Southern Woods walk at Quarry Bank
The Southern Woods provide a great opportunity to explore the wider estate at Quarry Bank and to watch the river twist and turn and make its way to the mill. There are also some hidden gems... take a look at the mill pond and weir. It is a perfect walk for all the family and don't forget to bring your canine friend.
Total steps: 10
Total steps: 10
Start point
Quarry Bank Mill Yard, SK9 4HP
Step 1
From the mill yard, follow the sign to the Southern Woods.
Step 2
On your right you soon see sluice gates to control the flow of water and then a children's playground. After a few minutes, past the mill pond, you can make a diversion to your right to get a better view. Return to the main path to continue the walk.
Step 3
A couple of minutes later notice the quarry on your left. Parts of the mill were built from stone that was quarried here. Look closely for marks made by the masons' picks.
Step 4
The path soon rises to cross Heron's Pool Bridge, and continues through an extensive wet area.
Step 5
Continue along the low laying path. During April and May the steep woodland bank is carpeted with bluebells. Please don't pick the bluebells or walk amongst them, caring for this habitat means the flowers will return year after year.
Step 6
At the path junction marked by a large boulder, bear right.
Step 7
Just before the footbridge, turn left uphill.
Step 8
Turn left again at the kissing gate. To the right of the bridge, the rivers Dean and Bollin combine. Cross the field and fork right, uphill to a steel gate and walk across the fields towards the mill. This route was used by mill apprentices, to walk from the Apprentice House to the parish church in Wilmslow.
Step 9
Across the fields to the left is a stone obelisk, which is due south from an observatory that once stood in Quarry Bank garden. It allowed the mill owner to use the sun to set his clocks.
Step 10
At the end of the path, turn left after two kissing gates and pass a pool on your right. In the event of a fire, water would be pumped from the reservoir to the mill. Fire was a constant threat in the hot and dusty mills. Fortunately fires at Quarry Bank seem to have been rare and small. Follow the path into the mill yard.
End point
Quarry Bank Mill Yard, SK9 4HP.
Trail map
More near here
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.
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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