When: Saturday 10 October, 10:00AM
Where: Whaley Bridge STation
Finish: Disley Station
Distance: 14.3 km / 8.9 miles
Ascent: 1,125 ft / 343 m
Duration: Around 4.5–5 hours with breaks
Parking: Whaley Bridge has a free car park called Canal Street Car Park, if you want to drive and get the train back to your car
Public transport: There’s a 9.20AM train from Manchester
Walk Leaders: Owen (Ailish as the sidekick)
Description: Starting in Whaley Bridge, we’ll head out into the hills for a 14 km linear walk through the countryside and over the moors, eventually finishing at Disley Station.
This is a slightly longer walk than some of our usual community walks, with 1,125 ft of ascent across the route. There’ll be plenty of ups and downs along the way, but we’ll take the challenging climbs at a steady pace, with breaks to catch our breath, have some snacks and enjoy the views.
This walk will cover some of the wide open spaces of Lyme Park as well as the surrounding moorland, a number of wooded areas, disused mine areas and country lanes. The terrain is a mixture of fields, farmland, paths and country lanes with some pretty muddy areas, so boots are recommended. We will likely walk past some cows.
At 14.3 km, you’ll want a reasonable level of walking fitness and to be comfortable spending several hours on your feet. You don’t need to be a super-experienced hiker though – we’ll walk as a group, take our time and make sure nobody gets left behind.
As this is a linear walk, we’ll start and finish in different places, which are handily on the same train line. So have a look and see what's the cheapest ticket to get from where you are. If I was coming from Manchester, I'd probably buy a return to Whaley just to keep it simple.
At the end, there’ll be the option to stick around for a drink at the Ram's head for anyone who wants to.
What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots that can handle mud and uneven ground. A waterproof jacket and warm layers – it’s October, so come prepared for changeable weather! Hat and gloves are a good shout, and waterproof trousers if you have them. Bring around 2L of water, a packed lunch and plenty of snacks to keep you going.
Toilets: Available in cafes in Whaley Bridge, and at the end in Disley. We could pop in at Lyme park towards the end of the walk also.
Vibes: A proper day out, autumn countryside, a bit of a challenge, big views, muddy boots, queer joy and new pals. 🍂🥾🌈
Dogs: Should be kept on leads due to farming moorland.
IMPORTANT - Everyone taking part in any group walk or event does so at their own risk.
By attending a group event you acknowledge that the leaders may not necessarily hold any formal qualifications in relation to outdoor leadership, first aid or medical training.
The group events on the same basis of being a group of friends who go outside together, who invite others to join them on this basis. Event organisers and event hosts assume no responsibility for anyone attending any group event. When you join a walk or other event you attend as a guest, you indicate that you accept these conditions and accept that no legal liability is accepted by the group, group organisers, walk organisers or event hosts in the event of accident or injury, however caused.
Participants are responsible for assessing their own suitability to take part in any walk or event, the safety of themselves and their guests and the suitability of any equipment used. Read the walk description carefully and make sure you think you can manage. Any medical conditions that may affect the participants during the walk must be notified to the walk leader prior to the start of the walk. If you require any medication or otherwise you must have this with you when you join the walk.
PHOTOS - Please note, photography & videography may be in place. Content may be shared by ourselves and third parties for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know on the day of the walk.