Dunkirk Wood

Wood, Forest in Cheshire

England

Dunkirk Wood

Approaching Bridge #121 (Knott Fold) The Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network Route #62 follows the route of the former Godley Junction to Apethorn Railway. Cyclists and walkers share the central line, whilst horse-riders were supposed to follow a bridle-path to the side. At various points the bridle-path swaps sides. There used to be a locked gate across the path designed to discourage motorbikes and other vehicles from using the trail, whilst allowing access for essential maintenance vehicles. A sign by the squeeze stile encourages cyclists, riders and walkers to &quot;Share with Care&quot; <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6557129">SJ9493 : Share with Care</a>.

Now, however, the state of the path has deteriorated. Much of the bridle-path is an unusable quagmire forcing riders to use the main path. Heavy rain falling on autumn leaves has made the trail difficult for everybody. Now the gate has been opened and moved so it blocks the squeeze style.

See how this looked in 2009 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1279148">SJ9493 : Knott Fold Bridge</a>; in 2014 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4285936">SJ9493 : Knott Fold Bridge</a> and in 2021 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7053844">SJ9493 : Knott Fold Bridge </a>. — Approaching Bridge #121 (Knott Fold) Credit: Gerald England

Dunkirk Wood, located in Cheshire, England, is a picturesque forest area that covers approximately 500 acres of land. Situated near the village of Dunkirk, this woodland is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The wood is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a vibrant display of colors during autumn. The dense canopy of the trees allows only dappled sunlight to filter through, creating a serene and tranquil ambiance. The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of moss and ferns, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Traversing through Dunkirk Wood, one can discover a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. The woodland is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, camping facilities are available within the forest, providing an opportunity to spend the night amidst the sounds of nature. Additionally, there are picnic areas scattered throughout the wood, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the stunning surroundings.

Dunkirk Wood is not only a haven for nature lovers but also serves as an important ecological site, contributing to the conservation of the local ecosystem. Its accessibility and natural beauty make it a cherished location for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Dunkirk Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.458761/-2.0931406 or Grid Reference SJ9395. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Approaching Bridge #121 (Knott Fold)

The Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network Route #62 follows the route of the former Godley Junction to Apethorn Railway. Cyclists and walkers share the central line, whilst horse-riders were supposed to follow a bridle-path to the side. At various points the bridle-path swaps sides. There used to be a locked gate across the path designed to discourage motorbikes and other vehicles from using the trail, whilst allowing access for essential maintenance vehicles. A sign by the squeeze stile encourages cyclists, riders and walkers to "Share with Care" SJ9493 : Share with Care. Now, however, the state of the path has deteriorated. Much of the bridle-path is an unusable quagmire forcing riders to use the main path. Heavy rain falling on autumn leaves has made the trail difficult for everybody. Now the gate has been opened and moved so it blocks the squeeze style. See how this looked in 2009 SJ9493 : Knott Fold Bridge; in 2014 SJ9493 : Knott Fold Bridge and in 2021 SJ9493 : Knott Fold Bridge .

Gerald England

Oak tree at Foxholes

The oak tree stands above the embankment of the former Godley Junction to Apethorn railway now forming part the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network Route 62. In the foreground is a Rowe type Sustrans milepost SJ9493 : Sustrans milepost at Foxholes erected in 2014 and recently re-painted. In front of it is a bench, one of ten on this section, installed courtesy of the Manchester Guardian Charitable Trust in 2023.

Gerald England

The path over Knott Fold Bridge

Bridge #121 over the former Godley Junction to Apethorn railway now forming part the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network Route 62.

Gerald England

Knott Fold

Originally an isolated group of cottages dating from the 18th century but now surrounded by modern housing.

Gerald England

Breakfast on a bus

The snack bar on Manchester Road has converted a bus into a dining room for customers.

Gerald England

Manchester Road

The A57 out of Hyde. The White Gates Inn on the left is a Sam Smith's house.

Gerald England

Triple B's

Previously known as Kingston Sandwiches.

Gerald England

Collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto)

A pair that nest in nearby Gower Hey Wood. Discover Wildlife: Link

Gerald England

Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

One of a pair that nest in nearby Gower Hey Wood. Discover Wildlife: Link

Gerald England

Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

One of a pair that nest in nearby Gower Hey Wood. Discover Wildlife: Link

Gerald England

Penny's Land

Originally this was the Manchester & County Bank which was established in Manchester in 1862 and trade directories show that a branch of this bank had been opened on Ashton Road, Denton, by 1873. By 1882 the bank had moved to premises on Manchester Road. In 1934 it became County Bank Ltd until 1935 when it amalgamated with the District Bank Ltd. In 1962 the District Bank Ltd was acquired by the National Provincial Bank Ltd, which became part of the National Westminster Bank Ltd in 1970. In 2000 the National Westminster Bank plc (NatWest Bank) became part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. In 1922 the original building on Manchester Road was replaced by a new one and there is a date stone for 1922 above the corner window. This branch of NatWest closed on the 15 June 2017 SJ9295 : Former NatWest Bank, Denton and it was one of 56 north regional branch closures around this time. See Link

for a more detailed history. It is now occupied by a store called Penny's Land selling a variety of different low-priced items.

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (1)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. The runners have just set off. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (2)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. At the front are 497 David Barratt of Salford Harriers and 4188 Ryan Worland of Sale Harriers. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (3)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. Some of the early runners at the start. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (4)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. Some of the early runners at the start. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (5)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. Closely grouped runners just behind the leading pack. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (6)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. These runners probably have around 200 in front of them and 300 behind. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

Dr Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race 2021 (7)

The final of four races comprising the Tour of Tameside starts and finishes outside Hyde Town Hall. The 7 mile running route through Hyde Town Centre and the surrounding area is named after the athlete Ron Hill who died earlier this year. Around half the field of over 500 runners have already gone by but the rest are still to come. The race had not been held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 winner was David Barratt of Salford Harriers in a time of 35 mins 33 secs. The first female runner was Hayley Simpson of East Cheshire Harriers in a time of 47 mins 59 secs. The 519th finisher came home in 1 hour 49 mins. Full results: Link

Gerald England

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Dunkirk Wood is located at Grid Ref: SJ9395 (Lat: 53.458761, Lng: -2.0931406)

Unitary Authority: Tameside

Police Authority: Greater Manchester