Pub Walks with Chris Morris
Stockport Pub Round Part 2 - Romiley to Marple

PLEASE REMEMBER: Details accurate at time of writing

The Stockport Pub Round is a series of linked pub walks, along traffic-free nature trails, whilst visiting fine pubs in the process. Continuing from where we finished stage one (Stockport to Romiley), stage two takes us to Marple along a picturesque stretch of the Peak Forest Canal. A pub features at the walk start, with a choice of three at the end. As with all these walks, they are easily accessible by public transport.

Public Transport Information

Stage two starts next to Romiley railway station with a regular service from Piccadilly. Close by, we also have bus stops for the frequent 383 and 384 services from Stockport. At the walk finish in Marple, as well as Marple railway station, there are stops for the 383, 384 and 358 buses.

The Walk

Part two is straightforward and three miles long. As the route is mainly along the Peak Forest Canal towpath the terrain is therefore flat, but there are some moderate climbs in places. After wet weather, some of the paths will be muddy, so hiking boots are recommended. All pubs welcome dogs.

Platform One - Romiley Next to Romiley Station, the pub Platform One is perfect for a pre-walk stop. As well as a good range of well-kept cask beers, homemade food is also served, together with a warm welcome in cosy surroundings. The cask beers available on my last visit were Landlord and Boltmaker from Timothy Taylor’s, plus Weetwood’s Cheshire Cat. Dog snacks and water are available in one of the rooms.

We now retrace our steps back to the canal from stage 1. From the pub entrance, on the opposite side of the road, walk along Church Lane passing St Chads Church. At a junction, carry on straight ahead along Chadkirk Road. Ignore Gregory Avenue and bear right. Follow the road downhill, under the canal and to the left. After a few paces, climb up the steep steps to the left, which take us to the canal towpath. Turn right here, walking next to the canal with the water on our left. After a half mile, the towpath leaves the water’s edge as the canal disappears through Hyde Bank Tunnel. Our route is over the canal, under the next bridge, past Hyde Bank Farm and right along the stony road signed Hydebank. When we reach some metal gates spanning the road, take the path to the right, which takes us back down to the canal, with the water on our left, as before.

Norfolk Arms - Marple Bridge After almost half a mile, we come to the walk’s highlight (that isn’t a pub). Completed in 1800, and England’s highest, we now cross over the famous Marple Aqueduct, with the railway’s Marple Viaduct running parallel. It’s quite a sight but, before crossing over, the best view can be found by leaving the towpath to the right, through a gate signposted GM Ringway. Following the steps down to the base of the aqueduct with a view of the railway viaduct through one of the arches – time to get your cameras out! Retracing our steps back up to the canal, we then cross over the aqueduct. At bridge 16 we cross over to the other side of the canal. Carry on along this section of the canal for half a mile until we meet the main road.

Samuel Oldknow - Marple For train users, the route to Marple railway station is left here, walking downhill for 200 yards. Stops for buses 383 and 384 can be found here too. The Norfolk Arms is the recommended pub, found a further 300 yards down the hill in Marple Bridge. This pub is popular with all ages, with a touch of quirkiness, together with the rustic farmhouse interior and an open log fire, giving an appealing charm. The quality offering continues with the food and drink. As well as a number of craft keg, up to five cask beers are available. These were from Marble, Little Critters and Beartown when I was last in, listening to an excellent band. A large covered outdoor space is very popular in warm weather.

Traders - Marple More refreshment and bus stops can be found by carrying on further along the canal to the centre of Marple. After passing the Marple Lock Flight, at bridge 18 we climb the steps to Stockport Road, with stops for buses 383, 384 and 358, plus a further two recommended pubs – the Samuel Oldknow and Traders.

For beer enthusiasts, the Good Beer Guide-listed Samuel Oldknow is a must-visit. As well as a delightfully furnished and welcoming space, beer is king. Six cask beers, plus a further six taps for quality keg and cider, are on offer, with a large selection of European bottles available next to the bar. The cask beers were from Brightside, Northern Monkey, Beartown, Acorn, Lancaster and Little Critters when I last visited. Further seating can be found downstairs, with the bonus of an impressive wood burner.

Traders is a sizeable contemporary bar which focuses heavily on modern beer styles, also featuring in the Good Beer Guide. On my last visit, 15 taps were counted for craft keg and cider, which are all listed on a handy screen. Three cask beers were available as well, from Brew York and Lancaster Brewery.

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