Quarry Bank – Walks for All

Situated in the grounds of Quarry Bank on the National Trust’s Styal Estate this walk follows the river from the mill to the point at which the rivers Dean and Bollin combine at Twinnies Bridge. The route passes the millpond, crosses Heron’s Pool Bridge and continues on through a carr, an area of wet woodland. The river floodplain provides good conditions for many rare plants, insects and invertebrates including ancient species of snails. In spring the woodland is carpeted with bluebells and other rare wild flowers.

DISTANCE: Approximately 2.6km (1 2/3 miles) there and back.

TIME: Approximately 1 hour. 

SURFACE: The surface varies from cobblestones to metalled to earth with exposed tree roots, which becomes muddy and slippery in wet weather. The path is about 1m (1yd) in width. Heron’s Pool Bridge is made of decking with gaps of up to 3cm (1”) between slats. 

GRADIENTS: The route is undulating and steep in places: there is a 25m (27yds) section of 15% (1:6), one of 50m (55yds) unsurfaced section of 14.7% (1:6) gradient, and the same length of surfaced path at 12.5% (1:8). Heron’s Bridge is set with a slope of 9.7% (1:10) over decking. In places there is a crossslope to the path of 16.7% (1:6).

Full Address: Quarry Bank , Styal , Wilmslow , Cheshire , SK9 4LA

Other info: