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Gritstone Trail
Disley to Kidsgrove

56km/35 miles
Signed

This airy but demanding ridge walk is mainly in Cheshire, following the gritstone ridge with some excellent views. It is very hilly with several long climbs and some steep but short ascents. It incorporates the former Mow Cop Trail. The route can be walked easily in three sections.

Betweem Disley and Rushton Spencer the route forms part of European Trail E2.

Public Transport

There are stations at Disley, Macclesfield, Congleton and Kidsgrove with good connections to Manchester and other towns. Regular bus services connect towns and villages along the route. The Gritstone Rambler runs at weekends and bank holidays during the summer season, providing a service for walkers on the northern half of the Trail from Disley to the A54 near Bosley. It also provides access to popular walking routes around Lyme Park, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Macclesfield Forest and Wildboarclough. More details via the Cheshire council website, which also has information about additional transport services and a journey planner.

Publications

  • Gritstone Trail Walkers' Guide, free leaflet with maps, route description and background information from Cheshire council. Order here!
  • Walkers' Cheshire Explorer Pack with information and accommodation on walking in Cheshire: order free through the website below.

Contacts

Regions
Northwest England
West Midlands

Local authorities
Cheshire
Staffordshire

Connecting routes
Biddulph Valley Way
Cheshire Ring Canal Walk

Dane Valley Way
Midshires Way
Peak Forest Canal (E2, see Cheshire Ring Canal Walk)
South Cheshire Way
Staffordshire Way (E2)
Stoke and Newcastle Greenways
Trent and Mersey Canal

Parks and countryside
Peak District

Maps
Explorer
OL1, 268
Landranger
109, 118
Route is shown on maps
More about maps

Visitor information
Congleton
Macclesfield

Booking and luggage transfer
Byways Breaks

Accommodation
Cheshire
Staffordshire