Thursday 15 October 2015 – Around Dunham

We enjoyed a good turnout for last Thursday’s evening walk, when Paul and Jeanette joined me and Sue, as well as Andrew, for a stroll around the environs of Altrincham. At one point P + J introduced us to the Devisdale Lizard; though it was hidden in a dark copse, they managed to go straight to it.

Torches weren’t needed earlier, as the sun was available….

The walk started from The Swan with Two Nicks in Lower Bollington, from where it’s a pleasant wander into the grounds of Dunham Massey.

After passing the hall we bore right, to the south of Smithy Pool, soon passing a building where the fallow deer take shelter.

After crossing Charcoal Road we wandered onto the golf course. It was dark, so golf balls weren’t a risk. Chester Road was our next obstacle, leading to Denzell Gardens, which despite being open, on this occasion we circumnavigated en route to Devisdale.

Devisdale is effectively a ‘green belt’ of Altrincham. A lovely enclosed meadow.

The route then returns through the golf course, on the far perimeter of which a right turn leads to Oldfield Lane and an enclosed path to Dunham Town.

Dunham Town is home to St Mark’s church, and the excellent Axe and Cleaver hostelry.

We decided to adjourn to the Swan rather than the Axe, so headed up the lane to the Bridgewater Canal and a short towpath meander to the start of our walk and another glass of beer at the Swan.

The recent dry weather means that the towpath is perfectly dry at present. A temporary situation until the winter rains turn it to mud. But up to the Bay Malton, beyond Broadheath, the Bridgewater Way towpath renewal initiative now provides an all year round dry surface all the way from the Bay Malton to both the Barton swing bridge and the centre of Manchester. Hopefully the work will soon continue in the direction of Lymm.

Here’s our route – one of many alternatives – 8km with minimal ascent. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.