We are the Greater Manchester & High Peak Area Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
John Rattray
Area long walk. Setting off from Disley station we enter Lyme Park and climb up to the Cage before (after brief diversion to cafe & toilets) we pick up the Gritstone Trail which we stay with it for most of the walk. Proceeding to the Bowderstones, we traverse Sponds Hill, walk along Bakestonedale Road for about 1/4 mile, then across fields to the outskirts of Bollington. The Trail then becomes more wooded till we arrive at White Nancy (visible in the distance at various stages of the walk). From White Nancy we continue on the Saddle of Kerridge ridge before leaving the Trail to descend the steep(ish) steps next to Bridge Quarry, then back onto farmland (Swanscoe Farm(s)) to meet the Macclesfield Canal towpath. The final mile to the station is along the public footpath of Hurdsfield Road.
The route is around 11.5 miles long with about 1800 feet of ascent.
The walk along Bakestonedale Road and the descent at Bridge Quarry are both thankfully relatively short but require caution.
Note: on my previous recce in December, the footpath thro' Higher Swanscoe Farm was MUDDY. My final recce on Monday will determine whether a route adjustment is needed, taking the more direct route from White Nancy to the canal via Kerridge (more towpath but about 1/2 mile off the total).
No booking required, although we do ask that everyone carries an ICE card - we can supply if needed.
The walks will invariably involve ascent and descent, some of which may be steep. They will usually, depending on the weather, be soft and/or muddy, sometimes with ill defined tracks across fields or moorland - ensure you have appropriate footwear. Please consider your personal fitness and ability before attending the walk - if you're not sure, feel free to contact us for advice on the potential conditions, whilst the leader will base the walk on their own ability and may issue instructions where appropriate, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Please wear appropriate clothing for the prevailing weather, plan for the worst and hope for the best, bring any essentials and lunch.
Piccadilly for the 09:51
Disley Station
Macclesfield Station
