Walk title Longford Park to Altrincham
Walk Leader/s Andrew J.
Walk details This is an easy walk of approximately 6 miles. The walk follows park footpaths, pavements and canal footpaths. There are no obstacles such as stiles and the walk is suitable for dogs. Parking is free and I would suggest a number of places:
1. In the middle of the Quadrant, opposite the Quadrant pub (M32 8GR);
2. Outside the Firswood Community Centre in the entrance to Longford Park (M32 8QS) ;
3. On Great Stone Road (the section near the entrance to Longford Park (M32 0XA).
Parking in any of the above places is free.
If you are coming by public transport there is a bus stop near the Firswood Community Centre on the Quadrant (number 15 bus from Piccadilly Gardens). Alternatively, Old Trafford and Firswood tram stops are only about 10 minutes walk.
We will stop for lunch in the Sale section of the Bridgewater canal.
The walk finishes at Altrincham Interchange and, should you wish, join us for a beverage at a local hostelry. We will return to the Quadrant by tram, getting off at Old Trafford.
We will start our walk outside the Firswood Community Centre at the entrance to Longford Park. This beautiful park was the home of the industrialist and philanthropist John Rylands (until his death in 1888) and his widow Enriqueta Augustina Rylands, until her death in 1908. Their home, Longford Hall, stood until 1995 when it was demolished. We will see the remains of the Hall, as well as the Japanese Garden and petting corner. After exiting the park, we will cross the busy Edge Lane, before joining the Bridgewater canal at Stretford. We will walk along the canal footpath, past Sale and towards Altrincham. When we meet the bridge over the canal (A56), we will join the A56 until we reach Barrington Road. We will follow this road past The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse to Altrincham Interchange (tram station, train station and bus station).
Risk Assessment
A Risk Assessment was carried out 7 March the following risks have been identified:
1. Much of the walk is on a canal footpath and there is a risk of falling in the water, which will be very cold this time of year. However, the footpath is wide and the risk is deemed to be low;
2. We will be crossing two busy roads: Edge Lane from the bottom of Longford Park to the Bridgewater Canal and the A56 in Altrincham. However, in both instances, we can take advantage of dedicated pedestrian crossings so the risk is deemed to be low;
3. It is unlikely that extreme weather will occur in March but it is possible that snowfall could occur, making canal footpaths slippery and dangerous. As the walk starts after mid-day any frost should have disappeared. The risks associated with extreme weather is low.
4. The covid-19 – risk pandemic is not over and there remains a risk of transmission. However, the risk is much lower as case numbers have declined over the past months and weeks. However, the walk leader will keep abreast of any changes in guidance or legislation.
5. There will be a pre-walk briefing. The walk leader will hold a short safety briefing at the start and will remind walkers of any additional risk which may be encountered at appropriate points on the walk.
Start time and meeting point We will meet outside the Firswood Community Centre at the entrance to Longford Park off Great Stone Road in Stretford. The postcode for the Community Centre is M32 8QS.
The walk will start at 12.30.
Directions to the start point From the M60 westbound, if you are coming from the north (such as Prestwich or Bolton), exit at junction 6-7 take the A56 exit to Altrincham. Keep left to continue to Exit 7 and follow signs for A56 Manchester (C)/Stretford. Turn onto the A56 Chester Road. After 0.3 miles, turn right on to Edge Lane/A5145. After 0.2 miles turn left onto Kings Road. After 0.8 miles you will come to the Quadrant roundabout. The Community Centre is off the roundabout (you need to go about 3/4 way around the roundabout to reach the community centre or park in the middle of the roundabout.
From the M60 westbound, if you are coming from the south (such as Sale or Stockport), exit at junction 7-8 take the A56 exit to Stretford. Follow signs for A56 Stretford. Turn onto the A56 Chester Road. After 0.3 miles, turn right on to Edge Lane/A5145. After 0.2 miles turn left onto Kings Road. After 0.8 miles you will come to the Quadrant roundabout. The Community Centre is off the roundabout (you need to go about 3/4 way around the roundabout to reach the community centre or park in the middle of the roundabout.
What.three.words: option.kings.hails
Public transport The following public transport options are available:
1. The tram from the city centre to Altrincham. Alight at Old Trafford. At Old Traffotrd tram stop, turn left and walk down Warwick Road South (do not cross the tracks towards the Cricked Ground). When Warwick Road South meets Kings Road, turn right. After a short distance you will get to the Quadrant. Be careful crossing the road as it is very busy. You will see an entrance to Lonford Park. The Comminity Centre is at the entrance.
2. The tram to Firswood (East Didsbury or Manchester Airport line). Alight at Firswood tram stop, exit the station (the lift may still be out of order – it has been for a while), turn left at the exit and walk down Rye Bank Road. You will reach Great Stone Road, at which point you need to cross the road (please be careful – it’s very busy), and turn right. Walk up towards the Quadrant (big roundabout) and Firswood Community Centre is on the left in the entrance to the park.
3. The number 15 bus (Flixton) from Piccadilly gardens. The bus stop is on the Quadrant very close to the Community Centre.
Contact number on the day: