Rail Walks 2020 in Greater UPDATE (Mid Line)

A MID CHESHIRE COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP PUBLICATION The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association (MCRUA) welcome you to their rail walks booklet offering walks from stations along the part of the Mid Cheshire Line. The walks in this booklet are a series of fairly short These walks are not accessible for those with walks, mainly over generally easy terrain and they prams or using wheelchairs because of steps, stiles are either circular walks from stations or between and uneven, narrow canal towpaths on the routes. stations so that walkers can return to their starting The walks can be found on OS Explorer Map (1:25 point by tram or train. However as most of these 000) Sheet 268 , and walks follow the they can be and Sheet 277 Manchester and . linked together to create longer routes. There is no walk listed for , instead The circular walk from via Dunham walkers are encouraged to explore the town centre can be continued towards and Sale by and its historic buildings. The town centre is a short not leaving the canal after it passes underneath walk from the railway station. Manchester Road. The instructions for the next Train services on the Mid Cheshire Line run hourly section can be found in the walk from Altrincham Monday through to Saturday and two hourly on to Sale. Sundays. Northern Timetable 17 features all the To continue to Manchester, without stopping at train times for the Mid Cheshire Line and can be Cornbrook, simply remain on the canal path downloaded from www.midcheshirerail.org.uk immediately before Cornbrook and then follow the Information on the Metrolink trams can be found instructions found in the Cornbrook to Piccadilly at: www.tfgm.com section. Trams generally run every 6 to 12 minutes along If all the individual routes are made into a the Altrincham to Piccadilly Line. continuous walk the total distance is approximately 16 miles (26 kilometres). There are The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership can no stiles after the canal is reached, however there be contacted at www.midcheshirerail.org.uk or are steps on the walks. email [email protected] . There are no toilet facilities on these walks, but each route has opportunities to access local cafes, restaurants and pubs.

MANCHESTER M62

A57 M60

SALE A5103 M60 A56 M60 STOCKPORT M6 TIMPERLEY ALTRINCHAM CHEADLE

HALE A34 M56 ASHLEY

2 Walking in the countryside Use a map alongside the walk Leave gates as you find them let your dog off the lead – details and follow the or follow instructions on don’t risk getting hurt by directions and path markers. signs. If walking in a group, trying to protect it. Do not cross fields of crops make sure the last person Take care on the canal tow unless following the knows how to leave the path – it can be narrow, designated footpath. gates. uneven and very muddy in Take care crossing the golf Wild animals, birds and farm places. course, watching out for animals can behave Dogs are not allowed on flying golf balls. unpredictably - do not Metrolink trams or the Metro Take your litter home with attempt to approach them or Shuttle bus. try to stroke them. you. Dropping litter and Support the local economy - dumping rubbish are criminal Keep dogs under close control for example, buy your offences. but, if a farm animal chases supplies from local shops. you and your dog, it is safer to

Mid Cheshire Rail Users The Mid Cheshire Line Association (MCRUA) The line links the cities of Manchester and The Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association with over running through the scenic Mid 400 members is the rail user group for the Mid Cheshire countryside. There are 16 stations Cheshire Line. MCRUA is active in representing the along the line including Stockport, interests of passengers on the Mid Cheshire Line Navigation Road, Altrincham, , Ashley, from Chester to Manchester and those travelling , and Delamere. between and Liverpool on the West Coast Main Line. They work to improve the service and The line has a Community Rail Partnership its usage, and provide information on timetable founded in 2003 to promote increased changes and news on future developments. usage and to develop and improve facilities along the route. Enthusiastic volunteers are For more information on MCRUA activities or always welcome to get involved at stations joining the group, please look at and events along the line. www.mcrua.org.uk . To find out more about the Mid Cheshire If you can’t find what you are looking for then Community Rail Partnership and the email [email protected] for more opportunities for travelling on the Mid information. Cheshire Line, go to www.midcheshirerail.org.uk.

Information on the maps is shown as follows: Motorway

Major roads Railway line Metrolink Suggested route Other roads Railway station Metrolink stop

3 Ashley to Hale This walk takes you from Ashley Station, in rural Cheshire, to Hale Station on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.

