Styal

The surprisingly remote Styal, sandwiched between Wilmslow and the airport, is a village with easy access to woodlands and the historic Quarry Bank Mill.

Reachable by train
Reachable by car

Routes available: 2

Highlights:

  • Quarry Bank: An industrial age mill built by Samuel Greg. It sits in a valley of woodlands and gardens, providing a juxtaposition of landscapes. As a National Trust site, there is plenty of local history available, as well as a café and well signposted routes.
  • Airport Viewing: Further out from Styal is Manchester Airport. Accessible from Styal is a viewing platform from which you can view a full runway.
  • River Bollin: The river Bollin runs through the area. It provides several good walking routes and several beautiful viewing spots. It also provided much of the power for the machines of the industrial age mill.

Amenities:

  • Parking: Parking is available in the town, but is limited and largely pay and display.
  • Toilets: The National Trust site has freely accessible toilets, and the local village has a pub with toilets. However, there aren't any public toilets in the town itself, and the station has no facilities.
  • Pubs: The Ship Inn is located in the village and is a lovely place to finish any walks.
  • Café: There is a great National Trust café located next to Quarry Bank Mill which provides hot beverages and jacket potatoes to fill up before or after a walk.

Getting there

Reachable by train

Train

The train directly to Styal is only an hourly service, running from Manchester Piccadilly. It passes through Manchester Airport. Often, the quickest way is to transfer trains at Manchester Airport. This can make it awkward for some, but also makes it slightly cheaper and quicker.

Reachable by car

Car

Driving is the easiest and most convenient way to travel to Styal. There is limited free parking around the Town, and a paid car park at Quarry Bank Mill.

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Circular Walks

Start and End at the Same Spot

These walks start and end at the same point in Styal

Giants Bridge Loop

Distance: 7.6km

A long stroll through the woodlands around Quarry Bank Mill. Following the Bollin river, take in beautiful brick buildings, old woodlands and the airport.

Quarry Bank Woodland Walk

Distance: 2.54km

Lovely walk through the woodlands around Quarry Bank Mill. An easy stroll with beautiful brick buildings and garden.