The Medium Walks Group has not been to the Churchill Tree pub in Alderley Park since the summer of 2023, so a return visit is planned for April's walk. I have created a completely new route to the east of the park for this walk.
10.9 km (6.8 miles), total ascent 167 m.
We begin by heading north-eastwards from the Churchill Tree, passing the laboratories and office buildings on our left, and then entering Beech Wood. Soon after encountering Couch Pasture Pond, we emerge from the trees and make a hairpin turn onto Hocker Lane. We follow this old lane for a good kilometre until we reach Shawcross, where the surface becomes tarmac.
On reaching Wrigley Lane, we turn right and follow it to Whirley Farm, where we take a field path on the right. This soon leads into woodland and takes a convoluted route around the high ground of Highlees before eventually reaching Birtles Lane. We follow this for a few hundred metres to a junction with a track on the right.
We follow the track to Higher Park Farm, passing Bulgamy Wood on the way. At the farm we turn off the track and start heading south again across fields and descending gradually towards Fernhill and Painters Eye.
On reaching the A34 near Monks' Heath, we re-enter Alderley Park via the southern gate and after a final kilometre find ourselves back at the Churchill Tree.
Click this link for an image showing the walk route on OS mapping: Alderley Park & Highlees
The Churchill Tree, Alderley Park, Congleton Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield SK10 4ZG
OS Grid Ref: SJ 84566 74982
Google Maps Ref: 53.271598, -2.2328873
what3words Ref: ///united.delay.escorting
Plus Code: 9C5V7QC8+JR
Drive time from Holmes Chapel: 25 minutes
Use the map below to get directions to the start point in Google Maps:
Anyone in need of help in arranging transport to the walk please contact the walk leader. Car sharing is encouraged for transport to u3a walks for social and environmental reasons.
Food will be available at the Churchill Tree after the walk. Follow the links for the Churchill Tree's Main Menu and their Social Lunch Menu
Those wishing to eat please let me know before TUESDAY 7TH APRIL, with a MENU CHOICE, in case we need to pre-order.
Meet-Up for Car Shares: 09:00 at Holmes Chapel Community Centre car park. Would anyone NOT planning to meet here, but going straight to the walk start point, PLEASE LET THE LEADER KNOW, so he knows where to expect you.
Walk Start Meet-Up: 09:30 for 09:45 start
Walk Finish: 13:15
Lunch Booking: 13:30
| Group Status : | Vacancies |
| Venue : | Venue to be Advised by Group Leader, |
| Date of Event : | Wednesday 15th April 2026 |
| Applications to join can be made from Wednesday 18th March 2026 | |
| The Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday 15th April 2026 | |
| Time of Session : | 09:45 to 13:15 |