The walk starts and ends on Kerridge Road, just off the B5470 Rainow Road at Higher Hurdsfield. As you leave Macclesfield town centre on the B5470 (signposted to Whaley Bridge), you will soon pass over the canal, and the road then rises uphill to Higher Hurdsfield. Look out for the George and Dragon pub (on the right hand side of the road, burnt out at the time of writing). Shortly after this, Kerridge Road is on the left. For those arriving by car, turn down Kerridge Road and bear right at a junction. The road is wide enough here to allow safe parking.
Get directions to Kerridge Road by public transport or car with Redplanet.
| FACT FILE | |
| Distance: | 5.8 miles (9.4 km) |
| Terrain: | Lanes, footpaths and bridleways. One steep, but short, climb. |
| Access: | Not suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Time: | 2 to 2½ hours |
| Ascent: | 212 metres |
| Maps: | OS Explorer Map 268, OL24 |
| Start: | Higher Hurdsfield. |
| Grid Ref: | SJ 938 751 |
Route Guide
The walk is a circular route, beginning and ending on Kerridge Road. As with any circular route, this walk can be started and finished from any point – for instance in Bollington. This circular walk begins along easy paths and lanes. In Bollington, there is one short climb up a steep lane. Apart from this, the walk is fairly easy. Refreshments are available at the Poachers Inn pub, which you will pass just after halfway round the walk, and at the Bulls Head in Kerridge (which is about three quarters of the way round). Strong shoes or walking boots are essential.
The walk leads you from Higher Hurdsfield to Kerridge. Kerridge stands above Bollington on the western side of Kerridge Hill which is the local landmark. The walk passes along Higher Lane, along which there is a row of beautiful stone cottages which have wonderful views out over the Cheshire plain. Their gardens are a picture, built amongst stone walls and steps.
After Kerridge, the walk leads down to the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal. This takes you past both of the majestic mill buildings: Adelphi and Clarence. The Swindells family made their lasting contribution to the town’s architecture when, with partners the Brooke family, they built Clarence Mill in 1834-38, then Adelphi Mill in 1856, taking full advantage of Macclesfield Canal (newly opened in 1831). These magnificent industrial buildings have now been converted into flats and business units. The Swindells family was a major force in transforming Bollington from an agricultural village of 1,200 people in 1801 to an industrial town of 4,600 people by 1851. After leaving the canal, a steep ascent up a lane is followed by a pleasant stroll along bridleways and footpaths, to return you to Kerridge, and then back to the starting point at Higher Hurdsfield.
Route Details
 |
 |
The route is also available as a plain page.