Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
For the first five miles, we will be walking towards the industrial heritage site of Park Bridge and this section is mostly flat. There is then a steady mild ascent up to Hartshead Pike, where there is a Roman origin Grade II listed building at the summit. On a fine day we can have splendid panoramic views of Ashton-under-Lyne, Mossley, Saddleworth, Lees, Oldham, and Manchester in the distance. We then head downhill for Knott Hill. Afterwards, the rest of the walk to Ashton is relatively easy.
Tram-based walk
Leader: Annie
Ascent: 300 metres
Transport to Walk Start: 09:41 tram (final destination Ashton-under-Lyne) from Manchester Piccadilly station.
Meet Point: On the Metrolink platform at Piccadilly Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the tram or at Droylsden.
Suggested Ticket: Metrolink Zones 1-3 Off Peak 1 Day Travelcard £4.30
Walk Start: Droylsden Metrolink stop at 10:00
Waypoints: Audenshaw Railway Cycle Path, Medlock Valley, Daisy Nook, Ashton Greenway, River Medlock, Park Bridge, Alt Hill, Hartshead Pike, Knott Hill.
Return Services: From Ashton-under-Lyne: Trams to central Manchester every 12 minutes
Extra: No toilets at walk start. Toilets en route in Daisy Nook Country Park. Optional after walk drinks at Ash Tree (Wetherspoon) or Old Fire Station or another pub of the group's choice.
