The Gritstone Trail is a ridge hike that explores beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and hill summits with awe-inspiring panoramic views.

Starting from Disley, the trail travels 35 miles (56 km) along a romantically-rugged gritstone ridge above the Peak District and Cheshire Plain to finish in Kidsgrove.

As much of the walking is above 1,000 feet (305 m), you are treated to magnificent views for much of the way, which stretch as far as the Welsh hills.

Along the way, you experience some of Cheshire’s finest walking and explore many wonderful places, including: White Nancy, a famous landmark on Kerridge Hill; Tegg's Nose, a hilltop with breathtaking views and Bronze Age history; Macclesfield Forest; the spellbinding and folklore-rich summit of the Cloud; and Mow Cop, a place renowned for perfect panoramas, castle ruins, and a quirky gritstone column shaped like an old man.

The Gritstone Trail might not tackle mountains, but there are some long climbs and plenty of short-and-sharp ascents and descents. The trail can be very rugged in places too — boggy, rocky, slippery, and steep — and you need a good level of ability, as well as a reasonable level of fitness to tackle the trail.

Similarly, whilst the trail does not head too far off the beaten track, it does lead through some very remote countryside. Carrying a map, compass, and mobile device is recommended, as well as a first aid kit, enough food and water, and clothing for the weather conditions.

The Trail is well waymarked throughout using a mixture of fingerposts and yellow discs with a ‘G’ in a footprint.

In this Collection, I split the route into three stages; 12.9 miles (20.8 km), 14.6 miles (23.5 km), and 9.9 miles (15.9 km), respectively. Of course, you can divide the Collection into as many days as you are comfortable with. You can also walk any single stage.

Every stage ends close to some accommodation. However, places to stay can be limited so it is worth planning in advance and scheduling any rest days accordingly.

Both Disley and Kidsgove have train stations and good public transport links, which makes accessing the trail easy.

For more information about the Gritstone Trail, visit: cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/ranger_service/countryside_sites/the_gritstone_trail/gritstone-trail.aspx.
For train timetables and tickets, visit: thetrainline.com.