Rail Walks 2020

U
PDATE
in Greater Manchester
(Mid Cheshire Line)

A MID CHESHIRE COMMUNITY

RAIL PARTNERSHIP PUBLICATION
The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and the Mid Cheshire Rail Users
Association (MCRUA) welcome you to their rail walks booklet offering walks
from stations along the Greater Manchester part of the Mid Cheshire Line.
The walks in this booklet are a series of fairly short These walks are not accessible for those with
walks, mainly over generally easy terrain and they prams or using wheelchairs because of steps, stiles
are either circular walks from stations or between and uneven, narrow canal towpaths on the routes.
stations so that walkers can return to their starting The walks can be found on OS Explorer Map (1:25
point by tram or train. However as most of these 000) Sheet 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and
walks follow the Bridgewater Canal they can be Congleton and Sheet 277 Manchester and Salford.
linked together to create longer routes.
There is no walk listed for Stockport, instead
The circular walk from Altrincham via Dunham Park walkers are encouraged to explore the town centre
can be continued towards Timperley and Sale by and its historic buildings. The town centre is a short
not leaving the canal after it passes underneath walk from the railway station.
Manchester Road. The instructions for the next
Train services on the Mid Cheshire Line run hourly
section can be found in the walk from Altrincham
Monday through to Saturday and two hourly on
to Sale.
Sundays. Northern Timetable 17 features all the
To continue to Manchester, without stopping at train times for the Mid Cheshire Line and can be
Cornbrook, simply remain on the canal path downloaded from www.midcheshirerail.org.uk
immediately before Cornbrook and then follow the
Information on the Metrolink trams can be found
instructions found in the Cornbrook to Piccadilly
at: www.tfgm.com
section.
Trams generally run every 6 to 12 minutes along
If all the individual routes are made into a
the Altrincham to Piccadilly Line.
continuous walk the total distance is
approximately 16 miles (26 kilometres). There are The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership can
no stiles after the canal is reached, however there be contacted at www.midcheshirerail.org.uk or
are steps on the walks. email railofficer@midcheshirerail.org.uk.
There are no toilet facilities on these walks, but
each route has opportunities to access local cafes,
restaurants and pubs.

MANCHESTER
M62

A57 M60

SALE A5103
M60 M60
A56

M6 TIMPERLEY STOCKPORT
ALTRINCHAM CHEADLE
HALE A34
M56

ASHLEY

2
Walking in the countryside
Use a map alongside the walk Leave gates as you find them let your dog off the lead –
details and follow the or follow instructions on don’t risk getting hurt by
directions and path markers. signs. If walking in a group, trying to protect it.
Do not cross fields of crops make sure the last person Take care on the canal tow
unless following the knows how to leave the path – it can be narrow,
designated footpath. gates. uneven and very muddy in
Take care crossing the golf Wild animals, birds and farm places.
course, watching out for animals can behave Dogs are not allowed on
flying golf balls. unpredictably - do not Metrolink trams or the Metro
Take your litter home with attempt to approach them or Shuttle bus.
you. Dropping litter and try to stroke them.
Support the local economy -
dumping rubbish are criminal Keep dogs under close control for example, buy your
offences. but, if a farm animal chases supplies from local shops.
you and your dog, it is safer to

Mid Cheshire Rail Users The Mid Cheshire Line

Association (MCRUA) The line links the cities of Manchester and
The Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association with over Chester running through the scenic Mid
400 members is the rail user group for the Mid Cheshire countryside. There are 16 stations
Cheshire Line. MCRUA is active in representing the along the line including Stockport,
interests of passengers on the Mid Cheshire Line Navigation Road, Altrincham, Hale, Ashley,
from Chester to Manchester and those travelling Knutsford, Northwich and Delamere.
between Crewe and Liverpool on the West Coast
Main Line. They work to improve the service and The line has a Community Rail Partnership
its usage, and provide information on timetable founded in 2003 to promote increased
changes and news on future developments. usage and to develop and improve facilities
along the route. Enthusiastic volunteers are
For more information on MCRUA activities or always welcome to get involved at stations
joining the group, please look at and events along the line.
www.mcrua.org.uk.
To find out more about the Mid Cheshire
If you can’t find what you are looking for then Community Rail Partnership and the
email enquiries@mcrua.org.uk for more opportunities for travelling on the Mid
information. Cheshire Line, go to
www.midcheshirerail.org.uk.

