Archive 2021

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 03/01/2021, Sunday, Bosely Cloud, easy/moderate, 7.5miles, leader Marjorie McLoughlin

Walk starts 10am Parking at Timbersbrook car park Weathercock Lane SJ895627 Post code CW12 3PP

Directions. From Macclesfield A523 Leek Road. After traffic lights crossing A54 carry on for approx 1.5 miles and turn right on Tunstall Road continue on to Timbersbrook turning right into Weathercock Lane. The car park is on your right.

Details of walk. An initial climb to the Cloud, the Gritstone Trail, Ravensclough Farm, The Knott Inn, Rushton Spencer, St Lawrence Church, Manor House Farm, The Bridestones, Timbersbrook.

Marjorie McLoughlin

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 06/01/2021, Wednesday, Burbage Edges, moderate grade, 9.6km / 6.0mi, 266m ascent, 5hrs, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A loop from the Longshaw Estate around Burbage Edges and Higger Tor in Derbyshire.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Walk start: 10:30hrs at the Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Car Park, S11 7TY. OS map OL1. Grid Reference SK 26709 80065. Lat.,Long. 53.316790, -1.601588

Parking: Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Car Park. Free for NT members, £5 for over 4 hours, cash in machine or PayByPhone mobile app.

Route: Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Car Park, Burbage South Edge, Burbage North, Burbage Bridge, Burbage West, Higger Tor, Carl Walk Fort, Winyards Nick, Over Owler Tor, Mothers Cap, Surprise View Car Park, Owler Tor, Granby Wood, Longshore Lodge, Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Car Park.

Viewranger website: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzI5ODU1OQ==

Viewranger app shortcode: SJDMD0023

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 13/01/2021, Wednesday, Todd Brook and Whalley Bridge, details to follow, leader Peter Riley

Details to follow.

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 17/01/2021, Sunday, Adlington & Styperson Pool, easy/moderate, 7 miles, leader Angela Legge

Walk starts at 10am from the large lay by on the A523 near the Legh Arms, Adlington, midway between Poynton & Prestbury. SJ911804. Postcode for the Legh Arms is SK10 4NA. A generally easy walk but some parts can be muddy so poles and gaiters recommended.

Directions: either take the A555 Eastern Link Road to the junction with the A523. Turn right and continue to the lay by on the left just before the Legh Arms pub,

or head for Dean Row and pass the Shell garage and Unicorn pub, then turn right at the roundabout onto Lees Lane, signed Adlington B5358. After 1.4 miles, as the road bends to the right, turn left onto Mill Lane,signed Adlington & Poynton. Continue to crossroads (traffic lights), turn left, then immediately right into the lay by just left of the Legh Arms.

Walk details: A varied walk on tracks and through meadows, woods and farms, along the Macclesfield Canal towpath and on quiet roads. There are scenic views towards the hills and we pass Styperson Pool, one of the few lakes in the area, and picturesque Lyme View Marina at Adlington Basin.

Angela Legge

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 20/01/2021, Wednesday, Windgather Rocks, Shining Torr, moderate grade, 7.4 miles, 4 hours, leader Mike Rodwell

Start point - Pym Chair car park (SK23 7RF) Start Time - 10.00 am

Walk starts from Pym Chair car park towards Windgather Rocks. We then drop down to the left to lower ground towards the now defunct Dunge Valley Gardens and into the mystical Thursbitch (Demon Valley) - ref Alan Garner novel "Thursbitch". We then ascend to the summit of Shining Tor and back along the ridge to the car park.

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 25/01/2021, Monday, Walton Park & the Dingle Warrington, easy, 7.5 miles, leader Carol McLaughlin

Walton Park and the Dingle. Directions to the start.

Roadside parking Old Chester Road Walton Warrington WA4 6TQ.

From Wilmslow 22 miles, 30 minutes travel time approx. Take the A538 towards M56. Merge on to M56 signed Warrington/ Chester. Exit junction 11 signed A56 Preston Brook / Daresbury take the fourth exit onto A56 Chester Road for approx three miles.

Turn right at traffic lights by Walton Arms public house, park on the roadside by the church.>

OR From Bowdon Roundabout 12 miles, 20 minutes travel time approx. Take the A56 towards Lymm At traffic lights by the Springbok pub go straight across to Stockton Heath. At traffic lights by police station take the second left (more or less straight across) At road junction turn left onto Chester Road A56 then left after the Crematorium into Old Chester Road, park by the church.

Note: Which ever direction you choose please be aware that the area is notorious for speed traps.

Please be ready to walk by 10am.


Walk Details


A very easy yet an extremely varied and interesting walk with good views, the highlight being the Dingle, an area of semi-natural woodland, along with Walton Gardens this a great walk for the winter months.


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 31/01/2021, Sunday, Redesmere, Siddington & Capesthorne, easy grade, 7 miles, leader Marjorie McLoughlin

Walk starts 10am, Parking Redesmere Road by Redesmere lake SJ849713, Post Code SK11 9PR

Directions. From Wilmslow take the A34 by pass towards Congleton. At Monks Heath cross roads continue on A34 for 2 miles. Turn left onto Redesmere Road, signposted Henbury. Park at the roadside by the lake.

Walk details. An easy walk through farmland and farms along footpaths and tracks. The route is Hazelwall Farm,HenshawHall Farm,Crabtree Moss Farm,Sandbank Farm,Turlock Farm,Siddington, Blakehouse Farm, Capesthorne Hall, Redesmere.

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 04/02/2021, Thursday, Taxal Moor & Windgather Rocks, moderate grade, 10.4km / 6.5mi, 370m ascent, 5hrs, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A loop from Taxal to Taxal Moor and Windgather Rocks in Derbyshire.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Walk start: 10:30hrs at the entrance to the footpath to Taxal village on the large looped layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles south of the centre of Whaley Bridge. OS map OL1, Dark Peak Area. Grid Reference SK 00864 79856. Lat.,Long. 53.315823, -1.988497

Parking: The large looped layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles south of the centre of Whaley Bridge.

OS Explorer Map: OL1, Dark Peak Area and OL24, White Peak Area

Route: Layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, River Goyt, Taxal village, Spr, Dowrey, .215, Walker Brow, Taxal Beeches, Taxal Moor, Taxal Edge, Windgather Rocks, Overton Hall Farm, Madscar Farm, Normanwood, Oldfield, Fernilee Reservoir, Weir, Wks, River Goyt, Smallcross Wood, layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton.

Viewranger website: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzU1NjIzOA==

Viewranger app shortcode: SJDMD0034

SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 08/02/2021, Monday, Three Shire Heads & Dane Valley, moderate, 6.3 miles, leader Kate Stross


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 14/02/2021, Sunday, Lyme Park, moderate/easy, 7 miles, leader Peter Attwell


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 18/02/2021, Thursday, Delph to Diggle 8.5 miles moderate, leader Clare Pinder,


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 22/02/2021, Monday, leader Carol Mclaughlin, details to follow


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 28/02/2021, Sunday, Bamford Edge, moderate, 8 miles, leader Peter Attwell

Walk: Bamford Edge 7.7 miles moderate leader Peter Attwell

Please be ready to walk at 10am.

Walk starts at Carr Lane Car park. SK1986 8378. Nearest post code is S33 0AJ. Route to car park: Take A555 eastwards, at the end turn on to A6 south, keep on A6 until just after roundabout to Chapel en le Frith, where turn left at sign to Castleton. Follow road through Castleton and Hope. About 1.5 miles after Hope look for signpost left to Thornhill, take that left turn and stay on narrow road, keeping right in hamlet Thornhill and shortly afterwards look for sign Carr Croft and House where you will see the car park.

If you get to the left turn to Bamford at the traffic lights you have gone too far and need to turn back towards Hope for a short distance.

The walk starts to follow the river up to Ladybower dam, crosses dam wall and climbs steadily up to Bamford Ridge, a wonderful ridge walk, drops back down to Bamford across the river following the river again to the car park.


SUSPENDED (COVID), 04/03/2021, Thursday, Mellor Cross, details to follow


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 08/03/2021, Monday, walk to be confirmed, Leader Donald Henderson


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 14/03/2021, Sunday, The Roaches and Lud's Church, details to follow, Leaders Guy and Sue Lucas


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 18/03/2021, Thursday, Macclesfield to Kettleshume by bus and walk back, moderate, 9 miles, leader Peter Attwell


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 22/03/2021, Monday, Werneth Low & Etherow Country Park, moderate, 8 miles, leader Angela Legge


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 28/03/2021, Sunday, Rushton Spencer to Wincle 8.5 miles moderate, leader Clare Pinder


SUSPENDED (COVID-19), 31/03/2021, Wednesday, Hope to Edale by train and walk back, moderate, 7.5 miles, leader Peter Attwell


31/03/2021, Wednesday, Cracken Edge, moderate, 6 miles, leader Peter Attwell

Walk starts at 10.00 at Buxsworth close to the Navigation Inn, post code SK23 7NE.

