Manchester Weekend Walkers

Train based walk

Leader: Jude

Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform at Manchester Piccadilly Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at Grindleford railway station.

As this train is ALWAYS busy, please board as soon as it arrives in the station in order to obtain a seat

Transport to Walk Start: 09:48 train from Manchester Piccadilly (final destination Sheffield).

Suggested Ticket: Off Peak Grindleford Return £15.70, or Wayfarer £17.40 which also covers trams and buses.

Walk Start: Grindleford railway station at 10:50

Return Services: From Hathersage xx:32

Waypoints: Bolehill Quarry, Padley Gorge, Longshaw Lodge, Burbage Bridge, Higger Tor, Upper Burbage Bridge, Stanage Edge, North Lees Farm, Hathersage

Extra: No toilets at walk start. Toilets (and optional ice cream) at National Trust Longshaw Lodge. Optional drinks at the end of the walk. Please do not bring your dog (apart from assistance dogs)

Saturday, 25 July 2026
Start time: 10:50 am
Estimated finish time: 5:00 pm
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 17.7km / 11.0mi
Ascent: 475m / 1558ft
Type: linear

Lots of variety and great views on this day out in the Peak District.

There’s the picturesque woodland of Padley Gorge, epic Stanage Edge, farmland, moorland, and the grounds of National Trust Longshaw Estate.

Various ascents and descents, a very boggy stretch, and a short clamber up over rocks at one point.

Please bring enough food and water to sustain yourself for the whole walk and wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Train Based Walk

Leader: Jo H / John I

Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform at Piccadilly Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at New Mills Central station

Transport to Walk Start: 12:18 train from Manchester Piccadilly to New Mills Central

Suggested Ticket: Off-Peak Day Return to New Mills Central £9.80

Walk Start: New Mills Central station at 13:00

Waypoints: Goyt Way, Ballbeard, Birch Vale, Bate Mill, Tanpits, Whitle, Shaw Moor, Hague Bar, Mouseley Bottom

Return Services: 16:34, 17:01, 17:34, 18:01

Extra: There are no toilets at the start of the walk. Optional drinks at the end of the walk. Please do not bring your dog (apart from assistance dogs).

Saturday, 25 July 2026
Start time: 1:00 pm
Estimated finish time: 4:30 pm
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Ascent: 250m / 820ft
Type: circular

A circular walk around the countryside surrounding New Mills

Tracks and field paths with a couple of gradual ascents.

There will be no lunch stop on this walk, but bring a snack!

TRAIN BASED WALK

Leader: Mark M

Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers, or on the platform at Manchester Victoria Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train, or at the Walk Start at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station.

Transport to Walk Start: 08:15 train from Manchester Victoria to Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Suggested Ticket: Off-Peak Day Return to Horton-in-Ribblesdale £25.80

Walk Start: At Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station at 10:30 noon

Waypoints: Long Lane, Helwith Bridge, Stainforth Force, Catrigg Force, Jubilee Cave, Attermire Cave, Settle

Return Services: 18:21

Extra: Toilets at walk start. Toilets at walk end. Optional drinks at the end of the walk. Please do not bring your dog (apart from assistance dogs).

Saturday, 22 August 2026
Start time: 10:30 am
Estimated finish time: 4:30 pm
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 17.7km / 11.0mi
Ascent: 550m / 1804ft
Type: linear
A beautiful, linear 11 mile walk making use of the Settle to Carlisle railway (celebrating its 150th anniversary this year). During the walk, we will see waterfalls, caves and other geological features typical of limestone country. We criss-cross the Ribble and its valley a couple of times, affording us gorgeous views.

There is a very narrow section at Catrigg Force and walkers must be extra vigilant when viewing the waterfall, especially if it's rainy.

We climb over a handful of stiles and follow some country lanes. We also cross or briefly follow the B6479, which can be a fast road and does not have crossings in some parts. Visibility is good though and there's plenty of space on the grass verges for single file walking.

The terrain is generally well-marked footpaths, tracks and some sections on roads. Walking boots are advised.

Bring sun cream, waterproofs, packed lunch and plenty of water.

We plan to have refreshments at the Refreshments Garden (fully licenced) at Victoria Hall before taking the return train at 18:21