Newcha one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Newcha here.

We confirm that there is no public right of way between Gowhole and Waterside along the track of the disused railway line. From Gowhole we walked the footpath closest to the railway to the south-west. This route between Gowhole and Brierley Green is used infrequently. Part was overgrown with Brambles and Nettles, and another part was through a field which contained a herd of 25 cattle which were not used to walkers and pursued us until we reached the stile.

We agree that it would be better to use the canal towpath between New Mills and Buxworth but by doing this the route would be the same as Newcha two.

From New Mills to Gowhole and between Brierley Green and Chapel-en-le-Frith we encountered no problems.

It has been suggested using the road from Lidgate all the way to Chapel-en-le-Frith but when we descended, it was busy and there is no footway. We suggest using the original footpath from Lidgate but continuing to Hallhill Farm, and then crossing the road to walk to Laneside over the fields. The route would then go south down Charley Lane and take the footpath leading to The Courses, doglegging under the railway bridge and continuing past the church to the B5470.

In its present form this route is unsuitable due to access and other problems previously mentioned.

I didn't walk this route although I did plan to so took a look at the maps before setting out. As reported in the review by Bshepherd 27 Mar 2022 who found the section from Buxworth difficult and suggested a diversion. I could see no evidence of a public, permissive or walked path alongside the active rail line as used in this route. If I'm wrong I'm happy to delete this failed review. I recommend Newcha-2 as a safe and accessible Slow Way.

I walked this route from Chapel en le Frith to New Mills. Out of Chapel the route was broadly easy (though I'd recommend staying on the lane up to Lidgate rather than go over the fields at Hallhill- it's a very quiet road) and the views over Chinley and back towards Kinder are great. The route remained easy to follow as far as Buxworth...

...at which point I'd recommend a diversion. Once you cross the A6, it is far easier to turn left and follow thhe canal path away from the Bugsworth Basin than go under the railway, the path there was very hard to find. Once on the tow path, it's a flat and very straightforward walk along the Peak Forest Canal towards New Mills.

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