Best walks from Poynton

Poynton Station to Hazel Grove Station

A mostly on-road route through quiet 20mph residential streets with pavements throughout and light-controlled crossings and plus a section beside Poynton Lake and a short unimproved earth footpath escaping the traffic noise. Passes the Brookside Garden Centre miniature railway. A few shops on Macclesfield Road.

3km.

A final unsignalled crossing where traffic gives way; take care as there are no lights.

Lunch: A few shops on Macclesfield Road mid-route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Poynton Station to Whaley Bridge Station

stunning National Trust Lyme Park. A rapid change from town to country, with a road climb out of Poynton before reaching open Peak District country. The eastern half is characteristic Peak walking with hill views, gorse and sheep pasture, rocky farm tracks and many stiles; the western half is gentler, mostly narrow woodland paths winding through farms and beside streams. A short section of disused railway path and canal towpath and with occasional deep mud around gateways. Passes through the National Trust's Lyme Park. Uses a short section of the Middlewood Way, a disused railway now a multi-use route.

Tough: steep ascents. 11km.

A footpath near Hagg Farm has been closed since 2022 due to a dangerous footbridge and is expected to stay closed until at least June 2026; continue along the Middlewood Way to the next bridge and rejoin via the canal towpath. Two higher-speed road crossings near Lyme Park need care. Stiles and ladder stiles throughout, and watch for nettles. Can be muddy.

Lunch: Lyme Park (National Trust), roughly mid-route, has facilities.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Poynton Station to New Mills Central Station

A delightful walk along canal towpath and through pastures and woods, much of it under tree cover, with farm tracks and stiles and occasional steps. The access to the canal at New Mills is steep. The northern edge of Lyme Park can be visited via a detour. Uses the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals.

Easy: 10km, moderate ascents.

A mixed herd of cattle at Barlow House Farm needs care, especially with dogs. The gate at the Red Lane end of Lyme Park is locked at closing time and may be shut without warning in high winds; check National Trust opening times.

Lunch: Local shops and pubs in Disley mid-route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Bramhall Station to Poynton Station

a surprising view. A good walk between two small towns with a rural bit in the middle: quiet residential roads, a stony path between an oil terminal and house fences, a field path around the base of a hill, the A555 viaduct underpass with kissing gates, a long straight muddy hedged path. The rural section's gates and stiles and paths make it foot-only.

3km.

Kissing gates, stiles and a long muddy path make the rural section foot-only. A couple of short overgrown pinch points. Navigation can be confusing where footpaths between houses are poorly signed.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wilmslow Station to Poynton Station

A good walk with plenty of easily navigated footpath, not much road, some good views, including a long stretch along the river. Unless conditions are exceptionally dry there is a lot of mud and so waterproof boots are essential.

Easy: 10km, gentle ascents.

Construction of the Poynton Relief Road has closed and altered footpaths on the original route; the road crossing as drawn is no longer viable, so a nearby new bridge or a road diversion is needed. Much of the riverside route is very muddy, so waterproof boots are essential.

Lunch: There is an expensive corner store (Budgens) on the A5102 along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route