Well this book wasn't really what I was expecting. I'm an avid hiker and was hoping to find some nice new walking routes to try out, this book however is mainly 1 - 2 kilometre around the city centre of Manchester and having lived in the city for years I already know the areas of Deansgate and Portland street etc and definitely wouldn't class these as 'hidden walks'.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great little book for trips to Manchester or new residents. Soo much character and history within the city if you know where to look. Will refer back to this little gem for years to come. Thank you #NetGalley for the e-book to review.

I selected this book as I am a regular visitor to Manchester, and have often wondered about the history of some of its buildings I pass. I initially read through the guide at home so that I could then decide which route(s) I wanted to follow on my next visit. Some places in the guide are places you would pass everyday without questioning their history or provenance, whilst others are off the main streets and require a specific trip to visit.

This guide is split in to several short tours, with routes shown clearly on AtoZ maps with the key locations marked. The route details are clear and easy to follow, with a short and concise description of the key locations provided. Obviously there is not room for a comprehensive history to be provided, but there is enough information to satisfy the mind and for you to go out and complete additional research.

A majority of the walks are in the city centre, with several on the fringes taking in Media City, Fallowfield, and Didsbury. Most walks are circular, and each has details of start/finish location, time & distance, and surface types. Manchester is generally flat, but I did notice that one walk mentions a steep section.

Photographs in the guide gave me inspiration to go out of my way and get a bus to the Fallowfields area and follow the ‘Grand Houses and Toast’ tour. The guide suggests to allow 1h 45m for this 2mile walk - as a brisk walker I completed the tour quicker but did take time to stop, look and take pictures at various points. The time would guide would be accurate for a casual walker or with children. The route description was accurate and easy to follow in conjunction with the map.

For sports fans, there are short tours that cover both the main football clubs, the National Football Museum, and the site of the Commonwealth Games in 2002 - although these are not all in the same tour.

The book doesn’t give details on opening times, websites or time that attractions on route would take, but all this information - including the most up to date information is easily available online, and can be incorporated in your tour.

I received a free copy of, A-Z Manchester Hidden Walks, by Jonathan Schofield, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Their are 20 walks in this guide, they all look interesting in their own way. I have always wanted to go to Manchester, and this book helps me to see Manchester as it is now. I loved the pictures in this book.

A really good and interesting guide book with extensive information and instructional detail to help anyone to walk around and get a taste of the wonderful county of greater Manchester.

Thank you Netgalley and Collins Reference for this eCopy to review

I found this book excellent. The maps are very clear and the step-by-step instructions are very easy to follow. Essential for someone like me who gets lost very easily!

The walks are on a variety of themes exploring the history, industry and cultural aspects of Manchester, it was very interesting to find out more about the city.

This is a great collection of walks. There are 20 in the book, all very different. The maps are excellent and clear. The directions are straightforward. Each walk has a different theme. There are not many pictures, but the descriptions are good. This set of walks covers all of Manchester comprehensively - I can't think of any landmarks that have been left out. I think this set of walks would sell as well with locals as it would with visitors.

Interesting walls showcasing things to see on the way, but all in the centre of Manchester. Great for if you’re on public transport but not so great if you want a walk in nature

This book is written by a tour guide and seems like a good introduction to less well-known parts of Manchester.
The maps are proper sections of the A to Z so they're good quality.
It covers a huge area so don't try to get them all done in one day.