Directions to start: go north on the Wilmslow by pass to new link road A555 and turn right towards A6. Stay on A555 and at the end bear right on to A6 towards Disley. Stay on A6 through Disley and Furnace Vale. Shortly after Furnace Vale take a very sharp left hand turn almost back on yourself signposted Buxsworth. Follow the road and bear left at the school down to the canal basin. Park by the wall on the road down to the canal basin itself.

The walk climbs up to Cracken Edge reaching just above Peep O’Day, returning along a moorland path. When we recce’d the walk, there were some wet muddy patches. There is a narrow stretch where a pole might be useful. Although it is only 6 miles, it is a steady climb up to the edge and then up to the moorland road. On the recce, we had stunning views over Kinder.

Walk starts at 10.00. Depending on the speed of walking we may have lunch at the canal basin. The Navigation Inn is available for those wanting to stay after the walk.

01/04/2021, Thursday, Taxal Moor and Windgather Rocks, moderate, 10km / 6.5mi, 354m ascent, 4.5 hrs, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A loop from Taxal to Taxal Moor and Windgather Rocks in Derbyshire.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk. It is recommended to arrive very early to ensure a parking space.

Walk start: 09:30hrs at the entrance to the footpath to Taxal village on the large looped layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles south of the centre of Whaley Bridge. OS map OL1, Dark Peak Area. Grid Reference SK 00864 79856. Lat.,Long. 53.315823, -1.988497

*** NOTE THE EARLY START TIME OF 09:30hrs ***

Parking: The large looped layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles south of the centre of Whaley Bridge.

OS Explorer Map: OL1, Dark Peak Area and OL24, White Peak Area

Route: Layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, River Goyt, Taxal village, Spr, Dowrey, .215, Walker Brow, Taxal Beeches, Taxal Moor, Taxal Edge, Windgather Rocks, Overton Hall Farm, Madscar Farm, Normanwood, Oldfield, Fernilee Reservoir, Weir, Wks, River Goyt, Smallcross Wood, layby on the Buxton Road A5004 between Whaley Bridge and Buxton.

Viewranger website: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzU1NjIzOA==

Viewranger app shortcode: SJDMD0034

Outdooractive.com: https://out.ac/wsW7r

07/04/2021, Wednesday, Bosley Cloud, Rushton Spencer, and The Bridestones, moderate, 7.5 miles, leader Marjorie McLoughlin

Walk starts at 10.00at Timbersbrook car park.

SJ 895627

Post code CW12 3PP

Directions to start: from Macclesfield take the Leek Road A523 and cross the traffic lights at the A54. After a further 1.5 miles turn right onto Tunstall Road and continue until you reach Timbersbrook, where you turn right and the car park is clearly signed on the right.


The walk climbs gradually up to the Cloud. From there we head towards Rushton Spencer returning via The Bridestones to Timbersbrook.

There may be some wet muddy fields where a pole might be useful.

11/04/2021, Sunday, The Wash Chapel Milton, 8 miles easy/moderate, 8 miles, Leaders Lynn Davies and Carol McLaughlin

Walk details

Walk start 10am from Chinley Independent Church car park, The Wash Chapel Milton Postcode SK23 0QN

Directions to the start: From Wilmslow take the A34 towards the new A555 link road.

Turn right on to A555 continue to the end, turn right on to the A6.

Follow A6 on to dual carriageway.

At the roundabout signpost A624 turn right with the Fickle Mermaid on the right.

At the next roundabout take the third exit remaining on the A624.

Follow this road under the first railway bridge, as you approach the second bridge turn sharp right, note small sign The Wash.

Turn right into Chinley Independent Church car park.

Estimated distance from Wilmslow 18 miles 30 minutes.

Walk Description

Leaving the pretty hamlet of The Wash we start a steady gradual climb up to the Pennine Bridal Way, we will hopefully be rewarded with wonderful views. We continue on to Shire Oaks before dropping down to the hamlet of Malcoff. Continuing on to Bolehole Clough, Breckedge, Bagshaw and Bowden before returning to The Wash.

A stunning walk on what we hope will be mainly pastures new for most of you.

14/04/2021, Wednesday, Three Shires Head and Whetstone Ridge, moderate, 6.25 miles, leader Kate Stross

Outline of the walk: A loop from Clough House car park to Three Shires Head, the Dane Valley and Whetstone Ridge, returning along Cumberland Brook. Moderate. The section of the route along the Dane Valley was pretty muddy on our recce and there is a short steep uphill section to the road, so a pole might be useful. The moors are also pretty wet underfoot. 6.25 miles

Walk start: 10.00am, Clough House car park Postcode SK11 0BD

Directions: My preferred route is to take the new Buxton Road from Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield. After about 3 miles, turn right as the A537 goes sharp left, onto what becomes Ankers Lane. Drive 1.5 miles. Go right at the Stanley Arms. Clough House car park is on the right after 1.7 miles.

HOWEVER - PLEASE NOTE - There have been long term road works on the New Buxton Road which may mean you need to take a different route. Please check on Google Maps the night before.

19/04/2021, Monday, Marple Bridge, Mellor Church, Brookbottom, moderate, 10 miles, Leader Angela Legge

The walk starts at 10am from Brabyns Park car park in Marple Bridge. Nearest postcode SK6 5DT brings you to the left turn to the car park off the A626.

Directions to the start: From Wilmslow head to A555 East to junction with A6. Turn left towards Hazel Grove. At lights by Bullock Smithy pub turn right onto Torkington Road. Continue to T junction with A626 and turn right towards Marple. At traffic lights in Marple turn left onto Station Road to stay on A626 (signed Glossop). Soon after passing Marple Station turn left by the " Welcome to Brabyns Park " sign just before Marple Bridge village. Follow the road round to the free car park.

Walk description: This walk takes in a wide variety of scenery from the canals around Marple and the Roman Lakes, climbing up to Mellor Church, part of which dates back to the 13th Century. The small hamlets of Moorend and Brookbottom are passed en route and there are fine views from the higher points. Height gain is 390 metres. Moderate grade but the paths are generally easy. Duration about 4 hours 45 minutes.


25/04/2021, Sunday, Prestbury, Mottram St Andrews & the Bollin Valley Way, 7.8 miles moderate, leader Donald Henderson

Walk starts at 10am in the Shirley’s Drive car park in Prestbury. From the centre of the village take the Macclesfield Road and Shirley’s Drive is the first trurning on the left. The car park (free but no toilets) is about 100yds on the left. SK10 4BW is the closest postcode I can find.

The 7.8 mile walk takes us around Prestbury golf course, through the new Kings School campus, Mottram St Andrews, Mottram Hall hotel & golf course and back to Prestbury by the Bollin Valley Way.

A variety of roads, footpaths, fields and woodland. Unless we have an extremely dry April, there will be some wet patches where a pole or two might be helpful.

28/04/2021, Wednesday, Todd Brook and Whaley Bridge, moderate, 7.5 miles, leader Peter Riley

Start of Walk Tesco car-park, off Buxton Road (A5004), Whaley Bridge

Post Code SK23 7PB Grid Ref 013 821

Start Time Please be at the start point ready to walk at 10.00am 28 April 2021

Directions to Start The entrance to Tesco, Whaley Bridge, is a bit tricky to spot. It is located on the A 5004, Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge about 200 yards from the roundabout on the main A.6. Coming from that roundabout and heading into Whaley Bridge lookout for the bollards after 200 yards and turn left onto the Tesco access road. There is no signpost unfortunately. Park up at the far side of the large car-park nearest the canal.

Details of Walk We’ll follow the canal that used to be fed by the town’s world-famous reservoir into Whaley Bridge town centre then pass close to its infamous dam before going out alongside the Toddbrook reservoir itself. We’ll explore parts of the reservoir’s feeder - Todd Brook - before climbing up towards Whaley Moor and then heading back via Stonehead.

There is about 1200ft of ascent in total, there’ll be stops for coffee and lunch, and a chance to do your shopping at B & M’s or Tesco at the end of the walk. What more could a girl ask for!

