By Roseanna
Are you looking for a long-distance walk with interesting landmarks and stunning views in all directions?
Then say hello to The Gritstone Trail!
This 35miles (56km) trail runs through Cheshire’s Peak District, and I had the pleasure of walking it earlier this year.
It starts at Disley Railway Station (south-east of Manchester) and follows the Pennine edge to finish at Kidsgrove Railway Station in Stoke-On-Trent.
The trail is usually walked over three days, covering between 10-15miles each day, and is well waymarked. Even I managed to stay on track (most of the time) and I have an amazing ability to get lost in my own back garden!
Although the trail is not mountainous, it is very hilly and you have to complete several long and steep climbs – but the views are worth it!
You have various options for accommodation (campsites, hotels, B&B’s, etc) or you can do as I did and wild camp.
I camped in Macclesfield Forest for the first night and spent the second night at the top of Bosley Cloud.
If wild camping, please ensure that you pitch your tent late, leave early, and leave no trace of your presence behind. You can find out more about wild camping in the UK by clicking here.
But back to this post, here are 24 of my own photos to help inspire you to hike The Gritstone Trail.
(Please note that I am not a professional photographer by any stretch of the imagination, I just point and shoot.)
Want to know more about The Gritstone Trail?
Come on! …surely after looking at those photos and those views you want to give this hike a go? Or at least part of it?
If you do only have one day to spare, then I would personally recommend hiking the middle section. I found this part to be the most enjoyable and believe that it offers the best views (although you can get spectacular views at all stages of the trail).
For more information, you can click here for The Gritstone Trail Walker’s Guide which details the route.
To find out about my time hiking The Gritstone Trail, please check out my story posts below.
- *ATTEMPTING* to Hike The Gritstone Trail, UK (Part 1)
- *ATTEMPTING* To Finish Hiking The Gritstone Trail, UK (Part 2)
If you have any questions, pop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help you out.
Happy hiking.
Roseanna x
What is your reaction?
Lovely photos! Love the scenery and the landscape.
Thank you very much. I am very lucky that this is on my doorstep.