GM Ringway route update, October 2025

Almost all of the trail stages are currently walkable, though there are the following important diversions – and one blockage – in place:

• A major diversion on Stage 2 due to remediation works on the banks of the Mersey;
• A 1-mile (1.6-km) diversion at the start of Stage 11 and a locked gate, with no diversion available just before the 2-mile (3.2-km) point.

This is the latest status (as of October 2025) of each of the 20 stages::

Stage 1: Fully open.
Stage 2: Fully walkable but with a continuing diversion due to the closure of Bailey’s Bridge near Chorlton Water Park, and a larger-scale diversion, requiring a long walk along pavements, south of West Didsbury. See ‘Detours and trail updates’ on the Stage 2 route page for full details – or save this walk until the end of November, when all works are likely to be complete.
Stage 3: Fully walkable but with a slightly revised route in Brookfields Park, Cheadle and just afterwards along the river. This is now waymarked, shown on the Plotaroute map,and shown and described on the Go Jauntly app.
Stages 4: Fully open but with some missing waymarks near Disley Golf Course on the section north of the A6 (after exiting Lyme Park). Please follow the route on the Go Jauntly app or Plotaroute site if necessary.
Stages 5, 6 and 7: Fully open.
Stage 8: We believe that works on the Chew Reservoir access road are now complete. However, due to the challenging terrain on this stage, you might in any case want to follow our Stage 8 alternative route on the Plotaroute map (also detailed with step-by-step instructions on the Go Jauntly app).
Stages 9 and 10: Fully open, though Stage 9 is likely to be boggy in places.
Stage 11: Fully walkable with a diversion just after the start due to building work near the canal. See the app description or visit the Stage 11 route page and click ‘Detours and trail updates’. Because of the long-term path closure here, we will shortly be making a permanent revision to the first mile (1.6 km) of this stage, following an attractive new route through Littleborough. Keep an eye on the website, Go Jauntly app and Plotaroute map for more details.
In addition, just before the 2-mile (3.2-km) point (step 49 on the Go Jauntly route and shown on the Plotaroute map), we have had reports that a gate has been padlocked. This will be difficult to pass without clambering over the gate. Both we and PNFS have asked Rochdale Council to resolve this with the landowner urgently. Keep an eye on the route page for updates.
Stages 12, 13 and 14: Fully open.
Stage 15: Fully open but with a permanent diversion for those with dogs due to restrictions at Worthington Lakes.
Stages 16 and 17: Fully open.
Stage 18: Now fully open following completion of the works on Warburton Bridge.
Stage 19: Fully open.
Stage 20: Fully walkable with a minor diversion in the city centre where the trail crosses the River Irwell. Visit the Stage 20 route page and see ‘Detours and trail updates’.

For any specific questions, feedback or guidance, feel free to email us at info@gmringway.org.