Walk 18 – Arlies, Heyrod, Huddersfield Canal, Mossley Circular

Walk 18 – Arlies, Heyrod, Huddersfield Canal, Mossley Circular
Miles: 4.4
Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Grade: Moderate
Starting Point: Arlies Lane, Stalybridge
Grid Reference: SJ965995
The track in red on the maps may appear in places not to be on the actual path. Routes
plotted by GPS are generally more accurate than traditional mapping methods, always take
the obvious path on the ground. WP in the text and WP symbols on the maps refer to the
waypoints where you are the time.
A moderate walk from the heights of Arlies, down to Heyrod and along a short stretch of
the River Tame. Then along the Huddersfield Canal to Mossley, returning uphill by track
and pasture land to Arlies.
1
Starting at the bend on Arlies Lane look for the signpost for 'Grove Road/Heyrod'. Take the
path between the two wire fences downhill, then follow the path above Bluebell Wood onto
a wider path between two wire fences which turns right to a gate on a lane. Follow the lane
downhill bearing right, then left, to pass by a pylon to the A635 Wakefield Road (WP1).
Turn left and cross the road and in 50 metres turn right (WP2) (10 minutes). Cross a metal
footbridge over the railway and turn left at the next lane (WP3). In 25 metres a short path
on the right signposted for 'Grove Road ½ mile' leads to the River Tame. Turn left here
and follow the river bank for ¼ mile until a road appears above it. Leave the river, turn
right (WP4), cross the bridge and follow the road a short distance until it goes over the
canal (WP5) (20 minutes). Go down the steps to the towpath and head north for Mossley.
The canal towpath takes you past 4 locks, 9 West to 12 West. Between locks 11 West and 12
West, go through Scout Tunnel (30minutes) which is 188 metres long and although not
essential a torch is helpful. Proceed on the towpath, under a metal road bridge and at the
next road bridge, with a plaque with number 91 on it, take the path right, along it's side to
the road (WP6) (45 minutes). Turn left and cross over the road, and on reaching a traffic
no entry sign, go up the one way Mill Street. This leads to the main shopping area of
Mossley. Cross at the pedestrian lights and go uphill for a short way, then turn left on
Abney Road (WP7) and carry on to Andrew Street, then turn right at Barngate Drive
(WP8).
2
3
At the top of Barngate Drive take the concreted lane (WP9) by a signpost showing 'Herod
1¼ mile', the lane leads uphill to Scout Farm. Pass the 'farm' which is now a house and go
over the stile and another one close to it and take the faint path on the hillside without
losing or gaining height. This leads to a signpost for 'Silver Springs 1¾ mile'. Follow this
path over two boardwalks, a stile, then downhill into a dip, and then up again and over
another two boardwalks. Keeping to the path by the wire fence on the left go down into
another dip. Go up the other side, over a stile and the fence now runs downhill, but carry
on ahead. Without losing height look for a signpost (I hour 15 minutes).
Take the direction for 'Herod ½ mile', over some stepping stones, then when the path
divides take the uphill direction, over some marshy ground and head for the line of trees
on the right and a low dry stone wall. Carry on along the wall to meet a fence on the left.
Follow the fence to a signpost by farm buildings and cross two stiles, the second by a
signpost for 'Silver Springs' (WP10). Turn right here and follow the lane until it reaches a T
junction (WP11).
To the right of the junction is Luzley road but turn left on Arlies Lane and follow the dirt
lane, which eventually becomes tarmac, back to the starting point of the walk (1 hour 40
minutes).
Interesting Local LinksHuddersfield Narrow Canal
4
Plaque at the starting point of the walk
5
The River Tame at Heyrod
The Huddersfield Canal to Mossley
6
The entrance to Scout Tunnel
Scout Tunnel
7
Navigation information board for the Scout Tunnel
8