Leader : Geraint
Description : A moderate circular walk of some 12km (7.5 mile) walk from Broadbottom to Cown Edge and back again. Essentially the walk is : up from the river to the ridge; level across the ridge and then down and back to the start with a short incline at the end of the walk.
With a total vertical gain of some 280m and a fair number of stiles, this is likely to be more demanding than some of our walks, particularly if the hot weather continues. The ascents, however, are steady rather than steep and we will take our time. The walk follows quiet lanes, paths, tracks and bridleways with very little on road walking. On the whole the paths are very good with the exception of the poorly maintained steps which we will descend towards the end of the walk.
From Broadbottom we follow the path through the woods and cross a footbridge over the river Etherow to follow a lane up to the hamlet of Woodseats; down to the village of Chisworth and from there up on to the ridge. We will have our lunch break here and admire the stunning views before continuing along the ridge and dropping down into the village of Charlesworth. From there we walk through fields and ancient woodlands following the river and then climb back up to the main road via the church grounds. Crossing the Etherow once more, we return to the start point. There is small café at the Outdoor Learning Centre where we can get a drink and a cake.
Boots or stout footwear strongly recommended. As always please ensure that you bring suitable protective clothing appropriate for the conditions on the day including sunscreen. There are no shops, cafes or toilets along the route so please ensure that you bring PLENTY OF WATER with you and also food for the lunch stop. Much of the walk is through farmland with sheep grazing – dogs will need to be on leads for most of the walk.
There is an option for a shorter walk for anyone who so wishes by taking a short cut along the A626 from Chisworth to Charlesworth this reduces the walk to about 5Km. This is a busy road but there is a footpath the whole distance.
Meeting point and time : Lymefield Outdoor Leaning Centre, Lymefield, Broadbottom at 12:00 Lymefield
OS Ref : SJ 99617 93566
Postcode : SK14 6AG
Parking : Ample weekend parking is available in the car park of Tiviot Print Mill – turn left at the end of Lymefield.
Directions by road : From Manchester take the A57 Hyde Road as far as Denton then the M67 to its end. To avoid the usual congestion in Mottram I suggest taking the A560 from here, turning left after the new Tesco onto the B6174 Ashworth Rd then turn right onto Broadbottom Road. Continue along the main Road through Broadbottom, passing under the railway bridge – Lymefield is the third road on the right and is at the point where the current roadworks traffic lights are positioned.
By rail : Train from Manchester Piccadilly at 10:56 arrives 11:26. Standard fare is £5.60 return, £3.70 with railcard. The distance from the station to the meeting point is about 800m or ½ mile.
Contact No : Geraint on 07904 628 188
