The Gritstone Trail in 3 stages using the local train

A three day trail starting at Disley and finishing at Kidsgrove. The route is split to enable either a stopover or return journey from Macclesfield and Congleton. Transport is by rail, starting at Disley Station (possible use of Macclesfield Station and Congleton Station) and terminating at Kidsgrove Station.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 83.70 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,753 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1,816 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 411 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 80 m

Step by step walk

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    Stage 1 of the Gritstone Trail - Disley to Macclesfield

    ↔24.02 km ↗630 m ↘679 m

    The Gritstone Trail runs for 56 km through the Cheshire countryside, west of the Peak District, from Disley to Kidsgrove. This first stage starts at Disley Station, goes through Lime Park and up to the Bow Stones, over Sponds Hill (410m), past Bollington and on to the Saddle of Kerridge (over White Nancy), Tegg's Nose and down to Langley. At this point, this route leaves the trail to drop down to Macclesfield past The Hollins.
    See walk sheet
  2. 2

    Stage 2 of the Gritstone Trail - Macclesfield to Congleton

    ↔28.17 km ↗649 m ↘660 m

    The Gritstone Trail runs for 56 km through the Cheshire countryside, west of the Peak District, from Disley to Kidsgrove. This second stage picks up the trail at Langley, having left Macclesfield and taken the towpath along the Macclesfield Canal to Sutton Hall. From Langley, the route weaves its way over Croker Hill and Wincle Minn, joins the Dale Valley Way and climbs up to The Cloud (343m) before coming off the trail to Congleton.
    See walk sheet
  3. E

    Stage 3 of the Gritstone Trail - Congleton to Kidsgrove

    ↔31.48 km ↗475 m ↘482 m

    The Gritstone Trail runs for 56 km through the Cheshire countryside, west of the Peak District, from Disley to Kidsgrove. This third stage picks up the trail at The Cloud, having left Congleton in a circular route using the Dales Valley Way and the towpath along the Macclesfield Canal to the aqueduct over the River Dale. The route passes Timbersbrook, Nick i' th' Hill, Cheshire's Close, Mow Cop and rejoins the Macclesfield Canal before following the Trent & Mersey Canal into Kidsgrove.
    See walk sheet

Practical information

Apart from good strong boots, comfortable but with ankle protection, take waterproofs and wear gaiters if it's wet. Also very useful is this guide from the Cheshire East Council https://bit.ly/30syBw5

Enjoy the walk, the views, the villages and the pubs. Don't rush but keep an eye on the weather and the time. Plan ahead and have alternative routes if you get into difficulties. Don't leave any rubbish and don't damage the environment. Keep to the Country Code and respect the farmers, vegetation, animals and rivers. Don't take any plants or stones home; take photos (they last longer and you can share them). Say hello to fellow walkers and help anyone who needs it. Take care of yourself and make the most of the moment!

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

Other walks in the area

Walking Stage 1 of the Gritstone Trail - Disley to Macclesfield

Association or club
↔24.02 km ↗+630 m ↘-679 m ◔8h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Disley (Cheshire East)
The Gritstone Trail runs for 56 km through the Cheshire countryside, west of the Peak District, from Disley to Kidsgrove. This first stage starts at Disley Station, goes through Lime Park and up to the Bow Stones, over Sponds Hill (410m), past Bollington and on to the Saddle of Kerridge (over White Nancy), Tegg's Nose and down to Langley. At this point, this route leaves the trail to drop down to Macclesfield past The Hollins.

Walking Disley, the Bowstones and Bramhall

Walker
Disley, the Bowstones and Bramhall
↔21.37 km ↗+241 m ↘-353 m ◔6h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Disley (Cheshire East)
A route around the hills surrounding Lyme Park and finishing with a delightful section of Ladybrook valley to Bramhall. The regular (twice hourly) between the train stations makes this a viable point-to-point walk.

Walking Black Rocks & Bollinhurst Reservoir from Disley

Walker
↔8.01 km ↗+225 m ↘-227 m ◔2h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Disley (Cheshire East)
This is a nice short walk offering wonderful views. The seasonal colour changes of the countryside make this Cheshire walk worth repeating during the year. The route starts from Disley and climbs onto Black Rocks offering some great views.

Walking Lyme Park

Association or club
↔8.43 km ↗+116 m ↘-122 m ◔2h 45 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Stockport (Greater Manchester)
Lyme Park is administered by the National Trust. The grounds are free to enter on foot, but a fee must be paid to enter the house.

Walking Jackson’s Brickworks

Association or club
↔4.41 km ↗+33 m ↘-33 m ◔1h 20 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Stockport (Greater Manchester)
A surprisingly varied route visiting a former industrial site now converted to a popular nature reserve, and sampling both the Macclesfield Canal and Middlewood Way.

Walking Two Canal

Association or club
↔6.97 km ↗+88 m ↘-87 m ◔2h 15 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Stockport (Greater Manchester)
Sample both the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals, returning via Disley Golf Course.

Walking The Disley Lanes from Lyme Park

Walker
↔6.48 km ↗+126 m ↘-119 m ◔2h 15 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Kettleshulme and Lyme Handley (Cheshire East)
This Cheshire walk explores Lyme Park and the lanes around Disley. Most of the route is within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park. It visits Lyme Cage prior to leaving the park. It then proceeds along quiet lanes before returning to the park. The Cage dominates the walk as it is rarely out of sight.

Walking Dale Top (Park Moor) from Lyme Park

Walker
↔10.01 km ↗+267 m ↘-267 m ◔3h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Kettleshulme and Lyme Handley (Cheshire East)
Lyme Park in Cheshire is popular with visitors yet this walk explores quiet paths and tracks to the south of the Country Park. Navigation is generally easy and the reward for your efforts are some fine views.

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