Monday 27 July 2026 - A Stroll to Dunham Massey

Sue, Jenny, Andy and I set off from Timperley Bridge at 11am and were joined by Paul, Jeanette and Rufus half an hour later at Seamons Bridge. It was a pleasant walk along the Bridgewater Canal towpath, with a wide variety of wild flowers, and ripening blackberries, on this route full of greenery.

A little further on, a pair of swans were minding their two offspring, and a mallard was keeping a close eye on her six, healthy looking, ducklings.

The blue flash of a kingfisher caused a bit of excitement as it was then seen to launch itself from a branch into the canal, emerging with a fish either for itself or its young.

After a while we came to the point where the canal has been closed since 1 January 2025, following a breach caused by heavy rain. The section between Dunham and Agden Bridge is targeted to be reopened by the end of 2026, though a lot of work will be needed to clear vegetation and other debris, as well as making good the breach and installing precautionary hardware to prevent further breaches.

It's amazing how quickly the towpath and its supports have succumbed to the lack of water and maintenance.

The above pictures were taken from the left hand bank, where we assembled on a magnificent bridge that sports a fine view across to the fields of Dunham Massey, as well as disclosing some of the damage on the towpath side.

After passing the C17th corn mill (below) that was converted to a sawmill in 1860, we found our way to some very comfortable seating in the café where we must have spent a good hour or so.

The front of the hall is in a mess at present due to conservation work to the path in front of the house.

From outside the hall, we took the path down Smithy Drive to exit towards Dunham Town.

Soon we were on the field path to the golf course.

We exited from the woodland next to the golf course and made our way via Denzell Gardens and the Devisdale to Altrincham and the easy walk home after I'd relieved Tesco of some ingredients for dinner.

Here's our route - always a pleasure - about 15 km with 100 metres ascent, taking 4 hours plus a lengthy break in the Dunham Massey café.