MCR Strollers

The MCRstrollers walking group was set up in 2010 as a walking group for the health and wellbeing of staff, students and the local community, and are led by trained volunteers from the University of Manchester.

Our walks incorporate local green spaces, places of historical or horticultural interest, local charities and community projects to keep the walks varied and engaging. Our walking routes include the Gaskell House, Whitworth Park, Whitworth Art Gallery, Victoria Baths, the University Tree Trails and the Rochdale and Ashton Canals. We have also been welcomed and received talks over the years at the Pankhurst Centre, Gaskell House, Manchester Museum and from park and canal experts from Manchester City Council.

As we are in the middle of the Oxford Road Corridor we can easily provide a variety of accessible walks at differing paces. On average our walks last 45 minutes but we also have a number of 30 minute and 90 minute walks to encourage more participation. 

Walking has been described as the perfect exercise and helps give you a healthy body and mind and you can also connect with new people and regular walkers. Various studies have shown that just 20 minutes of walking a day can have many health benefits.

Everyone is welcome to come along at anytime.  The walks are free and are the perfect way to get out of the office, get active, meet new people and learn something new!  

Please email mcrstrollers@manchester.ac.uk to join the mailing list to receive the walkers update with details of walks.

Blossom time

Experience the joy of nature this spring and discover 'blossom hotspots' across Greater Manchester.

The University of Manchester is featured on the National Trust Blossom Bloomtown Map but we have many more blossom trees in and around campus. It's a great time to get out and explore.

More information on Blossom Time in and around Manchester. 

Digital Walks - On Campus

The University Tree Trail

There are 3 digital routes covering North Campus, South Campus and Whitworth Park.

Visit uomtreetrail.co.uk

Elizabeth Gaskell House, Children’s Hospital Gardens and Whitworth Park

Follow the Plotaroute map that takes between 40 – 50 minutes for medium paced walkers.

Digital Walks - Oxford Road Corridor

Oxford Road Corridor have partnered with Jonathan Schofield, Blue Badge Guide since 1996 and Editor-at-Large of Manchester Confidential, to create routes around Oxford Road that reveal the area’s fascinating history. Three 45-60 minute self-guided walks are available to below and include links to printer-friendly PDFs of the tour with a map to follow.

Route 1 - Civic Splendour, Mills and Warehouses 

Beginning at the northern end of the Oxford Road Corridor, this tour reveals the history of some of Manchester’s most iconic buildings, cultural spaces and historic pubs. Learn more about Manchester’s industrial roots, the slums of ‘Little Ireland’ and the fascinating story behind the city’s most ‘sinister building’. Tour map

Route 2 - Technology, Art and Innovation 

From the serene surroundings of All Saints Park to the imposing sight of the biggest university building in the North, this route takes you around Manchester Met’s campus and back again via new neighbourhoods and advanced materials. Tour map.

Route 3 - Architecture, Ideas, Healthcare and Politics 

This route will guide you through the University of Manchester and NHS Foundation Trust campuses to Whitworth Park. On your way, you’ll tread in the footsteps of numerous Nobel prize winners, cross paths with cultural giants and enjoy some of Manchester’s most beautiful architecture. Tour map.