3 DISTANCE: Approximately 2 ⁄4 miles 1 1 (5 ⁄2 kilometres). Allow up to 1 ⁄2 hours MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) Sheet 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Congleton GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is mostly on paths with good drainage, but walking boots are recommended STILES: None KISSING GATES: None REFRESHMENTS: ‘The Greyhound’ pub in Ashley. Many cafes, café/bars and restaurants in Hale

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5 3. Continue on to Ashley Road (keeping left) 5. Over the bridge, a wide path on the left and then turn left into Ashley Mill Lane. initially follows the and then Immediately on the right is Coppice Barn, a rises (with helpful steps) and narrows to fine oak cruck-frame building dating from meet Grange Road. the 16th century and currently part of a 6. Continue straight on, ignoring the entrances garden and landscaping business. to Bowdon Church School on the right, and then take a footpath beyond the school on the right, opposite York Road. This narrow path leads to York Drive and then on to South Downs Road. Here turn left then right into Marlborough Road, home to Altrincham Boys’ Grammar School and Altrincham Preparatory School. It follows the line of a former field path and is still marked as a footpath on the OS map.

4. Follow the lane and keep right when the road forks. The road ends at Ashley Mill House. A steep cobbled path on the right leads to a footbridge over the river. Before the bridge is the site of Ashley Mill, swept away long ago in a severe flood.

7. Finally at the traffic lights, turn right into Ashley Road, with its sandstone Millennium Clock and back to Hale Station complete with level crossing.

6 Hale to Ashley Hale Station, where you start this walk, is a Grade Two listed building and when built in 1862, by the Cheshire Midland Railway, was called Bowdon Peel Causeway.

DISTANCE: Approximately 3 miles STILES: None 1 (5 kilometres). Allow up to 1 ⁄2 hours KISSING GATES: Two MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) REFRESHMENTS: ‘The Greyhound’ pub Sheet 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and in Ashley. Many cafes, café/bars and Congleton restaurants in Hale GROUND CONDITIONS: Muddy along the Bollin Valley in wet weather, walking boots are recommended The route 1. Exit Hale Station either on to Victoria Road (to turn left down Ashley Road) or Ashley Road and head for the level crossing and onward through Hale .

7 Further on, do not turn to the left off this path at the 3 way directional pathway sign but continue onwards to the metal footbridge over the river.

2. Keep to Ashley Road and after passing St Peter’s Church on the left carry on and turn left into Warwick Road and then eventually turn left again into Gilbert Road. 3. At the end of the cul- de-sac follow a narrow path which leads on to Park Road. Cross over and into Tolland Lane, next to 6. Cross the bridge, bear left following an the shops. The name indistinct path and in a short distance the is believed to be from path climbs up out of the wooded flood the open field of a plain, passes the remains of a derelict stile medieval settlement. and skirts the edge of the open fields. 4. At the end of Tolland 7. Go through the gate into the field and Lane turn left into continue with the hedge to the left. A Bankhall Lane, second kissing gate leads to Castle Mill eventually passing Bank Hall (Farm) on the right, a former moated site (now a nursery school). 5. Where Bankhall Lane bears to the left turn right on to a signposted path which leads to the Bollin Valley. Follow the path and after a steep section, the path turns to the left and soon follows the River Bollin upstream.

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9 Altrincham Circular This walk can be either a circular walk from and to or the start of a walk to Timperley the long way round.

DISTANCE: Approximately 6 miles STILES: One 1 (9 ⁄2 kilometres) KISSING GATES: One 1 Allow approximately 2 ⁄4 hours REFRESHMENTS: Various pubs, cafes and MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) takeways in Altrincham and several pubs Sheet 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield on the route and Congleton GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is mostly on paths with good drainage, but walking boots are recommended as parts of the canal tow path can be very muddy

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The route 1. Exit Altrincham Interchange from platform direction until the main road (A56) to one and turn left around the bus stands Manchester is met, with St Margaret's and then proceed on to Stamford New Church opposite. It is necessary to cross this Road. Turn left and at the traffic lights cross road but care is needed as it is a busy road. to the right and enter Cross Street. Where the street curves to the left, carry straight on to the pedestrianised section and at the junction turn left and proceed to the end of the pedestrian precinct. 2. Turn right at Regent Road, cross at the zebra crossing and then turn left into New Street and follow this to the end. Turn right into The Downs and almost immediately take the right fork into Woodville Road. After about 100 yards turn left into Bowdon Road. 3. At its end turn right into St Margaret's Road. Cross to the far side (here there is a footpath that goes into Devisdale which is worth exploring) and continue in the same

11 4. When the road has been crossed turn left Bear left here and almost immediately after and proceed. Shortly three roads will be this take the signed footpath on the right. At crossed, Gorsey Lane, Highgate Road and the end of this wood, further fairways are Bradgate Road. As Bradgate Road is crossed encountered. There are metal oblong a footpath can be seen signposted to warning signs and these give the direction of ''. Take this path. travel, but again beware of flying golf balls. 7. At the end of this section a gate in the hedge will be observed. Go through this and then immediately turn right and follow this path through two fields.

