Higher Chisworth And Ludworth Moor

Introduction

A short walk in the hills where Stockport meets the Derbyshire High Peak.

It was comfortable walking weather, around 15deg C, cloudy and rather breezy. It was very grey and dull, which, I heard later, was due to storm Agnes picking up smoke from American wildfires, and dropping it here

It’s a 30 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk is 4.25 miles with almost 730 feet of ascent. It took 2.25 hours.

There were lots of sheep pasture fields on the walk, so not ideal for dogs.

I walked in a clockwise direction.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

I parked on Sandhill Lane, near the junction with Ernocroft Lane and Gird Lane. use postcode SK6 5DF, but once on Sandhill Lane, ignore messages to turn right. Continue on to a small parking area with a Council bin.

Sandhill Lane To Higher Chisworth

The parking spot is a popular place to stop for the view.

From here, I walked along Sandhill Lane, noting a flock of Canada geese in the field alongside the road.

At the first junction I turned left. A field of horses was marked with some of the owner’s tackle hanging artistically in an adjacent tree.

I passed a farm where an old tractor, pictured above, on my header, was on display.

After three gates, I crossed a field diagonally to a stile over a wall. This wall marks the boundary between Stockport MBC and Derbyshire High Peak.

Continuing over the fields, the magnificent sweeping panorama of Coombes / Cown Edge was set out before me.

To my right, the electricity grid cables pass down the valley.

A buzzard was making its way towards the marshy ground in the valley.

I passed another farm, with some quite dilapidated outbuildings.

Continuing across the fields, the ground falls steeply towards the sheltered hamlet of Higher Chisworth with Chisworth in the mid-distance and Glossop the far distance.

I walked to the left of the buildings and passed some delightful village cottages.

Higher Chisworth To Ludworth Moor

I followed the road for a little way now, then a track to the right, taking in the extensive views of the edge now closely ahead of me.

I left the track through a gate to the right, heading straight up the hillside. A second gate was being guarded by a handsome black-faced ram.

Further up the field, more rams of assorted breeds eyed me suspiciously – they don’t run off like the ewes do!

After crossing a house drive, I continued ahead, then heard a noise over a high stone wall. The verge allowed me to see over it, to see these fine, friendly beasts.

A little further on, I joined a track, re-entered Stockport MBC, then crossed the road to enter Ludworth Moor. This was actually being grazed by sheep, and my route missed out the more interesting quarry area to the north where I’ve walked previously.

Ludworth Moor To Sandhill Lane

Nevertheless, I still had a sighting of a couple of stonechats here, and loved the view from the moor over to Mellor, with the houses of Strines Road and Marple Ridge prominent (centre right).

I headed on to join an ancient cobbled track to Brook Bottom.

After crossing the brook, I encountered more domesticated animals – a couple of goats!

Leaving the road to the left, there are more fine views across the valley.

I decided to sit here awhile and take lunch.

Moving on, the valley bank was lined with many ancient oak trees.

This line of trees on the Mellor side of the valley is very photogenic.

Reaching 2 stiles, I took the right hand one, leading up to join the pretty Gird Lane.

From here it’s a short stroll back up to the car.

I’ve walked this area before, but almost all of this route was on new paths for me. The views and changing scenery were delightful, and I’d definitely recommend the route for anyone with a couple of hours to spare!

And Finally….

We saw Tyler Childers live a couple of years ago. He writes and performs classic American country rock music.

His new album is Rustin’ In The Rain. This is the catchy title track.