Leader Peter Riley


05/05/2021, Wednesday, Burbage Edges, moderate grade, 9.6km / 6.0mi, 266m ascent, 4.5hrs, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A loop from the Longshaw Estate around Burbage Edges and Higger Tor in Derbyshire.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk. It is recommended to arrive very early to ensure a parking space.

Walk start: 10:30hrs at the Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Woodcroft Car Park, S11 7TY. OS map OL1. Grid Reference SK 26709 80065. Lat.,Long. 53.316790, -1.601588

*** NOTE: THIS WALK ORIGINALLY HAD AN EARLY START TIME OF 09:30hrs, BUT IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT EXPERIENCE THIS HAS BEEN REVISED TO 10:30hrs.***

Parking: Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Woodcroft Car Park. Free for NT members, £5 for over 4 hours, cash in machine or PayByPhone mobile app.

Route: Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Woodcroft Car Park, Burbage South Edge, Burbage North, Burbage Bridge, Burbage West, Higger Tor, Carl Wark Fort, Over Owler Tor, Mothers Cap, Surprise View Car Park, Owler Tor, Granby Wood, Longshore Lodge, Longshaw Estate National Trust Visitor Center Woodcroft Car Park.

Viewranger: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzI5ODU1OQ==

Viewranger app shortcode: SJDMD0023

Outdooractive: https://out.ac/u4vNa

09/05/2021, Sunday, The Alderleys, 8 miles moderate, leader Donald Henderson

Start at 09.30 from Wizard car park, Alderley Edge (SK10 4UB). Parking free for members but please take a ticket. For non members it’s an eye-watering £7 for the day. You can park for free in a “lay-by” at Beacon Lodge which is 1/4 mile back towards Alderley village. Toilets available.

The walk is 8.2 miles, easy, with just 463ft ascent. We follow footpaths, minor roads, tracks & fields to the southern end of Alderley Park. Then it is on to Nether Alderley Church via Bollington Lane, Heywood House and fields. From the church we enter Alderley Park to reach Hocker Lane, Bradford Lane and back to the car park.

13/05/2021, Thursday Roaches & Hen Cloud from Meerbrook, 8 miles, moderate, Clare Pinder

Walk details: the walk starts at 10am from parking on the roadside in Meerbrook.Coming through Meerbrook with the church on your LH side, turn right opposite the church and park there where there are no parking restrictions.Grid ref. OL24 989608 and postcode of the church is ST13 8SJ. If you pass the Lazy Trout pub on your LH side, you have overshot the RH turn.

Directions to start: Put Meerbrook Leek or the above postcode into satnav. Mind the 2 speed cameras in Rushton Spencer enroute.

Walk decription: we cross fields and stiles to Roche Grange, then onto Roach End. We take the path along the Roaches escarpment, passing Doxey Pool, before descending onto Hen Cloud and going round its lower reaches. We then walk to Upper Hulme and onto Whitty Lane back to Meerbrook, passing over Tittesworth Reservoir. Its just over 8 miles.


17/05/2021, Monday, Errwood to Burbage, 8 miles moderate, leader Angela Legge

Walk starts at 10am from Errwood Hall car park in the Goyt Valley.

Directions to the start:

From Wilmslow head for Macclesfield and take the B5470 Rainow road past the Robin Hood Inn, turn right onto Smith Lane, then right onto Erwin Lane, slight left onto Hooleyhey Lane and continue down The Street to Errwood Reservoir. Pass The Street car park on the right and bear right alongside the reservoir to Errwood Hall car park. The postcode SK17 6GJ takes you past The Street car park but goes over the dam between the reservoirs,, which you do not do.

If coming from the Stockport direction DO NOT use this postcode. From Whaley Bridge take the A5004 "Long Hill" road . Continue to a sharp right turn signed Goyt Valley. Proceed downhill to the dam, turn left at The Street and continue to Errwood Hall car park on your right.

Walk details:

This 8 mile circular walk sets out along Errwood Reservoir to Goytsclough Quarry. We then head across Goyts Moss taking moorland paths towards Buxton. After walking into Burbage on the western edge of Buxton we follow more pleasant moorland paths and cross the disused High Peak railway track, which connected canals at Cromford and Whaley Bridge. Scenic paths take us along the other side of Errwood Reservoir back to the start. The walk should take about 4 hours and, apart from the possibility of mud after rain, the paths are fairly easy. There are no very steep ascents but the walk is undulating.


23/05/2021, Sunday, Change of walk due to adverse weather on 23/5/21, Sunday: replacement walk is from Lindow Common to Styal Park, just over 7 miles, easy/moderate, Clare Pinder. , leader Clare Pinder

The walk starts at 10am from Lindow Common carpark, Racecourse Rd, Wilmslow,; we pass Saltersley Hall Farm, Oak Farm, walk along the Bollin, cross the Altrincham Road at Hooksbank Wood, and walk through Styal Park to the Carrs and back to Lindow Common. There will be muddy stretches, otherwise the paths are good.

26/05/2021, Wednesday Haslington 7.5 miles Moderate Leader: Bob Swinburne

This is a typical “Cheshire walk”, incorporating, fields, tracks and quiet lanes with a touch of suburbia. There are no noticeable ascents or descents. The walk starts at the village of Haslington and proceeds past the timber-framed Haslington Hall to Oakhanger village. We skirt Crewe golf course, past Slaughter Hill and return to Haslington.


The walk starts at 10am from the Waterloo Road car park in Haslington.


Directions to start

Get on the M6 southbound and leave the motorway at junction 17. Turn right at the end of the slip road and go over the motorway onto the A534 signposted Crewe/Nantwich. After approximately 2.5 miles at a roundabout, turn left onto Crewe Road, signposted Crewe Golf Club. As you enter Haslington village, watch out for the Broughton Arms pub on your right. Turn left here onto Waterloo Road. The car park, which is free, is approximately 75 yards down Waterloo Road on the left by Bargain Booze. If this car park is full, there is roadside parking about 200 yards further on in front of bungalows. Nearest Sat Nav Postcode CW1 5TF. There are no public toilets in the car park.


KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE GOVERNMENT COVID REGULATIONS AS WE MAY BE ABLE TO CARSHARE BY THE DATE OF THE WALK

01/06/2021, Tuesday, Derwent Edge via Lost Lad from Fairholmes 8 miles moderate, leader Sue Lucas

NOTE: meet and greet at Lindow Common car park will leave at 9.00am (note earlier time).

A classic Peak District ridge walk. Meet to start the walk at 10.15 am (or the time meet and greet walkers arrive if later) in front of Fairholmes Visitor Centre, Upper Derwent Valley S33 0AT, Grid Reference SK17315 89330. Directions: take the A57 Snake Road from Glossop. After about 14 miles from the centre of Glossop, there is a smallish turning on the left for Derwent Valley just before the bridge over Ladybower Reservoir. Take this and the Visitor Centre is at the end of this road in 2.5 miles. (Do not use SatNav for this as it will take you to the other side of the reservoir!) All day parking at the Visitor Centre is £5 (cash needed for the machine). Some parking may be available free in the laybys near the entrance.

There is a steady ascent for the first three miles up to Lost Lad; poles may be useful, and gaiters if it has rained recently. After that we will walk to Back Tor and along the top of Derwent Edge with magnificent views of distant reservoirs and weird rock formations for two and a half miles. For the last third, we gradually descend back down to Ladybower Reservoir and the Visitor Centre, where tea and toilets are available.


06/06/2021, Sunday, Newtown, 7.5 miles moderate Lynn Davies and Carol McLaughlin,

NOTE EARLIER TIME FOR START OF THE WALK AT 9.45am

Meet at Wilmslow Guild 9.00 or go direct to start.

Directions to the start:

The walk will start at 9.45 am Woodbourne Road Newton High Peak SK22 3JX

Roadside parking at the top end of the road.

From Wilmslow take the Airport relieve road to the end, turn right onto the A6.

Newtown is signposted in exactly five miles. At the traffic lights showing left turn to New Mills, with a carpet shop on the right, turn right into Woodbourne Road (cul-de-sac).

Walk details: Gently climbing uphill we quickly arrive in open country with stunning views. On good tracks we make our way along a scenic ridge towards the former Moorfields Hotel. A short distance on the Gritstone Trail is followed by another ridge walk contouring round Whaley Moor. Slightly off the footpath we will see the Dipping Stones before returning to the path and downhill into Furnace Vale. Heading slightly uphill on good tracks we are rewarded with scenic views looking across to Chinley before returning back to the start.

09/06/2021, Wednesday, Lindow Common and the Carrs, 6.5 miles, easy, leaders Tress and Peter Attwell

NOTE: As the walk starts from Lindow Common car park, there will be no meet/greet. The walk will still start at 10am.

