We
usually meet on the last Wednesday of each month and on the
second Tuesday of every other month, at 9:30am
by the village hall.
Walks
are not long or
strenuous; 5 or 6 miles on average, each with a different leader. Come along to
see the countryside in all its moods, sometimes
bathed in
sunshine, often with a shower or two, even perhaps with a carpet of
snow!
Our
walkers might pass stone-age remains, badger setts and tracks, and
fascinating old farmhouses and cottages.
They
will certainly
enjoy sweeping views over the Cheshire plain,
Peak District panoramas
of hills and dales, and gentler scenery by canals and parkland in Lyme,
Alderley and Ladybrook.
You
are guaranteed a friendly welcome when you join us.
Do come!
Meanwhile, thanks for all your
support in 2013; looking forward to
lots of enjoyable walks in 2014; and Freda and I hope you have a very
good Christmas and New Year. Walter
AWAY
WALKING BREAK 2014
In 2014 the walking group will have a 2 night walking break in
Llangollen, nights of 29/30th June. Contact Walter Mason for details,
if not already received by email, or to book places.
WALK REPORTS
JANUARY 8Walter's Local Area
walk. Report on the Walk
Judith, Sandra, Jeff and Walter enjoyed a very pleasant walk to
start our
new year’s walking. After a short canal
walk, we crossed (by footbridge)
and went up green fields and lanes past Throstlesnest and
Green Farms,
to skirt past West Parkgate and reach Green Close Chapel.
Then a
steady climb, with intriguing glimpses into Lyme Park,
took us to
Moorside and Keepers Cottage, with the reward of a
“coffee” break in
a sheltered spot during a brief spell of drizzle.
A bridleway now descended gently past Birchincliff(e), with its
picturesque courtyard, down to Shrigley Road and the Tea Rooms (closed
on Tuesdays!). Then we rose past Harrop Brow and Higher House
Farm, before turning into Simpson Lane, winding past Redacre Hall Farm
and Mitchell Fold.
Before long we were at Poynton Coppice Car Park, and a quick
stroll on the Middlewood Way past an indifferent heron
brought us back to the Boar’s Head, where we soon got substantial
home cooked meals, and were back to High Lane by 1.30. A good
start to 2013!
Walter Mason
WALK REPORT WEDNESDAY 30TH JANUARY 2013
JANUARY 30 SAM
& IRENE
CHAPPELL, Bollington. Report on the Walk
Our first Wednesday walk attracted 26, as Sam and Irene
led the group
from Bollington Recreation Ground, up to the
Middlewood Way. It was
bright and breezy, and the ground a bit damp as we headed
North,
inadvertently forcing several cyclists to a halt as the
track narrowed.
We passed a couple of animal carvings, before traversing a
rough and
soggy field on the way to Styperson Pool. A narrow
path led between
cottages, then ascended beneath overhanging trees to skirt
the former
Breck Quarries.
After a break, we reached Long Lane and firmer ground, before a descent
on
paths and rough pastureland
took us towards the
canal, attractive
pictorial
discs indicating our way. On the
towpath we soon reached Clarence Mill, and
steep steps leading
down to the parkland path by the River Dean
(strangely the
River Bollin doesn’t go through
Bollington!).
Then the highlight of the day, as we joined the crowds in
the Vale
Inn, like us attracted by the locally brewed beer choices.
Our
food orders were soon before us, hot and well cooked,
and it
was evident we should really thank Sam and Irene for their
excellent organisation, a splendid walk, and good fortune with the fine
weather.
Walter Mason
FEBRUARY 20RUTH
& DAVE
SMITH Disley/Strines. Report on the Walk
Ruth and Dave Smith led 16 walkers straight from the
village hall car park,
on a 4½
mile walk exploring the area between High Lane, Disley, Strines
and Marple Ridge. The annual lunch had forced a date
change for the
walking group. On the way out of High Lane,
historical interest of some
old local buildings was pointed out, and Disley golf club
was skirted on
the way to the Peak Forest Canal, then followed to Turf
Lea and a
coffee stop. A succession of field paths took the group over to the
Macclesfield canal, which led the group back to the village hall and an
early finish.
