February Walk - Lyme Park Circular

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 point of interest was Elmerhurst Wood. Conditions underfoot were even more difficult - water and ice are not the best walking conditions - and some members of the group likened it to going to the skating rink when they young. With extreme care we came out the other side with only one casualty, who slipped up, but fortunately only his pride was dented.

At this point 'Elth and Safety' decreed that we should abandon the trail through Crow Wood and follow the road round to the cafe. Here we stopped for a break and as always, the sun shined on the righteous and we were able to sit outside for a welcome cup of coffee.

The walk continued through the Lyme Park on tarmac roads from this point and we made good time on the return leg to the car park where we arrived back at about one o'clock - just in time for lunch. We adjourned to the Boars Head where pie, chips and mushy peas were the favoured dish of the day!

Wrapped up and ready to go!

Ice on the Macclesfield Canal

Ryles Wood in winter.

Crossing the stream in Ryles Wood

Elmerhurst Wood

The cage in Lyme Park.

A robin joins us for coffee!

Comments

Ashworth and Norden - Saturday 10th November 2018

Ashworth and Norden, Rochdale. St Jame's Church, Ashworth A party of six set out from Norden, Rochdale for this 5 mile ramble through the local countryside.From the car park we turned into Black Pits Lane and very soon arrived at the footpath alongside Naden Brook. At the bridge next to remains of the old mill, we crossed the river, and then began the climb out of the valley to a farm track which leads up to the ancient church of St James Bamford and the former pub known as the Chapel House, which is now a private residence. Here we stopped to admire the old church with its interesting grave stones and the views across Lancashire to Manchester and Derbyshire. We then crossed the fields to the old schoolhouse before joining Ashworth Rd to take us down to Simpson and Gelder Cloughs. Unfortunately we found the road closed because of a landslide and we had to retrace our steps and take an alternative path down to the valley. Not wishing to miss out the scenery

Birtle - Saturday 11th February 2017

The first walk of the 2017 season started from the Pack Horse Inn, Birtle on the lower slopes of the Pennines above Heywood. On a cold wet windy Saturday we set off from the Inn to follow the road north on a long steady climb to the hamlet of Birtle where we then turned to follow the path along the edge of Ashworth Valley. Unfortunately from the top the views over Lancashire were obscured by cloud and mist but the views of the wooded valley with Cheesden Brook running through provided some compensation. We made a detour from the route to visit Nabs Wife the site of the former Tea room and weaving mill known as Kershaws Bridge. The site is now occupied by a private dwelling although the old mill yard is still evident. From here we continued along the edge of the valley before turning to take the path across fields to return to the start point and a long leisurely lunch in the pub! Further information: http://www.packhorseinnbury.co.uk/about http://heywoodmonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Country Park - Saturday 10th August 2019

This walk came about during a discussion over coffee after Church probably two Sundays ago and was a bit of a corporate effort. Nothing was planned until some one mentioned Styal Mill and possibilities of lunch at the Ship Inn. One person had a much walked route embedded in her boots! This route also allowed the opportunity to cut back through the beautiful gardens if the prospect of the few short but sharp inclines was too much. Firstly we had coffee in the Mill restaurant before ten of us set off from the old Mill Yard (featured in ‘The Mill’ TV series). We went up the hill from the Mill towards the Apprentice House but turned left along the track that skirts the outer edges of land round the original home of the Gregg family. This used to be a muddy path but in the last few years the National Trust has upgraded many of the paths on the estate, making them accessible to more visitors, including wheelchair users and children’s buggies. We dropped down to the River Bolli

St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

Search This Blog