There is little water and no fall in the quaint village of Waterfall, for it sits high on the limestone plateau. The name refers to the valley below where, in dry weather, the River Hamps vanishes underground beside the old Manifold Railway. But the trains are long gone, for as one workman said "It starts from nowhere and finishes up in the same place", and now the beautiful valley, full of primroses and violets in spring, is frequented only by walkers and cyclists.
LOCATION: Eight miles east of Leek
START: Waterhouses. Turn right off A523 to Manifold Trail pay & display car park, picnic area, toilets Grid ref: SK085501 Postcode: ST103HJ
DISTANCE: 5 miles
GRADE: Moderate
TIME: 2.5 hours
MAP: Outdoor Leisure - White Peak Landranger 119
REFRESHMENTS: Red Lion & Lee Farm Teagarden
EN ROUTE: Manifold Way, Whitfield Lane, Sparrowlee
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News