Walk starts at 10am from Lindow Common car park SK9 5LW, Racecourse Road.

The walk goes to the Carrs, around the rugby club, Lindow peat bog and returns to the Common.

There is one minor ascent out of the Carrs, but otherwise the walk is flat and easy.

Everybody is welcome included friends of members who would like to try this easy walk.


14/06/2021, Monday, Marple and Mellor, 6.8 miles, moderate, leaders Tress and Peter Attwell

There will be meet/greet at Lindow Common car park at 9.30am. If going direct please be ready to walk at 10.15am

Walk starts at 10.15 am from roadside parking on Arkwright Road B6102 east of Marple alongside aa recreation ground SK6 7BT. Directions to the start:

Take A555 Airport Link Road eastwards to A6, turn left on to A6 and then right at Torkington Road A627 which turns into Offerton Road, turn right after Stockport Golf Club on to A626, continue into Marple, keep straight at large junction, when you will see the recreation ground, drive along one side and park on Arkwright Road, B6102.

The walk goes down to the Roman Lakes, follows the Goyt for a while, up Black Lane, to Mellow and returns to the Goyt. There are a couple of moderate ascents. We can visit the Mellor cross if walkers have not seen it before.

20/06/2021, Sunday, Goyt Valley and Buxton, 9 miles moderate, leader Peter Attwell

There will be meet/greet at the Guild at 9.00am. If going direct please be ready to walk at 9.30am.

Walk starts at 9.30am from the large car park on the Street by the reservoir wall in the Goyt Valley opposite the yacht club. Post code SK17 6SX.

Directions to start: go to Macclesfield, turn left by Tesco store on to Hurdsfield Road. Follow road through Rainow to Kettleshume. At entrance to village look for sign for right turn to Goyt Valley, follow road past Windgather Rocks, turn left at Pyms Chair, follow road downhill and car park is on the right at the bottom of the hill.

Walk goes uphill on other side of the valley, along the disused railway track, over the top to the outskirts of Buxton, up the old road to Derbyshire Bridge and the Cat and Fiddle, and then dropping down to the road alongside the reservoir and returning to the car park.


23/06/2021, Wednesday, Kerridge Ridge, White Nancy, & the Nab, 7.6 miles moderate Leader Angela Legge

Meet/greet by Carol McLaughlin at Lindow Common at 9.30am. If going direct walk starts at 10am.

Walk starts from Middlewood Way Car Park on Adlington Road, Bollington. Postcode SK10 5JT Grid Ref SJ931780

Directions: Turn off A523 Macclesfield to Stockport Road onto B5090, signed Bollington. Continue through the town and shortly after passing under a viaduct turn left into Adlington Road at the brown sign for Middlewood Way and Canal to a free car park on your left.

Walk details: This hilly and scenic walk loops above and around Bollington. The route follows a short section of the Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal towpath before heading up to Kerridge Hill. After a circuit of the hill we follow the Saddle of Kerridge to the imposing obelisk, White Nancy, built in 1820 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. We descend from White Nancy and continue on to Cockshead Hey Farm before ascending Nab Head, 285 metres high and 5 metres higher than White Nancy. There is an ancient tumulus on The Nab. From here we follow pleasant paths back into Bollington, passing Long Lane and Sugar Lane farms. The total ascent on the walk is 400 metres, 1,312 feet. Poles might be useful.

The walk follows the route of the annual Bollington fell race and the winner completes it in 45 minutes. I anticipate that we will take nearer 4 hours!


30/06/2021, Wednesday, Bickerton Hill and Bulkley Hill, 8 miles, moderate Leader Bob Swinburne

Directions to start

There are several routes to the start of the walk at the Bickerton Poacher pub, Bickerton. My preferred route from Wilmslow is through Mobberley and Knutsford and onto the A556 towards Chester. At the Shell garage in Blakemere, just past the Blue Cap pub, turn left onto the A49 towards Tarporley. Follow the A49 to bypass Tarporley and turn right at the traffic lights, still on the A49. (The Rashoi Cheshire Indian restaurant is on the right.) Continue on the A49 for 4 miles and then turn right onto Wrexham Road (A534). The Bickerton Poacher is 2 miles along the A534. Postcode SY14 8BE. When approaching the pub go past the first car park before the pub and park in the second car park on the left, just after the pub. The car park is free. This route is 37 miles and should take about 55 minutes.

The walk

The walks starts from the Bickerton Poacher pub and, after a short but sharp ascent through Bulkeley Hill, joins the Sandstone Trail on which we remain for a large part of the walk. We cross over the A534 before circling Bickerton Hill and Maiden Castle. We return across fields and tracks to the pub. Poles might be useful.

Peter Riley will meet and greet at Lindow Common at 9.30. For those going directly to the start, please be ready to walk at 10.30.

04/07/2021, Sunday, B29 crash site and Higher Shelf stones from Old Glossop, 7.9 miles, moderate, ascent 1090ft, leader Guy Lucas

A steady climb up to the memorable crash site amid bleak moorland and spectacular views.

The walk starts at 10.00am at Shepley Street, Old Glossop, SK13 7SA, Ordnance Survey Map OL1 - SK 04440 94793. Directions: from the centre of Glossop, head east on A57. About 0.4 miles from the junction with B6105, turn left in front of the Commercial Inn onto Manor Park Road. After 0.3 miles on Manor Park Road, bear right in front of the Queen’s Arms onto Shepley Street. Park on the roadside on Shepley Street alongside the factory, and meet at the old bus turnaround. No toilets at start.

The first part of the walk is a gradual ascent. You go along Doctor’s Gate, a "Roman road" which becomes a path and is muddy in places (poles and gaiters recommended.) Just before Doctor’s Gate meets the Pennine Way, turn left along Crooked Clough until the path takes you over moorland up to Higher Shelf Stones. The B29 crash site is close to this. The return descent takes you over James’s Thorn and back down to your car.


07/07/2021 Wednesday, Around Mobberley, Walk and pub lunch, about 6 miles easy, leader Peter Riley

Walk starts at 10am from car park at Plough and Flail, Mobberley, post code WA16 7DB. Walk is similar to that Peter Riley led last December.

The pub has booked the conservatory for the walking group. This enables us to sit together as a group, under current COVID 19 restrictions.

We plan to get back to the pub at around 13.00 if you wish to join us for the lunch only.

MENU

The menu has been attached to an email circulated to members. The manager thinks there may be a few minor variations on the day but says we can rely on it to be pretty accurate.


I put to them that there could be as many as 30 of us - all sitting down at the same time - but he was completely unfazed by that, saying that 30 people was just 5 tables of six and they were dealing with those kind of numbers all the time. He did concede that it may help the kitchen run more smoothly if we could give him some of the orders an hour or so before we sit down but wasn't insisting on it.


THEREFORE


The plan is walkers can order when they arrive back at the pub at the end of the walk.


However it may help if some walkers could let Peter Riley or Peter Attwell their order at the beginning of the walk. Peter Riley will then ring them through to the pub at coffee time.


One more point. They are going to put us in the glass-covered patio area just adjacent to the main seating area - so we can be as rowdy as we like without disturbing the 'proper' diners! There are heaters in that area but it is a little bit exposed to the elements and I'm afraid it may get a bit chilly if the weather's unkind to us.


14/07/2021, Wednesday, Cressbrook Dale & Tansley Dale, 7 miles, moderate, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A circuit from Monsal Head to Cressbrook, Litton, Tansley Dale and Cressbrook Dale.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Start: 10:30hrs at Monsal Head car park, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, DE45 1NL. Lat./Long. 53.240205, -1.724106, Grid Reference SK 18494 71505, OS map OL24.

Route: Monsal Head car park, Headstone viaduct, Monsal Trail, Cressbrook Mill, Cressbrook Weir, Cressbrook, Middle Row, Litton Post Office, Tansley Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Ravensdale Cottages, Cressbrook Mill, Brushfield Lane, Netherdale Farm, footbridge, Monsal Trail, Headstone viaduct, Monsal Head car park.

Refreshments: There may well be opportunities for ice cream refreshments in Litton and Monsal Head.

Outdooractive details & map: https://out.ac/IOfIxn

18/07/2021, Sunday, Bamford Edge, 7.5 miles moderate,leader Peter Attwell

Walk starts at 10am at Carr Lane Car park. SK1986 8378. Nearest post code is S33 0AJ. Route to car park: Take A555 eastwards, at the end turn on to A6 south, keep on A6 until just after roundabout to Chapel en le Frith, where turn left at sign to Castleton. Follow road through Castleton and Hope. About 1.5 miles after Hope look for signpost left to Thornhill, take that left turn and stay on narrow road, keeping right in hamlet Thornhill and shortly afterwards look for sign Carr Croft and House where you will see the car park.

