A woodland walk around Alderley Edge
Easy
3 hours
7.2km
What is covered in this article?
- Where is Alderley Edge?
- Why this route?
- Travelling to Alderley Edge
- Facilities
- What kit will I need?
- How difficult is this route?
- Route description
- Where’s good for food and drink?
Where is Alderley Edge?
Alderley Edge is a small village in Cheshire well known for its expensive houses and falling inside Cheshire’s Golden Triangle. Located just 6 miles from Macclesfield there are several cafes and designer shops as well as bars and pubs to visit.
Why this route?
Alderley has much more than expensive houses and fancy shops – venture out and experience this woodland walk and you will not be disappointed. This route links up with the Wizard Wander walk – an easy circular walk taking up to an hour exploring mining remains and learning about the popular legend of Alderley.
Travelling to Alderley Edge
Travelling by car use B5087, Macclesfield Road which is 1½ miles (2.4km) east of Alderley Edge village.
Trains run regularly from Manchester, Stockport and Crewe Monday – Saturday and less frequently on a Sunday.
The Cheshire Cycleway (National Cycle Network Regional Route 7) passes within 1 mile (1.6km) of the start of this walk.
Facilities
The local Waitrose in the village has toilet facilities, following that the next toilet availability is in the National Trust car park at the start of the Wizard Wander. These public toilets open at 9:00am and remain open until the car park closes.
Obviously the village caters for any pack lunch requirements with a Waitrose and a Tesco Express. There is also a cafe next to the National Trust car park at the start of the Wizard Walk.
What kit will I need?
This walk is fairly short and follows clear footpaths throughout the route. Walking boots are always a good shout whenever venturing into the hills. A day-pack with any additional clothing and refreshments is also advisable.
How difficult is this route?
The route is fairly easy to complete. Depending on your fitness levels this walk is easily achievable within 3.5 – 4 hours.
Route Description
- From the railway station turn left towards Alderley village, continue along Congleton Road until Nether Alderley Primary School.
- Turn left onto a bridleway up Bradford Lane. Shortly the road forks, take the left and continue straight ahead until you reach a road just after Bradford Lodge Cottages. Turn left up to Macclesfield Road.
Wizard Walk
- Take care crossing this sometimes-busy road, then climb the stile which leads towards the National Trust car park and bear left.
- Go through the squeeze stile onto the Wizard Walk.
- Continue on the path, with Engine Vein on your right. When the paths cross, continue straight on towards Armada Beacon. Take the left-hand path past the beacon and, following the stone wall, turn left at the bottom.
Castle Rock
- Take the steps up on your left to walk along the ‘top’ of the Edge. Continue onwards with a field on your left until you reach Castle Rock. There’s a sheer drop here, so take care.
- From Castle Rock head towards the road, but after a few yards take a sharp turn right. This will take you down a short set of steps; turn left at the bottom and follow the path until it forks.
- Take the left-hand fork and continue for a short way, passing through an exit/entrance. Turn right through the second exit/entrance at the other end of the path onto Woodbrook Road. This steep, rough road will lead you down to a T-junction where it joins Trafford Road. Turn right here, going over the crossroads with Mottram Road until you reach another T-junction.
- Turn left here, up towards the A34. The Alderley Edge railway station car park is on the other side of the road.
Where’s good for food and drink?
There are several places that are good for food and drink in Alderley Edge village. The Botanist Bar & Restaurant is always popular as is The Bubble Room. If you are simply after a quick drink following your walk look no further than De Trafford Arms.
