Pub Walks with Chris Morris
Stockport Pub Round Part 3 - Marple to Middlewood

PLEASE REMEMBER: Details accurate at time of writing

The Stockport Pub Round is a series of linked pub walks, along traffic-free nature trails, visiting fine pubs in the process. Continuing from where we finished stage two (Romiley to Marple), stage three takes us along the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals. Both provide an escape to a corridor of tranquillity, and, if you’re lucky, the occasional whiff of nostalgia from coal-fired narrowboats. There are two pub options at the start, one in the middle and two at the end. As with all these walks, they are easily accessible by public transport.

Public Transport Information

Stage three starts in Marple, which has a regular train service from Piccadilly and bus stops for the frequent 383, 384 and 358 services from Stockport. The walk has two finishes, depending on your mode of public transport. For bus users, the 199 at High Lane will take you to Stockport. For train users, the railway station at Middlewood will do the same. As Middlewood is a remote station, services are reduced to every two hours, on average.

The Walk

Part three is straightforward and three miles long. As the route is mainly along canals, the terrain is generally quite flat and the paths are good. All pubs welcome dogs.

For bus users, get off at the bus stop in the centre of Marple, nearest to the Navigation pub. Walking past the pub, our route is to the canal beyond, but if a pre-walk drink or meeting point is required, a visit is recommended. For train users, exit Marple Station to the main road and turn right to walk up the hill. After 300 yards, cross over and turn left to join the canal, with the water on your left. Walk along the Marple lock flight for 600 yards until you reach bridge 18, with the Navigation pub at the top of the steps.

Recently refurbished in a modern style, the Navigation has kept its multi-room layout and pub feel, as well as a warm welcome. Robinsons Unicorn was the cask beer available when I last popped in. Turning right on exiting the pub along the main road, we continue to the canal by turning right onto Lockside and join the canal towpath, with the water on our left. Just after lock 16 we reach the point where the canal forks. Walk over the road bridge and turn right to join the Macclesfield Canal with the water now on our right. After 100 yards the towpath joins a road with the day’s second pub opposite.

Ring O’ Bells - Marple The Ring O’ Bells is a traditional Robinsons local with a traditional multi-room layout, welcoming staff and comfortable surroundings. As well as the food being popular, so too, during the warmer months, is the large outdoor area overlooking the canal. On my last visit, the cask beers were Robinsons Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde.

On exiting the pub, turn left and cross back over the main road to re-join the canal via the impressive snake bridge that spirals down, with the water now on our left. After a mile when we reach bridge 5, there is the option to leave the canal for another pub stop. For this, cross over the bridge and carry on along Barnsfold Road for 500 yards, until you reach the Crown at Hawk Green. This is an upmarket Robinsons gastropub that also welcomes drinkers. Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde were available when I last dropped in. This is also a suitable place to end your walk early, if required, with a bus stop for the 385 located opposite.

Bull’s Head - High Lane Back on the canal, we carry on as before with the water on our left for a further mile, which takes us to High Lane. A few yards past bridge 11, we now leave the canal to the right by walking up the steps to the beer garden of our next pub. With a cosy interior full of rustic charm and a friendly welcome, the Bull’s Head is as popular with locals as it is with visiting walkers. As well as bands regularly playing, food is available, and the pizzas are a big hit. On last inspection, the cask beers on offer were Wadworth 6X, Black Sheep Bitter and Wainwright Gold.

Horse Shoe - High Lane If further refreshment is required, the Horse Shoe nearby has recently been refurbished to a high standard. Other than the odd scatter cushion, the interior remains delightfully pubby, with the cosiness and charm unchanged. A log burner features for the colder months. Robinsons Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde were the cask beers available when I last visited.

For bus users, stops for the 199 service can be found here. For train users, Middlewood Station is half a mile away, with a pleasant stroll through attractive woodland. For this, walk away from the Bulls Head, past the Horse Shoe and, just before you reach the Royal Oak (more on this pub next time), turn left and walk along Middlewood Road. After 300 yards, ignore the turning to the left for High Lane Cricket Club and carry on straight ahead, following the many signs for Middlewood Station. After a further 150 yards, take a right and follow the trail for 200 yards until you join the wide Middlewood Way track. Turn left here and, after 200 yards, the station is under the railway bridge.

For full pub details, including opening times, visit whatpub.com.

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