Information on the maps is shown as follows:

Motorway

Major roads Railway line Metrolink Suggested route

Other roads Railway station Metrolink stop

3
Ashley to Hale
This walk takes you from Ashley Station, in
rural Cheshire, to Hale Station on the
outskirts of Greater Manchester.

DISTANCE: Approximately 23⁄4 miles

(51⁄2 kilometres). Allow up to 11⁄2 hours
MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) Sheet 268
Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Congleton
GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is mostly on
paths with good drainage, but walking boots are
recommended
STILES: None
KISSING GATES: None
REFRESHMENTS: ‘The Greyhound’ pub in Ashley.
Many cafes, café/bars and restaurants in Hale

4
The route Hale

Ashley Road

Victoria Ro
Roa
d
1. Leave the station on to Ashley Road
and turn right. Pass St Elizabeth’s ane
field L A538

ad
Broom
7 Ashley
Church and then turn right just Road

before a sharp turn in the road on to HALE

a lane signed Ashley Hall.

ad
HALE

ou g h Ro
As d
hle p Roa
yR rro
Altrincham oa Ha

M ar lb or
d St Peter’s
Grammar
School Church
for Boys
Bo
we

Ashley Road
rR
S oa
d

ou
Yorke hD

t
ow Wa
Driv ns rw

d
Bowdon Ro ick

Roa
ad Drive
Church

wick
6 Bowdon
Church

War
Gr

School
an

Gilb
ert
ge

Roa ad
Ro
Ro

d
k
Par
ad

Tolland Lane
d
oa
yR
hle
As
5 Ban khall Lan
2. Continue on the private road which e

crosses the M56 and then pass the

n
r
R ive B o l l i n
olli

Ashley
River B

extensive former Ashley Farm Mill

House
Ashley Road

complex. Ashley Hall itself is a listed 4

As
hle
building with parts which date back yM
ill L a n e
3
to the 16th century. On a clear day,
you can see the Pennine hills to the
As
east and the wooded escarpment of
Private Road (Ashley Road)

hl e
yR
oa d
Bowdon straight ahead.

Ashley
Hall

Hardy’s Covert

M56
Cow Lane

St Elizabeth’s
2 Church
As
h ley
Roa 1
R oad d
Back Lane
ley
sh
A

ASHLEY
ASHLEY

5
3. Continue on to Ashley Road (keeping left) 5. Over the bridge, a wide path on the left
and then turn left into Ashley Mill Lane. initially follows the River Bollin and then
Immediately on the right is Coppice Barn, a rises (with helpful steps) and narrows to
fine oak cruck-frame building dating from meet Grange Road.
the 16th century and currently part of a
6. Continue straight on, ignoring the entrances
garden and landscaping business.
to Bowdon Church School on the right, and
then take a footpath beyond the school on
the right, opposite York Road. This narrow
path leads to York Drive and then on to
South Downs Road. Here turn left then right
into Marlborough Road, home to Altrincham
Boys’ Grammar School and Altrincham
Preparatory School. It follows the line of a
former field path and is still marked as a
footpath on the OS map.

4. Follow the lane and keep right when the

road forks. The road ends at Ashley Mill
House. A steep cobbled path on the right
leads to a footbridge over the river. Before
the bridge is the site of Ashley Mill, swept
away long ago in a severe flood.

7. Finally at the traffic lights, turn right into

Ashley Road, with its sandstone Millennium
Clock and back to Hale Station complete
with level crossing.

