Guide to the Mid-Cheshire Line

Manchester

There has been a habitation on the spot since ancient times and the Romans made a settlement here. The eighteenth century saw Manchester develop as the pre-eminent industrial city. In recent years commercial, cultural and sporting developments have combined with its past to make Manchester renowned as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.

Movement around the city without the need for a car, is made easy by the comprehensive 'bus, Metrolink tram and local train systems. The introduction of pedestrianised areas reduces conflicts with road traffic. Free shuttle 'buses run from Piccadilly station to various parts of the city centre.

The city features numerous theatres, music venues and eateries. The modern Bridgewater concert hall is the home of the world famous Halle Orchestra as well as hosting for many other musical and cultural events. As many of the principal central streets have been pedestrianised, so shopping is a pleasure. Many of the 'big name' stores are present in the central area, Deansgate, St.Mary's Gate and Market Street, where the Arndale Centre houses many other well known shops. Smaller, more exclusive and fashionable shops can be found King Street and St Anne's Square areas. Alternatively, sample the atmosphere of Chinatown, with its magnificent Chinese Arch, noted restaurants and craft shops.

A 5-minute walk from Deansgate station takes you to the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield. This museum includes Liverpool Road station, the first railway station in the world, the Air & Space gallery, Super X Simulator and even a reconstructed Victorian sewer. Hands on participation is encouraged to provide great entertainment and education.

Castlefield is also the location of the Urban Heritage Park, the first of its kind in Britain. As well as being a tribute to the history of Manchester, from the first Roman settlement to the present day Castlefield has numerous attractions, pubs and cafes and also hosts regular festivals and events.

Stockport

This bustling Cheshire town is the next major stop. The centre of the town is situated in a small scale version of the 'Grand Canyon' which was formed where the River Mersey has cut down through a red sandstone outcrop. The railway viaduct spanning the River Mersey here is still one of the largest brick built structures in Europe.

The station provides connections for the mid-Cheshire line with train services to many other destinations, including London, Sheffield, Nottingham.

Right next the station is the Grand Central development with its cinema, bowling alley and magnificent public swimming pool. Behind it is Stockport's famous 'wedding cake' town hall, built of white Portland stone.

Stockport and the surrounding area became well known as a centre of the hatting trade. Just down from the station and town hall, in Wellington Road South, the Hat Museum has been established in Wellington Mill and as well as demonstrating how hats are made, gives an insight into the lives of the workers. It makes a fascinating visit.

The award-winning Stockport Museum details the whole social and industrial history of the area, complete with hands on exhibitions.

The Merseyway Shopping Centre is a short walk down from the station and contains many top-name stores, whilst above it Stockport's famous market is held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The market hall is a fine example of Victorian cast-iron construction.

Navigation Road

The station here has one platform for mid-Cheshire line trains and the other is served by the Metrolink tram system. In spite of the need to cross the lines by the level crossing, it is a convenient interchange between tram and train for people who have difficulty with stairs as entry to the platforms is gained by ramps. The station serves a largely residential area. Altrincham's Garrick Theatre is only a short walk from here.

Altrincham

The next major stop is at Altrincham. The station is a major transport interchange for 'bus, tram and train. The old station clock tower still guards the staion entrance although much has changed around it since it was built.

As the southern terminus for Manchester's Metrolink tram system, you can go from Altrincham station to Sale and Old Trafford, the station for the Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre, the first purpose-built football club museum in Britain, which will fascinate fans and non-fans alike. It covers the history of Manchester United from 1878 with over 400 exhibits on display, and there are guided tours of the stadium and museum. By changing trams at Cornbrook, Salford Quays location of the Lowry Centre and the Imperial War Museum North may be reached. Through tickets to any Metrolink station may be obtained from any Northern Trains station.

There are a wealth of attractions in this modern market town itself. Exclusive boutiques and bustling markets are in abundance here; a shoppers' paradise. Visitors to the market are recommended to check the days of openning. There are also two theatres and the modern leisure centre is right next to the station.

An indoor ice rink is located a few yards from the station. Altrincham's golf course can be used by the public and is only a 10-minute walk from the station along Stockport Road.

A bus ride from the town centre is Dunham Massey, an 18th century hall set in 250 acres of wooded deer park. Enjoy the collections of furniture and silver in the stately house, and walk in the delightful gardens. Or time your visit to coincide with the numerous events, concerts and fairs that are regularly held here.

Hale

Hale's historic station is worth a second glance and is very convenient for the thriving traditional shopping along Ashley Road in the centre of the village. There are also restaurants to suit every taste within easy reach of the station.

Ashley

A tiny hamlet adjacent to the railway station, it has one public house, 'The Greyhound' by the crossroads.

Mobberley

Mobberley is a scattered village covering a large area to the south west of Manchester Airport. The station is about 2km.(1 ¼ miles) from the church and oldest parts of village which contains some picturesque cottages and several pubs. Beside the station there are several railway cottages and the Railway Inn, which serves pub meals.

Knutsford

The next major stop is the historic market town of Knutsford with its quaint narrow streets. It is famed for its annual Royal May Day festival, held on the first Saturday in May.

