Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
Train based walk
Leader: Antony (meeting at walk start)
Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform at Manchester Victoria Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at Chapel-en-le-Frith station.
Transport to Walk Start: 09:51 train from Manchester Piccadilly (final destination Buxton).
Suggested Ticket: Chapel-en-le-Frith Off PeaK day return £13.30
Walk Start: Chapel-en-le-Frith Railway Station at 10:40
Waypoints: Combs Reservoir, Tunstead Milton, Woodside Farm, Lydgate, Eccles Pike, Hallhill Farm, The Courses, Chapel Milton, Buxworth Canal Basin, Buxworth Fairy Orchard, Whaley Bridge
Return Services: 16:04, 16.32, 17.04, 17.33 (then xx.03 / xx.33)
Extra: Please use the toilet on the train. No toilets at walk start. No toilets en-route. Optional drinks at the end of the walk. Please do not bring your dog (apart from assistance dogs)
This linear walk from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Whaley bridge starts by following the railway line then heads around Combs Reservoir to Tunstead Milton. We cross a busy road and then begin our ascent of Eccles Pike. The ascent becomes steeper passing through some fields with sheep, before levelling out and descending to Lydgate. There is then the final steep ascent to the top of Eccles Pike which is the planned lunch spot. On a fine day there should be good views all round. We then descend through fields to the twin railway viaducts of Chapel Milton and join the Peak Forest Tramway which leads us to Buxworth Canal Basin. The final section is along the Peak Forest Canal to Whaley Bridge.
There are a number of stiles on this walk and a bridge across the canal. There may be cows/sheep on the top of Eccles Pike or en route.
Bring waterproofs and sunscreen/sun hats and expect mud if there has been recent rain.
