Walk 6: A linear walk along the Southern Boundary

Start: in Newtown at the junction of Albion Road (A6015) and Buxton Road (A6)

Finish: Disley Railway Station/Ram’s Head Inn, Disley

Distance: about 11km / 7 miles

Time: about 3 ½ hours

Terrain: stiles, some steps, some uneven ground

Download: Walk 6: A linear walk along the Southern Boundary

From the main junction head south down Woodbourne Road and continue along the footpath (35) to reach Redmoor Lane (34) after 200 metres. After another 500 metres you reach Redmoor Farm, turn sharp left just past the farm (33). Keep to the left of the first field, aim for the stile in the middle of the next field (WB94) and then leave the third field at the SE corner.

Here turn right (WB5) and the path bends round to the left past a recent barn conversion and becomes a track that meets a junction with Diglee Road.  Turn sharp right (WB6) to reach Whaley Lane.  Go left along the road for 380 metres, then take the footpath on your right (WB17) and keep straight on after 240 metres.  After another 140 metres the path swings sharp right and you will see The Dipping Stone 50 metres further on.

The Dipping Stone is the base of an ancient cross.  It is thought to have been later used by travellers to dip coins into vinegar to guard against the spread of infection during the Plague.  The money would then be used to purchase food and goods.

Return to the path and follow it west (57).  At the crossing of paths turn right along the track (56) and onto the driveway of High Peak School (formerly the Moorside Hotel).  Cross the road at the end onto the driveway to Cock Knoll Farm (51).  In the farmyard the path continues through a gate and heads north.  Upon reaching a group of trees, turn left through a gate (LH29). After 530 metres you reach a track (LH28) where you turn right.  Cross Bollinhurst Bridge by the wooden side path and there is shortly a 5-way junction of paths.

Take the sharp left path (24) and pass by Bollinhurst Reservoir on your left, eventually reaching a farm road. Turn right (N) along the road (22) and follow this for some distance to another road, Green Lane, (28) and turn left.

Keep left at the next junction opposite the Old Vicarage and turn right soon after to descend the steep road, Red Lane.  At the tight bend, either pass through the gap in the fence on the left to descend the steep steps to Disley Railway Station or continue down Red Lane to emerge beside the Ram’s Head pub in the centre of Disley.