If you get to the left turn to Bamford at the traffic lights you have gone too far and need to turn back towards Hope for a short distance.

The walk starts to follow the river up to Ladybower dam, crosses dam wall and climbs steadily up to Bamford Ridge, a wonderful ridge walk, drops back down to Bamford across the river following the river again to the car park.


THIS WALK WAS POSTPONED DUE TO FORECAST HIGH TEMPERATURES WHICH COULD BE HAZADOUS TO WALKERS HEALTH

21/07/2021, Wednesday, Lymm, The Bongs, High Legh and Thelwall 8.5 miles easy, Leader Carol McLaughlin


28/07/2021, Wednesday, Bowstones and Lyme Park, 9 miles moderate, Leader Peter Attwell.

Walk starts at 10am at Jacksons Brickyard car park SK12 1TY, grid ref SJ 945844.

Directions to start: Go to Poynton and along Park Lane past Waitrose on LHS. Where the road splits, take left hand fork Middlewood Road. Continue on this past Anson Road on RHS to Pool House road, turning right at car park sign. Drive short distance along the road into the car park.

The walk leaves the car park on Middlewood way, turns back on canal (avoiding a permanently muddy path) and on to main entrance of Lyme Park, then path outside the Park, East Lodge and the Bowstones, into Lyme Park, where we will stop at the toilets, out of Lyme Park to the canal, returning via the canal towpath.


01/08/2021 Sunday, Monsal Dale, Cressbrook Dale and Foolow, 9.5 miles moderate, leader Angela Legge

Walk starts at 10am at Monsal Head viewpoint overlooking the viaduct and Wye Valley by Monsal Head Hotel. Satnav DE45 1NL Grid Reference SK18494 71505 OS map OL24.

The car park charge is £6 for the day but there is free roadside parking opposite the hotel on the road to Little Longstone. There are toilets at Monsal Head.

Directions to the start: Either head for Macclesfield and Harpur Hill taking A537, A5270, A6,then left onto B6465 to Ashford and Monsal Head.

OR make your way to Whaley Bridge, take A6 Chapel bypass, then left onto A623 and right onto B6465, signed Wardlow, Monsal Head & Ashford. Both routes take about an hour.

The route of the walk is Monsal Head-Monsal Trail-Cressbrook Dale-Wardlow Mines-Stanley House-Grindlow-Foolow-Housley-Longstone Moor- Little Longstone-Monsal Head.

After descending from Monsal Head to the Monsal Trail we go into Cressbrook Dale, the first part of which is a climb up through woodland, then down into the open wide grassy section of the upper part of the dale. After the pretty village of Foolow the route goes due south across fields and the open moorland of Longstone Moor, where there are (hopefully!) far-reaching views of Kinder behind us and the rolling hills of the White Peak ahead.

There may be muddy stretches and the limestone may be slippery if wet so poles are recommended.


04/08/2021, Wednesday, Deep Dale and Magpie Mine, 7 miles, moderate, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A circuit that includes Deep Dale, Magpie Mine and Sheldon. The route passes through the Deep Dale Nature Reserve which has an abundance of flowers in the spring and summer. Magpie Mine was the last working lead mine in the Derbyshire. It is probably the best surviving example anywhere in the UK of a 19th century lead mine, and includes a replica horse gin, where a harnessed horse walking in a circle would cause gears to engage and turn a drum, thus raising baskets of ore from a mineshaft. Sheldon is a quiet and picturesque village with a beautiful pub.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Start: 10:30hrs at White Lodge Car Park - Peak District NP, A6 road, Buxton DE45 1DS. Long./Lat. 53.232515, -1.746933, OS map OL 24, Grid ref SK 17033 70594.

Route: White Lodge Car Park, Taddington Wood, Dimin Dale, Dimin (Demons) Dale Rock Shelter, Deep Dale, Deep Dale Nature Reserve, Settlement, Sheldon, Magpie Mine, Sheldon, Cock and Pullet pub, St Michaels Church, Great Shacklow Wood, Dimin Dale, White Lodge Car Park.

Outdooractive details and map: https://out.ac/IOjOWt

11/08/2021, Wednesday, Axe Head Moor and Danebower Quarry, 7 miles Easy/Moderate, leader Kate Stross

The walk starts from the carpark at Derbyshire Bridge at 10am. (There are toilets at the free car park). From there we walk up to and cross the A54, cross Axe Edge Moor and walk around Cheeks Hill with views down to Knotbury. We follow the Dane Valley Way to cross the River Dane at Danebower Quarry. (A pole might be useful here if it has been wet.) We then walk back to and cross the A54, thence to Cumberland Brook and climb gradually up to Whetstone Ridge. From there we walk along Danebower Hollow and back to the Cat and Fiddle.

Directions: Drive to the Cat and Fiddle pub on the A537. The turning to the Derbyshire Bridge car park is the first on the left just after the pub. After the walk, those of us who fancy it might stop for a drink at the newly reopened Cat and Fiddle. I'm afraid I am intending to drive straight to Derbyshire Bridge rather than doing a meet and greet at Lindow as my time is a bit constrained in the morning.

When we recc'ed this walk in late July the A537 was closed for resurfacing and we had to use the A54. If you approach via the A54, turn left onto the A537 and an alternative access road to the Derbyshire Bridge car park is the first turning on the right soon after you join the A537. The approximate post code for the car park is SK17 6TT but don't use this on your satnav as it will bring you to a different location, Better to use the Cat and Fiddle as your destination."

15/08/2021, Sunday, Rowarth and Lantern Pike, 8 miles, moderate Leader Peter Attwell

Walk starts at 10am at Rowarth car park. Nearest post code is SK22 1EB, but you need to look for signs to Rowarth village where the car park is obvious.

Directions to start: Go to A555 airport link road and head east, join A6 and after large traffic lights junction, keep over to the right lane and turn right at the next traffic lights on to A627 towards Marple etc. Keep on this road past Stockport Golf Club, turn right at next traffic lights and right again at next traffic lights on to A626 towards Marple. Shortly after the shops in Marple bear left keeping on A626 towards Marple Bridge. Keep on A626 bearing left out of Marple Bridge, going uphill keeping on the road as it turns sharply right. After about 1.5 miles out of Marple Bridge, look out for Lane Ends pub on the right and turn right into Ley Lane. Keep on this lane past a signpost to Hare and Hounds, as the road becomes Hollywood Road, go past Hare Hounds. The lane becomes Chatterton Lane and narrows and appears to be going into open countryside. At the end of Chatterton Lane, by Moorfield Arms (now a private house I think) turn left on to Shiloh Road and immediately right on to Hollinsmoor Road , signposted a dead end. After about ½ mile turn left at Rowarth only sign and go to parking area outside the village.

Distance 15 miles, time about 40 minutes.

Walk description: we head out of Rowarth and eventually climb up to Lantern Pike, then follow the paths northwards to Mares Back and return along Cown Edge. Some of the climb to Lantern Pike can avoided by taking the path below to where we will rejoin it.

19/08/2021, Thursday, Alport Castles from Fairholme 9.5 miles moderate leader Guy Lucas

NOTE LATER WALK START TIME

Surely one of the seven wonders of the Derwent Valley area, Alport Castles is an extraordinary rock formation formed by a huge landslip, beloved of climbers and walkers seeking a lunch spot with spectacular views.


Meet to start the walk at 10.30am in front of Fairholmes Visitor Centre, Upper Derwent Valley S33 0AT, Grid Reference SK17315 89330. Directions: take the A57 Snake Road from Glossop. After about 14 miles from the centre of Glossop, there is a smallish turning on the left for Derwent Valley just before the bridge over Ladybower Reservoir. Take this and the Visitor Centre is at the end of this road in 2.5 miles. (Do not use SatNav for this as it will take you to the other side of the reservoir!) All day parking £5 (cash needed for the machine or pay at the Visitor Centre). Some parking may be available free in the laybys near the entrance.


Route: Initially, a gentle walk along the western side of Upper Derwent Reservoir and then the western extension of Howden Reservoir. From the western tip of Howden Reservoir, there is a steady climb southwest parallel to Ditch Clough. The climb should take about forty minutes, and the walker will be rewarded by the sudden appearance of the cliff edge at Alport Castles. There is a good path initially along the edge and then gradually descending over Rowlee Pasture (moorland), past Hagg Side (a forest!) and a cart track down to Ladybower Reservoir and then back along the reservoir back to the Visitor Centre, where tea and toilets are available.

