Route description & photos

Start at the Recreation Ground in Bollington (SK10 5JT).  There is a public car park here, and nearby street parking available.  Depending on the time, you could have a bite to eat from the excellent Indian Goat van before setting off on your walk.  

Follow the path on the right-hand side of the playing fields on the recreation ground, ie on the side of the main road.

Cross the footbridge and ascend the gentle ramp path up to the road.

At the main road, you will now see the aqueduct carrying the Macclesfield Canal.  We will shortly walk across that.

First, cross the road and enter the "Hole in the Wall", leading to a steep flight of steps - the "Heritage Steps".

Climb the steps to emerge on the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal.

Turn left to follow the towpath over the aqueduct towards Clarence Mill, which stand on the opposite bank of the canal.

Look out for the premises of Canalside Radio 102.8 FM, Bollington's own community radio station.  These can be found on the opposite side of the canal, within the enormous Clarence Mill building.

Contnue walking the canal towapth in a northerly direction.

The bridges count down from 25 to 21.

At bridge 21, walk underneath it, and exit on the other side.

Bear NNW and follow the public footpath through farmland.

The footpath passes between two wire fences and is usually rather muddy.

It is, however, only a short section of footpath, and soon you are on the Middlewood Way.

Turn sharp left onto the Middlewood Way to follow it south back to Bollington.

Look out for some interesting wood carvings.

A sign indicates the presence of the Windmill Inn if refreshements are desired.

Look out for alternative footpaths up on both the left and right banks above the main Middlewood Way footpath.  The stay close to the main path and eventually rejoin it, so you may experiement somewhat here.

Continue south along the Middlewood Way until reaching a prominent signpost at the north end of the large viaduct in the centre of Bollington.

It is possible to take some steps down on the left here to lead directly back to the starting point if desired.

The recommended route continues over the viaduct, from which there are some commanding views over Bollington and surrounding area (such as White Nancy, Nab Head and Kerridge Hill).

On the other side of the viaduct, look for the steps leading down and back towards the main road.

At the main road, cross over and turn right to head North East back towards Bollington Town Centre.

At the famous Dog & Partridge pub, turn left onto Adlington Road.

Walk down Adlington Road back to the recreation ground.  The route is complete.