THE ROMAN LAKES, SK

A short but scenic stroll around Stockport’s industrial history and hidden wildlife

Start: Roman Lakes, Marple, SK6 7HB

Distance: 5.2 miles

Duration: 2 hours

Facilities: Carpark, Toilets, Tea Room

Navigation: follow the route here

Tucked away down a quiet country lane in the picturesque Goyt valley, this circular walk takes you through a forgotten part of Stockport’s history.

In recent years, archeological work has been underway and transformed the spaces surrounding into a time gone-by, offering ample opportunity to explore with both easy and demanding routes on offer through the surrounding woodland and bridleways.

The Roman Lakes has a rich heritage stretching back to the 18th century. Excavated by the Mellor Archeological Trust, the newly unearthed sites allow you to walk around the remains of the mighty Mellor Mill — a place which, at its peak, employed more than 550 people.

Built by known industrialist Samuel Oldknow, it was the largest cotton mill in the world when it was completed in 1793, with an undeground tunnel network that connected millworkers to their nearby homes.

With gardens, lakes and woodland every way you turn, the manmade lakes you see today were originally millponds formed by diverting the River Goyt.

In 1892, the mill was destroyed by fire and the surrounding beauty spots were turned into a pleasure park with rowing boats, a dance hall and amusements that attracted thousands of people from the surrounding towns and villages — a far cry from the quiet spot we see today.

Today, the lakes are used for fishing and canoeing, while the surrounding valley provides a walker’s paradise — with the option to follow all types of distances and difficulties around the surrounding trails and bridleways.

Fancy learning a bit more about the area? Free history and nature trail leaflets are available from the tearoom — a perfect place to stop off an soak up Stockport’s history.