Discovering Broadbottom

A Stroll Of Exploration

Broadbottom is a small village, in Tameside , to the east of Hattersley. I walked from here down the River Etherow to Botham’s Hall, south to Chew and back via Woodseats about 6 weeks ago with our son Adam. It was a lovely walk, but we had no time to look round Broadbottom, so with 3 hours to fill over lunchtime today, and beautiful sunshine after the fog had lifted, I took Caroline with me to the village to learn more, and enjoy the river and a picnic!

Getting There / Timescales

Travel time 30 minutes each way from Cheadle Hulme.

We drove down from Mottram in Longdendale, through the village, over the river and parked in a car park on the left opposite a church.

Our stroll and picnic was only around 2.5 miles, and took about 1 hour 40 minutes including picnic. The last section up Hague Road could have been significantly extended, if we’d had more time.

The Route

An Industrial Experience

It’s clear that Broadbottom is a village built around its long demolished cotton mill, and the railway line. There is an impressive viaduct which we walked by as we headed back to the village along the road.

The village has a nice sign mounted on a stone plinth.

Turning off to the left, we walked past the Arts and Crafts Centre which wasn’t open, but looked worth a visit when it is, and had a brief reccy of the garden centre at the bottom of the lane, which seemed quite good, with a tea room.

Broad Mills

Taking the path along the river leads you into the ruins of the mill. The footbridge on the picture on the information board below is the same as that on today’s photograph in the picture below it.

There were plenty more archaeological remnants of the mills and information boards to be seen.

And, there were picnic tables, so why not!

Around To The Weir

Crossing the bridge, we turned right through a gap in the fence, where a big field would be ideal for dog walkers to give their pet a good run, and leads you along beautiful river views to the weir.

We retraced our steps, once back over the bridge turning left up the hill, following the path and taking the route up past some cottages to arrive at the station. Heading back down the main road, we just had time to walk up the first part of Hague Bank, and back before returning to the car.

This is a short walk to an interesting place, quite good for a family trip, but beware the busy road if parking where we did.

And finally….

Here’s something musical you probably wouldn’t expect from me, but I do like all sorts! From 2017 –