Bollington - Sponds Hill - Macclesfield Canal - Bollington

Phil and Sue Eptlett

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Starting from Bollington near Macclesfield, this is a walk of varying contrast from peaceful countryside and canal to high moorland with extensive views. Rising out of the town on country paths and lanes, open moorland is reached and a steady walk up to Sponds Hill at over 1,300ft gives views all round. These include across Manchester, Cheshire, the Peak District and beyond. From here it is a steady walk down to pick up the Macclesfield Canal near Pott Shrigley and back to Bollington. It is an exhilarating walk of distinct variety for all to enjoy.

England - North England - Cheshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Church, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife

9/30/2020 - Simon Worrall

Walked September 2020. A very enjoyable walk on a fine sunny day which we did in around 3hrs 45 mins including a 15 min stop for lunch. The first section to WP3 is along roads through the pleasant village of Bollington (passing a couple of nice bakery shops if you need a sandwich). The Gritstone trail is well signposted with regular marker posts so navigation is straightforward. Great 360 degree views on a clear day from the top of Sponds Hill - Shutlingsloe to the south, Manchester Airport and Manchester City Centre to the west and beyond to the coast, Lyme Park to the north and the Peak District to the east. From the farm at Birchencliff (WP13/14) the remainder of the walk is on roads before reaching the canal towpath at WP16. NOTE - Norman's Hall Farm at WP14 has now been redeveloped into luxury housing. NOTE - at the time of writing the car park in Bollington is free (and has toilet facilities although currently closed due to COVID). NOTE - there are a some longer sections along lanes/roads and much of the farmland is used for sheep so not suited to off - lead dog walking particularly during lambing season.

6/8/2020 - mary Howson

Completed this walk in June 2020. A great walk, easy to follow directions and good views from Sponds hill and Dale Head. The walk along the lanes around Pott Shrigley can be a bit hairy until you get onto the tow path back to Bollington.