On the north side of the town centre, entry can be obtained to Tatton Park, considered the finest of the National Trust properties and covers an area of 1000 acres. Free entry is available for cyclists and pedestrians to the park. Tatton Mere is close to the Knutsford entrance and is big enough to take nearly an hour to walk around. The glorious gardens, including Italian and Japanese, a maze and a magnificent Regency Mansion are set within the park about 3 km (2 miles) of the Knutsford entrance. The house contains one of the finest collections of paintings, porcelain and furniture in the country. All this, together with the number of events and activities held here, demonstrates why Tatton Park is the most popular historic attraction in the North of England.

Plumley

Plumley is a pleasant rural village. The station is very near to the "Golden Pheasant" which is well known for its meals, served either in the bar or in the restaurant.

Lostock Gralam

From Lostock Gralam station a short walk brings you to the Trent & Mersey canal.

For the more energetic, A walk of just under two miles takes you along the canal to the Lion Salt Works, a preserved example of the method used to produce salt in Victorian times.

Northwich

The next major stop is at Northwich, in the Vale Royal area of the Cheshire Plain, another area rich in attractions.

As the ending 'wich' implies, Northwich has been a major centre for the salt industry from Roman times to the present day. At Britain's only Salt Museum in London Road, the history of an industry which has shaped the landscape and life of the area, is brought to life through a combination of models, audio- visuals and reconstructions. Special events and exhibitions are held throughout the year.

Adjacent to the Salt Museum, the railway is carried over the Weaver Navigation on a viaduct. From Northwich station it is about a 1.6km (1 mile) walk to the museum by taking the walkway via Vicarsway Park alongside the railway arches.

The salt industry is also responsible for the black and white timber buildings in the town centre, which is a pedestrianised. They were constructed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to be able to be jacked up to counteract the subsidence caused by salt extraction below the town.

Scenic boat trips are available from the Town Quay in the centre of Northwich along the Weaver Navigation, once a busy waterway for boats carrying salt.

Greenbank

The next stop is Greenbank station which serves an important residential district of Northwich.

Cuddington

The station here serves the residential areas of Sandway and Cuddington. The station building is now partly a private residence with an art gallery occupying the remainder.

From Cuddington station a short walk brings you to the Whitegate Way, a scenic three-mile walk following the course of an old railway line from Cuddington to Winsford past the quaint village of Whitegate.

Delamere

From Delamere station, a 5-minute walk takes you to the Delamere Forest Walk. There is a visitor centre, exhibitions, events and wildlife displays. The 30-mile long Sandstone Trail cuts through the forest, a royal hunting ground in Norman times, with its fascinating variety of fauna and flora.

A mere 200 metre (220 yards) walk from the station 'Go Ape!' is a high wire adventure course of challenging rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 12 metres (40 feet) off the ground. Participants must be older than 10 years and at least 1.4 metres (4 feet 7 inches) high.

If you are hungry, meals are served at the cafe in the old station building.

Mouldsworth

Immediately opposite Mouldsworth station is the 'Goshawk' public house. It is well known for its restaurant and its fine wine cellar. Diners who travel by train from Chester or Delamere receive a refund of their fares. For further detail telephone 01928 740900.

Mouldsworth station is also the nearest station to the Mouldsworth Motor Museum. Here examples of many vehicles from yesteryear are displayed in a 1930's art deco building. It is a 5 km (3 mile) walk however and therefore an expedition for the real enthusiast. The distance may be shortened by taking the fieldpath which starts on the left hand side of Station Road 100 metres (110 yards) uphill from the station. It is open on Sundays from 12 to 5pm. During the summer it is also open on Wednesdays and certain Bank Holidays. Telephone 01928 731781.

Chester

"Love life - love Chester" they say and it is true Chester has much to offer the visitor. Chester is one of the most historic cities in the United Kingdom. The Romans had a large settlement and in medieval England, its cathedral was the centre of a diocise which reached as far as the Scottish border. From the railway station, 2000 years of UK history are there at your fingertips and rail users can use any bus from the station into the city centre for no extra charge on production of their railway ticket.

Sample the vibrant atmosphere of the city centre with its two-tiered shopping galleries, "The Rows", some of which date back to the 13th century. Chester is famous for its medieval Walls which form a two mile circuit around the city centre. Just outside the walls, the racecourse (the Roodee) is the oldest in the country.

The Deva Roman Experience allows you to participate in an authentic archaeological excavation and dig into the history of the city.

Internationally-famous Roman collections can be unearthed at the Grosvenor Museum, with its galleries of Roman tombstones, silver and natural history.

Five minutes from the station is Chester Cathedral, which has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years and amongst its outstanding features are the "Cobweb Picture", the Quire stalls, considered to be the finest medieval carvings in Britain, and the surrounding garden.

A bus ride away is the famous Chester Zoo, a great day out for all the family. Set in 110 acres of prize gardens, there are over 5,000 animals to see, including the UK's largest breeding colonies of chimpanzees and orang-utans.