Introduction

The weather remains dry, cloudy, and quiet.

A seed was planted with me regarding a trip to the Millennium Walkway at New Mills, so I planned a route to include it today.

The journey took from Cheadle Hulme took 25 minutes.

This route is about 7 miles, and has 1100feet of ascent. It took 2 hours 45 minutes plus a 15 minute break for lunch.

Much of the walk is over moorland sheep pasture, so not great for dogs to run off lead.

I walked in an anticlockwise direction.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

I parked on the A6015 near to New Mills Marina, postcode SK22 3JJ. What 3 Words ///wonderful.edgy.parting

Newtown To Whaley Moor

After crossing the railway line and the A6, I was soon making my way uphill on Redmoor Lane. The views back to New Mills were just about becoming visible through the mist and autumnal trees.

Keeping right, rather than taking the drive up to Moorwood Farm, took me past this handsomely restored tractor.

The path then runs through a pretty clough. It is still called Redmoor Lane, but it really is just a path these days.

After crossing Whaley Lane, the open moors beckoned, and it was colder and quite wet underfoot.

At Rocks Farm, the rock ridge loomed moodily above the farmhouse.

Heading over the open access land, Lyme Park Cage was just visible through the mist. The marshy grasses were a beautiful bronze colour, despite the gloomy weather.

After passing through the car park of High Peak School, formerly the Moorside Hotel, I made my way round to Whaley Moor.

Whaley Moor To The River Goyt

The path around the edge of Whaley Moor is fantastic, towering above Todd Brook valley. I must return when the views are more visible than was the case today!

It’s also a really well manicured path for such a moorland location.

Of course this lady has seen it all before.

It was downhill all the way from here, re-crossing Whaley Lane and on towards the autumnal tree line.

Soon enough I was in Furness Vale, over the A6 and arriving at the pretty station.

The Peak Forest Canal runs parallel to the Manchester – Buxton railway line, as far as Whaley Bridge. At Furness Vale there is a large marina.

I left the canal at the swing bridge.

The path headed down to the river, crossing a footbridge at Goytside and proceeding towards “The Torrs”.

The Torrs – Rivers Goyt And Sett And The Millennium Walkway

This area of New Mills is hidden far below the level of the town. It was once a hive of industry, with numerous mill operations. Two railway viaducts and a road bridge tower above the beautiful rivers below.

And now, the piece de resistance is the Millennium Walkway, the brainchild of, and dedicated to, engineer Stan Brewster, who subsequently lost his life in the July 2005 London bombings. It is a wonderful tribute.

From here it’s a short walk across the footbridge, via The Torr Vale Tap, if refreshment is needed, and up the hill to the car.

Once again, this walk is full of varied settings and interest. Despite the murky weather I really enjoyed it!

And Finally….

This is from the self-titled debut album from California’s The Calamatix. It’s and upbeat mix of rock and ska. I love it. This track is Love, Lies and Alibis.