8. At the end turn left onto Oldfield Lane and After a few yards take the right fork and 5. after about 60 yards there is a footpath on after a while the footpath improves and the right over a stile. Follow this until School effectively becomes a surfaced track. Lane is met. Turn right here, past the old Continue in the same direction and shortly it Post Office. Proceed past the Axe and will be observed that there is a golf course Cleaver public house and Dunham Village on both sides. Hall once a school. 6. When the track leaves the wooded area follow it across the golf course fairway, bearing left, and taking care of flying golf balls coming from the right. Shortly after another wood is entered there is a depot for golf course workers on the right.

12 9. Immediately after this the road crosses the Bridgewater Canal. Care is needed as the road is single track here with no footpath. As soon as the bridge has been crossed turn right into the footpath and then turn left onto the bank of the canal.

11. The exit from the canal is a few yards past the bridge. Turn left to the main road and then turn left back over the canal and left again at the Navigation public house into Navigation Road. Follow this until Navigation Road Station is met. 12. From Navigation Road Station either the 10. Follow the canal and in just under a mile a tram can be caught from the nearside road overbridge is met, with a pub (Bay platform or the train from the far platform. Malton) on the left. Continue to follow the This avoids the last three quarters of a mile canal and in about the same distance walk to Altrincham Interchange. another road overbridge is met. To return to Altrincham leave the canal at this point, 13. Or to walk back to Altricham, just before the but to continue to Timperley stay on the level crossing barriers cross to the right and canal and follow the instructions for the enter Grosvenor Road. Follow this until it next walk. meets Barrington Road at the Barrington Hotel. Keep on the left and walk back to the station.

13 Altrincham to Sale This is a linear walk from Altrincham to Sale with an option to explore Timperley Flood Basin. It can be made in to a longer walk by doing the Altrincham circular walk first and staying on the canal.

1 DISTANCE: Approximately 3 ⁄2 miles STILES: None 1 (5 ⁄2 kilometres) KISSING GATES: None 1 Allow approximately 1 ⁄2 hours REFRESHMENTS: Various pubs, MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) cafes and takeways in Altrincham, Sheet 277 Manchester and Salford Navigation Road and Sale GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is mostly on paths with good drainage, but walking boots are recommended as parts of the canal tow path can be muddy

14 7 H SALE ar N bo ort ro hen Ro de ad n R oad

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1. Leave Altrincham Interchange from platform 4. Turn left on to the tow path. Immediately one and turn right immediately, keeping the before the first overbridge is passed on the wall of the station on your right. Just after the left will be seen notices about the Timperley end of the bus stands the Barrington Hotel flood basin. will be observed. Take the road to the right of A short detour can be taken to observe this, Grosvenor Road, and keep to the parts of the basin. Immediately before the pavement on the left hand side. overbridge take the footpath on the left and 2. Follow this until Navigation Road Station is follow this, keeping the embankment on the seen on the right. Cross the road in front of right and the ponds on the left. When the you, Navigation Road, and then turn left path turns left and crosses Timperley Brook along it. Very shortly on the left hand side follow this and turn left again to return to will be observed a carved full sized bear the canal tow path. This detour is about half with a baby. a mile and might enable some interesting wild life to be seen around the ponds. 3. Follow Navigation Road to its end and turn right at The Old Packet House onto 5. When the tow path is regained continue in Manchester Road and cross the bridge. Over the original direction. The next overbridge is the bridge take the first footpath on the at Timperley Station. To end the walk here, right into the car park in front of the Sea the path to the station is just before the Cadets premises and immediately at the bridge is reached. Take the path to the road end of this building take the footpath onto above and the entrances to the station are the tow path of the canal. This is the point at on the opposite side of the road. which the previous walk left the canal. 6. To continue the walk proceed under the overbridge. After about three quarters of a mile on the left is Walton Park. This includes a miniature railway and on occasions, mainly weekends or bank holidays, this might be working.

16 Also the next building is the headquarters of the Rowing Club and some serious rowing might be observed along the canal. After this, again on the left, is Brooklands Cemetery. The next overbridge is Marsland Road Bridge and is the location of Brooklands Station. To reach this station, if required, the exit from the tow path is on the far side of the bridge.

