Newwha one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Newwha here.

I'm disappointed this excellent walking route has been flagged, yes I agree it could be improved for some users but that would be a different route. As a walking route with bags of interest along the way this is a five star Slow Way. No stiles but steps and bikes. Services just off route at Furness Vale.

I walked from New Mills a most interesting town and one I always enjoy visiting. As a tourist I enjoyed the dip into The Torrs but I accept a level route would be better for regular commuting. It was good to see the old mill, derelict on my first visit has now found a popular use. The twisting route here can be a challenge but the plot is fairly accurate.

The Swizzels factory was not emitting the usual sweet aroma as I passed today but those brightly coloured tuck shop sweets must remain popular. Once on the canal it is very easy going with lots to see on the water and across the valley. Signs warning of Giant Hogweed were more likely to warn boats as I could see none along the towpath.

Furness Vale offers trains buses and inn and perhaps shops but I didn't stray to investigate. I guess the plot does use the bridge over the Bugsworth Basin Arm but I went to explore the tunnel, more of a bridge, under the canal which also gives direct access to the supermarket car park and store.

Not a lot of bikes during my walk along the good quality path surface.

As noted by previous reviewer - a well-used, accessible and pleasant towpath stroll. Pedestrians, keep an ear out for bike bells while you're admiring the excellent views out over the valley, or the pretty canal barges with the daft names.

An excellent route on a broad, surfaced towpath most of the way.
Just two, possibly three pinch points as the route stands.
1. Crossing the River Goyt in New Mills (photo 1). The bridge leads to a steep climb with a flight of steps. There is a longer but more attractive route through the Tors.
2. Crossing the Peak Forest canal at its junction with the Whaley Bridge arm of the canal (photo 2). This is a footbridge with flights of steps. There are two alternatives of which I think the cobbled accesses to/from the tunnel under the canal might be too steep and bumpy for mobility scooters (photo 3). The third alternative is described in NewWha 3.
3. The narrow footbridge in Whaley Bridge canal basin (photo 4) I'm not sure of the width of push chairs and mobility scooters.

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