Whaley Bridge

 

29th July 2026

 

Whaley Bridge, Horwich End, Shallcross Hall Farm, Taxal, Windgather Rocks, Pyms Chair, Dunge Farm, Kettlehulme, Toddbook Reservoir.

Distance: 11.6 miles

Difficulty: occasional/frequent steep climbs

Weather: Overcast sometimes sunny but always warm

Walkers: Mike Cassini, Mark Enright, Stuart Kitchen, Greg Owens

Leader: Mark Enright, Diarist : Mike Cassini

Starting Point: Tom Crofts car park

Starting Time: 9:40 Finishing time : 2;45

 

This is a well established Wednesday Walk but just for fun we added a few miles prior to moving directly to Taxal to climb to Windgather Rocks. Mark had graciously agreed to lead this week and had a downloaded map, which initially caused confusion as we attempted to leave Whaley Bridge. But we had the unexpected bonus of passing Shallcross Farm, which has now been converted into rather nice holiday lets.

Once we regained the route towards Windgather this was not an indication of our fortune changing. Firstly, as time was running away with us, we decided at about 13:45 to have a drink at the Swan at Kettlehume, only to find the pub closed when on numerous previous occasions it has been open on Wednesday afternoon.

Having dealt with this setback, at Toddbrook Reservoir we found ourselves locked out of civilisation, as ongoing construction on the dam meant no access through to the town . By slipping through a gap in the fence onto the building site we managed to overcome this setback despite the protests of the female security telling us we could not go onsite and the police would be called.

Traumatised, we headed for the nearest decent pub, which Mark suggested was the White Hart. Here, we took refreshment to relax from the rigours of the trip.

Next week we meet at 9:40 am in New Mills Leisure centre SK22 4BP for a leisurely stroll to the Roman Lakes and back along the Peak Forest canal for a meet between 1-1:30 at the Masons Arms.

Happy Wandering!

Higher Poynton

 

Wednesday 22 July 2026

Boars Head (Higher Poynton), Pott Shrigley, Gritstone Trail, Bowstones Gate, Lyme Park & Poynton Marina

WALK DETAILS

Places Visited

Poynton Marina.

Boars Head (Higher Poynton), Pott Shrigley, Gritstone Trail, Bowstones Gate, Lyme Park and Poynton Marina

Distance: 8.54 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Weather: Fine, overcast but warm.

WALKERS

• Cliff Worthington

• Keith Welsh

• Mark Enright

• Russell Spencer

• Simon Williams

ALTERNATIVE WALKERS

Jock with Milly

Leader: Russell Spencer

Diarist: Russell Spencer

STARTING POINT

The Boar's Head

Higher Poynton

Start: 9.40am

Finish: 1.00pm

THIS WEEK'S WALK

This week's Wednesday Wanderers set off from the Boars Head at Higher Poynton for a varied circular walk taking in Pott Shrigley, sections of the Gritstone Trail, Bowstones Gate, Lyme Park and Poynton Marina. Although the morning remained overcast, it was pleasantly warm throughout, making for excellent walking conditions.

The route offered a good mix of woodland paths, open countryside and scenic tracks, with impressive views across the Cheshire and Derbyshire landscape before descending through the beautiful grounds of Lyme Park. The final section alongside  Poynton Marina provided a relaxing finish to another enjoyable Wednesday Wanderers outing.

THIS WEEK'S ROUTE

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/32979820/lyme-park--boars-head-circular?

lat=53.32963&lon=-2.07869&zoom=13.236&overlays=os-obstacles-

layer&style=TopoAuto&type=2d

Next week's walk will be led by Mark, meeting at Tom Brads Croft Car Park, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7LX at 9.40am, returning to The Shepherds Arms, approximately 1,30pm

Happy Wandering!

