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 13th Sept

To be arranged shortly

Walk report Sunday 30th August - Marple

Ten of us met at the Chadwick Street Car Park in the centre of Marple and headed to the Marple Lock flight, joining it at lock 13. We then headed up the Peak Forest canal (Southerly direction) to Plucksbridge Road, which we followed down to the Roman Bridge and eventually the Roman Lakes Park, where we stopped for a break.

Refreshed we followed the track via the Samuel Oldknow Mill ruins, when built it was the biggest cotton mill in the world

https://oldknows.com/mellor-mill.html  then into Marple Bridge and onwards through Brabyns Park, arriving at Etherow Country Park for a lunch stop.

After lunch we headed a short distance up Compstall Road, turned left and walked across the Cherry Tree estate. It was then along the path south to the canal. We continued along the canal, across the Marple Aqueduct and upwards to lock 10. From there we crossed Marple Memorial Park and then it was back to the start point where some of the group enjoyed refreshments at the excellent Samuel Oldknowl Pub.

Many thanks to Chris R for leading the walk of around 8 miles in reasonable weather with a few showers on the way and a heavy shower at the end of the walk. Also thanks to the other walkers, Susan M, Eve, Jo, Dave I, David P, Anita, Puff and Alec J.

News and Views and Gossip

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