6
Hale to Ashley
Hale Station, where you start this walk, is a Grade Two listed building and
when built in 1862, by the Cheshire Midland Railway, was called Bowdon
Peel Causeway.

DISTANCE: Approximately 3 miles STILES: None

(5 kilometres). Allow up to 11⁄2 hours KISSING GATES: Two
MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) REFRESHMENTS: ‘The Greyhound’ pub
Sheet 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and in Ashley. Many cafes, café/bars and
Congleton restaurants in Hale
GROUND CONDITIONS: Muddy along
the Bollin Valley in wet weather, walking
boots are recommended

The route
1. Exit Hale Station either on to Victoria Road
(to turn left down Ashley Road) or Ashley
Road and head for the level crossing and
onward through Hale village.

7
 Further on, do not turn to the left off this
path at the 3 way directional pathway sign
but continue onwards to the metal
footbridge over the river.

2. Keep to Ashley Road and after passing St

Peter’s Church on the left carry on and
turn left into Warwick Road and then
eventually turn left again into Gilbert Road.
3. At the end of the cul-
de-sac follow a
narrow path which
leads on to Park Road.
Cross over and into
Tolland Lane, next to
6. Cross the bridge, bear left following an
the shops. The name
indistinct path and in a short distance the
is believed to be from
path climbs up out of the wooded flood
the open field of a
plain, passes the remains of a derelict stile
medieval settlement.
and skirts the edge of the open fields.
4. At the end of Tolland 7. Go through the gate into the field and
Lane turn left into
continue with the hedge to the left. A
Bankhall Lane,
second kissing gate leads to Castle Mill
eventually passing Bank Hall (Farm) on the
right, a former moated site (now a nursery
school).
5. Where Bankhall Lane bears to the left turn
right on to a signposted path which leads
to the Bollin Valley. Follow the path and
after a steep section, the path turns to the
left and soon follows the River Bollin
upstream.

8
 Lane and here turn left. After the Grove Park
Hale
motorway bridge is Tanyard

Victoria Ro
Roa
d
Farm and just beyond here turn
ane
right at the road junction into field L A 538

ad
Broom
Tanyard Lane. HALE
1

HALE
As
hle p Road
yR rro
oa Ha
Altrincham d St Peter’s
Grammar Church
School
for Boys
Bo
2 we

Ashley Road
rR
oa
d
Wa

ad
rw

Ro
ick

Roa
Drive

rk
Pa
wick
War
3 ad

Ro
Gilb k
ert
Roa Par
d
8. This becomes Back Lane and on

Tolland Lane
the left is the former Ashley
d
oa
yR

village school, now

hle
As

appropriately a nursery. Ahead 4 Bankhall L

ane
is the Greyhound Public House 5
n

for rest and recuperation. Bankhall

olli

Farm
River B

Beyond, in a short distance r

R ive B o l l i n
Ashley Road

along Ashley Road, is Ashley

Station.

As 6
h le
Private Road (Ashley Road)

y Ro
ad
Hale
Golf Course
Ashley
Hall

Ca
stl
eM
ill 7
La
n
e

Hardy’s Covert

M56 M56
ne
Cow Lane

St Elizabeth’s
La

Church
ard

Ca
stl
ny

As eM
h ley
Ta

d Roa ill
oa d La
yR ne
s hle
A

8
ASHLEY Back Lane Ba
ASHLEY ck
La
ne

9
Altrincham Circular
This walk can be either a circular walk from and to Altrincham Interchange
or the start of a walk to Timperley the long way round.

