Ashley Walk

Ashley from Grange Road 5.6 km

From the bottom of Grange Road follow the footpath to the right of the entrance to the Lady of the Vale convent. This path leads down to Ashley Mill Bridge. Cross the bridge turning left up the cobble path and onto Ashley Mill Lane. Continue until the lane meets Ashley Road and turn right. As the road bends left follow the driveway to Ashley Hall, continuing past the Hall and on until the lane crosses the M56 and then re-joins Ashley Road at South Lodge. Ashley village is to the left but for the circular walk turn right and continue along the road to Birkin Farm. As the road bends left pick up the footpath across the fields and on reaching the motorway turn left through the woods to Ryecroft Bridge. Cross the bridge and head left through the woods. On reaching a gate turn right up to a second gate and then right on to Ryecroft Lane. Continue along the lane back to Ashley Mill Lane and left back to Ashley Mill Bridge. The footpath across the last field can be taken as a shortcut. Re-trace your steps up to Grange Road.

Alternatively, the Priory or Horse Bridge routes can be followed by turning almost immediately left across the field once reaching Ryecroft Lane.

Access points to the Bowdon Bollin

Grange Road
From the cul de sac at the bottom of Grange Road follow the lane to the Lady of the Vale convent and take the signposted footpath between the Lodge House and the Green Bend Cottage. This path leads down to Ashley Mill Bridge. There is limited parking on Grange Road.

Ashley Mill Lane North
At the end of Ashley Mill Lane North follow the footpath that leads down to Ashley Mill Bridge. There is no parking on this private road.

Ashley Mill Lane
Accessed from Ashley Road, there is limited car parking on the left at the start of the road. Leave cars here as the road is a dead end with no turning points. Straight ahead will take you down to Ashley Mill Bridge but turn left to follow the walks towards Ryecroft Farm.

Priory Road
As Priory Road bends round into Bow Lane take the private road leading to The Priory. Take the signposted footpath on the right, past some buildings on your left and then into a field. Follow the path over the field and through two stiles and on down to Priory Bridge. There is limited parking on Priory Road and Bow Lane.

Bow Lane, Bow Green Farm
Take the lane beside Bow Green Farm which will lead you down to Horse Bridge. There is no parking at this point on Bow Lane.