23/07/24 - Greater Manchester RIngway - Stage 9

Pink Tram Line Down, Thank God for Flying Horses 

Bless me father for I have sinned. It's been 9 months since I have been on the Greater Manchester Ringway.

In that time, I have watched with interest as knowledge of the route increases. A number of YouTube Vloggers (my favourite is a railway employee). There have been proper way marking signs laid. Blimey, I even find a fellow Ringway traveller on this stage.

Of course, I have an excuse for getting "lost"

A deceptively gentle start on the Huddersfield Narrow canal, before a stiff climb to pretty Dobcross. Stolen from West Yorkshire in the 1974 Local Government re-organisation. Certainly wouldn't let the Yorkshire Dales down in anyway.

Don't be fooled by this easy walking at the start

Dobcross - Last Pint Saloon at the Swan

Another climb up Long Lane where I catch up and walk alongside a fellow rambler. It takes us a while to get our breath to begin a conversation, but when we do, we determine we are both on the same odyssey. Alas, like a true Brit, we didn't swap any useful details (like our names), yet it was great to have company. My companion, better prepared than me, pointing out the Castle Shaw Roman hill fort below.

I have a staggering amount of photos like this

We split up on the Pennine Way as I geocache, only for re-acquaintance with him lunching at Moor Lane. He provides me one extra piece of critical information. There is a pub coming up!

Technically, I didn't get lost. I had downloaded the GPX files when I started this about 4 years ago. My route took me on the Oldham Way to the wonderfully named New Years Bridge Reservoir. This is the first time I have encountered bad paths on any stage. Fair play to the route planners, who have acknowledged the badly overgrown section and have rerouted through Denshaw.

Home of the much needed boozer.

All water guzzled, but I did meet the beast of the Oldham Way

A rather dry traverse of Crompton Moor - superb views over Manchester - leading to a more sedate country park containing a rather impressive waterfall.

Photos didnt do the waterfall justice, so here's distant Manchester

The section end is Newhey Tram station - the Pink Line normally able to whisk me back to the Metropolis. We have a landslide, so its the longest 2 miles as the crow flies bus trip for a first visit to Rochdale.

Four Good Beer Guide Pubs available if you get the hours/days correct and I pick an absolute gem at the first attempt.

I'd be amazed if the Flying Horse is not Mappiman's 2024 Pub of the Year.

Scaffolding doesn't present it in the best light - but you get the idea

The Flying Horse, known as the "Flyer," is a historic pub and music venue in the heart of Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Dating back to the 17th century, it is one of Rochdale's oldest establishments. Located near Rochdale Town Hall, the pub offers a welcoming atmosphere with traditional decor, including exposed wooden beams.

The Flying Horse is renowned for its extensive selection of real ales, frequently earning accolades from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and appearing in their guides. The pub boasts an impressive range of beers, with up to 10 cask ales and 8 keg ales available at any given time. This variety includes a mix of local and regional brews that attract ale enthusiasts from near and far. Additionally, the pub is a vibrant music venue, hosting live performances from local bands, tribute acts, and open mic nights. This dedication to supporting local musicians makes the Flyer a key part of Rochdale's cultural scene, blending history, quality ales, and live music.

I couldn't tear myself away - a multiple pint stop - taking in traditional Bass, craft and very exotic German Keg. The Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkels are on me!

Enough time to work out the midweek GM Day Ranger ticket presents a couple of issues. OK, I should have known that there is a peak hours hiatus in afternoon rush hour. But I couldn't have guessed that National Rail's own website wants a change at Newton-Le-Willows to get to Patricroft. Suspicions aroused when "no fares available" were presented. Which led me to realise NLW is outside GM, presumably invalidating the whole ticket.

I did the only sensible thing....  called an Uber.

Travel Planning with Mappiman

A perfect day on the trail!  

Walk Information

Start - Greenfield

Finish - Newhey

Previous Stages - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8

Distance - 13 Miles

Geocaches - 9

Walk Inspiration