Despite its proximity to Manchester Airport's second runway the River Bollin is still a delightful stroll where we found giant redwoods, wellingtonia and hornbeams all in their autumn finery amongst native beeches, pines and willows. And afterwards we explored the water-powered Quarry Bank Mill, which still produces cotton calico, and enjoyed it so much that the National Trust café had closed when we finished!
LOCATION: North of Wilmslow
START: Styal, off B5166. Quarry Bank Mill NT free car park
Grid ref: SJ835830 Postcode: SK9 4LA
DISTANCE: 5.5 miles
GRADE: Easy, but lots of steps
TIME: 2.5 hours
MAP: Explorer - Wilmslow & Macclesfield Landranger 109
NOTE: www.quarrybankmill.org.uk
REFRESHMENTS: Quarry Bank Mill & Airport Inn
EN ROUTE: Morley, Bollin Valley Way, Redwoods, Wellingtonia, Hornbeam, Beech, Pine, Willow, Bluebells, Ramsons, Wood anemones, Celandines, Kingcups
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News