A few collected to have a carvery meal, while most retired back home,
but all seemed to have very much enjoyed the walk, in spite of the cool
air. The group leader (yours truly) having gone to Dunham with the
gardening group, this account is summarised from Ruth’s
observations.
Walter Mason
MARCH 27 ALISON ALLERTON
A Local Walk. Report on the Walk 6 men
and 6 ladies joined Alison Allerton, as we had a rare walk in the snow.
Rerouted from snowdrift bound Whaley Bridge back to milder High
Lane, our 6 mile walk was on familiar ground near Brookside farm to the
Elmerhurst Trail, past Lyme Hall to West Gate, then by Green Farm down
to the canal, to return to High Lane. But that simple route took
on a splendid variety of moods on the patchy snowy ground, as the
weather oscillated between mild sunshine, snowshowers, and cool
breezes. Some stretches were slippy, and one gate was jammed in a
snowdrift, but no-one struggled and all were well wrapped up. We
relaxed with a coffee stop in Lyme, and 7 diverted to the Boars Head at
Higher Poynton for a welcome lunch, and we all thanked Alison very much
as she set off back to snowy Whaley.
Walter Mason
APRIL 9
JEFF
MORTIMER Report on the Walk
Jeff
Mortimer led his first walk for us, which was a 7 miles foray from
Taxal up the Goyt valley to Fernilee Hall and return.
6 enjoyed a
very
pleasant day with plenty of sunshine, but with an on and
off cool
breeze.
Spring flowers were conspicuous by their absence, as the
remnants of
snow drifts were still around in exposed places. The
going was dry and
easy, except for a slippery snow bound section behind
the hall. Jeff told
us something of the history of the Cromford
inclined plane/tramway, and also of the history of Errwood Hall, before
we climbed up to the restored private cemetery.
Then it was an easy walk back by Errwood and Fernilee reservoirs
(noting the bat boxes on some of the trees), through the ancient
bluebell woodland of Park Wood, to skirt Taxal church, and a quick up
and down back to the cars, thanking Jeff for his first leadership walk.
Walter Mason
APRIL 24
ROGER
DRINKWATER Report on the Walk
When
Roger Drinkwater recc’d the route from Parwich, snowdrifts lined
the quiet, narrow access lane. But today, on a warm
pleasant day,
daffodils and primroses were scattered on the banks, as ten of
us
started
our 6½ mile
walk from this attractive out-of-the-way
village, as we crossed
a succession of rough meadows in the wide valley
leading to the hillock
village of Bradbourne. After a coffee stop
and quick look at the interesting
Norman church, we descended through a
snowdrop wood, with a skylark heralding our progress towards the
hamlet of Ballidon, where the ancient chapel was being re-roofed.
Ancient turned to modern, as we ascended the road past the busy
Ballidon and Hoe Grange quarries, although most of the massive quarries
were hidden, and soon we went up a quiet track, with buzzards circling
above, to bisect the two quarries on a carefully constructed green
bridge. After lunch, and a
study of two fossilised objects, we
continued near Twodale Barn and along Backhill Lane, before taking a
slanting path above Balllidon Hall, with a backdrop bank of daffodils,
and flying a flag for St George. We still had time to look at the
rebuilt church of Parwich, thank our walk leader, and persuade the
landlady of the Sycamore to refresh us. It had been a very
pleasant, though longish day, and Irene seemed to have enjoyed being
the only lady amongst nine men.
Walter Mason
MAY 7RICHARD
& SUSAN
CLARK Woodford Wander
Report on the Walk Richard
and Susan led a party of five from the Davenport Arms
(a.k.a. “Thief’s Neck”) in Woodford, on a 5-mile
circular
walk through the Cheshire countryside. Crossing the road and
passing the church on the right we proceeded down a country lane, which
soon became a path. Turning right, we then followed footpaths
through fields and a very pleasant garden to the Bollin at Mill
Lane. The Bollin Valley Way having been eroded away by a flood
necessitated a diversionary route where we came across goats,
donkeys and giraffes.
