New Mills is steeped in history, stacked with scenery and, most importantly, stuffed full of cosy country pubs. In short it's the ideal setting for a hike and a pint. On this occasion we'll be stopping at a number of the welcoming watering holes that pepper the town and surrounding hills.
Meeting at the New Mills Heritage Centre from 11am, we'll take in a slice of cake and culture before setting off at 11:30am and ambling on over to the Fox Inn for our first bit of liquid refreshment.
From there it's up to Mellor Cross for expansive views out over Manchester and the High Peak before hiking on to our second and third pit stops, The Oddfellows Arms and The Little Mill at Rowarth.
Then we'll make our way back towards New Mills, stopping at the quaint outdoor Thornsett Brewery en route and, depending how thirsty people are, we can stop for one or two more before heading down through The Torrs Riverside Park, along the impressive Millennium Walkway to our final stop, the Tor Vale Tap inside the riverside mill.
Obviously alcohol isn't mandatory on this little tour. In fact, zero percent beers are pretty good these days and handy for those wishing to drive home later.
Starting point
New Mills Heritage Centre:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JefML3xh18gdbccr8
Toilets and tea room at the start.
Parking
There's free on-street parking on the roads around High Lea Park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B3np9n92ZytdNNVP8?g_st=ac
Public Transport
There's regular trains from Stockport to New Mills Newtown. Just be aware that it's a 15 walk to the Heritage Centre from the station.
Bee Network 358 bus from Stockport:
https://tfgm.com/travel-updates/live-departures/bus/358-stockport
High Peak 61 bus from Buxton:
https://www.highpeakbuses.com/bus-services/61/
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk and in all the pubs.
What to bring
Please bring a packed lunch, water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather and terrain.
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DISCLAIMER
Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!
Here's a guide to the difficult rating:
• Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll.
• Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience.
• Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience.
• Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day.
• Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves.
• Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers.
IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.