7. The final section of the walk continues along the tow path until the next overbridge is encountered. This is Sale and the station is adjacent to the bridge. The exit from the tow path is about one hundred yards past the bridge. To reach the station walk back along the open area behind the towards the main road, turn left on to the road and immediately in front the station entrance is there.

17 Sale to Cornbrook This walk continues to follow the canal through a changing urban landscape where it is still possible to see kingfishers!

DISTANCE: Approximately 5½ miles STILES: None (9 kilometres) KISSING GATES: None Allow approximately 2 hours REFRESHMENTS: Various pubs, cafes MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) and takeways in Sale and two pubs on Sheet 277 Manchester and Salford the route GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is mostly on surfaced paths but there can Avoid this walk if there is a match at be puddles after wet weather.

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19 The route 1. Exit Sale Station and immediately cross has a sign on the wall stating that walkers School Road by the pedestrian crossing and are welcome. Continue along the tow path then turn left on the far pavement. Cross and the next overbridge is Edge Lane, with the Bridgewater Canal then turn right and Stretford Station over the bridge and then proceed down the slope. At the bottom go on the left. onto the tow path and turn left. This is the 5. Shortly after this the canal bears left and point where the previous walk ends. then goes under Chester Road. Follow the 2. Follow the tow path to the first overbridge canal and in approximately ¼ mile the path by the Bridge Inn which offers refreshments moves away from the water. Follow the and is accessible from the tow path. path around the basin where barges and cruisers are stored and then return to the canal side. Pass under 3 bridges close together and immediately in front is a ramp. This is where the canal splits into two different branches. Go up the ramp and then down on to the right hand canal. 6. Keep walking along the canal under first a disused railway bridge and then two road bridges. Shortly after this on the right Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United can be seen. Be careful on this section as there are a 3. Continue along the tow path. The next over- number of bridge is the M60 and just before this bollards on the bridge the footpath keeps close to the canal towpath. while the cycle path keeps more to the left. On the left at this point is the Crossford Bridge sports ground.

4. Continue along the tow path and shortly the will be crossed. The next feature on the left is a cruising club which

20 7. After the stadium there are four road Pomona and the can overbridges then there is another bridge also be seen on the left after Pomona Station. with the name 'Throstle Nest Bridge' written Continue along the tow path. A lock gate will in large letters on it. At this point it is be observed on the left which links the necessary to change to the right hand side Bridgewater Canal to the Manchester Ship of the canal. This is done by using the Canal. Shortly after there is a bridge with a set bridge. Go a few yards past and then turn of steps leading up to the road. back up the ramp on the left, go over the bridge and then down the ramp on the other side to reach the tow path on the right hand side of the canal. 8. Very shortly on the right will be seen the railway line from the Liverpool direction and on the left is the tram line from Eccles and Media City. Then there is the tram station of 9. At this point leave the canal by climbing the steps to the bridge and then at the road on the top turn right. The route in front appears to be obstructed but there is gap just round to the left hand side. Go through this and then turn left before the railway overbridges. The entrance to Cornbrook Station is the first open arch on the right. There are either four sets of stairs to climb or a lift to the platforms.

21 Cornbrook to Manchester Piccadilly This walk is not very long but will allow you to see parts of Manchester not normally visited.

1 DISTANCE: Approximately 2 ⁄2 miles STILES: None (4 kilometres) Allow at least 1 hour KISSING GATES: None but there are steps MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) Sheet along the route 277 Manchester and Salford REFRESHMENTS: Many places in GROUND CONDITIONS: The ground Castlefield and just off the canal – conditions are generally good, but care Bridgewater Hall, the City Centre, Canal should be exercised crossing some of the Street and Piccadilly paved areas as these can be slippery

The route 1. Exit Cornbrook Station down the stairs and

out onto the service road outside. Turn left

and then, at the T-junction under the bridge,

turn right into what looks like a closed road.

However closer examination will show a gap in the fence on the right hand corner. A6143 Go through this and almost immediately

take the steep steps on the left hand side A57 down to the canal footpath. A D a w s o 4 n S t .

