Walk To The Pub - Compstall Circular
Pub Walks with Chris Morris
Compstall Circular
PLEASE REMEMBER: Details accurate at time of writing
The restrictions over the last 18 months have made us cherish the things that we once took for granted. Whilst drinking in pubs is one we can all agree on, another has been the freedom to explore open spaces in the great outdoors. It makes sense then to combine them both. The very best country walks will always include a pub!
This walk is from the village of Compstall. Located between Romiley and Marple, the village was built by George Andrew in the 1820s for his mill workers. Much of the original mill cottages remain unchanged which leaves this delightful village full of character. The first part of the walk is through Etherow Country Park, one of Britain’s first country parks. The park is a popular local tourist destination featuring scenic lakes, beautiful woodland and a number of excellent nature trails to explore.
Andrew Arms
At the end of this walk you’ll want a friendly and welcoming pub in which to refresh and recharge. The Andrew Arms is a comfortable 19th century Robinsons pub which doesn’t disappoint, being walker and dog friendly and offering excellent home-cooked meals and good cask beer. On my last visit, these were Robinsons Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde, both in good condition. Free wifi is available and the beer garden at the rear is well worth seeking out when the weather allows. Opening times are noon to 11pm Wednesday to Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Mealtimes are noon to 8pm Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, noon to 6pm on Sundays.
Bus Information
The 383 and 384 buses run from Stockport to Compstall via Bredbury, Romiley, Marple and Offerton. The 383 runs anti-clockwise and the 384 clockwise. Both services run every 20 minutes in the day and every hour in the evening, with Sunday and Bank Holidays slightly less frequent. For full timetable information visit tfgm.com.
The Walk
This is a moderate two-mile walk with some stiles and one long climb. The paths are mainly good throughout with just one narrow section offering a little challenge. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The OS Explorer map is OL1 The Peak District (OS app also available).
The walk starts and finishes at Compstall Post Office. Buses stop nearby on both sides of Compstall Road. Use the traffic island to cross over if getting off the 383 bus. From the Post Office, continue further along George Street and then turn right into the Etherow Country Park Car Park.
To the left, you will find public toilets and a café next to the lake. Take the wide path between the cafe and lake keeping the water on your right at all times. After passing a little garden centre, the path becomes wider before joining a tarmacked lane to the right. Carry on along the lane for half a mile until you reach a house in a clearing in the woods.
At this point, you might be able to hear the sound of rushing water. This is Etherow Park weir, which is recommended, viewing ahead and to the right. Our route, though, is to take the path to the left signed to Hirst Cottage. This is where the hill climbing starts. We pass more public toilets on the left and the house on our right.
The path then bends to the right, passing through a gate and a display for Keg Woodland (not Cask!). Continue along the tarmacked path for 500 yards until a stony path appears almost behind you on the left together with a bench, park sign and wooden shelter. Take this narrow path which continues up the hill. Shortly afterwards, the path bends to the right and takes you to the edge of the woodland with views of fields to the right and a steep incline down to the left. This is the most challenging part of the walk as it can get narrow in places, so extra care should be taken here.
Continue along the path for a further 500 yards and straight over two stiles, ignoring the one to your left. Carry on for 200 yards passing through another stile before reaching an old tarmacked road that has been patched up. Turn left here and after 200 yards left again through a farm. Carry on the road down the hill for a half mile taking in the fine views until you reach the on the right for your well-earned refreshment.
On leaving the pub, turn right and continue along George Street back to the Post Office.