DISTANCE: Approximately 6 miles STILES: One

(91⁄2 kilometres) KISSING GATES: One
Allow approximately 2 1⁄4 hours
REFRESHMENTS: Various pubs, cafes and
MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) takeways in Altrincham and several pubs
Sheet 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield on the route
and Congleton
GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is
mostly on paths with good drainage, but
walking boots are recommended as parts
of the canal tow path can be very muddy

10
 11
Nav
iga
tion
Ro

Manchester Road
l
ana ad
er C
gewat 12
Brid
B

oad
A56

arri
NAVIGATION

enor R
Se

ngt
10 am
ana
l o n’ ROAD

on R
er C s Ro
wat

Grosv
ad ad

Chu
e

oad
g Ro John
Brid
O l d fie l d

rch
Leigh A560
13

St.
Park Woodlands Rd.

ALTRINCHAM Altrincham

d
9

a
te Ro
Go Golf Course
School

e
ld Lan rs
Oldfie oad A56

hga

ey Ln.
Brad am R
Dunh

Ro rd
Hig
gate 4

ad
Lan

Dunham

w fo
Rd Re

Ne tam
DUNHAM ge 1
e

Forest Golf and

.
nt

S
TOWN
e Country Club
Rd
. ALTRINCHAM
ld Lan

St Margaret’s Rd.
fie 6 2
Old

St.
5 A56

w
7 Wo Stamford

Ne
8 od
vill e R park
d.
Smithy Lane

.
Rd
on
B5160 w d
3 Bo

The route
1. Exit Altrincham Interchange from platform direction until the main road (A56) to
one and turn left around the bus stands Manchester is met, with St Margaret's
and then proceed on to Stamford New Church opposite. It is necessary to cross this
Road. Turn left and at the traffic lights cross road but care is needed as it is a busy road.
to the right and enter Cross Street. Where
the street curves to the left, carry straight
on to the pedestrianised section and at the
junction turn left and proceed to the end of
the pedestrian precinct.
2. Turn right at Regent Road, cross at the zebra
crossing and then turn left into New Street
and follow this to the end. Turn right into
The Downs and almost immediately take
the right fork into Woodville Road. After
about 100 yards turn left into Bowdon
Road.
3. At its end turn right into St Margaret's Road.
Cross to the far side (here there is a footpath
that goes into Devisdale which is worth
exploring) and continue in the same

11
4. When the road has been crossed turn left Bear left here and almost immediately after
and proceed. Shortly three roads will be this take the signed footpath on the right. At
crossed, Gorsey Lane, Highgate Road and the end of this wood, further fairways are
Bradgate Road. As Bradgate Road is crossed encountered. There are metal oblong
a footpath can be seen signposted to warning signs and these give the direction of
'Dunham Town'. Take this path. travel, but again beware of flying golf balls.
7. At the end of this section a gate in the hedge
will be observed. Go through this and then
immediately turn right and follow this path
through two fields.

8. At the end turn left onto Oldfield Lane and

5. After a few yards take the right fork and after about 60 yards there is a footpath on
after a while the footpath improves and
the right over a stile. Follow this until School
effectively becomes a surfaced track.
Lane is met. Turn right here, past the old
Continue in the same direction and shortly it
Post Office. Proceed past the Axe and
will be observed that there is a golf course
Cleaver public house and Dunham Village
on both sides.
Hall once a school.
6. When the track leaves the wooded area
follow it across the golf course fairway,
bearing left, and taking care of flying golf
balls coming from the right. Shortly after
another wood is entered there is a depot for
golf course workers on the right.

12
9. Immediately after this the road crosses the
Bridgewater Canal. Care is needed as the
road is single track here with no footpath.
As soon as the bridge has been crossed turn
right into the footpath and then turn left
onto the bank of the canal.

11. The exit from the canal is a few yards past

the bridge. Turn left to the main road and
then turn left back over the canal and left
again at the Navigation public house into
Navigation Road. Follow this until
Navigation Road Station is met.
12. From Navigation Road Station either the
10. Follow the canal and in just under a mile a tram can be caught from the nearside
road overbridge is met, with a pub (Bay platform or the train from the far platform.
Malton) on the left. Continue to follow the This avoids the last three quarters of a mile
canal and in about the same distance walk to Altrincham Interchange.
another road overbridge is met. To return
to Altrincham leave the canal at this point, 13. Or to walk back to Altricham, just before the
but to continue to Timperley stay on the level crossing barriers cross to the right and
canal and follow the instructions for the enter Grosvenor Road. Follow this until it
next walk. meets Barrington Road at the Barrington
Hotel. Keep on the left and walk back to the
station.

