Map Ref. SK 103593

Hulme End to Swainsley Tunnel

Location, parking and toilet facilities

Hulme End is at the northern end of the Manifold track, off the B5054 between Warslow and Hartington. The car park serves both the Manifold Track and the Visitor Centre. The main car park has a rough stony surface but there are four designated spaces for people with disabilities close to the start of the track and visitor centre. The surface here is of smooth tarmac. (see photo opposite).

There are accessible toilet facilities (open between 9.00am and 6.00pm) at the visitor centre pictured opposite.

The gate to the centre is 45 inches wide.

There is an information room in the visitor centre and picnic tables on the grassed area.

Hulme End to Swainsley Tunnel - distance 1½ miles

The track surface is tarmac and relatively smooth, with a slight downhill incline all the way to Swainsley Tunnel. During the winter months some parts of the track can be slightly muddy, perhaps due to fallen leaves on the track.

The Track

¾ of a mile from Hulme End, the track crosses the road and is gated at each side (see photo opposite). The smaller wooden gates are 42 and 43 inches wide.

200 yards from the tunnel is another gate which is 49 inches wide.

The end of the track (opposite), with Swainsley Tunnel in view. Note, there is limited parking close to the tunnel.

Wetton Mill is a further 1.2 miles but wheelchair users are advised not to continue through the tunnel.

Swainsley Tunnel is 100 yards long and is not wide enough for vehicles to pass wheelchair users. Although the tunnel is lit, it is still very dark, making it very difficult to see any obstacles which may be on the road.

The road to Wetton Mill is narrow with passing places, which is very busy during the summer and weekends. Muddy at times due to vehicles going onto the verge in order to pass and then transferring mud to the road surface.

I have handcycled through the tunnel and along the road to Wetton Mill and would strongly recommend that wheelchair users do not attempt this section.

Don’t forget to try Wetton Mill to Waterhouses.

Manifold Valley

OS Landranger Map 119

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