Cheddleton

Cross the main road at the Red Lion pub and go up the lane called Hollow Lane. Carry on up the lane passing the Church, the School and community centre. This then becomes Shufflealong Lane and as it turns left, go straight ahead through a stile with a signpost to Cats Edge.

Walk through a small field to two other stiles then head slightly right uphill. At the top of the hill go through a stile and head slightly right to the farthest point of the line of trees. Cross the stiles here and walk ahead for a short distance before crossing another stile on your right.

You will see a telegraph pole head towards this and a few paces passed to a gate and stile. Follow the track around to the next gate and stile. You should now be able to see the grassy mounds, go passed these and ahead, slightly to your left you will see a sign post near to the hedge of hawthorn and elder.

After crossing the stile descend a steep bank, that can become very muddy and slippy if it has rained, the path down is not very clear, if you keep to the right of the bushes you will come to a boggy patch leading to a pair of gate posts. You do not go through these but turn left where you should see a footbridge.

You can now take a short cut through Deep Hayes Country Park if you wish. After crossing the footbridge slightly uphill turn to your right, following the red waymarks along the river bank until you reach the visitors centre and toilet block. Continue ahead along the park access road until you come to a tarmac lane. Go left and rejoin the canal. This path through the park is sometimes closed mid winter but this is not a walk for the winter time as it can become very wet under foot.

If you prefer to carry on continue ahead up the bank and then right leading into a meadow. There is no clear path here but if you keep to your right you should come to a field, follow a path round the edge of the field to your right. You should be able to see a cottage with a lane leading to the right. Follow this tarmac lane for a short distance, this will lead you to a green lane( do not go over the stile by a house on your left) that takes you through fields and lanes. Eventualy your descent brings you to a tarmac road go right, and carry on walking down the road which will lead you to the bridge over the canal. The pub to your left is called the Hollybush and the village ahead is Denford.

You can stop here for a well earned pint, or carry on to your right, going through a gate, to lead you to the toe path of the canal. Turn left on reaching the canal path, in time this will take you back to Cheddleton. Look at the lovely scenery as you walk along the tow path and think how much the canal ment to this area before all the lorries and cars took over. As you near Cheddleton you will see ahead of you the Flint Mill, it is open to the public on weeekend afternoons, but you can look at the outside anytime.

There is an exit on to the main road here that will take you back to your car, but if you have time, carry on the canal path for about another 20 minutes. This will take you to Cheddleton Railway Centre, this is worth a look even if you do not do the walk or it is to wet to go over fields. Here you will see how railway stations and trains used to look. After enjoying this place retrace your steps and find your way back to your car.