Walk report October 2006 On October 25th, in spite of a pessimistic forecast; 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 Walk report November 2006 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 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 WALKS (planned to date) Wed 31 Jan Dave/Ruth Smith Macclesfield Forest  Wed 28 Feb David Lloyd Prestbury/Bollin Wed 28 Mar Brian/Alison Allerton either Airport circular or Lowry centre Wed 25 Apr Don Heap Limestone country Wed 30 May Walter Mason Ludchurch June Weekend Steve Reynolds Hadrian’s Wall All walks start from the High Lane Village Hall at 9.30 unless otherwise advised. |
