Nothing blows off the cobwebs quite like a country walk - and Greater Manchester is graced with some spectacular scenery on its doorstep.
Surrounding yourself with greenery, natural wonder and fresh air is a remarkably effective way to recharge your batteries.
So step away from the grey and the gridlock of Manchester itself and explore some of the countryside we're so blessed to have on our doorsteps.
Here are a few favourites.
Lud's Church
A very tricky one to get to on public transport, thanks to its remote location nestled between three Staffordshire villages, but well worth the trip if you have access to a car.
Lud's Church is a deep chasm in the woods, caused by a landslip on the hillside above Gradbach.
Descending the steps into its depths feels like slipping into a scene from Lord of the Rings - it's eerie, dark, usually much colder than the rest of the area, and staggeringly beautiful.
There are a few narrow tunnels to explore, and once you're done you can continue your ascent up to the Roaches, with views stretching as far as the eye can see.
Mam Tor
Navigate your way to Edale - the Sheffield-bound Northern train from Piccadilly will take care of that - and you'll find yourself at the foot of Mam Tor.
You can walk all the way along the ridge, and on windy days watch paragliders soaring overhead.
At the bottom of the hill is Castleton, a picturesque little village with a few excellent pubs within. You can always get the train back to Manchester from Hope rather than retracing your steps too.
If the weather's less-than-good (i.e. wet) there are a series of caverns with guided tours that you can visit instead.
Hardcastle Crags
Northern Rail will take you straight to Hebden Bridge from Manchester Victoria (providing the trains aren't on strike, or cancelled for any number of other reasons).
From the village, where there are antiques shops and bakeries aplenty, you can take the short walk up to Hardcastle Crags, a National Trust site littered with old mills and stepping stones across streams.
The mill walk has its own microclimate - cool and comfortable in summer, and sheltered from howling winds and freezing temperatures in winter.
There's a cafe along the walk where you can warm yourself up with a cofee.
Formby
Formby is another National Trust site that's full of red squirrels, as well as miles upon miles of sand dune, woodland and beach to explore.
You can get there by taking a train to Southport then the Merseyrail to either Formby or Freshfield, or, if you fancy a few drinks in Liverpool to break up the return journey, you can travel that way too.
There's a great chippy next to Freshfield station which will fuel your walk down to the beach.
Macclesfield Forest
Macclesfield Forest is one of the prettiest spots in the North West - and in summer, nothing beats the smell of the pine trees here.
There are a few coloured trails to follow once you're there, circling around the woods and the reservoir in the middle of it all.
It's tricky to get to on public transport so this is a good one for people with cars.
Peel Tower
Take the X41 Red Express bus towards Accrington from Manchester city centre and you'll soon find yourself in the charming Ramsbottom.
It's a real food and drink hotspot, home to Baratxuri, Levanter and Tre Ciccio, but it's also got the Peel Monument in its footprint.
It's a steep but fully accessible walk uphill to get to the top of Holcombe Hill, where the tower sits, but you'll be rewarded with views across the surrounding countryside.
Then nip into one of the aforementioned restaurants for a big glass of Merlot afterwards- you've earned it.
Heaton Park
Look, if all else fails and you have neither the time nor the energy to haul yourself out to the Peak District or similar, Heaton Park is your friend.
An easy 12-minute jaunt on the Bury tram from the city centre, it'll get you your required hit of green space and affords you the opportunity to play with other people's dogs (ask permission though you absolute lunatic).
Afterwards, nearby Prestwich has plenty of lovely bars if you're drinking, and cafes if you're not, such as Grape to Grain, Cuckoo, and All The Shapes.
