Walk leader: Colin P
Walk description: This 6.3 mile walk begins at the clock tower in front of Altrincham’s Transport Interchange (Metro Station), which is on Stamford New road, Altrincham, WA14 1EN. After passing along some interesting thoroughfare, including Altrincham’s famous old market and St. Margaret’s Church we leave the centre of Altrincham and make our way to a public footpath which takes us through Dunham Forest Golf Club towards Dunham Town. We will take our refreshment stop at Dunham Town so please bring your own snacks, drinks, etc. From Dunham Town we return to Altrincham by walking along a scenic section of the Bridgewater Canal. On route we pass Navigation Road tram station which gives walkers the option of ending their walk here if travelling by tram. For those returning to Altrincham, the walk will end at the clock tower.
While this is a fairly easy walk with no hills or inclines, the path through the Golf Course and the canal towpath are both very uneven and muddy, which may be difficult for some walkers.
Start time and meeting point: The walk starts at the ClockTower in front of Altrincham’s Transport Interchange which is on Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1EN. The start time is 12:00 and we will aim to end the walk no later than 16:00.
what/3/words: https://what3words.com/apples.probe.affair (this will give you the exact location of the start point)
Directions to start point: By car from M60 take junction 4 onto M56, then junction 3, A560 towards Altrincham. As you approach Altrincham center, take a left turn at the lights immediately before the flyover onto Oakfield Road. Look for signs for Altrincham Leisure Center or Altrincham Ice Rink. From Manchester city centre, take A5103, Princess Parkway onto M56 and then follow the instructions above. For those travelling by car, there is a FREE car park at the Railway side of the Interchange by the Ice Rink on Oakfield Road. The post code for the Ice Rink is WA15 8EW. On-street parking is very limited.
Public transport: Metrolink trams run every 12 minutes from Deansgate/Castlefield tram station to Altrincham. Those who need a ticket will need a 4 zone ticket costing £4.90 (less if you’re travelling through fewer zones, see metrolink website). Allow 25 to 30 minutes for the journey. Please note: Sunday 14th November is Remembrance Sunday – trams to Altrincham will start at Deansgate Castlefield until the afternoon due to the ceremony taking place at the cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square.
Risk assessment: A Risk Assessment was carried out on 3rd November. A summary of identified risks is below:-
COVID-19 – Risk of transmission now reduced. Walkers need to decide for themselves what precautions to take. Face coverings are still recommended for public transport and in pubs and cafes.
Weather – November can be wet and cold so bring appropriate clothing.
Roads – We will be crossing a number of minor roads as we leave and return to Altrincham. We also have to cross the very busy Dunham Road, so care is needed.
Terrain – While this is a fairly easy walk with no hills or inclines, the path through the Golf Course and canal towpath are both very uneven, with many exposed tree roots. Also, on the day of the RA, they were both very muddy, so walking boots or sturdy shoes are required.
Water – As we will be walking along the canal towpath, care is required due to the uneven surface near water.
Golf Course – Dunham Forest Golf Club will be open. However, our path does not cross any fairways and largely keeps to the wooded area of the course.
The walk leader will remind walkers at appropriate points on the walk.
Leader’s contact number: 07538 137508