of accessible paths.

The park stands on the site of Barlow Hall Farm. During the construction of the M60 motorway in the 1970s gravel was excavated from the site. The gravel pit was subsequently flooded creating the lake that is central to the Water Park today.

Created as part of City of Trees’ Heritage Trees project, this circular walk takes you around the lake and points out some trees of note around the park.

Accessibility and facilities

According to the leaflet, this is an accessible walk. Furthermore, according to Manchester City Council, “the well-surfaced paths are accessible to wheelchairs and push chairs. You will find benches situated at intervals along the route.” While the same web page states that there are no “unexpected steep” sections, visitors should note that the paths down from the car park to the lake shore are fairly steep and so most wheelchair-users will require assistance

Toilets are available at the car park. While there is no café on site, a refreshment or ice cream van is often parked by the lake side.

How to get there

Chorlton Water Park is approximately 0.8 miles / 1.3 km walk from Barlow Moor Metrolink station. Frequent buses from Manchester, Stretford and Stockport also stop on the main Barlow Moor Road close to the site.