Drinkwater Park from The Clough

Route Overview & Local Insights

Starting from Ruskin Road and heading into The Clough, this 5.2km loop offers a refreshingly flat and accessible escape into the Irwell Valley. The route is exceptionally well-paved, clocking in at 100% hard surfaces, which makes it an ideal choice for a fast tempo session or a steady recovery run regardless of the weather. As you transition from the residential fringes of Prestwich into the heart of Drinkwater Park, you’ll trade suburban streets for wide, tree-lined avenues and expansive green vistas, following a gentle clockwise circuit that minimizes elevation gain with only 22m of ascent.

Drinkwater Park is a vital piece of the local landscape, sitting on the site of the former Irwell Bank House and now serving as a cornerstone of the Forest of Manchester project. Runners will appreciate the area's transition from its industrial heritage—once home to a bustling paper mill—to a thriving woodland and wetland sanctuary. For many locals, "The Clough" represents a cherished "green lung" connecting Prestwich to the wider Croal-Irwell Valley, providing a serene backdrop where you are more likely to encounter local birdlife and dog walkers than city traffic. After finishing your loop, you are just a short jog away from Prestwich Village’s vibrant café scene, perfect for a post-run refuel.