1 = Mottram Quarry 2 = Hough Level 3 = Golden Stone 4 = Old Alderley Quarry 5 = The Beacon 6 = Druid's Circle 7 = Stormy Point & Devil's Grave 8 = Pillar Mine and Doc Mine
For a printable version of this walk click here.
Park up and walk through the gap next to the barrier noting the cross bedding on the sandstone cliff after the second barrier. Follow this path as it runs along the bottom of the Edge ignoring the path which branches off uphill. You will pass a grassy clearing on your right and eventually come to another clearing with rail tracks. The tracks lead to the Hough Level which was not used for extracting ore but to link the other mines together. Keep to the path which bends round to the left and runs along beside the field. Again ignore all paths going uphill until you reach the sign which has 'Hare Hill' on one side and 'The Edge' on the other. Take this path uphill noting the steep sided valley to the left which was created by glacial melt water [7]. When the path branches take the branch with the sign to 'The Edge'.
When you reach the top of the Edge pass through the fence directly ahead. A few yards to your left is the Golden Stone. Turn your back on the Golden Stone and pass through the large gate to your right. Follow the diagonal path on your left until you reach a cluster of pine trees. At this point there is a path on the left which leads to the Old Alderley Quarry. Take this path and browse around the quarry before returning to the main path. Turn left and follow this path until you reach a crossroads where you should turn right. Follow this path until you reach the T-junction at the Beacon. Turn right and then almost immediately right again down an indistinct path which takes you past the Druid's Circle (if the path starts to slope downwards before you turn right then you've gone too far).
The path brings you to Stormy Point and the Devil's Grave. Walk down towards the scattered boulders and while facing the view turn right and follow the path which runs next to the fence (on the right). Carry straight on down a slightly scrambly path at the point when the fence goes off to the right. If you scramble all the way down to the clearing you can see Pillar Mine to your right and Doc Mine which is above and behind Pillar Mine. Turn around and make your way back up the rocks and take the path straight ahead which leads downhill. If you are following the correct path you should have passed some heather on the left and some pine trees on the right almost immediately.
The path runs underneath Stormy Point and you should follow it all the way to the bottom. Take care not to slip as it can be very muddy! When you reach the bottom you will be greeted by familiar surroundings. Turn left and follow the path back to the Mottram Quarry car park.