We took a coffee break under trees by some ponds along the
way, then continued along more footpaths until we eventually found
several abandoned farm buildings and houses at “Top
o’th’ Hill”. These had planning permission
notices on display suggesting conversion to a new development.
After exploring these buildings for a while, we then proceeded across
various fields to a swampy area with some ditches, which according to
the map was the site of an old moat. We spent time discussing
what this moat may have been surrounding in the past, as there was no
evidence of any buildings still present. We continued past a
small stream, which we identified as the River Dean, and then we passed
a water treatment works, and continued towards the flight sheds at
Woodford Airfield. After that we found ourselves along the edge
of the delightful “Avro” golf course to reach the airfield,
adjacent to the main runway. We then re-traced our steps to the
Davenport Arms, and there enjoyed a very pleasant meal.
Jeff Mortimer
MAY 29
LOUANNE &
PETER COLLINS The Cauldon canal Report on the Walk
Bluebells in abundance, admixed with the white campion-like flowers of
Greater Stitchwort, were one of the abiding memories of this very
pleasant 6 mile walk, led by Louanne and Peter Collins. 11 of us
travelled just beyond Leek, to Barnfields Country Park, and crossed
over into Ladderedge Country Park. Up field paths and by bluebell
woods, and along a short muddy footpath, before descending between the
attractive gardens and houses of Longden down to Horse Bridge.
Then we trod the towpaths of the Calden canal and its bluebell bordered
Leek branch, going over the 1841 Hazlehurst aqueduct, and later going
under it, all in lovely rural and wooded surroundings. A charity boat
of old people and a double hotel boat passed us, but otherwise few
people on this cloudy but bright day. We looked at a former
station platform on a stretch of disused rails, which locals were
hoping to link with the popular Churnet Valley Railway, 2 miles away in
Cheddleton. A short detour into the Deep Hayes Country Park for
our lunch stop – 3 Country Parks within a 2 mile circle! –
showed what a little gem this area was, so we were very grateful to
Louanne and Peter for taking us there.
Walter Mason
JUNE 18
JOHN
& BARBARA
MCCARTNEY Kinder Reservoir Report on the Walk John and
Barbara McCartney led a group of 10 on a pleasant scenic tour
of Kinder reservoir, Hayfield. Open access and
a substantial new
footbridge have recently enabled walkers to traverse this
route legally and
easily, although signs are still minimal. The weather
was perfect,
rhododendrons were flowering, a cuckoo, curlews and
skylarks were
heralding our passing, and there were plenty of good views
to be had.
Among the sights were a helicopter, apparently set up to spray (
bracken?), and the distant view of Upper House. This has a
fantastic history ranging from isolated farmhouse, haven for travellers
treading the nearby packhorse routes, links to the Knight Templars,
appropriation by the then Lord Mayor of Manchester as Stockport
Corporation bought Kinder farmlands for the reservoir, visits by Agatha
Christie, and now handsome restoration into a glamorous wedding venue.
It was good to view Kinder from these relatively low slopes
without too much effort, so John got a big thank you from the group for
his lovely walk.
Walter Mason
JUNE 26
GERRY & JAN
CHARTRES Calver, Derbyshire Report on the Walk 14 joined
Gerry
Chartres on lovely walk between Calver and Baslow.
Much of the
route was on riverside paths bordering the River Derwent,
trees
reflected in the calm waters, stilled by the impressive weirs
originally
used to power mills at Calver and Baslow. Water used
to be directed
along a leat (The Goit), which now kept the riverside
marshland damp,
encouraging an abundance of wild flowers and unusual
fauna.
Later we ascended on lanes east of the river, with
interesting cottages and features.
This area seemed new to most
of our party, and had pleasant views over the wide valley, enhanced by
an abundance of haymaking in the lush fields.
Gerry had carried out successful negotiations with local
innkeepers, so
we were able to wash down our packed lunches with beer and shandy, in a
splendidly scenic setting by the Derwent. All in all, Gerry and
Roger, who had accompanied him during recces, had chosen well –
especially with a day of warm sunshine, ideal for walking.
