Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
This walk really does make the most of the available daylight, as we start a few minutes before sunrise and finish just after sunset.
The route starts in the city centre and heads out to suburbia via canals, parks and urban trails.
The terrain is largely undemanding, with a short ascent at the end. You will, however, need to be fit enough to maintain a fast pace, as we need to finish before pitch darkness descends. This applies even if you intend to take advantage of one of the many bailout options.
Heavy duty walking boots will not be required. Much of the route follows hard, surfaced paths, although there may be some wet/muddy areas, so some form of waterproof footwear is desirable.
Although the walk is in urban areas, there are few places en route to buy provisions, so please ensure you have enough food and drink for the day by the time we set off.
Please bring a torch in case it is gloomy at the start and/or end of the walk.
Train-based walk
Leader: Martin
Ascent: 300 metres
Transport to Walk Start: Any train that gets you to Manchester Piccadilly for the start time. If you are delayed getting into Manchester, please board an Ashton-bound Metrolink tram and alight at Etihad Campus, then meet us on the canal towpath opposite the stadium.
Meet Point: Near the concourse exit at Piccadilly Station (near to WH Smith & Boots).
Suggested Ticket: Off Peak Single from Romiley to Manchester £5.20 if only returning to central Manchester. GM Rail Ranger £8.20, System One 1 Day Tram & Train £9.70, System One 1 Day Bus & Train £8.90.
Walk Start: Piccadilly Train Station at 08:15
Waypoints: Ashton Canal, Phillips Park, Clayton Vale, Sunny Bank Park, Moravian Settlement, Fallowfield Loop, Debdale Park, Fallowfield Loop, North Reddish Park, Reddish Vale Country Park, Trans Pennine Trail, Alan Newton Way, Chadkirk Estate. (optional extension via Peak Forest Canal if walk seems likely to end prior to sunset.)
Return Services: From Romiley: x:11/12, x:44/45 & x:47/48 until 21:44.
Extra: Toilets at walk start - please arrive early to use these and be ready to walk by 08:15. Toilets en route at Debdale Park in the first half of the walk and Reddish Vale in the second half of the walk.
