A walk through Giant's Castle at Quarry Bank
Walk the Western Woods at Quarry Bank, Cheshire and explore ancient semi-natural woodland, the twists and turns of the River Bollin and some of the medieval buildings of Styal
Near to
Quarry BankStart point
Quarry Bank Mill Yard, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4HP. Grid ref: SJ835830.what3words
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Trail route change
Please note that due to safety concerns, Giant's Castle Bridge will close on Monday 16 June. We have prepared two other trails for you to enjoy –see Arthur's Wood Loop and Giant's Castle Viewpoint.
Total stages: 14
Total stages: 14
Start point
Quarry Bank Mill Yard, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4HP. Grid ref: SJ835830.
Stage 1
From Visitor Reception follow the path that leads to the Upper Garden entrance.
Stage 2
Near the garden entrance take the path to your right that runs behind the garden.
Stage 3
Take the path down the hill to your left, the garden's will be on your left-hand side.
Stage 4
Go over Kingfisher Bridge and continue to follow the path. Upon entering the Oxbow, take either path on this circular route to reach the Oxbow Bridge.
Stage 5
As you reach the Oxbow Bridge, cross over and turn left.
Stage 6
Follow the path up and then down the steep flights of steps known as Acorn Steps and continue across the boardwalk.
Stage 7
Cross Giant's Castle Bridge and climb the steep steps.
Stage 8
Walk along the cliff edge, with views back down the river Bollin. Once across the cliff edge you will descend back down into Giant's Castle Woods.
Stage 9
As you walk the path with the river on your left and fields on your right, you will come to a bridge crossing the river. At this point you can either continue straight ahead through the woodlands or take the path to your right which will take you to trail step 12.
Stage 10
If you continue through the woodland area, follow the steep path as it climbs away from the river. You will eventually reach a kissing gate, leave the woodland paths and turn right, following the steep bridleway path up to Manchester Airport perimeter track.
Stage 11
Turn right at the track. On your left is Manchester Airport's runway 2.Follow the stony track for 600m until you reach an old tarmac road. Follow this road for 800m until you reach a vehicle gate.
Stage 12
Once at the vehicle gate turn right onto Altrincham Road, taking care of the traffic as you walk.
Stage 13
Turn right at the sign for Styal Primary School and continue down towards Styal Cross.
Stage 14
At Styal Cross take the path to your left and continue onto Visitor Reception and the carpark.
End point
Visitor Reception is a short walk from the carpark.
Trail map
Quarry Bank Giant's Castle Walk Map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
Kingfisher walk at Quarry Bank
Discover the wider estate at Quarry Bank and see the Apprentice House, Styal Village and the Northern Woods on this circular walk, with lush fields and woodland areas with huge redwoods, rare rhododendrons and folly bridges.
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If you've got some energy to burn, keep your fitness up with these 1km, 2km and 3km routes around Dunham Massey's historic deer park.
A walk to the Lantern at Lyme
Beautiful woodland and wonderful views await you on this self-led walk to Lantern Wood. On a clear day look out for Kinder Scout, the hills of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, Holme Moss and Winter Hill.
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