This Cheshire walk explores Lyme Park and the lanes around Disley. Most of the route is within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park. It visits Lyme Cage prior to leaving the park. It then proceeds along quiet lanes before returning to the park. The Cage dominates the walk as it is rarely out of sight.
Start :Lyme Park car park (SK12 2NR), Grid ref. SJ 962 824
(S/E) Leave Lyme Park car park and walk towards Lyme Hall's entrance.
(1) On reaching the gates to the Hall, climb up the short steep grass path slightly to the left of you (North) following the "North Cheshire Way). Alternatively, you can proceed along the road ahead and take the first path up on your left. Both of these options lead you to a wide ridge with The Cage ahead. Considering you have not climbed very high, the views from this ridge are amazing.(A)
(2) On reaching the Cage, thought to be a high place where the Ladies could watch their gentlemen hunting in the forest, continue walking down in the same direction (North).
(3) Just before the wide path, bear right (North-East) and follow the grass path descending down to the corner of Horse Coppice Reservoir. Keep right close to the wall of what was once a Treatment Works but is now developed as accommodation.
(4)Cross over Bollinhurst Brook with care and keep to the faint footpath ahead.
(5) Bear right (North-East-East) to go through the side gate next to the large gate on the right. Keep on this lane (Red Lane) for around 700 m, no doubt admiring the large houses. Then turn right into a similar lane. (Alternative start)
(6) The lane climbs slightly passing a footpath sign on your left to the church. When the lane turns sharp right, walk straight onto Green Lane passing Bentside. This is a lovely stroll, again with views of the cage high on your right and the ground rising to Black Hill on your left.
Pass Stoneridge Farm with its hopefully amusing warning sign against trespasses. On reaching the end of Green Lane there is a gate leading down to a small stream, then following the path to the gate into a lane.
(7) Turn right. This boulder surfaced sheltered lane can get very wet at times. Descend down to Bollinhurst Bridge.
Then up and on to East Gate Lodge leading back into the park (Around 1.7 Km). Continuing ahead leads you back to the start.
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 236 m - Start: Lyme Park car park
1 : km 0.25 - alt. 257 m - Lyme Hall's entrance
2 : km 0.88 - alt. 260 m - The Cage
3 : km 1.23 - alt. 235 m - Wide path - Grass path descending
4 : km 1.67 - alt. 193 m - Cross over Bollinhurst Brook
5 : km 2.12 - alt. 180 m - Faint footpath - Side gate
6 : km 2.81 - alt. 212 m - Lane
7 : km 4.39 - alt. 264 m - Gate - Lane
S/E : km 6.48 - alt. 236 m - Finish: Lyme Park car park
Useful Information
Start : Lyme Park car park (SK12 2NR), Grid ref. SJ 962 824
Although this walk starts from the Lyme Park car park, you can also join it, as indicated from Disley Village or Railway Station. To reach the junction at Waypoint (6) from Disley Station, climb the path ahead of you from the station. On reaching the lane turn right to the junction. From the village take the lane behind the Rams Head to the same junction. (6)
Parking : Lyme Park is managed by the National Trust with a parking fee for non-members. Also do check the closing time of the park. As a guide, it closes at 6.30 pm in winter and 8.30 pm in the summer.
Terrain : There is no stiles it is dog friendly.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
(A) Considering you have not climbed very high, the views from this ridge are amazing. On your left surrounded by green grass is Woodford British Aerospace, further away Manchester Airport, Stockport and Manchester, with The Beetham Tower the highest residential property in Britain. In good visibility, Alderly Edge, North Wales and The Lakes are also visible. On your right, Kinder Scout with the Downfall dominates the distant skyline.
Reviews and comments
3.3 / 5
Based on 1 review
Clarity of route description 3 / 5
Clarity of route map 3 / 5
Walk interest 4 / 5
Delphinium
Hi BG2,
Thank you for this feedback. I am sorry you encountered such issues... As the author do not reply, could you please give some suggestions to update the description?
Enjoy your walks
BG2
Overall rating :
3.3 / 5
Date of walk : 28/01/23 Clarity of route description : ★★★☆☆ Average Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
The walk directions could do with updating as there have been changes since it was written - even the start of the walk where it describes steps leading up to the house is wrong as they were removed probably 5 years ago. In places it's a bit vague and the map scale not sufficiently detailed to be sure you're going the right way
Most of the walk is easy, but not all of it; crossing Bollinghurst Brook was more difficult than expected - it's described as never a problem - but there is a fair bit of leaping and balancing required, and wading through marsh once you've crossed it
