Runway 2

North Side of Runway 2

After crossing the Bollin on the small bridge, walk trough the Bollin tunnel and take a left up a very steep road with a motorway crash barrier on the right (in the photo on the right), carry on going straight up until you reach a low bank next to the perimeter fence (the bank is the same height as the top of the perimeter fence so you're looking above the barbed wire of the fence). This is a nice, quiet spot for runway 2 action and, there's even a log to sit on!

South Side of Runway 2

The bank is higher than the perimeter fence all the way down which means this spot is perfect for getting a clean view of the aircraft rotating (or landing depending on the wind direction). The slope of the bank is covered with wild flowers so it looks quite nice. The top of the bank is covered mainly with short grass and is very level for tripods/chairs. You can walk quite a way down this 'Trail' past the back of a building over large empty area and around a bend to some houses. It takes about 20 minutes to get to this point and then it starts to get a bit more overgrown. The path seems to go to the 05R lights but it's very overgrown and tough to walk any further.

Directions

When you cross the Bollin on the small metal bridge, carry on up the emergency access road opposite towards crash gate 7 at the top. When you reach the gate, go through the little gap on the left and stay by the fence. In a few strides you will be able to see a small set of steps on the left. Go up these and walk on. You're now on the 'Runway 2 Trail' with purpose built bat barns on the left and Manchester's Runway 2 on the right.