St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

The weather forecast was for severe winter weather but fortunately for us Saturday dawned dry but very cold. Due to injuries, too much digging, and other engagements the group was down to only five members but undaunted we left the car park at Nelson Pit, Higher Poynton, well wrapped up against the cold and in good spirits, to walk round Lyme Park. We started off  along the Macclesfield Canal which was completely frozen over and an ice breaker would be required for any boating enthusiast wanting a day cruising on the canal! After a short stroll along the tow path we crossed the canal and set off across the fields to the Park. The ground was hard and frozen but crossing the fields was not a problem and we made good time up to Ryles Wood. Although the snow and frost hanging from the trees were very scenic, conditions under foot quickly became quite treacherous and extreme care was required especially on the downward slopes. However, we negotiated Ryles Wood successfully and our next