We are the Biddulph Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Michael F.
Starting from the free car park at Biddulph Grange Country Park, we will head north and explore the impressive deep gorge and waterfalls of the Biddulph Brook.
We then follow the Biddulph Valley Way (former railway track) north through the Whitemore Nature Reserve, where with luck we should hear a variety of springtime birdsong. We drop off at the bridge over the A527, the northernmost point of the walk, and cross the road (care needed).
Climbing southward up a steep slope, where we may see domesticated alpacas and a rhea (small flightless bird), we reach the beginning of the rocky crest of Congleton Edge, and continue south along it, through woodland with an under-story of mosses and ferns. There is a dramatic sheer drop on our right, known locally as Devil's Drop, just before we reach the gap in the ridge known as Nick i' th' Hill.
After Nick i' th' Hill, but before we reach the road (Mow Lane), we will take an early snack/lunch/drink stop on the highest section of the Edge, with extensive views over the Cheshire Plain. This should be around 12 noon.
After a short section of road walking along Mow Lane, we reach Cheshire's Close, and turn left (east), descending a gentle slope across fields to rejoin the Biddulph Valley Way northward, and complete the loop back to the cars via St Lawrence's Church and the Bateman Walk.
The walk is fairly flat, except for the steep uphill section at the northern end of Congleton Edge, and the downhill section to Nick i' th' Hill. Walking poles may be helpful on these sections.
Some sections may be muddy or boggy. There are about 8 stiles.
There are toilets and a cafe in Biddulph Grange Country Park, near the start/finish point. The cafe is not usually open on Wednesdays, but will be open on April 1st and 8th (the date of this walk) because increased visitor numbers are expected over the Easter period. On the recce, we found it quite good, but it is quite small, and was crowded (it was Sunday). There is overflow seating outside, under cover from any rain.
Walkers from other groups are always welcome, as are non-members wanting to sample walking with our friendly group of ramblers. Just turn up and make yourself known to the walk leader.
Please make sure you have an ICE (in Case of Emergency) card on you when out walking – you know it makes sense - if you don’t have one then ask the walk leader for one before the walk starts.
On our walks, we regret no dogs please UNLESS the walk is described as DOG FRIENDLY.
Car park of Biddulph Grange Country Park (free) - not to be confused with Biddulph Grange Garden, the adjoining National Trust property.
