Introduction
With heavy rain forecast from late morning, I just had time for a short local walk starting from Higher Poynton at 9 o’clock.
It’s a 20 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.
It took 2 hours to complete the 4.1 mile walk, and I was home in time for lunch!
This is a very easy walk on the canal towpath, disused railway track and well fenced nature reserve.
Therefore, it’s a super walk for taking the dog.
I walked in an anticlockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map 268.
I parked in the Jackson’s Brickworks Nature Reserve car park, postcode SK12 1TY, What 3 Words ///commander.veal.fend
Macclesfield Canal
The walk leaves the car park via the top gate and over the Pool House Farm field.
It’s just a couple of minutes walk to the canalside.
The first point of interest is crossing the Manchester to Buxton railway line.
There’s little movement on the water, the stillness providing some nice reflections.
The Macclesfield Canal has some lovely bridges, such as this one just before the Bull’s Head and the A6 trunk road at High Lane.
Just beyond the last of the houses that line the canal at High Lane, I turned off to the left.
Middlewood Way
A track took me down to Windlehurst Road. I crossed, and passed through Higherfold Farm and its pretty cottages, emerging to enjoy this stunning view of the Cheshire Plain, and over Stockport to the towers in Manchester City Centre.
From here I had to cross a couple of very boggy fields before reaching the disused railway trail.
I stopped and read the information board at the former High Lane station before continuing through the tunnel below the A6.
Occasionally, there are areas of planting, and ponds to provide interest along the long, straight trail.
The route passes back over the Buxton line at the remote Middlewood Station.
Jackson’s Brickworks
The long redundant brickworks has been developed as a nature reserve for 20 or 30 years, and is a haven for birds and amphibians in particular.
All in all, a super short walk, despite the decidedly grey weather!
And Finally….
I’ve been listening to classic soul tunes this week.
This seems apt for my blog!
One of mine and Mary’s favourite combinations these days , the Canal and Middlewood way between High Lane and Macclesfield, flat, not to far , nice scenery nd coffee stops !
Sorry Brian, I’ve only just seen this (8/1/26). Yes, it’s lovely scenery all along there, very accessible, and toilets too!