23/08/2021, Monday Walton Gardens and the Dell, 8 miles, easy, leader Carol McLaughlin

NOTE EARLY START TIME


Walk start will be 9-30 due to parking availability

Directions to the start.

Roadside parking Old Chester Road Walton Warrington WA4 6TQ.

Note: Please be prepared to have to pay £3 parking should there be no parking left on Old Chester Road.


From Wilmslow 22 miles, 30 minutes travel time approx.

Take the A538 towards M56. Merge on to M56 signed Warrington/ Chester.

Exit junction 11 signed A56 Preston Brook / Daresbury take the fourth exit onto A56 Old Chester Road for approx three miles.

Turn right at traffic lights by Walton Arms public house, park on the roadside by the church.


From Bowdon Roundabout 12 miles, 20 minutes travel time approx.

Take the A56 towards Lymm At traffic lights by the Springbok pub go straight across to Stockton Heath. At traffic lights by police station take the second left (more or less straight across) At road junction turn left onto Chester Road A56 then left after the Crematorium into Old Chester Road, park by the church.


Note: Which ever direction you choose please be aware that the area is notorious for speed traps.


Please be ready to walk by 9-30am.


Walk Details

A very easy yet an extremely varied and interesting walk with good views. The hi light being The Dingle, an area of semi-natural woodland, along with Walton Gardens /Park this a great walk especially if it is a hot summer’s day due to the lovely woodland areas.



02/09/2021, Thursday, Dane Valley Way and Lud's Church, 7 miles, moderate, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A loop from Danebridge along the Dane Valley Way up to Hanging Stone and over to Lud's Church, returning along the Dane Valley Way.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Start: 10:30hrs at roadside parking near the entrance to the Wincle Brewery just west of the bridge at Danebridge, Macclesfield, SK11 0QE. Lat/Long 53.184086, -2.054963, OS map OL 24, OS Grid Reference SJ 96424 65222.

Route: Danebridge, Gig Hall footbridge, Hannel, Snipe, Park House, Hanging Stone, Back Forest, Lud's Church, Dane Valley Way, Back Forest Farm, Danebridge.

Outdooractive details and map: https://out.ac/IZs4Mc

05/09/2021 Sunday, Castleton Ridge from Hope 8.5 miles moderate Leader Angela Legge

The walk starts at 10am from Hope Car Park, OS grid ref SK171834, nearest postcode S33 6AA ( approximate location only).

£6 (cash only) all day parking, but there is also free parking on the main road in Hope village.There are toilets in the car park.

Directions to the start: Take the A555 airport relief road to the A6 and turn right towards Buxton. Continue through Disley to A6 dual carriageway. Turn left at sign to Edale and Castleton. Pass Mam Nick car park and turn left down Winnats Pass. At the bottom turn right towards Castleton. Proceed through Castleton to Hope. The car park is in the centre of the village on the main road on the right.

Walk description: Starting from the village of Hope we ascend Lose Hill before following the classic "Great Ridge" to Back Tor, Hollins Cross and Mam Tor. The views are superb on both sides, with Edale and Kinder to the right and the Hope Valley to the left. We descend to Castleton via Winnats Pass before following a pleasant riverside path back to Hope.


09/09/2021 : Thursday WALK CANCELLED DUE TO FORECAST LIGHTNING Kinder from Bowden Bridge, returning via Kinder Low, 8.2 miles, moderate Leader Sue Lucas

Although Kinder will be familiar to many, the varying seasons and weather conditions mean that every time walking on Kinder seems different.

Meet to start the walk at 10.00am at Bowden Bridge Car Park SK22 2LH, Grid Reference SK 0487 8692, What3Words active.interests.arrow Directions: The Car Park is just under a mile from the centre of Hayfield on Kinder Road. SatNav seems to work fine. The Car Park is pay and display, requiring coins. (I recall £5 all day, but am not absolutely confident.) There is also ample parking for free along Kinder Road.

Route: Initially a gentle walk alongside Kinder Reservoir, before the most challenging part, a steepish climb up William Clough. (Poles and even gaiters suggested.) We then join the Pennine Way to walk along the Edge, possibly lunching at Kinder Downfall. After that, bear south towards Kinder Low, with one short steepish descent. (Again, poles suggested.) Then back over the fields to the Car Park. Time including lunch – about four and a half hours.

13/09/2021, Monday, Prestbury, Highlees Wood and Mottram St Andrew, 8.5 miles easy, Leader Carol McLaughlin

Walk will commence at 10am Springfields car park Prestbury SK10 4DW

Directions to the start from Wilmslow 5miles, 10 minutes.

Follow the A538 into Prestbury. At the roundabout turn left through village, turn left just after the bridge into signed free car park.

Walk Details: Leaving Prestbury we walk through Prestbury golf club to Kings School. A little road walking follows along Sandy Lane before we enter Highlees Wood.

Birtles Lane, Hocker Lane, Finlow Hill, Adders Moss, Daniel Hill, Mottram St Andrews and returning back to Prestbury.

A lovely walk in and around Prestbury suitable for everyone.

19/09/2021 Sunday, around Whaley Bridge 9.3 miles moderate, Leader Peter Attwell

Walk starts at 10am at layby in Whaley Bridge on A5004 Whaley Bridge to Buxton Road.

Directions to start: go to Macclesfield and turn left off Silk Road at Tesco roundabout. Follow road through Rainow and Kettleshume and continue to traffic lights in Whaley Bridge. Turn right at traffic lights, continue for 0.4 miles and park in large layby on RH side of road.

The walk is about 9.3 miles moderate. There are ascents round south of Whaley Bridge, then up to Eccles Pike, down into Buxworth, an ascent round north of Whaley Bridge, down into Kettleshume, then over Taxal Moor back to car park. There is a toilet at Buxworth (hopefully open on a Sunday).

A lot of the walk is on quiet tracks but there are muddy fields and a steep descent from Eccles Pike,

Allow 41/2 to 5 hours for the walk.


23/09/2021, Thursday, from Hayfield 8 miles moderate, Leader Lynn Davies

Start time 10.00 from Hayfield bus station car park [Pay and Display, coins may be neede] but there is roadside parking nearby.

Directions to start. From A555 airport link road, turn right onto A6. At traffic lights for New Mills turn left. Continue past turning for New Mills. As you come into Hayfield turn left at car park sign.

Walk Description

We walk along Sett Valley Trail then head up towards Chinley Churn. We then drop down to Peep O Day and back to Hayfield


27/09/2021, Monday, Three Pubs and an Airfield, 8.2 miles easy, Leader Carol McLaughlin

Walk will commence 10am. Parking is at Adlington Village Hall Mill Lane SK10 4LF

The village Hall is on the right after Adlington Hall and the Hunting Lodge just before the traffic lights by the Legh Arms.

Directions to the start from Wilmslow 5miles, 10 minutes

Passing Wilmslow railway station turn left into Adlington Road A5120, at the first roundabout take the second exit A5120, at the second roundabout take second exit Lees Lane B5358, turn left onto Mill Lane towards the traffic lights with the Legh Arms opposite, with parking as above.

Note: Please check website NOW UPDATED FOR CHANGED PARKING AS ABOVE nearer the time for parking details. The lady who runs the snack bar in the lay-by gets very upset with walkers parking and jeopardising her livelihood.

Walking Details: First the bad news, sorry gents, we won’t be stopping at the pubs !

Leaving the Legh Arms we walk past Wych Woods through pastures to the Windmill Inn. Continuing on the Middlewood Way passing Barton’s Clough Wood, Jepson Clough Wood, farms, tracks and pastures we arrive at the Miners Arms. A woodland path alongside Poynton Industrial Estate leading onto Adlington Industrial Estate, on our right is Woodford Airfield and a V Bomber may be seen. Through Adlington golf club followed by lovely pastures by Gibson Wood before returning to our starting point, I’m pretty certain a few walkers will then savour the delights of the Legh Arms.

SUSPENDED: Due to roadworks closing the Snake Pass, 07/10/2021, Thursday, Fairbrook Naze, 7 miles, moderate, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A Loop from the Snake Road to Fairbrook Naze and Black Ashop Moor.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Start: Hope Woodland Car Park, A57 Snake Road, Hope Valley, S33 0AB. Lat/Long 53.419834, -1.836212, OS Map OL1, Grid Ref: SK 10982 91460.