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2. Turn right and pass under the bridge, follow Bridgewater Canal and the the canal towpath. It shortly passes under a comes into the basin at the far end. The rail bridge and in due course crosses a whole of this basin can be explored in number of small disused entrances to canal under a quarter of an hour. basins on the right. 4. Now cross the curved footbridge into Catalan 3. The path then passes under the end of the Square. The footpath passes through the Mancunian Way. Shortly after this there is a middle of the tabled area in front of the bar. modern, curved footbridge over the canal - Recross the canal by the road bridge and this is Castlefield. However, before crossing immediately rejoin the canal towpath on th e the bridge it is worth exploring the basin on right hand side of the canal. the right. This is in fact the end of the

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23 5. After a short distance the canal and the Continue past lock 85 and as soon as lock 84 towpath goes into Deansgate tunnel. At the is reached turn right on to Dale Street and end of the tunnel there are a number of then right again to cross the canal. Take the bars on the opposite bank. At the end of this first right turn through the car park and stretch of buildings there is a footpath rejoin the canal on the left hand side. leading back right. To go to Deansgate- 8. At bridge 91A cross to the other bank. After Castlefield Station (formerly G-Mex Station) crossing the bridge turn left to go back use this path then cross the bridge back under the bridge now following the over the canal and the station is there. Canal. Turn right onto the Ashton Canal and follow the canal under the building in front. The canal turns left and at the first bridge (number 2) climb the steps and then turn right onto the road, cross the canal and proceed downhill to the bottom.

6. To continue the walk just follow the canal. After a short distance Tib Lock, which is under a road bridge, is passed. Next the Bridgewater Basin will be observed on the left hand side of the canal. Then go under bridge 97 which is Princess Street and at this point cross the canal to the left hand side and 9. Turn right here into Store Street, with a car walk along Canal Street which runs parallel park on the right, and continue along this to the canal. The next street crossed over is street and proceed under the bridge. After Sackville Street - to go to Piccadilly Gardens this bridge turn right and proceed up the turn left along this street. gentle slope to the traffic lights. Turn right 7. Continue alongside the canal, crossing here and Piccadilly Station is at the top of Chorlton Street, and at the next bridge the rise. (Minshull Street) change to the right hand At Piccadilly Station to catch trains to side of the canal and go down the ramp Stockport and Altrincham stay on the main back on to the tow path to eventually pass concourse but to catch the Metrolink go to under bridge 92. the right hand side of the concourse and then descend two levels to the tram station.

24 Find out more about our visitor attractions on the Mid Cheshire Line, connecting Chester to Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford, Altrincham and Stockport in our...

Marvellous Days Out on the Mid Cheshire Line publication Inspired by Nicky Thompson’s successful railway poster artwork, this 36 page full colour booklet is your ideal companion guide to this rail walks booklet.

AVAILABLE FROM OUR STAFFED STATIONS AND LINESIDE ATTRACTIONS DOWNLOADABLE AT MARVELLOUSDAYSOUT.ORG.UK

25 Stockport

Stockport Town Centre is a short walk from its station and offers opportunities for interesting urban walks and a visit to Stockport’s historic landmarks and museums. A good starting point is the Heritage Centre inside St Mary’s Church in the Market Place which is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Further details of the Heritage Centre and its opening times along with other Stockport attractions can be found on the Stockport Things to Do page at www.marvellousdaysout.org.uk Here is a taste of some of the heritage within the town and don’t forget to take a look at Stockport’s railway viaduct. Built in the early 1840’s, it was then the world’s largest viaduct having used some 11 million bricks in its construction.

Stockport Infirmary Built in 1832 to a design by Richard Lane in the classical Greek style. There is an imposing central pedimented portico, with four large fluted Doric columns. Since its closure as a hospital in the latter part of the twentieth century, it has operated as offices, with only the facade maintained in its original state.

26 Stockport Central Library Built in 1912-1913 and funded by the Carnegie Trust, it was designed by architects Bradshaw, Gass and Hope in a free “William and Mary” style. It is built mainly of brick but with extensive use of white Portland stone for trimmings and carved details.

Town Hall Built in 1904-1908 and designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas, who based his design mostly on Belfast City Hall. The hall is built in Portland stone in a free and exuberant “William and Mary” style. Its tall, tiered, central tower is based Market Hall loosely on the style of Sir A splendid timber, glass and cast- Christopher Wren’s City Church iron Victorian structure built in 1861. Towers in London and its The sides of the Hall were originally appearance has caused the open and it was known as the “glass building to be nicknamed “The umbrella”; the sides were infilled Wedding Cake”. with timber in the late 1890s.

27 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

For further information on exploring Mid Cheshire by train including downloadable copies of the above booklets visit www.midcheshirerail.org.uk www.marvellousdaysout.org.uk www.amazingwomenbyrail.org.uk Please contact us if you would like to receive the above publications in larger print.

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