With 600 acres of parkland, Heaton Park is a massively popular open space for Mancunians as the enormity of the car parking spaces suggests. Also a venue for large scale open-air concerts and events, the road-weary hound may despair of a tree and piece of ground to call his own amongst all the municipal merry making during the school holidays.   

We practically stalked a local dog walker to find the quietest dog walking spot, admittedly on the hottest weekend of the year.  Leave the rear of the car park and head in the direction of Heaton Hall, walking around the edge of the lake to reach the Hall and facilities. Continue to walk round the front of the Hall to find an open area where the doggie people are. There is plenty of space here for drivers and dogs to relax and take in the view of Manchester and the Pennines beyond.