Marple Bridge To Marple Ridge – Two Canals, One River

Introduction

I spent time in Yorkshire last week, followed by being laid low with a heavy cold for a few days.

So, I decided to stick to numerous paths that I’ve walked many times before, but never as a single walk. The map gives an impression of a walk in quite a built up area, but on the ground it doesn’t feel like that, and the views from the ridge usually stand comparison with anything you’ll find in the hills of this region.

The weather was dull and dry at home, and warm for the time of year. In Marple, it was murky and drizzly for the first hour and a half, but brightened up a little after 11am.

It’s a 20-25 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme to Marple Bridge.

The 7.3 mile walk includes a steady rise up the Marple flight of locks and a short incline up to Marple Ridge, but it’s generally very easy walking.

It took 3.5 hours at a very steady pace, plus 15 minutes for lunch.

The walk is great for dog walking. There are some short road sections but it’s mainly on canal towpaths and fenced tracks.

I parked at the recently retarmaced free Brabyns Park car park, postcode SK6 5DT.

I walked anti-clockwise.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

Brabyns Park To Windlehurst Hall

The eerie, murky morning was demonstrated by the view across the park.

My route saw me head up the hill away from the car park, and across the railway near Marple Station.

A little further on, I reached the back of Brabyns Tennis Club, always an enjoyable venue for league tennis in my experience. Good to see the drizzle wasn’t stopping play!

The path reached the Marple Flight – 16 locks taking the Peak Forest Canal on towards Whaley Bridge. I joined at lock 8 and made my way up to the top, passing converted Lockside Mill en route.

At the top of the flight, there is a junction, and I am heading right onto the Macclesfield Canal. Left leads into Marple Marina and the Peak Forest goes on towards Whaley Bridge. I would revisit another stretch later on.

The Macclesfield, like other canals often has covered open huts with stacks of heavy planks in them.

They occur at bridges or other narrow points. The planks can be slotted into grooves on either side of the water to create a barrier, allowing a section of the canal to be drained for maintenance purposes.

A little further on is another typical sight along the canals of northern England, a mill. In this case, Goyt Mill.

At the edge of town, another familiar landmark, a golf course; in this case, Marple GC. I’ve enjoyed playing here too!

Now, I was out in the countryside, admiring the reflections in the still waters.

When the converted Windlehurst Hall came into view, I exited the canal towpath.

Windlehurst Hall To Strines

The farm tracks and paths around fields bounded by hedgerows. They were alive with much active birdlife. I stopped for a while to enjoy the sights and sounds of three tit species, blackbirds robins, and a whole charm of goldfinches.

The hamlet at Ridge End leads onto the road, at what was once The Romper pub. It must have closed over 30 years ago, I reckon. Nice that the current owners have acknowledged its former presence.

The road leads up to Marple Ridge, a fantastic viewpoint, particularly to the west, where amazing sunsets are not uncommon. There is a car park here, a great spot to eat your takeaway McDonalds (said the voice of experience)!

The small former quarry is great for kids to explore too.

Sadly, the views today were not as I had hoped, due to the weather. Manchester City Centre can usually be clearly seen, but not today.

Spot the skyscrapers?

And what about the other side of the ridge?

Looking southeast towards New Mills, and even the Swizzels Sweet Factory can’t be seen!

I made my way carefully down the steep, muddy (ish) path through a lovely copse, waiting to meet the Peak Forest canal again.

This short section of path is both familiar and lovely – it was home territory for Jordan, Delly and Rolo,

Here’s the simple, yaet effectiveTurf Lea Lift Bridge.

A little further and I dropped down from the canal towards Strines.

The cottage on the track down is ancient,. It is particularly spectacular when the wisteria is in flower.

Before reaching, and crossing Strines Road, I took the woodland detour.

At Strines, there was a massive calico printing factory. It has been replaced by a quite attractive housing estate, about 10-15 years old now.

The road into Strines crosses the River Goyt here. You’d be very unlucky not to see a dipper on the river here. there were two today! Here’s a blurry picture of one, perched on a fallen branch.

The factory clock has, however, been preserved, and is in full working order. There is lots of interesting information about the clock and the works.

Strines To Brabyns Park

The duck pond is another pretty feature. Today, it was being enjoyed by a male goosander.

The cobbled road up to the train station is another iconic feature here.

My route went left before the cobbles, and stopped to admire the garden to my right.

The route now follows the railway line along the river valley. The path was surfaced for use by cycles about 5 years ago, after becoming impassable due to mud. Sadly, it’s beginning to deteriorate in patches. However, it’s much better than it was before the work.

Windybottom Farm is also quite dilapidated now.

I love the cantilever padstones supporting the roof though.

The farm was strangely quiet; it has always had a lot of dogs, but was completely silent today.

The track goes under the railway, emerging on a wide flood plain. There were now slightly clearer views to the south.

The track is close to the river now, and you get a brief glimpse of Roman Bridge.

There is an interesting octagonal house below the viaduct here.

Roman Lakes cafe seems to be getting ready for a new season, and the hedges have been cut allowing clear visibility across the water.

This place was a Victorian tourist attraction. There is no evidence of Romans having been here, it was just the Victorians romanticising to make it more alluring!

A little further on, is the archaeological site where Mellor Mill once stood. This is a place well worth visiting if you have any interest in industrial archaeology. I have been before so didn’t stop long. I crossed the bridge, and went down into the wonderful Garden House Community Farm and play area. You can walk through here without charge, though donations are encouraged. Don’t come on a Monday, because it’s closed.

And it’s a great place to get engaged – ask Jordan and Delly, they did just that in 2020!

So, back to the walk.

There is a permissive path along the river from the Garden House to Marple Bridge. There was an unusual thin mist covering the water.

As I neared the village, I spotted another two dippers, though they refused to look at the camera! A great way to finish the walk.

This walk is full of interest and variation, and is one that I would highly recommend.

And Finally….

Some new music for 2023. This is Hamish Hawk with “Once Upon An Acid Glance” from his new album “Angel Numbers”.