Walter Mason
JULY 31
DAVID BURKE
Wash / Ford area near Chapel-en-le-Frith. Report on the Walk David Burke,
successfully leading his first walk
for us,
took a group of 9 to a
quiet, little known
backwater, near to Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Starting from Ford, within sight of the well-
known Chestnut Centre, we undulated on rarely
used field paths, and saw a succession of tiny
hamlets, farms and halls, with green and pleasant views in all
directions. A light, but warm drizzle hid the distant hills
for a time and made some stretches slightly slippery, but most of the
going was easy, except for a few stiles and inclines. David has
family connections with the area and local knowledge, so recounted
several interesting tales and facts, especially about the 4 halls
– Ford, Bagshawe, Slacke, and Bowden.
A lesser group of 5 toasted David’s walk afterwards at the nearby
Fallow Deer roadhouse, where Marstons and Jennings beer went down a
treat!
Walter Mason
AUGUST
13
JEFF
MORTIMER Roman Lakes - Mellor Report on the Walk
Six walkers met for the walk, with a forecast of sunshine and showers,
unfortunately the showers won! But this didn’t take any enjoyment
from this lovely walk.
We parked at the Roman Lakes Car Park and had a quick look around, with
one or two people recalling some memories from years ago of the
Lake. Then it was a gentle climb up to Mellor Church. This
small area was full of interest, from Iron Age Settlement
to Prehistoric Roundhouses and Jeff gave us lots of history as to
how the diggings were discovered and then unearthed.
After a quick coffee break, we went along a bridle path, down to Mellor
Road, then a climb to Cobden Edge. It was getting very misty at
this point and we lost a couple of walkers but were re-united quickly!
The history continued at our next stop called Shaw Cairn, a Bronze Age
Burial Ground and it was amazing the number of objects found by
archaeologists. The heather was beautiful in this area too.
But we were getting very wet at this point so shortened the walk a
little and took shelter in the Fox Inn at Brook Bottom. A nice
meal and a very pleasant pub!
After lunch, the rain eased and we set off again – along the
Midshires Way via the River Goyt with sunshine at last........and back
to the car park.
A great walk and thanks to Jeff for taking us and providing us with so
much information.
Sandra Barber
AUGUST
28
DAVID LLOYD
Hope area Report on the Walk David
Lloyd took thirteen to Hope for a 5½
mile
walk on unfamiliar paths, to
reach the gentle col
between Win Hill
and the Eastern Slopes of
Kinderscout, at about 1000 feet. In
misty warm
sunshine, quiet minor roads led to pleasant field
paths,
coffee stop at Fiddle Clough, and then to
an ascending path through
bracken slopes to reach the col on the dot of midday – time
for
an early lunch!
Afterwards we soon reached the start of the downward path – part
of the Roman Road between Melandra (near Glossop) and Navio (near Hope)
– denoted by an interesting cross from the 18th century. Although
scarred in places from overuse, the route was straight
and easy, and soon brought us down to a country pub “Cheshire
Cheese”, where we could thank David for his walk, much of which
had been on lovely grassy paths, and had fine views throughout.
SEPTEMBER
25
SAM/IRENE CHAPPELL
Rushton Spencer Report on the Walk Sam and Irene
Chappell took 15 to Rushton Spencer, for a 6 mile walk over to
Dane Bridge and back. A light drizzle wet us at first, and left
sections of the
paths rather heavy, but the rain stopped as we skirted the River
Dane, passed a
stand of sheep skulls, and some tempting blackberries, and made
a coffee stop.
A sturdy metal footbridge gave a splendid view of a weir, as we
progressed to
the Dane Bridge troutery, and admired the fat trout for sale.
Then a steepish ascent towards Wincle Grange farm, with a lunch
stop under
magnificent beech trees giving a welcome rest. The route now
followed pastureland on little-used field paths, past the site of
Dumkins, before joining the well-used Gritstone trail down to
Barleighford Bridge. There Sam and Irene fed us with sweets to help us
up the climb, on a track which led directly to the village of Rushton
Spencer. A short stretch of feeder canal for Rudyard Lake, and we
arrived back close to the Knot Inn, which was a magnet for half our
number. It had been an enjoyable walk, in spite of a humid mist
blocking distance views, so Sam and Irene were thanked by all for their
efforts.
Walter Mason
OCTOBER
8 MERLYN
& JOYCE YOUNG Timbersbrook / Bosley
Cloud area.
Merlyn and Joyce took a small group of five on a 5½ mile walk ascending Bosley
Cloud, and taking in some good paths, country lanes and the
Macclesfield canal.
We met at the Timbersbrook picnic area car park, where Merlyn gave us a
very interesting history of the mill that was previously on the site
from the 1800s until it was demolished in 1966. We walked along a lane
and found the footpath that took us to the summit of Bosley Cloud,
observing some soaring buzzards on the way. At the top we paused
for refreshments, and took in the splendid views. Descending across
lanes and fields, past a fine crop of sweet corn, we arrived at the
Macclesfield canal where we stopped for our packed lunch. We then
had a very easy walk along the canal towing path, observing an unusual
painted cow at a farm, another lane with some very poisonous looking
fungi, then across some fields where we saw lots of interesting farm
animals. Finally we walked along a lane back to the car park.
It was a very pleasant walk, which we all enjoyed.
Jeff Mortimer
OCTOBER 30
RICHARD
&
SUSAN CLARK Woodford revisited On a
lovely bright morning, Richard and Susan Clark reprised their
May
Tuesday walk from the Davenport Arms, Woodford. This time
a
group of
16 enjoyed a tour of the flat pasture land surrounding the
infant rivers
Dean and Bollin, with a smattering of black and white
halls, and a few
wooded sections; and especially we enjoyed the end of
the walk on the
delightful footpath skirting Woodford aerodrome and
the perimeter of
the Avro golf course.
It wasn’t all joy, as several night’s heavy showers falling
on poorly drained flood plains necessitated a few frantic scrambles,
where pools and soggy grassland had blocked our way. But we all
liked the route chosen, and the lack of hills – and our party
were also very happy with the prompt service and good food in the
Davenport Arms (Thief’s Neck) afterwards.
Walter Mason
NOVEMBER 27
On a grey day with paths greasy from overnight rain,
Walter’s 4½ mile walk from Buxworth seemed to meet with
general approval. From the steps and bypass footbridge, a path
followed above the bypass, then it was the steeply ascending Silk
Lane before we joined a path winding down to the former Cromford
railway and the Whaley Bridge canal end. It was an easy walk
along the attractive beech shaded towpath past Botholmes and
Bridgemont, and we had our coffee stop. A path led down
past the sewage works (where unfortunately the calm air had allowed
odours to linger!). Over a footbridge we crossed the river to
pass the attractive hamlet of Waterside, and saw a beautifully situated
garden with winding stream, flowing wisteria, magnolias and profusive
cyclamen.
The second climb of the day came on Dolly Lane, as the quiet lane
skirted Green Head, before descending gently past Ancoats on the
recently designated cycle route 68. But no cycles and just an
occasional car came our way. At Brierley Green we turned
left by a blue plaque cottage, then under the dark railway bridge
before a right turn led us down to Black Brook and the easy tramway
back to the Navigation Inn. Not the most exciting of walks, but
varied stretches, easy going, and interesting buildings on the way made
it a good choice for November.
Walter Mason
DECEMBER 18
Steve Reynolds took a group of 18 on a very pleasant undulating
walk in Lower Mellor. The promised rain proved to be fitful
sunshine as we negotiated two stream valleys (both un-named on 1:25000
Ordnance Survey maps) and passed Townscliffe Farm, on our way to a
coffee stop at Mill Brow. We briefly followed Hollywood Road,
admiring a local garden, then took a short fieldpath before we steadily
ascended up the fields to Mellor Hall and shortly the vicarage garden
with its celebrated stone age dig. We looked inside Mellor Church,
where a small colourful modern window contrasted with older
surroundings, then followed steps into the field below to pick up
Knowle Road, soon leading us back to the Royal Oak, which gave us
really nice lunches in pleasant pub surroundings.
Steve and Ann were well thanked for their walk, and (in a flush of
Christmas spirit?) Steve was soon musing on the possibility of a Summer
evening walking return visit to the Royal Oak – watch this
space!