About us

We are the Broken Cross Walkers, a group of Walkers, mainly from the Macclesfield area who enjoy getting out in the fresh air and having a good walk, we normally have a walk about every two weeks on a Sunday, mainly local and normally within 15-20 miles of Macclesfield.

On most walks we usually take a warm drink and a snack and occasionally we may have a café or pub lunch if we all decide to treat ourselves on that particular day. Good idea to have walking boots, trainers or strong shoes and carry some waterproofs in case of rain. We don’t mind a bit of rain but we won’t walk if it is torrential. We usually walk around 5 to 7 miles.

We have no membership fee and just a few common sense guidelines that can be found at the bottom of this page

Everybody is welcome on our walks but if you are planning to come along for the first time it would be helpful to let us us know by email or phone so we can expect you.will be made most welcome.

Heading back to Whaley Bridge on a walk last year

 

NEXT WALK ON SUNDAY 22nd November

 

To be arranged shortly

 

 

 

 

If you need any further information about the walk or getting to the start please send me an email or give me a ring on 0787 944 7285 

 

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Macclesfield Weather    As we normally walk within 20 miles of Macclesfield you can expect similar weather unless we are high in the hills.

 

 

 

Walk report Sunday 8th November Whaley Bridge, Taxal and Fernilee Reservoir

 

 

 

Just five of us arrived at the Whaley Bridge for the start of the walk after negotiating the roadworks and set off across the park and across the B5470 and through the new housing estate. We were following the Midshires Way and eventually arrived at Taxal Church where we stopped for our morning coffee break.

 

We then followed the track uphill and along to Overton Hall Farm and then down past Madscar Farm stopping briefly to examine the historic hydraulic ram pump used to supply water to the properties high up the hillside. This type of pump was invented by John Whitehurst of Congleton Cheshire in 1772. We continued on along the track and across the Fernilee Dam and then headed north on the track alongside the River Goyt stopping by the footbridge for lunch.

 

Afterwards we followed the track through the beautifull Shallcross Wood to Horwich End and then back along the track into Whaley Bridge where we enjoyed refreshments at the Bridge End Café and the Goyt Inn.

 

This seven mile walk was led by David Preston and the other walkers were Dave I, Judith, Anita and Alan B with Tilly the dog

 

Gallery

 

A few photos from the walk of 11th October from Whaley Bridge.  Click photos to enlarge.

Heading across the fields to Brierley Green
Following the track to Gowhole
Map of our route
A little fairy orchard by the canal
Lunch outside the Navigation Inn

 

News and Views and Gossip

18/09/2026 

I have put two maps of the same route in the gallery, both taken from OS, one is the standard basic map the detailed one is TOPO which is more detailed, opinions would be appreciated.

 

15/07/2026

As you probably realise I have made a few changes to the layout of this website, as it's a new programme to me I am trying to find what is the best format. I've changed the background colour and added a Gallery, I could also add a guest book but I am still thinking about that.If anyone has any suggestions or comments please let me know.

 

25/06/2026

David Preston set off on a walking holiday on the Hebridean Way which is a 155 mile route in the Hebrides. The plan is to try and walk half of it this year  and maybe come back next year  for the remainder. Fitness and health permitting  and this could be a bit too much of a challenge.

IT WAS a bit too much !

Anyway I only managed 30 miles as the weather was wild, wet and very windy for most of the time, after 30 miles I decided to reluctantly call it a day and headed for the ferry to get back home. My left ankle had also become painful  which has since been diagnosed as Achilles tendiopathy so apart from the weather I don't think I would have been able to complete my intended route. It's a long and complicated journey to get there, left Macclesfield at 10pm Sunday and arrived at Castlebay on Barra at 6.00pm Monday. That was train to Piccadilly, Overnight bus to Glasgow, Train to Oban and Ferry to Barra. Rather tired on arrival but arrived in less than 24 hours instead of two days. Limping a bit at the moment after returning home and according to the Doctor it's Achilles Tendopathy but hopefully after a few weeks rest I will be out again. Meanwhile I will be plotting a return to the Hebridean Way. It is a stunning place.  Cannot leave that unfinished.

 

 

Many thanks to Dave Ilett for leading the walks while I am away and recovering from my achilles tendon problem.

 

 

31/03/2026.

Occasionally I have been asked why when I lead a walk I am not always at the front. My thoughts are that I try to walk with everybody at some time during the walk, if I was constantly at the front I would never get the chance for a chat with all the other walkers.

That's my excuse anyway.......

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  You may have noticed the the address for the website begins with a small padlock and starts https. This denotes a secure website.

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Let me know if you would like any additional information added here 

A few common sense guidlines for when you are on our walks

 

 Walkers should wear suitable footwear and clothing and carry waterproofs and spare clothing as appropriate to the conditions.

 Walkers are requested to ask the permission of the walk leader prior to the walk regarding bringing a dog.

 Walkers should walk on paths where available to minimize damage to flora.

 Walkers should communicate their intention to take a 'comfort break' so the walk leader is aware.

 Walkers should not walk so far in front of the walk leader that makes it difficult for the walk leader to give them advice.

 Walkers should use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.

 The last walker is responsible for leaving gates as they are found by the walk leader, pass this information to the walker behind.

 NEW - While passing through private property walkers at front should  wait for the rest of the walkers, so they pass through the farm as   a group to avoid disturbing farm workers and animals.

 Walkers should be prepared to go at the pace of the slowest in the party however frustrating this may be.

 Potential hazards should be communicated from walker to walker.

 Walkers should be aware of those in front and those behind.

 All rubbish to be taken home.

 Walkers should be aware they are responsible for their own safety as accidents can occur for a number of reasons including :~

     Carelessness e.g. not looking where one is putting their feet  and lack of observation.

     Over estimation of your ability to complete the walk.

     When walking on a road, members should follow the Highway Code : viz

     Where there is a footpath, use it, Walk in single file if possible, especially on narrow roads and in poor light.

     Where there is no footpath, walk on the right hand side of the road unless it is unsafe to do so such as on a bend.

 

Most important of all, enjoy your walk

 

Contact us at info@brokencrosswalkers.org