Walk To The Pub - Gee Cross Circular
Pub Walks with Chris Morris
Gee Cross Circular
PLEASE REMEMBER: Details accurate at time of writing
Located at a height of 800 feet, near the top of Werneth Low, there can’t be many pubs in Greater Manchester with a better view than the Hare & Hounds. The 180-degree view of East Manchester and the surrounding hills is a big pull for customers, and the food is very popular. On a windy day, you’ll be glad of the welcoming and inviting interior with low ceilings, oak beams, exposed timbers and bespoke furniture. On my last visit, the cask beers were Black Sheep Best Bitter and Greene King IPA. A further two cask beers are often available during peak times.
Bus Information
This walk uses the 330 bus route, which runs between Stockport and Ashton. During the day, services run every 12 minutes, with evening services running every 30 mins. The bus also passes through Bredbury, Woodley, Hyde and Dukinfield. For timetable information, visit tfgm.com.
The Walk
This is a two-mile walk with a long, steep climb of 380 feet. It will probably be very muddy at the start after wet weather, so walking boots or Wellington boots are recommended. The OS Explorer map is 277 Manchester & Salford (OS app also available).
We need to exit the 330 bus on Stockport Road, at the stop opposite the Joshua Bradley pub. If you have time, I would recommend a pre-walk visit for a drink or food.
Named after a former mayor of Hyde, the Joshua Bradley is a grand pub that is popular with diners, but also caters for those just wanting a drink. The handsome and comfortable interior features high ceilings and impressive wooden fixtures, with a thoughtful arrangement of mixed seating styles, sure to suit all preferences. Owned by Hydes Brewery, up to four cask beers are available which, on my last visit, were Original and Dark Ruby, plus Black Ale and Flash Banger from their Ralf+Alf range.
On exiting the pub to begin our walk, we need to return to the main road. When looking at the front of the pub from the road, our route is left, along the pavement for a few steps, then right, through the stile next to the stone wall. Follow the path down to the woodland, which reaches a stream. This is the part that can get muddy.
We cross over the stream and follow the same trail up on the other side. With the Joshua Bradley behind us, walk through the remaining woodland, parallel to the stream for 200 yards, until you reach a gate and stile. Carry on straight ahead and after 100 yards we reach another gate with a farmhouse to the right. Our route is through the stone stile and continuing in the same direction as before, through the narrow path between a dry-stone wall and a hedge.
After exiting the small gate into a field, our route is up the hill to a large tree, again in the same direction as before. Passing through a kissing-gate, we bear right and carry on up the hill, keeping the fence on our right. Carry straight on through the next field and through a kissing-gate to a track. Turn right here and then immediately left to continue up the hill, signposted to Broadbottom. At this point we are being rewarded with a superb view of Tameside and beyond. Passing between two buildings, we continue straight up the hill for 300 yards until we reach Werneth Low Road, running across our path. Take the track to the left now, just before the road, signposted to Broadbottom. Follow this path for 500 yards until you reach the Hare and Hounds.
After exiting the pub, we now retrace our steps back down the hill as far as the farmhouse. After exiting the narrow path between the hedge and dry-stone wall at the Bowlacre Farm gate, we now turn right along a residential street, Bowlacre Road. Follow this for 400 yards, whilst admiring the mansions, until you reach Stockport Road. The 330 bus back can be found 100 yards to the left, but for more refreshment we turn right. After a short walk, we pass the Cheshire Cheese, but unfortunately they have recently stopped selling cask beer. However, rich rewards can be found 300 yards further up Stockport Road at the micropub 3 Drinks Behind.
Located at the former premises of the excellent Jake’s of Gee Cross, this new establishment continues with the same warm welcome and high standards as before. An impressively stocked bar awaits, with up to four cask beers available, with German and craft beers plus cider on keg. On last inspection, the cask beers were Bright Lights and Kerala from Distant Hills, with Créme Bearlee and the house beer, 3 Bears Behind, from Beartown Brewery. There is also an extensive wine and gin list.