Sunday Walk: Buckton Vale, Stalybridge
Overview
A satisfying walk with wonderful views. The walk is at the very bottom of its grade, only meriting a 3 because it involves just over 1,000ft of ascent. It explores the northern section of Stalybridge Country Park, an area known for its wooded valleys, wide open moorland, and the airy summit of Alphin Pike. We begin by leaving the Carrbrook Conservation Area on a contouring track overlooking the Tame Valley and then ascend steadily to the top of Alphin Pike, which at just over 1500ft gives expansive views over the Cheshire Plain. A short ridge then leads us to a gentle descent into a wooded valley and so back to the cars. We will be stopping for lunch en route, so please bring a packed lunch, and you’ll need your walking boots too.
Facilities: Toilets at the pub after the walk.
Location & Itinerary
Grade 3: 5 Miles with 352m/1,162ft of ascent - please refer to the walk grading page HERE which also gives you a list of recommended items to bring with you.
Castle Clough Car Park (Currently Free)
From Mcr get onto the M60 and exit J23, signposted Ashton under Lyne. The configuration of the exit from the M60 depends on which direction you approach from, but whichever direction you do approach from, follow signs to Ashton under Lyne. Very soon after leaving the M60 you see a large church (St Peters) ahead on a large grassy traffic island, opposite the huge Ashton under Lyne police station. From here follow signs for A635 Stalybridge through various junctions for 2 miles to follow a sign for A616 Sheffield here, which is really straight on but the road does bend right. After 0.4 miles turn left at traffic lights signposted Millbrook B6175 and brown tourist sign Stalybridge Country Park. Continue straight on through various junctions for 1.8 miles to a mini-roundabout where you turn right to head uphill on a straight road. Go straight on for 0.4 miles to another mini-roundabout with a standing stone in it, go straight on here, and after 0.1 miles the Castle Clough Car Park (postcode SK15 3NY for SatNav) where we meet, is ahead of you on the left, just beyond Carrbrook Road.
Any problems call Richard on 07740 698432.