Introduction

After a week of long drives, I chose to stay local today. Greasley Hollow is a hidden wonder – an unspoilt and little known gem of a valley. It is not a place to go in the wet season, as it becomes extremely muddy; even the couple of days of rains this week have had an impact, though it was perfectly passable today.

The weather today was cool, and windy on the tops.

The walk was about 5miles with a total ascent of 900ft, 275m.

The walk is just 40 minutes drive from Cheadle Hulme and I took it very slowly and completed it in 2hours 30 minutes.

For dog walkers, the walk is mixed with areas of grazing land but also plenty of fenced in areas through the Hollow and on 2/3 of Minn End Lane.

The walk is on both OS Explorer Maps 287 and OL24.

The walk starts at postcode SK11 0QL Parking isn’t easy, one of the reasons for this being a little known spot. I actually parked on Hollins Lane at Cleulow Cross just east of the starting point on the map below, between the brow of the hill and the A54 junction, which added 1/4 mile to each end of the walk.

Nabbs Hill and Lower Greasley

I left the A54, heading southwest around a couple of fields with sheep for company, then passed these horses.

Soon I was entering a pretty copse from where there were good views across the countryside.

The path headed downhill quite steeply.

As the route wound down towards the beck, the way was blocked by a fallen tree, which was a little tricky to negotiate a way round.

Greasley Hollow

The path heads further downhill to the main part of Greasley Hollow after passing the somewhat dilapidated Lower Greasley Farm. This is often a very muddy area, but the long dry spell meant that the recent rains hadn’t had too serious an impact.

I headed uphill after the bridge over to the right bank where the woodland is most beautiful.

As testament to the hidden nature of this valley, the path was overgrown with ferns in parts of this section, and the next bridge was a little rickety with foliage growing through it!

The path briefly emerges into a field, but then returns to the valley floor, once more crossing the beck, and then rising steeply out of the valley and crossing the fields to Hawkslee Farm. There is a lovely view back down and across Greasley Hollow.

I’ve previously walked Greasley Hollow from Wincle and Danebridge. This route took in the upper part of the valley that I hadn’t seen before, but the other way includes a lovely return along the River Dane whilst this way gives rise to more spectacular views!

Minn End Lane

I stopped for lunch in the lee of the ridge, taking in the view to The Roaches southeast of my location.

It was quite cold out on the top, but the views and flowers made for an enjoyable mile or so north along the Gritstone Trail on this gated road (I wouldn’t recommend trying to drive along here, though I was passed by the postman in his van)!

Brooms Farm

I crossed the A54 and walked down to meet the bridleway coming up from Sutton. I came to Brooms Farm where this fine line of piggy sculptures caught my eye.

Not only piggy sculptures, but soon there were the real things!

This is quite a short walk, but has loads of interest with the pretty valley, the magnificent views…. and the frisky pigs!

And Finally……

Steve Earle has been around for ages, but here’s his new recording of Harlem River Blues. Enjoy!