The Manifold Way

The Manifold Way (sometimes erroneously called the Manifold Trail) runs for almost 9 miles from Waterhouses to Hulme End in Staffordshire. 

It follows the route of what was once a narrow gauge (2ft 6ins) railway opened in 1904 and closed in 1934.

The path surface is tarmac but of poor quality being potholed and patched.  It follows the Rivers Hamps and Manifold which flow underground for part of their length.

Due to the steep sides of the valley mobile phone and GPS signals are poor.

Strava map of the  route

                                          

Quick check of the camera before we start

The path starts at the car park in Waterhouses.
Payment is required but there are toilets here.
Sadly the bike hire has been closed

A tarmac path leads down to the main road (The A532) in Waterhouses.

Take great care crossing the main road.
The white ghost bikes indicate that two cyclists have been killed here.

A nice downhill stretch to start the ride.

We follow the River Hamps (left) along the valley riding over lots of bridges.

Here we arrive at Wetton Mill with it's excellent cafe. Sadly not open today (Monday).  Most times and in better weather the cafe would be busy with cyclists and walkers.

 Ahead now is Swainsley  tunnel.  Watch out for motor vehicles as this section of the path is actually a public road.

Yet another bridge over the river.

                        A tributary flows down from the hillside.

A new bridge on the approach to Hulme End and the best bit of tarmac that we have seen all day.

 A generous (free) car park lies at Hulme End together with a nice visitor centre and an excellent cafe - fortunately open on this cold winter's day and we appreciated a hot drink and tasty cakes.

Steve poses outside the cafe.