Marple Bridge Circular via Cown Way

We walk down to the river, through the town and follow Low Lea Road to the Roman Lakes, where Mellor Mill was sited in the 1800s. The route continues past Linnet Clough Scout Camp, Mellor and Townscliffe Golf course, Knowle Wood, Knowle farm and across the fields to Mellor church, high on a hilltop, next to the remains of an Iron Age settlement.  We will have a refreshment stop here. The route continues through fields past Sportsmans Farm, along Cown Edge Way and past a disused quarry to Gun Road.  We walk part of the way down Gun Road and then follow various tracks across fields passing through Higher Chisworth until we reach Ernocroft Lane. We will stop for lunch in a convenient spot. We return to the start via Etherow Country park (Toilets) and Brabyns Park. Please bring food and drink for coffee and lunch stops.  On a fine day there are some lovely views. There will probably be some mud, but it is generally good underfoot, however there are quite a few badly maintained stiles.