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Start at the pedestrian exit of Quarry Bank's main visitor car park beside Visitor Reception, off the B5166 at Styal, SK9 4HP. Follow the field path beside the Apprentice House to Styal Cross, then turn right through the village to Altrincham Road. Turn left, passing Oak Farm and Tudor Cottage, and continue along the estate road towards Manchester Airport's second runway. Watch for traffic on the village road.
Follow the public track beside the airport and take the pedestrian gate into the grassland and meadow. At the lower gates, turn left briefly along Wilmslow Old Road, then left through the gate onto the River Bollin path. Walk through Arthur's Wood, staying on this bank at the bridge to nowhere. The longer riverside spur ends before the closed Giant's Castle bridge approach. Retrace the spur to the uphill track, climb back to the estate road, then return via Styal and Farm Fold along Apprentice Lane to the car park.
Allow about 3 hours for this roughly 7.8 km walk. Woodland paths are uneven, with roots, small footbridges and an uphill return; wear footwear suited to mud. Keep dogs on leads and under close control throughout the walk. Never use Giant's Castle bridge, which is permanently closed.
Use the main visitor car park rather than village parking. Check parking terms and estate gate times before setting off; the October calendar currently shows 08:00 to 20:00. Toilets and refreshments are available at Quarry Bank during visitor opening hours.
Route and access checked against the National Trust's current Arthur's Wood Loop map, directions and bridge closure notice: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank/arthurs-wood-loop
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