Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
Due to a train strike on this day, we have this contingency tram based walk. It is mostly easy and flat on well maintained lanes or footpaths, except for a couple of brief ups and downs inside Styal Country Park.
From the starting point at Shadowmoss Metrolink stop, we walk towards industrial historical village Styal. Passing by a thatched Tudor cottage, we then head for Manchester Airport's viewing area before going into Styal Country Park.
Following the River Bollin woodland path, we gradually approach Quarry Bank Mill, which is an internationally significant industrial heritage site and a Grade II listed building, built as a cotton mill by Irish born businessman Samuel Greg in 1784. Greg family descendants continued to own it until 1959, and it is now owned by the National Trust.
After exploring the site and a coffee/toilets break, we return to Moss Nook.
If you are an airplane watcher, it can be exciting as throughout our walk we expect to see aircraft belonging to various airlines frequently flying over our heads at a dramatic low level.
Tram-based walk
Leader: Annie
Ascent: 50 metres
Transport to Walk Start: 09:53 tram from St Peter's Square in central Manchester (final destination Manchester Airport).
Meet Point: At St Peter's Square tram stop. Alternatively, meet the group on the tram or at Shadowmoss tram stop.
Suggested Ticket: Metrolink Zones 1-4 One Day Off-Peak Travelcard £4.90.
Walk Start: Shadowmoss tram stop at 10:40.
Waypoints: Manchester Airport Eastern Link Rd., Wilkins Lane(part of Laureen’s Ride), Styal, Moss Lane, Airport viewing trail, River Bollin Trail, Giant Castle Bridge, Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Cross, Styal Golf Course, Hollin Lane, Nikon’s Farm Shop, Moss Nook.
Return Services: Trams to central Manchester every 12 minutes.
Extra: There is a rail strike on this day, so there are unlikely to be any trains running in the Manchester area. No toilets at walk start. Toilets en route at Styal Country Park. Optional drinks in the end at a fine pub/restaurant called the Tatton Arms in Moss Nook.
Meet at Shadowmoss tram stop
