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.

NEXT WALK ON SUNDAY 11th October

TO BE ARRANGED SHORTLY

If anyone needs any further information about the walk or a lift to the start please send me an email or give me a ring on 0787 944 7285

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 27th September - Danebridge, Bearstone Rocks and the Dane Valley Way

Nine of us met at Danebridge and set off up the lane and then a narrow path took us up the hillside to Snipe and then along the lane past Park House and then a level track to the lane junction, a left turn then led us up the path junction near Hanging Stone Farm. We headed east along the path for almost a mile and had our coffee break at another path junction.

Suitably refreshed we took the short path uphill to the start of the ridge. A steady climb took us east along the undulating ridge in very blustery conditions, great views but too windy to pay much attention.

We eventually reached the path junction at Bearstone Rocks and headed north down the rocky packhorse trail above the Black Brook, eventually reaching the River Dane where we stopped for lunch in a sheltered grassy area. 

Afterwards we followed the Dane Valley Way through Forest Wood alongside the River Dane and after passing Back Forest Farm we eventually arrived back at Danebridge and the cars. Some of us then adjourned to the adjacent Wincle Brewery for welcome refreshments.

David Preston led the seven-mile scenic and windy walk, other walkers were Dave I, Eve, Eileen, Puff, Peter F, Marilyn, Pauline T and Jo.

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.......

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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