Eccles Pike from Whaley Bridge
January 1, 2026
Walk leader : Peter T
Grading of walk : Moderate
Walk details : A 5.5 mile walk up to Eccles Pike from which there are views to Chinley, Buxton and beyond. The walk is moderate: the first 2 miles are a gradual ascent with the final quarter of a mile a steep ascent. The rest of the walk is downhill or flat alongside a canal. The terrain is a mix of field tracks, well marked ascents, some road walking in Chinley and canal towpaths. There are 3 awkward stiles. The walk is suitable for dogs but they must be on a lead for we walk through areas with sheep and lambs. The canal basin car park at Whaley Bridge is currently free but may be busy or full on a Sunday. There is parking on the main road before the car park turn and there are also toilets on the main road. A pub is available at the end.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out 25/04/2025. A summary of identified risks is below:
Risk assessment Good boots need to be worn as paths maybe slippy when wet. The descent from the Pike is steep so care will need to be taken not to slip. There is a brief quiet road section in Chinley so there is a need to watch out for traffic. The final section is alongside the canal from Bugsworth Canal Basin back to Whaley Bridge so keep away from the edge. If necessary the final ascent to the Pike can be missed out by remaining on the lower path and meeting us when we get down.
Start time and meeting point : The walk starts at 11.30 (earlier as a response to busy car park) from the canal basin car park in Whaley Bridge. There is a dual sign for the car park together with Bingswood Industrial estate. Nearest post code is SK23 7LU.
Directions to the start : Leave Manchester on the A6 towards Stockport and Buxton and after Furness Vale turn right at the roundabout on A5004 (Buxton Road) for Whaley Bridge). In the town the car park is signed Canal Basin and Bingswood Industrial estate. It is a sharp left hand turn going back on yourself down Canal Street. Follow this road round to the right to the car park.
Parking: The car park is signed Canal Basin and Bingswood Industrial estate.
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Public transport : Trains to Whalley Bridge leave Manchester Piccadilly at 9.47 and 10.47 arriving respectively at 10.28 and 11.27. If arriving on the later train phone and we will wait. Trains return every hour.
Contact number on the day : If you need to cancel your place on this walk then please use this number to send a message to the walk leader.
Booking :
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.