Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
Train-based walk
Leader: Martin, meeting at Walk Start
Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform, at Piccadilly station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at Rose Hill Marple station.
Transport to Walk Start: 09:21 train from Manchester Piccadilly (final destination Rose Hill Marple).
Suggested Ticket: Greater Manchester Rail Ranger £8.20 if you return by train from Gatley. System One 1-Day Bus & train £9.40 if you intend to return by bus from Cheadle.
Walk Start: Rose Hill Marple Railway Station at 09:55.
Waypoints: Alan Newton Way, Vernon Park, Woodbank Park, A626, Hillcrest Road, Woodsmoor, Fred Perry Way, Bramhall Park, Ladybrook Valley, Abney Park.
Return Services: 11/11A/312 buses depart Cheadle Village for Stockport every few minutes. Trains from Stockport to Manchester every few minutes. Alternatively, you can self-navigate the one mile down the A560 to Gatley railway station. Trains depart for Manchester at x:14, x:34 & x:38 until 20:14, then 20:38, 21:14, 21:39, 22:05, 22:11, 23:13 & 23:52.
Extra: No toilets at walk start. Toilets en route at Vernon Park and Bramhall Park. Optional pub visit at the end of the walk. If A booking will be made for up to 12 people to eat from the Festive Fayre menu at the Ashlea pub in Cheadle at 1700 on this day - please email Martin via christmas@mwwalkers.org.uk to reserve a place. Please do not bring your dog (apart from registered assistance dogs)
This walk covers relatively easy terrain, but it's quite a long one nonetheless. You will need to be fit enough to maintain a fast pace as we aim to finish by sunset. Please bring a torch in case it is gloomy when we finish.
We visit the sites of five manor houses across the borough of Stockport and look at their changing fortunes., as we see one that is ruined, one that continues as a farm and private residence, one that is in need of TLC and a new custodian, one that lives on as a visitor attraction and one that is now an office block.
The first and last of these sites have connections to the world's best selling novelist.
Bail out options exist where we pass close to local bus routes, and when we pass Woodsmoor station.
