GM Ringway 8 Broadbtm - Greenfld + Black Chew Hd

by Andrew Read
1 year ago
Near Tameside, GB

15 views

Stage 8 of the GM Ringway, the new long-distance trail for Greater Manchester is an adventurous route that ventures high into the Dark Peak. With its spectacular scenery, it has a feel of the Scottish Highlands in places. This even tougher variant includes an extension to Black Chew Head, the highest point in Greater Manchester.

Highlights include:
- Two lovely old lanes, with panoramic views across the Etherow and Longdendale valleys
- A ancient-seeming track that climbs into the Peak District National Park via an old stone bridge
- A brief trackless section through the appropriately named 'Wilderness' – the highest point of the entire GM Ringway trail
- Breathtaking views over Saddleworth's Chew Valley
- A leisurely finish via Chew Piece Plantation, the only remaining area of long-standing deciduous woodland near Dove Stones Reservoir.

The route, which is suitable for experienced walkers with good mapreading and navigation skills, requires good visibility. It includes a considerable amount of ascent (613 m / 2011 ft) and descent and crosses high ground, including some rough, trackless terrain. Parts of the route are likely to be muddy or boggy depending on the season.

There are no facilities until the end of the route, but an optional (and pretty) diversion is shown at the start of the route that includes the cafe, farm shop and toilets at Lymefield Garden Centre near Broadbottom.