NORTH WEST
06 Marple, Greater Manchester
Distance: 6 miles/9.6km | Time: 4 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 207m
The enchanting Peak Forest Canal puts on a real show at Marple, in the south-east of Greater Manchester. It leaps over the river Goyt on a vast stone aqueduct, one of the wonders of the inland waterways, forges through a fabulous flight of 16 locks, and contours cosily along a hillside terrace, with grand views to the nearby Peak District hills.
This figure-of-eight walk also includes tranquil stretches of the Goyt’s splendid, wooded gorge, rich in industrial heritage.
1. START
Head downhill from Marple Station (or car park) and, beyond the river bridge, turn right along Town Street in Marple Bridge. At the junction (175m), fork right along initially cobbled Low Lea Road, rising over the hill crest to a woodland T-junction in 900m. The footings of the immense Mellor Mill, burnt down in 1892, mark this spot.
2. 0.8 MILES
Bear left along the potholed lane, then fork right along Lakes Road, for Roman Lakes. These huge mill ponds are passed to your left. Stay with the old lane beside the River Goyt beneath the railway viaduct. Reaching the driveway for Strawberry Hill, turn right to cross the exquisite packhorse bridge across the Goyt. Accompany the widening path left and rise past secluded dwellings to the main road.
3. 1.8 MILES
Cross to Plucksbridge Road, rising to the Peak Forest Canal towpath. Turn right (canal on your left) and amble this wildflower-rich contourcanal, with great views to the fringe of the Peak District. Circle back over Bridge 19 and continue in the same direction (canal now right) to the junction with the Macclesfield Canal at Bridge 1. Cross this to descend beside the intriguing, uppermost nine locks of the Marple Flight.
4. 3.5 MILES
At Lock 9, just beyond the converted warehouse, join the main road downhill, shortly passing Marple Station. Opposite Brabyns Brow car park (another 100m), turn left along the tarred lane (Brabyns Park). In 75m, fork right to pass through a small car park. Keep right of the gateway to join the riverside path downstream through Brabyns Park.
5. 4.3 MILES
At the ornate iron bridge (don’t cross), jig left, then turn sharp-right beyond the house on to the continuing riverside path. Near the ultimate parkland corner, turn left below the woods and, in 150m, take the steep path, right, up into the woods. At the next junction in 125m, turn right up steps to the canal towpath below Lock 2. Divert right to Marple Aqueduct (beyond the railway bridge); then turn back along the towpath, rising to reach Lock 9. Turn down the road to the station and car park.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
Marple (not Rose Hill Marple) Railway Station, on the Manchester to Sheffield line (daily trains). Regular daily buses 383/384 from Stockport to Marple Station. Large, free car park 100m downhill from station on right at Brabyns Brow [no barrier, SK6 5DT].
Terrain
Route is mostly gently undulating byways or towpath, with three short, modest climbs and some steps. Not fully accessible to pushchairs or wheelchairs. Dog-friendly.
Map
OS Explorer OL1 covers all but the Marple Aqueduct section.
Eat
There are a variety of cafés and pubs in Marple Bridge.
Stay
Oakfield Lodge Guest House, Marple SK6 7DB. 0161 427 1633, oakfieldlodge.co.uk
