One of the oldest and most significant trading routes to pass through the Stocksbridge area is the Old Salt Road, also known as Saltersbrook. This ancient route, which runs from Northwich in Cheshire, was essential in transporting salt, a vital commodity in medieval times. The road, also referred to as the Salt Route or Pack Horse Trail, was used for centuries, with wheeled barrows also playing a part in its operation.

Salt, particularly from the Cheshire Wiches—the salt-producing areas of Middlewich, Nantwich, and Northwich—was of immense value. It was used primarily as a food preservative, allowing meats to be stored for longer periods. It also had various other uses, from flavouring food to serving as a valuable trade item. The route that transported this essential commodity is commemorated in many place names found today, including Salters Ford, Saltergate, and Salter Hill. Interestingly, even Psalters Lane in Rotherham is named after this route, rather than any monastic connection, reflecting the importance of salt in everyday life.

The Saltersbrook Route

The Saltersbrook route entered the West Riding (now part of South Yorkshire) via Stockport and the Longdendale Valley, crossing at the appropriately-named Salter’s Brook Bridge near Woodhead, which marked the boundary between Yorkshire and Cheshire (now part of Derbyshire). The Doncaster and Salter’s Brook Trust officially turnpiked this route in 1740, connecting it with the earlier Manchester and Salter’s Brook Turnpike, which had been established slightly earlier.

In 1828, during the second wave of "turnpike mania", the route was further upgraded to ease gradients, with a new road constructed that ran to the A628, still in use today. The original route can still be traced on Ordnance Survey maps, running through the Flouch Inn area before continuing to Barnsley and Doncaster, with another branch heading towards Rotherham.

A Remote Moorland Trail

The Old Salt Road was primarily used by teams of pack horses, led by handlers known as Jaggers, who would travel the trail during the spring and autumn months. This remote, moorland route was challenging to navigate, but it was essential for transporting salt and other goods between Yorkshire and Cheshire.

Saltersbrook Today

Today, Saltersbrook remains a historical landmark on the edge of the Peak District National Park. To find Saltersbrook, travel along the Manchester Road (A628), passing through Thurlstone, Millhouse Green, and Bullhouse. Continuing past the Flouch crossroads, you will arrive at Bord Hill, where the road levels out and crosses a small bridge, Ladyshaw Bridge, which spans a brook. The current bridge dates back to the early 18th century (around 1730-1740) and would have originally been built from wood.

At this point along the route once stood Saltersbrook House, now in ruins, but historically an important stop along the old trail. Just up the road from here, the Dog and Partridge Inn opened in 1795 and operated until 1852, providing a welcome break for travellers and drovers. The inn was a key rest stop for those making the long journey across the moors, and it continues to be a local landmark.

Conclusion

The Old Salt Road (Saltersbrook) is a fascinating part of local history, reflecting the importance of salt as a trade commodity and its role in shaping the development of the area. The route itself, still visible in place names, roads, and landmarks, remains a testament to the enduring legacy of this essential trade route.