Walk Leader: Stephen martin

Number on walk: 7

Distance: 24 miles

Weather: Cool windy but dry

GM Ringway Day 3 Re Run (24 Miles)

On a cool, windy, but dry day, seven walkers set off from near Jackson’s Brickworks car park, Middlewood at 08.00hrs.  We headed down Ladybrook Valley and across the Macclesfield Canal, criss-crossing the railway line before reach Lyme Park. After a quick visit to the hall, we walked up the Cage Hill ridge to Cage Tower hunting lodge with its fine views of the surrounding countryside. A heard of deer could be seen not too far away; stags, with full antlers kept a watchful eye on us whilst guarding their does.  Upon leaving Lyme Park we headed uphill again and around Disley, passed the railway airshafts. Then a drop down to the Peak Forest Canal and across the River Goyt brought us through Strines, passed the clock tower and dovecote.  It was then a steep climb up to the picturesque hamlet of Brook Bottom and Fox Inn. Heading further uphill to Mellor Moor and passed the large cross and trig point.  After a gentle walk downhill we broke for lunch at St Thomas’ Church, Mellor.  Upon leaving Mellor, it was downhill to the Roman Lakes and back onto the River Goyt and the Peak Forest Canal boasting its 16 locks at Marple.  Then, at the north end of Marple and the highlight of the day; the aqueduct and viaduct, (a sight to be seen).  Shortly after, upon entering Etherow Country Park, we stopped at the café and information centre for a well-earned and welcoming, coffee, cake and ice cream break.  The last climb of the day took us to the War Memorial at Werneth Low Country Park, with great views of Manchester. It was then a gentle walk downhill and passed the old dye works and dye vats to Broadbottom finishing around 17:20hrs. 

I led this section for the second time in a few months for two reasons. 

1. Two members required to complete this section of the GM Ringway in order to complete the whole 195 miles of the GM Ringway. Congratulations to you both.
2. I considered it the best section of the whole GM Ringway route. A lot of ups and downs with great views, however, there are some nice easy downhill and flat stretches taking in interesting points along the way.

Middlewood to Broadbottom 24 miles (2900ft Ascent)

Start - Pool House Road on the approach to Jacksons Brickworks Local Nature Reserve Post Code SK12 1TY (DO NOT PARK ON CARPARK AS THE GATE GETS LOCKED AT 1800hrs).W3W ///tricks.forgiving.output.

End - Mottram Rd, Broadbottom, SK14 6AX.
W3W ///invested.euphoric.panels on public road

Highlights include:

– Quiet paths along Bollinghurst Brook
– Heritage and classic scenery in Lyme Park with its Grade I-listed hall

– Fine views towards Mellor Moor and the Peak from Marple Ridge
– The old textile-printing settlement of Strines.
– The hamlet of Brookbottom with its traditional country pub
– An exploration of Mellor Moor, a high plateau offering stunning views, with one of the two highest summits in Stockport borough
– Mellor village, with its Iron Age archeological site and church with the oldest wooden pulpit in England
– The ‘Roman Lakes’, a Victorian beauty spot in the picturesque Goyt Valley
– The famous flight of locks at Marple. – A crossing of the astonishing Marple canal aqueduct, England’s highest
– Gorgeous waterside and woodland paths in Etherow Country Park
– A wander around Werneth Low, offering great views across Greater Manchester, the Peak District and the Pennines
– Streamside paths in the fairytale-like setting of Back Wood
– Industrial remains and riverside scenery near Broadbottom.

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Stephen Martin

Walk leader