Route description & photos

This is the "Marianne Variation" on Lockdown Walk 1!  There is space for parking on the right hand side of the lane between Longmoss Top (Whirley) and Whirley Hall (SK10 4RL).  From here, walk up the road to the junction beside the Hall.  Turn right into Wrigley Lane.

A short distance up this road, look out for a stile into a field on the left.  At this point, cross the stile, and walk across the public footpath across the back of Whirley Hall estate towards a bluebell wood.  Continue on the lovely path through the wood. emerging out onto lofty field with south-facing views at Highlees.

At the end of this field, bear left onto a well-defined track, following this a short distance to a stile, above you to the right.

Cross the stile and follow the path around the right-hand boundary of the field.  At the bottom, cross another stile and turn right onto a farm track.  This leads out onto a country lane (Birtles Road), onto which you turn right.  Walk a short distance along the lane then turn right into Cross Lane.  Walk along this narrow road to a crossroads, continuing straight ahead onto the track to Fittontown Farm.

At Fittontown Farm, the track ends, but a very pleasant bridleway continues straight ahead through a gate. 

This is a winding path through another bluebell wood, snaking gently downhill emerging onto the Macclesfield-Alderley road. 

Turn right onto the road, and take care with passing traffic on blind bends.  Walk until the junction with Sandy Lane, into which you turn right and follow back into Whirley village, passing a dog grooming business.  Upon reaching Whirley, you will see the tower ahead on Longmoss Top.  Turn right to walk the short distance down the lane back to the parking spot.