Walks for All - Middlewood Way

Grade: Easy walking
Distance: 4 km / 2½ miles return walk
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Start: Jackson's Brickworks near Poynton | what3words: ///instincts.cubs.takeovers

Map : OS Explorer 268. Postcode for satnav: SK12 1UT
Terrain: Generally level with compacted-stone surface, with slopes on access routes
Barriers: Kissing gates and gaps

The Middlewood Way is a 16km (10 mile) linear route following the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Cheshire East countryside. It provides a relatively level route for all users along its wildlife corridor. At Bollington the route passes high above the river on a viaduct offering views to the hills and mills of the area.

Location: In Cheshire, the Middlewood Way is easily accessible near Poynton to the north or in Bollington to the south. Postcode of Jacksons’ Brickworks for satnav: SK12 1UT.

Parking: There is a car park, accessible for minibuses, at Jacksons’ Brickworks with easy access to the Middlewood Way through the Local Nature Reserve and 3 designated disabled parking bays. Alternatively, park at Nelson Pit visitor centre where 5 designated disabled parking bays are provided. There is a height barrier at the entrance to the car park, though a layby can be used to set down and pick up passangers. In addition, there is is a minibus-accessible carpark at the Clough Bank carpark off Grimshaw Lane in Bollington. At Adlington Road rangers’ office there is minibus-accessible parking, including 2 designated disabled bays, although access from here to the Way is via a long set of steps.

Public transport: Public buses serve Bollington and Nelson Pit visitor centre and there are rail services to Marple.

Toilets: Public toilets (including accessible with a RADAR key) are available at the Adlington Road rangers’ office and Nelson Pit visitor centre.