Exploring The Top Of The Manifold Valley

Introduction

The area between the A53 and the village of Longnor is definitely a little used part of the White Peak. This is partly due to its close proximity to the magnificent Chrome and Parkhouse hills to the north east, and Ramshaw Rocks and The Roaches to the south west. I decided to plan a route that would explore it.

It was a sunny, hot and humid day, with showers forecast from around lunchtime. The forecast was accurate!

The walk starts a short distance west of Longnor, about 45 minutes drive from Cheadle Hulme

The walk is 7 miles and it took took 3 hours 45 minutes, plus 20 minutes for lunch. The little used paths and 1534 feet of ascent made it more challenging than I’d anticipated.

This is not really a walk for dogs, lots of sheep, cattle, stiles, and minor roads.

I parked on the grass verge of the minor road that is the final section of the walk, opposite Harding Booth Farm, west of the village of Longnor, postcode SK17 0QP.

I walked in a clockwise direction, and noted that an upgrade to the OS Maps app now gives arrows to indicate the direction of the walk!

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.

Harding Booth Farm To Morridge Top (A53)

I crossed the road to the farm where there was a useful detour round the busy farmyard.

The Oakenclough Valley is lovely and was filled with butterflies, mostly like this one. Can anyone offer an ID for it?

It is a great time for nature; the foxgloves were splendid.

A short road stretch took me over the brook at Shining Ford.

I turned right into a field where there were cows with calves, who all made a move towards me. Not pleasant, but I managed to scape the field by a gate. They hung around by the gate, but I was soon well away up the hill and smiling down on them, and the view back along my route.

After crossing the hill, I dropped down and over the brook again.

After another road stretch to Merril Grove Farm. From here, a slow and difficult section led to Pyeclough Farm. This involved crossing a barbed wire fence and 2 small streams. I fear it would be impassable for much of the year. From the farm a steep incline led up a gully from where the farm could be seen, nestled in the valley below.

At this point I diverted along the easy track, rather than taking the direct route over fields to Morridge Top Farm, on the A53.

Over the road was a small holding with various animals, and views to the distant Sutton Mast.

Morridge Top To The River Manifold

Again, the path was invisible on the ground, so the GPS on my phone and the OS Maps app were invaluable as I made my way down to Lower Petthills Farm.

The meadows were full of flowers here as the Manifold valley dropped away in the distance.

The farm had a classic “bath in a field”. I know someone who loves seeing these – Cal!

As I passed Smallshaw Farm, I was amused by a line of cattle marching purposefully down a nearby ridge.

Arriving at “Thick Withins” many small streams were meeting the headwaters of the River Manifold. This bridge wasn’t the easiest to find.

Whereas, these poppies couldn’t be missed.

I discovered that the cattle had been heading down to the river for a drink. I found a way round tht avoided close contact, and when they saw me, they actually ran away back up the hill!

I had now joined The Manifold Trail which runs up and down the steep valley side twice.

I confess that I avoided the two steepest sections that led up to the road, enjoying the ferns and gorse lower down, together with the prolific oxeye daisies.

The path continued to provide lovely views along the valley.

At Ball Bank House Farm, I couldn’t see the path up the hill, so took the delightful, wooded farm drive, emerging onto the road which leads down to a bridge over the river.

From here it was a short stroll back to the car.

Postscript – making my way back towards the Cat and Fiddle, the skies towards the scene of my walk were now looking distinctly grey and wet!

This walk offers solitude and stunning views. I really enjoyed it, but it is quite a challenging route on little used rights of way.

And Finally….

The Teskey Brothers are from Australia, but they evoke memories of early 70s soul ballads. They are supporting Hozier at Castlefield Bowl on 5th July. It’s sold out, but if you have a ticket, don’t miss them!

Their new album is “The Winding Way”, and this track is “I’m Leaving”.