Route: Hope Woodland Car Park, Lady Clough Forest, A57 Snake Road, Snake Inn, A57 Snake Road, Woodlands Valley, Fair Brook, Fairbrook Naze, The Edge, Black Ashop Moor, Snake Path, Ashop Clough, Higher Gate Clough, Saukin Ridge, Lady Clough Forest, Hope Woodland Car Park.

Outdooractive details and map: https://out.ac/I3Cqzi

07/10/2021, Thursday, Corbar Cross and Combs Moss, 6.3 miles, moderate, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A loop from Buxton to Corbar Cross and around the southern half of Combs Moss. This walk follows the east and west edges of Combs Moss, providing magnificent views to the south over Buxton, to the west towards Shining Tor and to the east towards the main Peak District quarries.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Start: 10:30hrs at roadside parking near 26 Corbar Road, Buxton SK17 6FB. Lat./Long. 53.263449, -1.918162, OS Map OL24, Grid Ref SK 05565 74055.

Route: Roadside parking near 26 Corbar Road, Corbar Woods, Corbar Hill, Corbar Cross 437m, Cuckoo Tors, Combs Edge, Meveril Brook, Grouse Butts, Black Edge, Flint Clough, Light Wood, roadside parking near 26 Corbar Road.

Outdooractive details and map: https://out.ac/I3yaYA

11/10/2021, Monday, Hope to Edale by train and walk back, 7.5 miles, moderate, Leader Peter Attwell

The walk starts at 10.30am at Hope Station. This gives us time to sort ourselves out.

NOTE: WE ARE CATCHING THE TRAIN AT 10.40. IF YOU MISS THIS TRAIN THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE.

Park on road approach to Hope Station

Map reference SK181 832, Post Code S33 6RR. Please be there by 10.30 ready to walk up to the station.

Route to start: Join A555eastwards, and then A6 through Disley. After the roundabout to Chapel en le Frith, turn left towards Castleton. Follow the road down Winnatts Pass, through Castleton and Hope. Go through Hope village and about 300 yards after leaving the village, turn left at the Hope station sign. Park on this road close to the station yard.

We are catching the 10.40 train from Hope to to Edale. Cost about £4.20 or less with Senior Rail Card.

Description of walk : Distance: about 7.5 miles, 4 hours. From Edale station walk through Edale to Hope Cross and Win Hill. Descend from Win Hill back to Hope station. There are no steep ascents. The climb to Win Hill is gradual; the descent is mostly on steps


17/10/2021, Sunday, Castleton and Cave Dale, 8.5 or 7 miles moderate, leader Peter Attwell

Walk starts at 10am at NT Mam Nick car park just beyond where road to Edale turns off left from road to Winnats Pass and Castleton.

PLEASE BRING YOUR NT CARD TO SAVE CAR PARK FEE

Map reference SK123 833

Route to start: Take A555, at end turn right on to A6, through Disley, past roundabout to Chapel and bear left on to road to Edale and Castlton.

Watch for road on left to Edale and entrance to car park.

Description of walk : Walk goes past Blue John mine into Castleton, up Cave Dale, Limestone Way, Oxlow Rake, Eldon Hill, and back to Mam Nick car park.

The walk can be shortened by returning to the car park after the Limestone Way section, saving about 1.5 miles.

20/10/2021, Wednesday, around Tarporley 8 miles moderate, leader Bob Swinburne

The walk will start at 10am from Bell Meadow car park, Tarporley (Free). From Peter: a nearby post code is CW6 0DX, but rely on Bob's directions as well.

Directions to start.

Get on to the A556 towards Chester. Go past Sandiway Golf Club and, shortly after passing the Blue Cap pub on your right, turn left at the traffic lights by the Shell garage onto the A49 towards Tarporley. Continue through Cotebrook until you reach a roundabout where you turn left onto Rode Street towards Tarporley. Soon after entering the village look out for the Rising Sun pub on your right. Turn right immediately before the pub into Bell Meadow car park.

The walk.

I have previously led a couple of walks to the west of Tarporley. This walk is to the east of the village but finishes on the west. We walk out of the village onto and over Portal Premier golf course, before crossing the A49 and returning through the village church yard to Tarporley. There are no major ascents or descents and the majority of the walk is over the golf course, fields, track and quiet lanes.

27/10/2021, Wednesday, moderate, Biddulph Grange Country Park, 7.25 miles, Easy/Moderate, leader Bob Swinburne

Walk starts at 10am at car park described below

Travel details

Find your way to Congleton. From Congleton take the A527 (Park Lane which becomes Biddulph Road). After leaving Congleton look out for The Castle Inn on the left. Approximately 1.5 miles from the pub is Grange Road on the left. Continue up this road and the entrance to the Park is on the right in about 200 yards, just past the entrance to Biddulph Grange Gardens. (The Park is signposted with brown signs.) The car park is on the right, immediately after the entrance to the Park. The car park is FREE! Car Park Sat Nav ST8 7XX.

Walk Description

This beautiful and varied walk starts from the car park at Biddulph Grange Country Park and includes walks across fields, tracks, a disused railway line and along the banks of the beautiful Knypersley Reservoir.

There is a fairly long but gradual ascent from the start of the walk but after that the walk has no major ascents or descents.

This walk could get muddy, so you may find poles useful.

31/10/2021, Sunday, Rushton Spencer, Dane Valley Way, Wincle, Danebridge. Approx 7.5 miles. Moderate, leader Donald Henderson

Start at the car park on the North Staffordshire Way behind the Knott Inn (SK11 0QU) at 10.00am.

After a short walk along the old railway line, we cross the A523 to join the Gritstone Trail which leads on to the Dane Valley Way. This may be muddy so be warned!

There follows a detour to Danebridge and Wincle before returning to the start via fields, tracks & minor roads. About 7.5 miles and no serious ascents.

Knott Inn for refreshments at the end of the walk if desired.

04/11/2021, Thursday, Delamere Forest, 8 miles, moderate, leader Clare Pinder

The walk starts from Delemere Forest Park, Forest Centre car park, off Station Road, Delemere CW8 2JD.Map ref SJ548704. The car park is pay and display: enter through the barrier, pay before leaving, £8 by card or cash. The car park is big so meet by 10am for the start of the walk in front of the toilets which are next to the car park and visitor centre/cafe.

There are numerous ways to travel there so I will leave it to your satnav! It took me about 45 mins from Wilmslow. I can give 3 people lifts (text me if that assists).

Details of the walk: this is a repeat of a walk I did about 5 years ago and whose focus is 2 Iron Age hillforts, Eddisbury and Kelsborrow. We ascend through Delemere Forest to Old Pale for the view; we then pass Eddisbury fort, cross A54 and walk through Primrosehill Woods to Willington, taking a hanging path to Kelsborrow fort; returning through Nettleford Woods and along the Sandstone Trail. We use fairly good tracks (some quite muddy), paths and minor roads.

08/11/2021, Monday, Fairbrook Naze, 7 miles, moderate, leader Simon Duffy

Outline: A Loop from the Snake Road to Fairbrook Naze and Black Ashop Moor. Fairbrook Naze is an airy rock perch on the north tip of the Kinder Scout plateau, a remote place not often visited. The route only involves a very small section along the top of the plateau, but provides dramatic views to the north and east. The approach is from the north east through the steep valley of Fair Brook and as a result is relatively well protected from westerly winds.

Transport: Walkers to organise themselves to the walk start. Simon Duffy to join everyone at the start of the walk.

Start: Meet at 10:30 at Hope Woodland Car Park, A57 Snake Road, Hope Valley, S33 0AB. The postcode for this car park (S33 0AB) covers a wide area, so it is recommended to research the location using the following links in advance. Lat/Long 53.419834, -1.836212, OS Map OL1, Grid Ref: SK 10982 91460.

Route: Hope Woodland Car Park, Lady Clough Forest, A57 Snake Road, Snake Inn, A57 Snake Road, Woodlands Valley, Fair Brook, Fairbrook Naze, The Edge, Black Ashop Moor, Snake Path, Ashop Clough, Higher Gate Clough, Saukin Ridge, Lady Clough Forest, Hope Woodland Car Park.

Outdooractive details and map: https://out.ac/I3Cqzi

14/11/2021, Sunday, Disley, Mellor Moor and Strines. 7.5 miles. Moderate. Leader. Angela Legge

The walk starts at 10am at Disley Station Approach Car Park. Postcode SK12 2AE. Map Reference SJ974845

Directions: From Wilmslow take the A555 Airport Eastern LInk Road to junction with A6. Turn right onto A6. Just before the Ram's Head in Disley village turn sharp right and follow the station approach to the car park on the left.

