With the weather being quite settled for the next couple of weeks, (at least according to the weather forecasters), here’s a great chance to get out your hiking equipment and try out one of the best walk’s on your doorstep, The Gritstone Trail. Probably one of the finest walks in Cheshire this can be considered a challenging route which now stretches from Disley to Kidsgrove, with some great ridge walks giving you some stunning views across the Cheshire Plain.

The Gritstone has been extended in recent years to include The Mow Cop Trail at its southern end to make it more accessible by public transport. The overall route can now be broken down in to three sections which are all walkable in a day. There are few facilities on the route itself, but there are several (or should that be numerous at certain points) pubs, cafes and shops a short distance off route.

The Northern Section takes you from Disley to Teggs Nose, which is approximately around eleven miles in distance. As the terrain is very hilly, and does contain several long climbs I would allow between six and seven hours for this section; dependant on the time of year as well as having several stiles to contend with, the surface can vary considerably, including both rough and boggy areas

Your journey begins in the picturesque village of Disley, and heads south along Green Lane which gives a great view across Lyme Park. You will see the restored Cage, which was originally built in the 18th Century as a hunting lodge. The trail itself enters the Park via the East Gate, but it is worth a small detour at the top of the hill to see the Bow Stones, which are thought to be the remains of Anglo-Saxon crosses.

The route takes you to the summit of Sponds Hill, which is the highest point on the trail, and also (on a fine day) gives you views both towards Kinder Scout and along the trail itself. Then to Bakestonedale Road, which takes its name from the bakestones manufactured at the local quarries. The bakestones, were used for baking cakes over an open fire. You will see many quarries, active and disused along the trail as gritstone was used extensively for building roads, building and as a roofing material.

Onwards and you reach Harrop Brook which you cross using the packhorse bridge, then you face the steep climb up to White Nancy. This famous landscape was built in 1820 by the Gaskells to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. This folly overlooks Bollington, home to several notable hostelries which are well worth a detour. However the trial follows the narrow ridge of Kerridge which is still quarried.

The last section after coming down from the ridge crosses several meadows, which at the right time of the year will be filled with displays of bluebells and will lead you to Teggs Nose.

So the first section is complete and your hiking gear is still going strong, but if you need some bargains to add to your walking wardrobe check out the website.