Dunham Massey
January 26, 2025
Walk leader : Stephen M
Grading of walk : Easy
Walk details : This is an easy, flat, approximately five mile circular walk. It starts and finishes in the grounds of Dunham Massey. After a circuit of the deer park we will head down a country lane which leads to the River Bollin and from there onto a short stretch of the Bridgewater Canal. We return to Dunham Massey via the village of Dunham.
There will be a stop for lunch by the church on Woodhouse Lane after we have walked along the canal towpath. We will have lunch approximately one mile from the end of the walk as the towpath may not be suitable at this time of year. Very near to where we will have lunch is the Axe & Cleaver pub if anyone would like to stop there for refreshments.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out 00/00/2024. A summary of identified risks is below:
Weather – January can wet, cold and windy, so bring appropriate clothing. Although this walk is on flat ground certain parts of it may be muddy, so sturdy boots/shoes are recommended.
Roads – some of the walk is along a road with pavements. Although the road is normally very quiet, walkers should be aware of potential traffic.
Terrain – good wide paths in the park, and narrower towpaths along the canal. If it is wet is could be slippery, so care should be taken.
Livestock – we will be walking through a deer park and the NT request that we do not approach the deer. If you have brought a dog please ensure it is on a lead.
Water – part of the walk is along a canal towpath, if it is wet and muddy extra care should be taken to avoid slipping.
The leader will remind walkers about these risks at a briefing before the walk.
Start time and meeting point : Meet at the front door of Dunham Massey house at 12:00 noon.
Directions to the start : Dunham Massey is well sign posted and can be reached via the A56 from Altrincham or Jct 7 off the M56 or Jct 19 off the M6. The postcode is WA14 4SJ.
Parking: Parking is free for National Trust members, however, there has been a change in their charging policy and to gain admittance everyone car sharing will need to be a NT member or pay a £8 entrance fee each.
Alternatively, there is limited free roadside parking on Woodhouse Lane from where you can access the grounds via a large white stile on the main road.
Please consider car sharing and, if you are able, the offering of lifts to walkers without their own transport.
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Public transport : Public transport from Altrincham to Dunham Massey is very limited. The 280 bus leaves Altrincham Interchange, Stand A at 11:53 but if you are intending using this service, then you will need to arrange a lift back to Altrincham as the Sunday service is very limited.
Contact number on the day : To Follow
Booking : Booking for this walk will open on Monday 20th January
Changes and cancellation : Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO HOURS before the start time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number. Every effort will be made to contact you should a walk be cancelled.