The Stockport / Tameside Border -Werneth Low And The River Tame

Introduction

Today promised to be a wet day, so I decided not to venture too far.

It turned out dull with rain falling for two thirds of the walk.

The drive to Bredbury is just 15 minutes.

This is an 8 mile walk, on the suburban edge of the Manchester conurbation. It took 3 hours 45 minutes, plus a 15 minute lunch break.

There are a few road sections, but much of the walk is on tracks, and today was very muddy, so quite mixed for dog walking.

I parked on Castle Hill Road, in a pull-in by a car park. Later, I found there was a lay-by on the main road opposite the Sewage Works, which would be a better place to park, postcode M34 6ET.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 277.

Castle Hill To Woodley

Bredbury Industrial Estate doesn’t generally spring to mind as the starting point for a country walk!

Nevertheless, opposite my parking place was a stile into a paddock. I then crossed the main road and set off across the fields, adjacent to the Robinsons Brewery site.

There are pleasant fields, and a pretty pond too.

I made my way down to the River Tame.

After passing by, but not crossing, the green bridge, I spotted a pair of goosanders trying to make a fast exit.

Leaving the river, I passed the manicured grounds of the Riverside Kennels.

I climbed the steps to reach the Peak Forest Canal.

Crossing the bridge, I went up a field next to a disused and abandoned mill.

After the railway line, I had to take to the suburban roads for a little while. I passed a class of children, being taught how to use a police handheld mobile speed camera!

Woodley To Werneth Low

The Trans Pennine trail heads directly uphill to the beautifully northern “Back-o’-th’-Hill, from where there are magnificent views over the gorse to Manchester city centre.

After the climb, I reached a road and turned right, down to a farmhouse and turned left into the yard. The views to the southeast are equally impressive.

From here, it’s steeply downhill to meet the track that runs alongside the top of Romiley Golf Club.

There are several pretty cottages along this track, and some ancient farm buildings as well.

Coming to a road, I turned left up a steep incline to Werneth Low. I was surprised to see a trig point in a field at the top of the road.

A short distance along is a “village green”.

Werneth Low To The River Tame

It was straight downhill from here, after one last scan of the views, with the weather closing in.

At the bottom of the steep hill, the route enters a broad track, leading to a field. However, the inconsiderate owners have taken to using the track as a feeding station for their horses. The weather has turned this track into 4inches deep manure/mud.

I decided to go for it! It’s not recommended though, as beyond the field the path down a wooded valley was equally muddy. .

I emerged onto the A560, and now had a lengthy road section in heavy rain.

By the time I reached a disused rail line come urban path, I was glad to shelter below a bridge and watch the rain for a while.

Moving on, I was soon back at the Peak Forest Canal where another bridge provided shelter.

I dropped down to the swollen river. The paths back, along the riverbank are delightful. There was even a glimpse of sunshine.

At Haughton Dale, there are a row of (seemingly) seaside cottages!

On the final stretch, I was treated to a dipper, for whom the river was surely too fast and full to dive and feed.

But no, it suddenly dived off the branch into the torrent of the river. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the bird again, though I’m sure it knew what it was doing!

Back at the car, I was pleased my clothing had again stood up to the weather, and reflected that it was still an excellent local walk in fine suburban countryside (if that’s not a contradiction!).

And Finally….

Andy Fairweather Low starred on Jools Holland’s New Year Hootenanny 3 months ago. This is from his new album, Flang Dang. It’s called Got Me A Party.