Longford Park to Altrincham
December 29
Walk leader : Andrew J
Grading of walk : Easy
Walk details : This is an easy 5.5 mile walk from the Beacon Centre in Firswood (off Great Stone Road) to Altrincham Interchange. The walk commences with a walk through Longford Park on wide paths, across a busy road (Edge Lane) and onto the Bridgewater Way (along the Bridgewater Canal), passing through Stretford, Sale and ending up at Altrincham Interchange.
We will stop for lunch outside Sale Waterside. Before the walk, there is a café called Bread and Breakfast on the Quadrant (Great Stone Road) which does good breakfasts (if it is open!). At the end of the walk, we will go for a drink in Altrincham Town Centre.
We will be return to the start by tram.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out recently. A summary of identified risks is below:
As much of the walk is along the Bridgewater Canal there is a very small risk of falling into the water. However, the paths are wide and well-maintained.
Almost all of the walk is along dedicated footpaths. We will have to cross Edge Lane, a busy road, but there is a pedestrian crossing and this will be utilised.
The walk leader will hold a short safety briefing at the start and will remind walkers of any additional risks at appropriate points on the walk.
Start time and meeting point : 12.00 noon outside the Beacon Centre (Great Stone Road) in Firswood. The postcode is M32 8QS
Directions to the start : From the M60 (anti clockwise), exit at junction 7 for Manchester (C), Stretford and Altrincham. Follow the A56 (to Manchester and Stretford) then turn right on the A5145 (Edge Lane). Drive over the bridge and turn left on to Kings Road. From the M60 (clockwise), exit at junction 7-8 then take exit 7 and the A56 exit to Stretford. Follow the A56 (to Manchester and Stretford) then turn right on the A5145 (Edge Lane). Drive over the bridge and turn left on to Kings Road.
Parking: Limited parking is available outside the Beacon Centre. Alternatively, there is free parking in the middle of the Quadrant off Great Stone Road or in streets nearby.
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Public transport : The nearest Metrolink stop is Firswood or Old Trafford on the Altrincham, East Didsbury or Airport lines. It really doesn’t matter which one you get off at as both are only a 5 minute walk to the Beacon Centre, which is in front of Firswood Community Centre.
Contact number on the day : 07815 931 434
Booking : Book your walk here
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.