Giant's Castle Viewpoint
Explore the Western Woods at Quarry Bank, Cheshire. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the River Bollin, and take in the stunning views from the Morley Path, looking down over the valley and the tree canopy below.
Near to
Quarry BankStart point
Quarry Bank Mill Yard, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4HP. Grid ref: SJ835830.what3words
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Total stages: 13
Total stages: 13
Start point
Quarry Bank Mill Yard, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4HP. Grid ref: SJ835830.
Stage 1
From Visitor Reception follow the path that runs alongside the Apprentice House and across the field. You will reach a gate. Pass through the gate, go across the track and pass through another gate and head towards Styal Cross.
Stage 2
Once at Styal Cross turn left towards Norcliffe Chapel. Do not go through the Lych Gate unless you wish to visit the Chapel; take the field-side path and continue with the Chapel to your right. As you enter Chapel Woods the path will split in two, take the path on the left and continue along the path passing a metal bridge on your right all the way down to the river where you will see Kingfisher Bridge.
Stage 3
Walk over Kingfisher Bridge and follow the river-side path, keep the river on your left hand-side until you reach a fork in the path. Take the right path and continue round until you reach the Oxbow Bridge.
Stage 4
Cross over the bridge and follow the path to the left. You will soon reach a series of stone steps rising up to the top of a hill. These are called Acorn Steps and will take you on your journey through the woodland.
Stage 5
As you reach the top you should continue along the path as is turns to the right and starts to descend down Acorn Steps. At the bottom of the steps continue along the path until you reach a boardwalk. Follow the boardwalk and then continue along the path as it begins to rise gently, before meeting another path.
Stage 6
To admire the tail race of Quarry Bank Mill, take the right-hand path down to Giants Castle.
Stage 7
From this viewing point return back along the path to point 6 but instead of going back into the woodlands follow the path straight on up a gentle slope following the woodland edge. Eventually this path turns slightly right before reaching a wooden foot bridge.
Stage 8
Continue over the foot bridge and follow the path back along the woodland edge towards Bank House Farm.
Stage 9
Continue along the path a further short distance until reaching the public bridgeway.
Stage 10
Turn left and follow the Morley path back down towards Quarry Bank. Keeping the former farm buildings to your left, and please be mindful of private residents. The path curves round the buildings before continuing along an oak lined path. The upper garden will come into view on your left across the valley. The path will continue downhill to the mill meadow on your right.
Stage 11
Enter the meadow and follow the path to the wooden mill meadow bridge, with the mill towering over you to the right.
Stage 12
Cross the Mill Meadow bridge and turn left into the cobbled Mill Yard where will find refreshments and toilet facilities.
Stage 13
Take the mill drive back up a hill to finish your walk at the Visitor Reception.
End point
Visitor Reception is a short walk from the carpark.
Trail map
Giant's Castle Viewpoint | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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