13
Altrincham to Sale
This is a linear walk from Altrincham to Sale with an option to explore
Timperley Flood Basin. It can be made in to a longer walk by doing the
Altrincham circular walk first and staying on the canal.

DISTANCE: Approximately 31⁄2 miles STILES: None

(51⁄2 kilometres) KISSING GATES: None
Allow approximately 11⁄2 hours
REFRESHMENTS: Various pubs,
MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) cafes and takeways in Altrincham,
Sheet 277 Manchester and Salford Navigation Road and Sale
GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is
mostly on paths with good drainage,
but walking boots are recommended as
parts of the canal tow path can be
muddy

14
 Ha
7 SALE
rbo Nor
ro the
Ro nde
ad nR
oad

A6144
Marsland Ro
ad
6
BROOKLANDS

Walton
Park
A56
Lane
Woodhouse

Bro
okl
and
Beccles
Woodheys

sR
Wood

oad
Park
Sinderland Brook
d
oa
Tim

Newton
rR
per

Park
ste
ley

he

Par
nc
Bro

kR
oad
Ma
ok

5
Si nd
er la
nd TIMPERLEY
Ro
a Park Road
d

al
4 Can
ter Navigation
BROADHEATH
l Brid gew
a
Recreation
ana
ter C Ground
Manchester Road

ewa
Bridg 3 Na
vig atio
n Rd 2
TIMPERLEY
.
Wellingt
on
Rd.

NAVIGATION
Bar

or Rd.

ROAD
rin
gto

Grosven
nR

Stockport
oad

. Road
s Rd A560
Woo d land
John
Leigh Park
Altrincham
ALTRINCHAM Golf Course Timperley
1 Sports Club
A56
ad

R oad
Ro

ham
Dun
ew
dN
or
mf

ALTRICHAM
Sta

15
The route
1. Leave Altrincham Interchange from platform 4. Turn left on to the tow path. Immediately
one and turn right immediately, keeping the before the first overbridge is passed on the
wall of the station on your right. Just after the left will be seen notices about the Timperley
end of the bus stands the Barrington Hotel flood basin.
will be observed. Take the road to the right of
A short detour can be taken to observe
this, Grosvenor Road, and keep to the
parts of the basin. Immediately before the
pavement on the left hand side.
overbridge take the footpath on the left and
2. Follow this until Navigation Road Station is follow this, keeping the embankment on the
seen on the right. Cross the road in front of right and the ponds on the left. When the
you, Navigation Road, and then turn left path turns left and crosses Timperley Brook
along it. Very shortly on the left hand side follow this and turn left again to return to
will be observed a carved full sized bear the canal tow path. This detour is about half
with a baby. a mile and might enable some interesting
wild life to be seen around the ponds.
3. Follow Navigation Road to its end and turn
right at The Old Packet House onto 5. When the tow path is regained continue in
Manchester Road and cross the bridge. Over the original direction. The next overbridge is
the bridge take the first footpath on the at Timperley Station. To end the walk here,
right into the car park in front of the Sea the path to the station is just before the
Cadets premises and immediately at the bridge is reached. Take the path to the road
end of this building take the footpath onto above and the entrances to the station are
the tow path of the canal. This is the point at on the opposite side of the road.
which the previous walk left the canal.
6. To continue the walk proceed under the
overbridge. After about three quarters of a
mile on the left is Walton Park. This includes
a miniature railway and on occasions,
mainly weekends or bank holidays, this
might be working.

16
Also the next building is the headquarters
of the Trafford Rowing Club and some
serious rowing might be observed along
the canal.
After this, again on the left, is Brooklands
Cemetery. The next overbridge is Marsland
Road Bridge and is the location of
Brooklands Station. To reach this station, if
required, the exit from the tow path is on
the far side of the bridge.

7. The final section of the walk continues

along the tow path until the next
overbridge is encountered. This is Sale and
the station is adjacent to the bridge. The exit
from the tow path is about one hundred
yards past the bridge. To reach the station
walk back along the open area behind the
Sale Town Hall towards the main road, turn
left on to the road and immediately in front
the station entrance is there.

17
Sale to Cornbrook
This walk continues to follow the canal through a changing urban
landscape where it is still possible to see kingfishers!

DISTANCE: Approximately 5½ miles STILES: None

(9 kilometres) KISSING GATES: None
Allow approximately 2 hours
REFRESHMENTS: Various pubs, cafes
MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) and takeways in Sale and two pubs on
Sheet 277 Manchester and Salford the route
GROUND CONDITIONS: The walk is
mostly on surfaced paths but there can Avoid this walk if there is
a match at Old Trafford
be puddles after wet weather.

18
 The CORNBROOK

Road
Lowry EXCHANGE 9
QUAY

Trafford
Whar
fside
POMONA
Way
ad
8 ay Ro
rW t er
ate es ad
Ch d Ro
gew tfor
Old Trafford 7 Brid Stre

l Hullard
Park
a
Can

MANCHESTER UTD TRAFFORD BAR

ter

FOOTBALL GROUND
ewa

Gorse Hill Seymour

Bridg

Park Park
6
ad

B5217
Ro

d
er

a
Ro OLD TRAFFORD
est

ot
Ch

lb
A56 Ta

Derbyshire 5
Lane
ad

Victoria
Ro

Park
er
est

Manley
way Longford
Ch

Kings Park
STRETFORD Park

Edge Lane
A5145

High Lane
nal
ad
ater Ca
r Ro
ste

A56
e r Me r s e
Bridgew
Che

R iv y

M60 4
Chorlton
ey Park
rs
et

Sale Water
e

tre

Riv e r M 3 Park
ss S

R i v er M e r s ey
Cro

A56
2
M60
Bridge DANE ROAD
Inn Da
ne
nal

Roa
d
r Ca

Chorlton-cum-Hardy
ate

Sale Golf Club

gew

Golf Course
Brid

Scho
ol Rd
.
SALE
1 Worthington
No Park Chorlton Water
rth Park
end
en
Roa
d

19
The route
1. Exit Sale Station and immediately cross has a sign on the wall stating that walkers
School Road by the pedestrian crossing and are welcome. Continue along the tow path
then turn left on the far pavement. Cross and the next overbridge is Edge Lane, with
the Bridgewater Canal then turn right and Stretford Station over the bridge and then
proceed down the slope. At the bottom go on the left.
onto the tow path and turn left. This is the
5. Shortly after this the canal bears left and
point where the previous walk ends.
then goes under Chester Road. Follow the
2. Follow the tow path to the first overbridge canal and in approximately ¼ mile the path
by the Bridge Inn which offers refreshments moves away from the water. Follow the
and is accessible from the tow path. path around the basin where barges and
cruisers are stored and then return to the
canal side. Pass under 3 bridges close
together and immediately in front is a
ramp. This is where the canal splits into two
different branches. Go up the ramp and
then down on to the right hand canal.
6. Keep walking along the canal under first a
disused railway bridge and then two road
bridges. Shortly after this on the right Old
Trafford, the home of Manchester United
can be seen. Be careful on this section as
there are a
3. Continue along the tow path. The next over- number of
bridge is the M60 and just before this bollards on the
bridge the footpath keeps close to the canal towpath.
while the cycle path keeps more to the left.
On the left at this point is the Crossford
Bridge sports ground.

