Styal Woods and the Bollin Valley| 28 November 2021

Cliff B & Colin P

 

07554230123

 

This is a good, 5.4 mile woodland walk, especially at this time of year with many of Styal Woods’ magnificent trees retaining some of their autumn colour. 

We will meet at Styal Mill visitors’ centre and head towards the picturesque Styal Village. We then walk towards the Styal Cross and Norcliffe Chapel before entering Chapel Woods.We will make our way through the woods down to the Bollin Valley. Then we follow the River Bollin which requires us to cross and recross it for the first part of the walk. 

Once through the wood we reach our refreshment stop near to the Airport Inn. Please bring your own snacks, drinks, etc.

After crossing the busy Altrincham road we walk through some fields before reaching a country track, which takes us back to the main road.

Later we recross the Altrincham road and follow a woodland path which takes us back to the Bollin Valley and Quarry Bank Mill. At the mill there are toilets, a takeout for hot drinks, ice cream kiosk, etc., as well as the National Trust cafe. The cafe has a large seating area, ideal for larger groups should we wish to visit. NB. you don’t need to be a NT member to use these facilities.

The beginning of this walk can be quite challenging. The path is very uneven in places and there are also a number of long, steep, uneven flights of stairs to negotiate.

 

This walk starts at Quarry Bank Mill’s visitor’s centre, SK9 4HP.

The start time is 12:00 and we will aim to end the walk no later than 16:00.

 

By car from M60 take junction 4 onto M56, then junction 5, towards Manchester Airport. Continue onto Ringway road turning right onto Hollin Lane at traffic lights, towards Styal. Continue onto Styal Road, B5166. Quarry Bank Mill is off Styal road. Post code SK9 4HP. Follow brown heritage signs.

From Manchester city centre, take A5103, Princess Parkway onto M56 and then follow the instructions above. 

For those travelling by car, parking at Quarry Bank Mill is FREE to members and non-members alike. The post code for Quarry Bank Mill is SK9 4HP. On-street parking in Styal is very limited. The small car park on the main road is now ‘residents only’ parking.  Styal will be very busy on Sunday.

 

Public transport Although there is a railway station in Styal, there are no direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly.  Trains to Styal operate via Wilmslow. The railway station in Styal is half a mile from the start of the walk. Check website: TFGM.com for public transport options.

 

A Risk Assessment was carried out on 11th November 2021. A summary of identified risks is below:- 

COVID-19 – Risk of transmission now reduced. Walker’s need to decide for themselves what precautions to take. Face coverings are still recommended for public transport and in pubs and cafes.

Weather – Late November can be wet and cold so bring appropriate clothing.

Roads – We will be crossing the busy Altrincham road, which is the main road into Wilmslow, twice. There is a crossing place where we recross this road but care is needed. 

Terrain – While some of the paths are well made, much of our route is along uneven paths with many exposed tree roots. There are also a number of long, steep, uneven flights of stairs to negotiate. It WILL be very muddy so walking boots are needed. There are a number of styles on this walk. 

Water – We will be walking alongside and crossing the river Bollin throughout this walk so please be aware of this. 

Livestock – On the recce, one of the fields had a small herd of bullocks who decided to follow me across the field!  Dogs will need to be on a lead for the short section over the fields. 

The walk leaders will hold a short safety briefing at the start and will remind walkers of any additional risk wich may be encountered at appropriate points on the walk.