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November Walk

November Walk - Marple Circular 10th November 2012

On a lovely Saturday morning and  a weather forecast which promised sun throughout the day, nine of us set off from the Marple Garden Centre  on a 6 mile circular walk around Marple.For the first part of the walk we followed the main road and diced with traffic from three directions to reach open country side at the junction with the main Stockport Rd. Eventually we all crossed safely and after a short climb we reached the open fields. The going across the fields could only be described as 'extremely heavy' as our boots sank into the muddy grass. After a lot of puffing and blowing we all made it to the other side, where we joined the Middlewood Way.

With firm going underfoot we made good progress but this was short lived for the next leg was across Hazel Grove Golf Course. Fortunately the paths were reasonably firm, the golfers absent - course too wet - and we very quickly reached the Macclesfield canal  where we stopped for a much needed coffee break.

After rest and refreshment we were ready to continue our journey along the canal towpath to the Marple junction where we joined the Ashton, Peak Forest canal. The route here is down hill as it follows the line of the Marple Locks, sixteen in total and takes about three hours to navigate in a narrow boat. Finally the path along the canal levels out as  it continues past rail viaducts and across an aqueduct over the River Goyt.

The final leg of our journey took us through Kirk Wood, which was extremely colourful, many of the trees still had their leaves, and on towards Chadkirk. Here we made a short detour to view the new bridge across the Goyt which is very impressive and from where you can enjoy fine views of the valley. From this point it was only a short walk along the main road and back to the car park. After changing our muddy boots we adjourned to the Hare & Hounds where we enjoyed an excellent lunch. Many thanks to Brian & Millie for organising and leading the walk.

Geeteek


All ready for the off
Crosssing golf course


Coffee break time.
Canal junction and marina at Marple
                                 
                                         
Narrow boat in Marple Locks
Acqueduct across Goyt
     
                   
Autumn colour Kirk Woods
New bridge across Goyt
      
     

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