THIS WEEK’S FEATURED WALKS:
ALL TRAILS
SEVEN FALLS SHORT WALK, TINTWISTLE
A short walk up to one of Greater Manchester’s (not so) hidden wild swimming spots
Start: Arnfield Fly Fishery, SK13 1HP
Distance: 3.31 miles
Elevation: 575 feet
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Navigation: Follow the route here or download GPX file
Public Transport: Start the walk at Hadfield Station, with a mile walk to the start
The Peak District has a number of famous waterfalls within its boundaries that have become famous to walkers and and visitors to the area. Pretty Padley Gorge has a gentle cascading run of waterfalls along the course of Burbage Brook, Kinder Downfall, with a 30-metre drop is the tallest waterfall in the Peak District, and Three Shires Head, the meeting point of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire is busy all year round.
But what about the less well known waterfalls in the National Park? One such place can be found in Tintwistle, an area north of Glossop on the western edge of the Peak District.
The area is well populated with several reservoirs which are great for walking but just to north of them runs Arnfield Brook which is the source of a series of cascading waterfalls and tranquil pool.
Let's dive in…
Arnfield Reservoir:
Our adventure starts at Arnfield Reservoir, a serene body of water offering a peaceful escape on the outskirts of Tintwistle and Glossop. Please note, parking here is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. Take a moment to soak in the picturesque surroundings, grab yourself a cuppa or scan the restaurant and cafe’s menu for your post-walk treat on your return.
Arnfield Fly Fishery Cafe & Restaurant:
At the start of your hike, you'll encounter Arnfield Fly Cafe & Restaurant, a charming eatery nestled amidst the High Peak countryside. It's the perfect spot to refuel and recharge, with a selection of refreshments and delicious food to satisfy your cravings. Take a break, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and indulge in some delicious Thai food before continuing your journey towards the falls.
Seven Falls Waterfalls
Prepare to have your breath taken away as we arrive at the stunning Seven Falls waterfalls. While their location may no longer be a secret, it’s the perfect spot to cool off on a sunny Mancunian day. So if a wild dip is your ideal weekend pasttime, make sure to pack a cozzy because this is the ultimate wild swimming spot near Manchester.
Extend your adventure
Once you've soaked up the magic of the Seven Falls, consider extending your adventure by exploring some of the other scenic walks in the area.
Bottoms Reservoir: A leisurely stroll around Bottoms Reservoir offers peaceful surroundings and panoramic views. It's a perfect option for those seeking a shorter, more relaxed walk.
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir: For a slightly longer trek, venture to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. This circular route treats you to breathtaking vistas and serene landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those craving more nature immersion.
Bottoms Reservoir to Dovestone Reservoir:
Start at Bottoms Reservoir and follow the trail that leads to Dovestone Reservoir. Take in the beauty of both reservoirs and the picturesque landscapes in between. The round trip is approximately 3.5 miles.
Greenfield Circular Walk:
Begin at Bottoms Reservoir and head east towards Greenfield. Explore the charming village and then return to the reservoir using a different path. This circular walk is about 4 miles in length.
Fancy giving this route ago? Follow along here
WOODFORD CIRCULAR
An atmospheric, short stroll around Woodford’s abandoned Aerodrome
As atmospheric walks go, this one’s certainly up there.
Start: Old Hall Lane
Distance: 2.5 mile circular
Ascension: 50 feet
Pitstops: Notcutts Garden Centre, The Unicorn
Navigation: follow the route here
Call us novices, but until we took a venture around this abandoned Aerodrome in Woodford (near Stockport), we’d never followed a public footpath that meanders through a golf course before.
Aside from watching out for golfers’ swings, we were pleasantly surprised by the mix of urban and natural landscapes — blending into one to create a pretty spooky (but nontheless interesting) trail so close to home.
Woodford Aerodrome first opened just after the First World War and became an important production centre for military aircraft during the Second World War. Notable planes made here include the Arvo Vulcan and the Arvo Lancaster — and most of its remains are still standing, waiting for passersby to explore but for a tiny fence blocking the view.
If you’re looking for one of the best short walks close to Stockport perfect for the whole fam, then a trip to Woodford is always a good shout!
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking. ”
UPHILL CHALLENGES:
WALKS WITH WATERFALLS:
