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Walking Group in 2006
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2006
Programme of
Walks
– 25/1
Mellor; 22/2 Millers Dale; 29/3 Etherow; 26/4 Hay Dale; 24/5
Mobberley;
28/6
Hayfield;
26/7
Hartington;
30/8 Whaley Bridge;
27/9 Eyam &
Foolow;
25/10 Disley, Bowstones
and
Lyme Park
; 29/11Whiteley
Green & Kerridge;
20/12
Wildboarclough area.
24/5 Mobberley Report.
From Knolls Green near Mobberley, Sonia Brown and Audrey Hyslop led us on an easy walk through the lush Cheshire countryside. An unseasonal Manchester monsoon had left the field paths wetter than usual, but the weather was kind. We started with a lovely bluebell wood, and a sight of a young foal, before we visited the most interesting church of St.Wilfred at Mobberley. George Leigh Mallory, the mountain climber lost high on Everest in 1924, is commemorated in a stained glass window in the North Aisle. In fact, 6 rectors of the church were from the extended Mallory family.
We had a brief rest under a large tree which many of us thought was one of the xxx types of Oak found in the UK. It appeared to have the remains of flower left on short suspended fronds which seemed strange for an Oak. The leaves have been scanned on 1mm grid. Any ideas?
Wednesday 27th June
Hayfield
The June Walk is deceptive. Although less than 5 miles, it will take us from Hayfield centre to the Middle Moor Shooting Cabin and back with no long climbs. We will rise past the church and pubs, and go along the wooded south bank of the river Sett. At Bowden Bridge, we will pick up Kinder Road, leading to the reservoir and the foot of William Clough. A sharp turn finds a gentle contouring path with fabulous views. After the cabin we will track down through heather to Park Hall and Little Hayfield. A pleasant field path past badger setts, and a little known footbridge over the river Sett, will return us to our cars.
Date:- 28 June 10 am High Lane Village Hall Food:- Bring Packed Lunch
Leader Walter Mason
Report on the Walk
On a warm July day Walter Mason led fifteen members of our group to the lower reaches of Kinder Scout. We walked from the centre of Hayfield towards Kinder Reservoir observing the differing bird life along the way - sanderlings running along the water's edge, and further on, lapwings, curlews and grouse; plus numerous wild flowers ( Whatever happened to those I Spy books?)
We stopped to eat our butties with an excellent view from the hill over the reservoir before making our way back across Middle Moor, past the shooting cabin, to Little Hayfield.
Many thanks to Walter for leading this walk and providing such good weather!
Brian Allerton.
Wednesday 26th July
Hartington
An easy 5.5 mile walk, from Hartington, along three of the most picturesque dales in the Peak District. Part of the walk is along limestone pavements which can be uneven in places and slippery when wet.
Start from Village Hall, please note 9.30 start. Bring a pack lunch and water if it is hot weather. We may need cash for parking.
Leader John McCartney
Report on the Walk
In
July, John McCartney led an enthusiastic group of 11, along 5
miles of
the delightful limestone Beresford, Wolfscote and Biggin dales from
Hartington. The weather was hot and sunny, but with a welcome cooling
breeze by the river Dove, and a heron was undisturbed by our passing.
The river had a good flow, but was decidedly less clear than normal.
Izaak Walton, of Compleat Angler fame, would not have been happy to see
his favourite trout stream in such a state. Thanks to John, for the
lovely walk, and especially for ensuring handy pubs and tea rooms to
quench our thirst afterwards.
Walter
Mason
Wednesday 30th August
Whaley Bridge
Wednesday 27th September
Eyam and Foolow
An easy 5 mile walk taking in the villages of Eyam and Foolow and finishing with a Pub lunch.
Meet at the Village Hall car park at 9.30am.
Leaders Mike & Margaret Snape.
Report on the Walk
24/5 Mobberley Report.
From Knolls Green near Mobberley, Sonia Brown and Audrey Hyslop led us on an easy walk through the lush Cheshire countryside. An unseasonal Manchester monsoon had left the field paths wetter than usual, but the weather was kind. We started with a lovely bluebell wood, and a sight of a young foal, before we visited the most interesting church of St.Wilfred at Mobberley. George Leigh Mallory, the mountain climber lost high on Everest in 1924, is commemorated in a stained glass window in the North Aisle. In fact, 6 rectors of the church were from the extended Mallory family.
We had a brief rest under a large tree which many of us thought was one of the xxx types of Oak found in the UK. It appeared to have the remains of flower left on short suspended fronds which seemed strange for an Oak. The leaves have been scanned on 1mm grid. Any ideas?
We
continued passed the bird garden, alas no longer open to the public,
and managed to resist the temptation of the 4 pubs between the Church
Inn and the Mob Cap, until retreating from Antrobus Bridge to a lunch
stop at the Bird in Hand. Thanks to Sonia and Audrey for a most
interesting
walk.
Walter Mason
Walter Mason
Wednesday 27th June
Hayfield
The June Walk is deceptive. Although less than 5 miles, it will take us from Hayfield centre to the Middle Moor Shooting Cabin and back with no long climbs. We will rise past the church and pubs, and go along the wooded south bank of the river Sett. At Bowden Bridge, we will pick up Kinder Road, leading to the reservoir and the foot of William Clough. A sharp turn finds a gentle contouring path with fabulous views. After the cabin we will track down through heather to Park Hall and Little Hayfield. A pleasant field path past badger setts, and a little known footbridge over the river Sett, will return us to our cars.
Date:- 28 June 10 am High Lane Village Hall Food:- Bring Packed Lunch
Leader Walter Mason
Report on the Walk
On a warm July day Walter Mason led fifteen members of our group to the lower reaches of Kinder Scout. We walked from the centre of Hayfield towards Kinder Reservoir observing the differing bird life along the way - sanderlings running along the water's edge, and further on, lapwings, curlews and grouse; plus numerous wild flowers ( Whatever happened to those I Spy books?)
We stopped to eat our butties with an excellent view from the hill over the reservoir before making our way back across Middle Moor, past the shooting cabin, to Little Hayfield.
Many thanks to Walter for leading this walk and providing such good weather!
Brian Allerton.
Wednesday 26th July
Hartington
An easy 5.5 mile walk, from Hartington, along three of the most picturesque dales in the Peak District. Part of the walk is along limestone pavements which can be uneven in places and slippery when wet.
Start from Village Hall, please note 9.30 start. Bring a pack lunch and water if it is hot weather. We may need cash for parking.
Leader John McCartney
Report on the Walk
In
July, John McCartney led an enthusiastic group of 11, along 5
miles of
the delightful limestone Beresford, Wolfscote and Biggin dales from
Hartington. The weather was hot and sunny, but with a welcome cooling
breeze by the river Dove, and a heron was undisturbed by our passing.
The river had a good flow, but was decidedly less clear than normal.
Izaak Walton, of Compleat Angler fame, would not have been happy to see
his favourite trout stream in such a state. Thanks to John, for the
lovely walk, and especially for ensuring handy pubs and tea rooms to
quench our thirst afterwards.
Walter
Mason |
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Wednesday 30th August
Whaley Bridge
This will be an
easy walk approx 4 miles, from our house
(plenty of parking space) over the fields, past the Roosdyche to the
Buxworth Basin, returning along the canal tow path to Whaley Bridge.
There are a couple of ladder stiles on the walk, and good
footpaths.Towards the end of the walk I shall go ahead to pick up my
car and drive back so that I can light the BBQs.
Meet at Village
Hall at 10.00am and bring your own BBQ food (or sandwiches if you don't
want to BBQ). This can be left in our fridge.Alison is happy
to provide salads and baps/bread.
If the weather
is really wet people can make the decision to bring sandwiches instead
and we can eat them here.
Leader Brian Allerton
Report on the WalkAt the end
of August, after days of heavy downpours, 22 apprehensive walkers met
for Brian and Alison's barbecue walk. 5 hours later, in brilliant
sunshine, 22 happy and contented walkers departed homewards. It had
been a very pleasant day, walking the interesting paths round Whaley
Bridge, seeing the ancient Roosdyche, the more recent artefacts of the
canal and old railway ages, and admiring the sweeping views from the
green low level field paths. Then there had been the highlight of a
well organised barbecue, with wine and beer to send us happily on our
way. A big thank you to Alison and Brian!
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Wednesday 27th September
Eyam and Foolow
An easy 5 mile walk taking in the villages of Eyam and Foolow and finishing with a Pub lunch.
Meet at the Village Hall car park at 9.30am.
Leaders Mike & Margaret Snape.
Report on the Walk
On
the last Wednesday in September, Mike Snape and his wife led 15 of us
along the grand series of 20 limestone wall stiles to cross Linen Dale
(a dry dale derived from "lime tree valley") and gradually descended to
Eyam. This village is famed for the villagers' heroism in
1665, following the arrival of plague bacillus amongst
cloth from London. The rector and inhabitants isolated
themselves to prevent the spread of bubonic plague to others, but at
the loss of 260 villagers.
Eyam was full of interest, and Mike pointed out several plaques on buildings, including the pigeon loft from where "pigeon post" took sales/ordering messages to Macclesfield from one of the local mills.
Eyam was full of interest, and Mike pointed out several plaques on buildings, including the pigeon loft from where "pigeon post" took sales/ordering messages to Macclesfield from one of the local mills.
We
returned past Dunlow farm along an easy walled track, and looped round
on pleasant field paths by Silly Dale (another dry dale).
Suddenly we re-entered the picturesque village of Foolow,
complete with duckpond, stocks, churches, and most satisfying of all, a
welcoming Bulls Head pub for a very pleasant pensioners' meal!
Thanks Mike and Margaret
Thanks Mike and Margaret
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Disley,
Bowstones and
Lyme Park
Report on the Walk
Report on the Walk
On
October 25th, in spite of a pessimistic forecast from BBCs Dianne
Oxbury, Don Heap had an assembly of 12 as we strolled past the church
of St. Mary the Virgin in Disley, and then up past the cottages of
Green Lane, with their memorabilia collections of post boxes and
telephone boxes. There was an Autumn stillness in the air, with misty
views towards Lyme Park cage, before we admired the profusion of wild
rose berries in the recently planted Millennium wood, courtesy of
Macclesfield Council. The weather remained relatively kind while we
passed Bolden Hall farm (now split up into separate dwellings), climbed
to the ancient Bowstones, and descended to Knights Low. Distant red
deer stags, mixed groups of Highland cows and white fallow deer
shepherded us along to Lyme Hall.
A huge beech tree gave good shelter as the forecast rain finally arrived, but sandwiches, drinks and conversation revived us. Then we enjoyed the pleasant paths in the mini-arboretum of Crow Wood, through the Horse Chestnuts, Beech and Monkey Puzzle trees, and onto the Elmerhurst trail with Fly Agaric toadstools lurking under the Sweet Chestnuts. The toadstools had attractively coloured spotted caps, but thoughts of severe sickness and coma reminded us not to be tempted. We got a little wetter on the exposed track back to Disley, but were soon back to our cars, and thanking Don for his excellent walk. Walter Mason
A huge beech tree gave good shelter as the forecast rain finally arrived, but sandwiches, drinks and conversation revived us. Then we enjoyed the pleasant paths in the mini-arboretum of Crow Wood, through the Horse Chestnuts, Beech and Monkey Puzzle trees, and onto the Elmerhurst trail with Fly Agaric toadstools lurking under the Sweet Chestnuts. The toadstools had attractively coloured spotted caps, but thoughts of severe sickness and coma reminded us not to be tempted. We got a little wetter on the exposed track back to Disley, but were soon back to our cars, and thanking Don for his excellent walk. Walter Mason
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Wednesday 29th November.
Richard and Susan Clark will lead a mostly level 4-5 mile walk between Whiteley Green and Kerridge. Meet 10am, pub lunch.
Richard and Susan Clark will lead a mostly level 4-5 mile walk between Whiteley Green and Kerridge. Meet 10am, pub lunch.
Report on the Walk
November
29th dawned bright and fair, and with holidays over encouraged a mass
turn out of 29 walkers. We headed for Bollington and an easy, but very
pleasant, stroll of 5 miles by the Macclesfield canal and former
Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple railway. The going was good, with
just the occasional flights of steps to make us watch our footing. We
admired the 60 foot canal aqueduct, and refused to be tempted by the
tea shop at the Clarence Mill, no longer producing high quality fine
cotton clothing, linen and lace goods. We passed the Windmill pub at
Whiteley Green, where archery butts are set up, before we headed back
past Bollington to the Kerridge. There we crossed the old tramway
incline and skirted past the former Redway Tavern, once a popular and
thriving historic pub, but now a pair of bland and sad looking
cottages.
Earlier in the walk, Richard and Susan Clark our walk leaders, had liaised with our lunch pub to ensure food for all – happily there was, and at pensioners prices too! With our large turnout, the decibel level swiftly rose as the happy conversation amply demonstrated our appreciation to Richard and Susan, and our real enjoyment with the walk and meal. Walter Mason
Earlier in the walk, Richard and Susan Clark our walk leaders, had liaised with our lunch pub to ensure food for all – happily there was, and at pensioners prices too! With our large turnout, the decibel level swiftly rose as the happy conversation amply demonstrated our appreciation to Richard and Susan, and our real enjoyment with the walk and meal. Walter Mason
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Wednesday
20th December
Walter Mason will take a 3-4 mile walk in the Wildboarclough area, with a pub lunch. Meet 10am.
Walter Mason will take a 3-4 mile walk in the Wildboarclough area, with a pub lunch. Meet 10am.
Report on the Walk
The walking group saw off 2006 with a picturesque walk in Wildboarclough (pronounced “Wilbercluff”by the locals). The valley was pleasantly quiet and misty, and we observed the contrast between the gentle bubbling stream, and the scene seventeen years ago. Then a cloudburst caused the destruction of 3 bridges by 18 foot deep flash floods and the death by drowning of a car driver, commemorated in a plaque on one of the rebuilt bridges over Clough Brook. Later in the walk, a local farmer described how his outbuildings had been washed away by the torrent, and how a cow had been swept downstream – only to recover and stagger back!
The walk was a mere 3 miles, but we saw the grand building which used to house the largest sub post office in England. We passed the attractive St. Saviour’s Church, the imposing Crag Hall (country seat of the Earls of Derby), and some lovely scenery; all this within a scattered country parish of about 200 people.
The 18 of us had a friendly welcome at the Crag Inn (formerly Bottom o’ th’ Bank Farm) and there were definite thoughts of returning in the summer of 2007, with a longer walk to tackle Shutlingsloe or Three Shires Head. Watch this space!
Walter Mason
The walking group saw off 2006 with a picturesque walk in Wildboarclough (pronounced “Wilbercluff”by the locals). The valley was pleasantly quiet and misty, and we observed the contrast between the gentle bubbling stream, and the scene seventeen years ago. Then a cloudburst caused the destruction of 3 bridges by 18 foot deep flash floods and the death by drowning of a car driver, commemorated in a plaque on one of the rebuilt bridges over Clough Brook. Later in the walk, a local farmer described how his outbuildings had been washed away by the torrent, and how a cow had been swept downstream – only to recover and stagger back!
The walk was a mere 3 miles, but we saw the grand building which used to house the largest sub post office in England. We passed the attractive St. Saviour’s Church, the imposing Crag Hall (country seat of the Earls of Derby), and some lovely scenery; all this within a scattered country parish of about 200 people.
The 18 of us had a friendly welcome at the Crag Inn (formerly Bottom o’ th’ Bank Farm) and there were definite thoughts of returning in the summer of 2007, with a longer walk to tackle Shutlingsloe or Three Shires Head. Watch this space!
Walter Mason