Hartington

Hartington 

Hartington Circular (North)

Wednesday 15 July 2026

Distance: 8.48 miles

Ascent: 752 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Weather: Cold and cloudy at first, becoming hot and sunny

WALKERS

Andy Blease, Cliff Worthington, Keith Welsh, Russell Spencer

ALTERNATIVE WALKERS

Jock Milly (the dog)

Leader: Russell Spencer

Diarist: Russell Spencer

STARTING POINT

Hartington Square, Buxton, SK17 0AL

Start: 9.40am Finish: 1.30pm

THIS WEEK'S WALK

Four Wednesday Wanderers met in Hartington for a circular walk exploring the countryside to the

north of the village. The day nbegan under cool, cloudy skies, making for comfortable walking, but

by late morning the sunshine had arrived and temperatures rose quickly.

The route followed a pleasant mixture of field paths, quiet lanes and open countryside, with

excellent views across the Derbyshire landscape.

After returning to Hartington, we were joined by Jock and enjoyed a well-earned drink at 

The Devonshire Arms, providing the perfect end to another enjoyable Wednesday Wanderers outing.

Next week meet at Boars Head, Higher Poynton, at 9.40am, returning there approximately 1.30pm.

THIS WEEK'S ROUTE

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/32884132/hartington-circular--north

Happy Wandering!

 

Chapel-en-le-Frith

Chapel-en-le-Frith Circular

Wednesday 8 July 2026

PLACES VISITED

Chapel-en-le-Frith, Dove Holes and Sparrowpit

Distance: 8.59 miles

Ascent: 1,083 ft

Descent: 1,142 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Weather: Fine and sunny

Walkers: Andrew Blease, Mike Cassini, Russell Spencer, Tom Cunliffe, Cliff Worthington and Simon

Williams.

Leader: Tom Cunliffe Diarist: Russell Spencer

Starting point: Miry Meadow Car Park, Chapel-en-le-Frith

Starting time: 9.40am Finishing time: 1.30pm

This Week's Walk.

Six Wednesday Wanderers met at Miry Meadow Car Park for Tom's circular walk around Chapel-en-le-Frith, taking in Dove Holes and Sparrowpit. In fine, sunny weather, the 8.6-mile route climbed steadily onto higher ground before following a mixture of tracks, field paths and quiet

lanes through the surrounding countryside.

The smaller group made for a relaxed and enjoyable walk, with plenty of conversation along theway and some lovely Peak District views. Thanks to Tom for another excellent route.

This Week's Route:

I am having trouble with os maps at the minute!!

I have saved this walk for public consumption. Anyone can follow the route using the OS Maps app, providing they have a registered account (free).

Next week's walk: Hartington, SK17 0AL, 9.40am start.

Happy Wandering!

 

Litton

 

Red Lion Litton

July 1st, 2026

 

LITTON MIRES LANE WARDLOW MIRES PETERS STONE TANSLEY DALE CRESSBROOK DALERAVENSDALE CRESSBROOK HALL MILLERS DALE RAVENSTOR TIDESWELL DALE LITTON DALE 

Distance: 6.79 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate bordering on WHW

Weather: Overcast dry occasionally wet underfoot

 Walkers:Andy Blease , Steve Brearley, Mike Cassini, Tom Cunliffe and Daisy, Hughie Hardiman,Greg Owens, Russell Spencer, Keith Welsh, Simon Williams Cliff Worthington

Alternative walker: Jock Rooney with Milly, Peter Beal 

Leaders: Cassini Diarist: Cassini

Starting point: Red Lion Litton

Starting time: 9:40am. Finishing time: 12.30pm.

When we last attempted this route in January we might have been better off in canoes, well some of us  perhaps!Fortunately, this time all the streams and watercourses were dry, making for a straightforward, pleasant walk through the dales and repeating the route first taken in August 2025.

A detailed and comprehensive blog lists the route and main landmarks and historical details of the area on that walk ; This time a good turnout  and the return of the King of the North and his little princess were able to take  full advantage of the mild dry weather and the gentle descent through Cressbrook and Millers Dale and then back through Tideswell Dale for drinks at the Red Lion.

Towards the last quarter we met up with Jock and Peter who had started an hour after us to complete a similar circular route but due to timings they decided to follow us back to the Pub where birthday boy Keith bought the drinks.Next week King Tom will start a walk in Chapel en le Frith over to the former Wanted Inn and back for refreshments in the Roebuck. Free parking at Miry Meadow car park behind the pub at SK23 9RE meet at 9:40.