4. Continue along the tow path and shortly

the River Mersey will be crossed. The next
feature on the left is a cruising club which

20
7. After the stadium there are four road Pomona and the Manchester Ship Canal can
overbridges then there is another bridge also be seen on the left after Pomona Station.
with the name 'Throstle Nest Bridge' written Continue along the tow path. A lock gate will
in large letters on it. At this point it is be observed on the left which links the
necessary to change to the right hand side Bridgewater Canal to the Manchester Ship
of the canal. This is done by using the Canal. Shortly after there is a bridge with a set
bridge. Go a few yards past and then turn of steps leading up to the road.
back up the ramp on the left, go over the
bridge and then down the ramp on the
other side to reach the tow path on the right
hand side of the canal.
8. Very shortly on the right will be seen the
railway line from the Liverpool direction and
on the left is the tram line from Eccles and
Media City. Then there is the tram station of
9. At this point leave the canal by climbing the
steps to the bridge and then at the road on
the top turn right. The route in front appears
to be obstructed but there is gap just round
to the left hand side. Go through this and
then turn left before the railway
overbridges. The entrance to Cornbrook
Station is the first open arch on the right.
There are either four sets of stairs to climb
or a lift to the platforms.

21
Cornbrook to
Manchester Piccadilly
This walk is not very long but will allow you to see parts of Manchester not
normally visited.

DISTANCE: Approximately 2 1⁄2 miles STILES: None

(4 kilometres) Allow at least 1 hour KISSING GATES: None but there are steps
MAP: OS Explorer Map (1:25 000) Sheet along the route
277 Manchester and Salford REFRESHMENTS: Many places in
GROUND CONDITIONS: The ground Castlefield and just off the canal –
conditions are generally good, but care Bridgewater Hall, the City Centre, Canal
should be exercised crossing some of the Street and Piccadilly
paved areas as these can be slippery

The route
1. Exit Cornbrook Station down the stairs and
out onto the service road outside. Turn left
and then, at the T-junction under the bridge,
turn right into what looks like a closed road.
However closer examination will show a
gap in the fence on the right hand corner.
A6143
Go through this and almost immediately
take the steep steps on the left hand side
A57
down to the canal footpath.
Da
ws

4
on
St.

3
nd A57(M)
ra
St oad
a rR
on ste
P om Che
2
Ma
nc
un
a nd ian
Str oad Wa
y
na er R
mo Ch est
Po
A56
CORNBROOK
1

22
 2. Turn right and pass under the bridge, follow Bridgewater Canal and the River Medlock
the canal towpath. It shortly passes under a comes into the basin at the far end. The
rail bridge and in due course crosses a whole of this basin can be explored in
number of small disused entrances to canal under a quarter of an hour.
basins on the right. 4. Now cross the curved footbridge into Catalan
3. The path then passes under the end of the Square. The footpath passes through the
Mancunian Way. Shortly after this there is a middle of the tabled area in front of the bar.
modern, curved footbridge over the canal - Recross the canal by the road bridge and
this is Castlefield. However, before crossing immediately rejoin the canal towpath on the
the bridge it is worth exploring the basin on right hand side of the canal.
the right. This is in fact the end of the

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23
5. After a short distance the canal and the Continue past lock 85 and as soon as lock 84
towpath goes into Deansgate tunnel. At the is reached turn right on to Dale Street and
end of the tunnel there are a number of then right again to cross the canal. Take the
bars on the opposite bank. At the end of this first right turn through the car park and
stretch of buildings there is a footpath rejoin the canal on the left hand side.
leading back right. To go to Deansgate-
8. At bridge 91A cross to the other bank. After
Castlefield Station (formerly G-Mex Station)
crossing the bridge turn left to go back
use this path then cross the bridge back
under the bridge now following the
over the canal and the station is there.
Rochdale Canal. Turn right onto the Ashton
Canal and follow the canal under the
building in front. The canal turns left and at
the first bridge (number 2) climb the steps
and then turn right onto the road, cross the
canal and proceed downhill to the bottom.

