Introduction
The weather has cooled during this week, and it was a fresh, very pleasant summer’s day as I headed out to Whaley Bridge.
I started the walk at Hockerley, an estate above the town of Whaley Bridge, 30 minutes drive from Cheadle Hulme.
The walk is 5.7 miles with 830feet of ascent.
It took 2 hours 30 minutes to complete plus 45 minutes for lunch.
The walk is OK for dog walking if the dog can cope with stiles.
I walked in an anticlockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.
I parked on the road by Hockerley Hall Farm Shop, postcode SK23 7AU, What 3 Words snipped.essay.typified
Hockerley To Furness Vale
As I set off, there were a few fluffy, but dark clouds threatening overhead.
When I reached Ringstone Clough, the sun was taking charge.
Ringstone Caravan Park looked very attractive in the sunshine.
The long drive was quiet, and enjoyable, all the way to Furness Vale.
Furness Vale To Whaley Lane
Turning left, I passed a variety of residential property, before a farm.
Beyond the farm, I was into open country with scattered trees.
After Broadhey, I found a lovely, sculptural tractor.
Approaching Kiln Knoll, the route passes from Derbyshire into Cheshire, and there was a view through the trees to Manchester.
At Redmoor Farm the goats and cows eyed me very suspiciously!
The stretch up to Whaley Lane is a delightful mx of grassland, gorse and small trees.
Looking back the farm is nestled in beautiful countryside with views to the distant Kinder Scout.
Whaley Lane To Whaley Moor
I crossed the road and had to pass by a group of horses, all of whom were disinterested in me!
A short rise =then brought The Cage at Lyme Park into view with the whole Cheshire plain laid out behind.
Beyond Rocks Farm the path crosses a flat marshy plateau. No problem in the current weather but could get tricky after rain.
The approach to Whaley Moor goes straight through the car park of the former Moorside Hotel now a special school for children with learning disabilities.
Whaley Moor To Hockerley
A track leads away over a field then turns left uphill to Whaley Moor. A fantastic display of sweet willowherb adorns a field edge.
Crossing a stile, the magnificent views across the Todd Crook Valley are quite stunning.
I found a grassy bank and took a long, leisurely lunch break in the sunshine, as swallows zoomed over the wispy grass hunting insects.
The route crosses back into Derbyshire, and a long straight path heads back to Whaley Lane.
50 yards is enough of walking on the side of this road, a short cut between Whaley Bridge and Disley to avoid the A6, as cars drive fast and there’s no footpath. So I went round the path off to the right which was nice, and on returning to Whaley Lane I crossed and took the easy, well-trodden grassy path back to the car.
This is a lovely walk in summer. The path around Whaley Moor is even worth visiting in isolation, as the view here is spectacular.
And Finally….
Buster Shuffle are a London ska / punk rock and roll band. Could be Madness but I like them!
Their new album is called Together, and this track is “take A Pill”.