When stuck in Hollingworth's traffic jam it's easy to demand a bypass at any price, but when the price is Swallow's Wood then it can seem rather high. This secluded valley at the foot of Longdendale, with its tall pinewoods, babbling brook and quiet meadows, is a delightful place. The reserve was once part of the Hollingworth Hall Estate, but now Swallow's Wood is the preferred route of the bypass - so enjoy it while you can.
LOCATION: Five miles east of Hyde
START: Off A628, turn left immediately after Arnfield Reservoir, limited roadside parking on Crossgates Lane. More parking 200 yds back off A628
Grid ref: SK016974 Postcode: SK131NG
DISTANCE: 3.5 miles
GRADE: Easy
TIME: 2 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - Dark Peak Landranger 110
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: Ogden Brook, Devil's Bridge
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News