6. To continue the walk just follow the canal.

After a short distance Tib Lock, which is
under a road bridge, is passed. Next the
Bridgewater Basin will be observed on the
left hand side of the canal. Then go under
bridge 97 which is Princess Street and at this
point cross the canal to the left hand side and
9. Turn right here into Store Street, with a car
walk along Canal Street which runs parallel
park on the right, and continue along this
to the canal. The next street crossed over is
street and proceed under the bridge. After
Sackville Street - to go to Piccadilly Gardens
this bridge turn right and proceed up the
turn left along this street.
gentle slope to the traffic lights. Turn right
7. Continue alongside the canal, crossing here and Piccadilly Station is at the top of
Chorlton Street, and at the next bridge the rise.
(Minshull Street) change to the right hand At Piccadilly Station to catch trains to
side of the canal and go down the ramp Stockport and Altrincham stay on the main
back on to the tow path to eventually pass concourse but to catch the Metrolink go to
under bridge 92. the right hand side of the concourse and
then descend two levels to the tram station.

24
Find out more about our visitor attractions
on the Mid Cheshire Line, connecting
Chester to Manchester via Northwich,
Knutsford, Altrincham and
Stockport in our...

Marvellous
Days Out on
the Mid Cheshire
Line publication
Inspired by Nicky Thompson’s successful railway poster
artwork, this 36 page full colour booklet is your ideal
companion guide to this rail walks booklet.

AVAILABLE FROM
OUR STAFFED
STATIONS
AND LINESIDE
ATTRACTIONS
DOWNLOADABLE AT
MARVELLOUSDAYSOUT.ORG.UK

25
Stockport
Stockport Town Centre is a short walk from its station
and offers opportunities for interesting urban walks
and a visit to Stockport’s historic landmarks and
museums.
A good starting point is the Heritage Centre inside St
Mary’s Church in the Market Place which is open on
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Further details of the Heritage Centre and its opening
times along with other Stockport attractions can be
found on the Stockport Things to Do page at
www.marvellousdaysout.org.uk
Here is a taste of some of the heritage within the town
and don’t forget to take a look at Stockport’s railway
viaduct. Built in the early 1840’s, it was then the
world’s largest viaduct having used some 11 million
bricks in its construction.

Stockport Infirmary
Built in 1832 to a design by
Richard Lane in the classical
Greek style. There is an
imposing central
pedimented portico, with
four large fluted Doric
columns. Since its closure
as a hospital in the latter
part of the twentieth
century, it has operated as
offices, with only the facade
maintained in its original state.

26
 Stockport
Central Library
Built in 1912-1913 and funded by the
Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, it was
designed by architects Bradshaw, Gass and
Hope in a free “William and Mary” style. It is
built mainly of brick but with extensive use
of white Portland stone for trimmings and
carved details.

Town Hall
Built in 1904-1908 and designed by
Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas, who
based his design mostly on Belfast
City Hall. The hall is built in Portland
stone in a free and exuberant
“William and Mary” style. Its tall,
tiered, central tower is based Market Hall
loosely on the style of Sir
A splendid timber, glass and cast-
Christopher Wren’s City Church
iron Victorian structure built in 1861.
Towers in London and its
The sides of the Hall were originally
appearance has caused the
open and it was known as the “glass
building to be nicknamed “The
umbrella”; the sides were infilled
Wedding Cake”.
with timber in the late 1890s.

27
 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

For further information on exploring Mid Cheshire by train including

downloadable copies of the above booklets visit
www.midcheshirerail.org.uk
www.marvellousdaysout.org.uk
www.amazingwomenbyrail.org.uk

Please contact us if you would like to receive the above publications in larger print.

If you would like to comment on this publication, please contact

our Rail Officer at: railofficer@midcheshirerail.org.uk.