Former Moorside Hotel to Kettleshulme

Introduction

With a North East Cheshire Lawn Tennis League match to play this evening, a short walk not too far away was the order of the day today.

Just over the back of Lyme Park, and on the road from Higher Disley to Kettleshulme lies the old Moorside Hotel, now a school for children with “emotional, social and mental health difficulties”. It is a 25 – 30 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.

This delightful 4.3 mile walk took 2 hours 30 minutes, but would be improved by adding 1 mile and, say, 40 minutes as described towards the end of the blog.

The weather was rather unkind, with rain on and off throughout, a good test for my brand new walking shoes.

Most of the walk is on field tracks amongst livestock, or on roads, so not ideal for dogs to be off the lead.

There is off road car parking at the start point, satnav SK12 2AP.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

Mudhurst Road to New House Farm

The weather was gloomy as I looked north from the start point.

I made my way along the school drive, continuing onto a track over the fields. There was a good view over to the top of Lyme Park (Bow Stones).

Turning right towards Cliff, the views towards Whaley Bridge are beautiful, even in this weather.

As are the views across towards Kettleshulme.

The cattle in the path had calves, but were, nevertheless, disinterested by my presence.

The views remained stunning! I’d love to do this again on a sunny day.

The sheep and lambs were enjoying it too.

My route continued to head gradually downhill, turning right as I almost reache a minor road.

I passed some small farm settlements and beautifully green cloughs.

New House Farm To Todd Brook Mill

Just before Cornhill Farm, I took the stile on my left, continued along in front of the farm then left down a steep bank with the wall on my left. The distinct line of Taxal Edge is seen across the valley.

At the bottom o the hill is Todd Brook, which feeds into its now infamous namesake reservoir above Whaley Bridge, downstream from here.

Across the stream, up the bank and over the stile, a short stretch on minor roads leads to a row of mill cottages, and a right turn down a track brought me to a mill, which is no longer active. Nor is it shown on the map!

Surely this will make someone a lot of money, if developed as flats or a holiday site!

In the field at the foreground of the last picture above, is left some classic old farm machinery. Very sculptural!

Todd Brook Mill to Higher Lane

Just along the track, I loved this 4-way Peak and Northern Footpaths Society sign. I took the path to Disley.

At Cornfield Farm, the livestock are goats and alpacas!

I’ve never used this minor road between Higher Lane and Kettleshulme. It’s very quiet and picturesque.

Had I not wanted quite such a short walk, I would have crossed Higher Lane to the path opposite. This path rises up to meet the Gritstone Trail at the top of Lyme Park and a right turn along the Trail would lead back to the car. It would have added a mile to the walk and another 200feet of climb.

Fortunately, the road was quiet, so it was a pleasant stroll up to the car. It can be busy and vehicles go fast along it, and sometimes, it seems, too fast!

Back at the car, the view northwest to the city is slightly clearer than when I left!

This is a fantastic walk. The views really are stunning, and the slightly longer version described above would make a great half day out for anyone, especially on a sunny day!

And Finally….

From Dropout Boogie, the new album by The Black Keys, this funky tune is “For The Love Of Money”.