Middlewood Way
Sensitively reclaimed from a
former railway line to provide a natural attraction for walkers,
cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers. An 11 mile (16km),
traffic-free greenway from Macclesfield to Marple on the Peak Park
fringe with car parking, toilets and information points, with fine
views over the Cheshire Plain to the west.
The Middlewood Way follows the line of the former
Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque
Cheshire countryside and between historic mill towns. For much of
its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield
Canal, and there are many options for easy circular walks. For the
more adventurous, the extensive public footpath network reaches
into the Peak District Foothills to the east and the Cheshire Plain
to the west.
Download the Middlewood Way map &
guide (PDF, 530KB).
25th Anniversary
The 30th of May 2010
marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Middlewood Way. If
you take a visit to our visitors centre in Higher Poynton (See our
Nelson Pit page) you can view our new display showing a
photographic history of the creation/development of this popular
site.
“The importance of our countryside facilities cannot be
underestimated. The Middlewood Way has stood the test of time and
is a great place to go for a walk, a bike ride or a hack on
horseback. Thanks to the Ranger Service the Middlewood Way
continues to provide a home for great wildlife as well as providing
a beautiful countryside destination for our visitors.” said
Councillor Knowles, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.
Access Restrictions
The Middlewood Way is now open from Poynton
Coppice car park to Middlewood Railway Station following
the major surfacing works.
There are some remedial works still to be completed but this
should not require any further major closures. Please do read any
posted notices in this area for information regarding the ongoing
smaller scale works. We are sorry for any
inconvenience caused.
A Brief History
In 1863, the towns of Marple, Bollington and Macclesfield were
facing economic depression. Local dignitaries, in particular the
cotton mill owners of Bollington, hoped that a new railway would
improve their fortunes, and presented a scheme to Parliament. The
Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway opened in 1869. The
line carried cotton, silk, coal and passengers, but always
struggled to make a profit. It was closed in 1970 and redeveloped
for recreation as the Middlewood Way in 1985. The Macclesfield
Canal was completed in 1831, very late for a canal - so late that
it was almost a railway!
Coal from Poynton, stone from Kerridge and hats from Stockport were
some of the cargoes carried. The canal was threatened with closure
in the 1950s. A campaign by pleasure boaters saved it and today the
canal is a popular leisure destination.
Who’s Who?
The Middlewood Way runs between Macclesfield and Stockport. From
Macclesfield to Middlewood Station, the Way is owned and managed by
Cheshire East Council, from Middlewood to Marple by Stockport
Metropolitan Borough Council. The Macclesfield Canal is managed by
British Waterways.
Horseriding
Horseriders can use the Middlewood Way from Bollington viaduct
(Adlington Road) all the way to Rose Hill in Marple, a 7-mile ride.
Recommended horsebox parking is at Jacksons’ Brickworks in Higher
Poynton and Rose Hill in Marple. Riders can expect to meet
pedestrians and cyclists: please do not bring your horse if it is
easily startled and do not ride faster than a trot. To find out
about stables and riding schools, telephone Tourist
Information.
Cycling
The Middlewood Way offers easy and scenic cycling and is popular
for leisure cycling year-round, especially on Sundays. It forms
part of Route 55 of the National Cycle Network: visit
www.sustrans.org for more information.
We ask cyclists to respect the rights of other users. Be aware that
pedestrians may not hear you: use your bell and approach slowly.
Where the Way is separated into two paths, we recommend using the
wider path, which is shared with horseriders. Please give way to
horses, to avoid startling them. Cycling is not allowed on the
canal towpath.
Accessibility
The Middlewood Way is mostly level and wheelchair-accessible. To
help you plan your visit, we have attempted to show on the map (see
map and guide for more info) easy access points and areas of the
Middlewood Way that may be difficult for wheelchairs. If you would
like more detailed information, please telephone the Ranger
Service. (To enquire about the canal towpath, telephone British
Waterways.)
From Macclesfield to Bollington, the Way is hard-surfaced. North
of Bollington, visitors will find various firm, compacted surfaces,
the accessibility of which can be affected by weather. At road
bridges, access is via steps unless otherwise indicated. At car
parks and crossings, our standard entrance is a kissing gate, or
other arrangement, designed to admit conventional wheelchairs. If
you use a larger mobility aid, you may wish to telephone for
advice.
Some additional information on the Middlewood Way can be
found here:
The Marple
Website.