Stalybridge Country Park & Wild Bank Hill

Introduction

Browsing my maps earlier in the week, I spotted Stalybridge Country Park, which I’d never heard of before. Seeing that it has four reservoirs I reckoned it would have good hard surfaces for walking on, which can be essential at this time of year. Continuing on over Hollingworthall Moor to the summit of Wild Bank Hill would no doubt be a bit more of a gamble, but the promise of great views from the summit suggested it would be worthwhile.

Travel time – 35 minutes each way. Walk time – 2hrs 40 minutes. I was back at the car for lunch!

The weather was cloudy and still most of the way, but the stretch over Hollingworth Moor took me into the keen south east wind, but also brought a welcome sunny interlude.

The walk is 5.75 miles, and though it rises 1063 feet, 325m., it is a long steady ascent with no excessively steep climbs.

The first half of the walk is very dog friendly, but once on the open moors there are signs for dogs to be kept on the lead.

OS Explorer Map OL1.

I was able to park at the car park just off the B6175 as shown on the map, but there were only about 6 spaces here so it may be trickier at busy times, though the nearby side roads have easy access into the country park.

Setting Off

The first section of the country park up to Walkerwood Reservoir is criss-crossed with paths heading up the valley and there are several routes to take, and plenty of signposts.

I followed a stream past a small pond where I disturbed a kingfisher, a dazzling flash of electric blue racing away into the undergrowth. What a great start to the day!

Walkerwood Reservoir

I crossed the dam, the view back down the face of which, was already quite spectacular.

I turned along Brushes Road, on the north bank of the reservoir. The boathouse had seen better days!

Brushes Resrvoir, Mike & Geoff

At a house, I joined the Pennine Bridleway and continued on up to the next reservoir. Brushes Reservoir is quite pretty with evergreen shrubs flanking it.

Walking on up the hill, I caught up with Mike and Geoff, who had walked here many times before, and were a fount of knowledge. I hope they find the blog!

It seems the reservoirs no longer provide drinking water and simply drain into the River Tame.

The view west back down the valley was magnificent at this point.

As we reached a quarry, Geoff explained that the block of concrete was an anchor for the cables which were used to haul stone trucks from the quarry.

Higher and Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs

The path now rises into the open moorland. I made my way onto the dam of the Higher Reservoir which affords views of both stretches of water.

Hollingworthall Moor

After the dam, I took care to keep right, leaving the Pennine Bridleway and after a short stone track I came to trees and a stile.

Turning right after the stile, the path was now quite muddy, but I’ve seen plenty worse!

The views of the Swineshaw Reservoirs were beautiful, especially when the sun came out.

Suddenly I was on top of the ridge, and the stiff cold breeze kicked in. I could now see down to the southeast, and Arnfield Reservoir, with the village of Hadfield beyond.

And there was one final view of the Swineshaw Reservoirs!

Wild Bank Hill Summit, 1309ft, 399m

On a clear day, the views to the south, west and north must be spectacular. It was not too clear today but the shafts of sunlight created some interesting images!

THE DESCENT

Turning left from the trig point I headed downhill, ignoring paths to left and right until I reached a track, where I took a hairpin turn right emerging onto farm road past a farmhouse and onto a muddy track. A signpost left took me down through a silver birch wood which was interesting.

Emerging at a junction of paths I went straight ahead through a gate to a farmyard at Flaxfield where some cattle seemed to want their picture taken, so I obliged.

After the next quite handsome farmhouse on the right, the track turns left, but I went straight on over a stile, crossed a field and emerged near an entrance to the country park, just below Walkerswood Reservoir, from where I made my way back to the car.

A really good walk, not too long, but loads of interest. Recommmended!

And Finally…..

I was heading home, and what should come on the random play but “Heading Home” by Katie Melua, from her new 2020 album, “Album No. 8”! Enjoy