Walk Description: We walk past Disley Golf Club, ascending to have excellent views of Mellor Moor and distant Kinder Scout. We continue through a wooded area and descend to the Peak Forest Canal, crossing an impressive lift bridge before walking into Barlow Wood, then along the River Goyt. We ascend to skirt round Mellor Golf Course and walk along a scenic, level bridleway to The Banks. A steepish ascent takes us towards Mellor Cross on the edge of Mellor Moor. Hopefully, we'll enjoy great views before descending to Brookbottom and Strines and joining the canal towpath back towards Disley.

18/11/2021, Thursday, Delph & Diggle, 8.5 miles, moderate, leader Clare Pinder

Start of walk: outside Swan pub, 21 King Street, Delph, OL3 5DL, at 10am. Coming into Delph along the Sound, you pass a free carpark on the right (which is 4 minutes walk if you turn right from the carpark onto the Sound to the Swan pub) and also unrestricted street parking on Gartside Street which is on the left just past the Swan pub.

Directions to start: take the M60 to Junction 22A, take A62 through Oldham to Delph, and turn left onto the Sound into Delph itself. It took me about 45 minutes. I can give 3 people lifts (text me if that helps).

Details of walk: the walk heads up out of Delph across fields to Heights Church; we then take tracks (with panoramic views over the moors) to and across the Castleshaw Reservoirs; we then take Standedge Trail/Pennine Way, past Standedge, to Brun Clough Reservoir. We then take the path alongside the Huddersfield Canal, past Diggle Locks, then proceed back along a disused railway track to Delph. There are several uphills (but fairly gradual), some stony paths and muddy fields.

22/11/2021, Monday, Taxal Edge, Kettleshume and Todbrook, 8 miles moderate, Leader Lynn Davies

Start 10.00 from lay by on the A5004

Directions to start: Go to Whaley Bridge and at the traffic lights turn right onto the A5004. The lay by is on the right just past the 50 mile an hour sign.

Walk description We head up to Taxal Edge then drop down to Kettleshulme and make our way back towards Whaley Bridge. Parts of the walk may be a bit muddy!

Lynn Davies

28/11/2021, Sunday, Macclesfield Forest, 7 miles moderate, leader Peter Attwell

The walk starts at 10am in Macclesfield Forest at the parking spaces by Ridgegate Reservoir just past the Leather Smithy pub grid reference SJ953 715. Post code SK11 0NE.

Please make sure you park in the marked bays to avoid any risk of a fine. If all the spaces are filled please wait outside th e bays and we will drive together to alternative parking.

Directions to the start: go to Macclesfield, southwards past Arighi Bianchi on the Leek road. After about a mile, at the traffic lights, bear left towards Langley and Sutton, under canal bridge, keep bearing left through Langley along Clarke Lane to the Leather Smithy.

The walk climbs towards Shutlingsloe, but not over it, down to Ferriser, to Chapel House, Charity Lane to Walker Barn. Here we turn left down the road to the reservoirs and along Clarke Lane to the cars.


02/12/2021, Thursday, Higher Poynton to Furnace Vale 10 miles Moderate, leader Marjorie McLoughlin

Walk starts at 10am at Nelson Pit car park Higher Poynton. SJ945832 Post code SK12 1TH. This is a pay and display car park costing £3. There may be roadside parking near the car park.

Directions: From the centre of Poynton follow Park Lane for almost a mile, keep left at the first major fork then fork right up Anson Road. Go over the cross roads by the Boar’s Head and turn left into the car park.

Walk description: The walk takes us from Higher Poynton into Lyme Park. We climb from the woods to Bowstones Farm and on to Lantern Wood. From there we walk along field tracks to the Dipping Stone and on to Furnace Vale. Our return route, along pleasant paths passes two reservoirs, crosses the main drive into Lyme Park and on to Macclesfield canal returning to the car park.

06/12/2021, Monday, Lyme Park from Poynton. 8 miles. Easy/Moderate. Leader Angela Legge

The walk starts at 10am at Poynton Pool, South Park Drive Car Park off the A523 . Postcode SK12 1BR (approx location only. You will see the car park on the left before satnav tells you to turn right!) OS Grid Reference SJ19 25842

Directions: From Wilmslow make your way to Poynton via the A5149 Chester Road and at the roundabout in the village turn left onto the A523 in the direction of Hazel Grove. In 0.3 miles turn right into South Park Drive. Follow the Drive round to the small, free car park on the left by Poynton Pool.

If you prefer to take the Airport Relief Road to the junction with the A523 turn right onto the A523, pass Brookside Garden Centre and in just over a mile turn left into South Park Drive.

Walk Description: The route follows Princes Incline to the Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal, continuing to Ryles Wood and Elmerhurst Cottage, where we enter Lyme Park. The only steep, but short, ascent on this walk is up to The Cage, thought to have been erected as a vantage point to watch stag hunting. From The Cage we take a wide, mown path down towards Lyme Hall before heading out of Lyme Park. We walk along a lane, passing Haresteads Farm and Elm Wood, down to the Canal Marina at Higher Poynton. We return to the start via Anson Road and Petre Bank ( an old colliery incline) .

08/12/2021, Wednesday, Annual General Meeting, Wilmslow Guild Bourne Street at 19.30

AGM at Wilmslow Guild at 19.30, with slide show and refreshments.

13/12/2021, Monday, Christmas Lunch walk with lunch at Plough and Flail, leader Peter Riley

The walk will start at 10.00am from the car park at the Plough & Flail. Post code WA11 7DB. There's plenty of parking space in the pub car park. The route will be dictated by conditions on the day, and we'll aim to get back in time to be able to sit down at 1.00pm. There will be one stop for coffee. Anyone not doing the walk should aim to arrive at the pub at 1245hrs for the 1300 hrs sit-down.

We are the only group currently booked in there for 13 Dec 2021 lunchtime so we'll basically have the run of the place. We are going to be sited in the room next to the main door. It accommodates up to 20 diners and should be warm and cosy. For those worried about Covid it should be noted that the room is fairly roomy, has a high-ish ceiling and a good extractor fan. It can be partitioned off from the rest of the seating area and the staff will be wearing masks.


On top of the usual a-la-carte menu they are putting on special Christmas menus - a two course for £18 and a four course at £22. I've got copies of the menus if anyone wants a preview. There is no need to pre-order - just let the staff know what you want when you arrive. It is hoped some menus will be availble at AGM on Wednesday 8 December.


There's currently no restriction on numbers but it might be a good idea if attendees could text me beforehand.


19/12/2021, Sunday, Gradbach to Flash, Knotbury and Three Shire Heads 8.2 miles moderate Leader Clare Pinder

The walk starts at 9.30am (as nearly the shortest day and probably lots of other things to do just before Christmas!) from Gradbach carpark (free), ref SJ998662, postcode SK17 OSU (approx location only).

Directions: On Silk Road in Macclesfield, turn left onto Byrons Lane (which becomes Hollins Lane), go through Sutton, then left onto A54 and then sharp right at Rose & Crown pub; follow road for 2 miles and then very sharp right (I had to do a slight reverse in order to get round bend) at Gradbach itself and the carpark is 0.3 miles on the right. It took me about 35 minutes from Wilmslow. I can give 3 people lifts (text me).

Walk Description: from the carpark we take the Dane Valley Way, past Wicken Walls, to the outskirts of Flash, we then walk round Wolf Edge and Knotbury to Three Shires Head, then skirt Cut-Thorn Hill, go around Robins Clough to Parks and then back into Gradbach. The paths and tracks are good but can be waterlogged and boggy so poles and gaiters would be helpful. We ascend 333 meters. There are excellents views.

29/12/2021, Wednesday, Mince Pie walk around SE Wilmslow 6.5 miles easy leader Peter and Tress Attwell

Meet at 09.30 am at Meadow Drive Car Park Wilmslow post code SK9 1NB pay and display parking on a Wednesday. £2.60 for 4 hours.

To get to the car park, heading north turn right at the BP garage in the centre of Wilmslow and follow the road into the car park (not the one right in front of the leisure centre).

The walk follows the field paths around south east Wilmslow to return along the River Bollin.

Mince pies and mulled wine will be served in our garden. The return to the car park takes about 15 minutes.

The mince pies will be served close to the end of the walk at between 12noon and 12.30 so there will be an earlier short coffee stop. There will be no lunch stop.

There will be a donation of up to £2.50 per person for mince pies, drinks and cake plus seconds.

The paths may be very muddy so gaiters could be helpful.