Rail trail in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, England From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Middlewood Way is a 10-mile (16 km)[1] shared-use path in north-west England, between Macclesfield and Rose Hill, Marple; it was opened on 30 May 1985 by Dr David Bellamy.[2] It serves the needs of walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, joggers and horse riders, playing host to a wide range of flora and fauna. The management of the length of the Middlewood Way is shared between Cheshire East Council's Countryside Ranger Service and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.[1]
| Middlewood Way | |
|---|---|
A typical view of the Middlewood Way from the Marple-Bollington section, with separate tracks for walkers and horses | |
| Length | 10 mi (16 km) |
| Location | Greater Manchester and Cheshire, England |
| Trailheads | Rose Hill, Marple – Macclesfield |
| Use | Walking, hiking, running, cycling and horseriding |
The Middlewood Way follows the route of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple railway, which had operated between 1869 and 1970. This section of railway connected Macclesfield and Rose Hill Marple, with trains continuing on to Manchester London Road.[3] The railway played a significant role in transporting goods, particularly cotton and coal, and provided passenger services connecting Macclesfield to Marple.
Initially, there were five stations on the line: Marple (Rose Hill), High Lane, Higher Poynton, Bollington and Macclesfield.[3] In 1879, a new station was opened at Middlewood; it was later renamed Middlewood Higher where the line crossed over Middlewood Lower station on the Buxton line.[4]
On 5 January 1970, the section between Rose Hill Marple and Macclesfield closed to all traffic, as part of the Beeching cuts which targeted underused railways across the UK and the track was lifted in early 1971. Only Rose Hill Marple station remained in operation, due to the high number of passengers commuting to Manchester Piccadilly; the station is now a single-tracked terminus for a spur off the Hope Valley Line.[3]
Recognising the potential for recreational use, Cheshire County Council converted the disused railway line into the Middlewood Way in 1985, creating a green corridor that preserved the area's natural and industrial heritage.[5]
The path runs approximately parallel to the Macclesfield Canal and passes through Bollington and Higher Poynton. It can be reached by rail at Macclesfield, Middlewood, Rose Hill Marple and Romiley, via the Goyt Valley Connect 2 scheme.[6]
The trail forms part of National Cycle Network Route 55 from Ironbridge to Preston.[7]
Key access points and features along the route include:[6]
The route is mostly flat, making it suitable for users of varying abilities. It traverses woodlands, meadows, and farmland, providing a peaceful escape and opportunities to enjoy local wildlife.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Middlewood Way is a reminder of the region’s industrial past. Structures such as old railway bridges, station buildings and remnants of sidings can be seen along the route, adding a historical dimension to its appeal. The trail passes through Bollington, nicknamed Happy Valley, which is known for its rich textile heritage.[6]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.