Lantern Pike

December 30th , 2015.

LANTERN PIKE INN, 

Distance: Zero miles.

Difficulty: Easy peasy.

Weather: sight dampness with a touch of wind.

Walkers: Tom Cunliffe.

SOB Walkers: None.

Apologies: Alan Hart et al

Leader: Cunliffe. Diarist: Cunliffe.

Starting point: Lantern Pike Inn Little Hayfield.

Starting time: 9:40am.Finishing time:  9:50am.

Congratulations to the BBC, once again they have triumphed in to spooking the whole population in to a siege mentality battening down all hatches with their overstated weather forecasts!

Admittedly the weather wasn’t perfect but we men of the north have walked in much worse conditions and never lost a single wanderer. Gentlemen, I fear the character of the WW has been somewhat tarnished when not a single WW turned up. Enough said about that!

Dismayed, I went back to bed! 

Next week’s walk will begin at 9:40am from the Lantern Pike (let’s try again), calling at Little Mill at Rowarth around 12:15 returning to the Pike around 2:15

Happy wimping !

 M

Poynton Pool

December 23, 2015.

POYNTON POOL, LADY’S INCLINE, DAVENPORT GOLF CLUB, HIGHER POYNTON, MACCLESFIELD CANAL, LYME PARK, LORD VERNON’S WHARF, THE BOAR’S HEAD AT HIGHER POYNTON, PRINCE’S INCLINE AND THE BULL’S HEAD AT POYNTON

Distance: Nine miles.

Difficulty: Easy.

Weather: Dry, sunny and unseasonably warm.

Walkers: Ron Buck, Tom Cunliffe, Colin Davison, Lawrie Fairman, Alan Hart, Keiran Rooney, Jock Rooner with Tips, George Whaites.

S.O.B. walkers: George Fraser, Tony Job, Terry Jowett, John Laverick, Ken Sparrow and Geoff Spurrell.

Apologies: Steve Courtney (in France), George Dearsley (in Turkey), Mark Gibby and John Jones (recovering from hernia operation).

Leader: Hart. Diarist: Hart.

Starting point: Diarist’s home at 68, London Road North, Poynton.

Starting time: 10.05am. Finishing time: 2.02pm.

It is doubtful there has been a better day for the Wednesday Wanderers so close to Christmas. The sun shone from a blue sky and the temperature remained warm throughout. A cool breeze meant coats stayed on but there were no signs of the strong Atlantic winds which had been forecast.

There was a five-minute delay at the start when a clumsy drinker (me) knocked a full glass of mulled wine over a kitchen worktop while we were enjoying traditional bacon butties and mince pies. 

This, allied to an over-optimistic schedule within our time limits, meant the course was covered in something of a gallop. Consequently the A team arrived at our first watering hole in two groups of four. Happily the route was well known and both quartets were able to travel at paces which suited them.

Similarly the journey from The Boar’s Head to The Bull’s Head involved a staggered start with all parties arriving at times of their choosing at speeds within their comfort zones.

From my house we turned left, crossing Anglesey Drive to enter the car park and take the path to the right of Poynton Pool.  This lake is a haven for waterfowl, occupied by Canada geese, swans, mallards, coots, water hens, herons and seagulls. There has, until recently, also been a resident cormorant but it was absent on this day.

We walked to the end of the path (15mins), crossed South Park Drive and turned left at the main road to head towards Poynton’s magic roundabout. After 100 yards we turned left (16mins) into Woodside Lane with the grounds of Poynton Sports Club on our right.

We took the right fork up Lady’s Incline (17mins), following the ancient route of the line which once brought tubs of coal down from the many pits in Higher Poynton. At the end of the path we crossed Towers Road (30mins) and went up a track leading on to Davenport Golf Course (37mins).

After crossing the fairway along a well-trodden right of way we followed a track right downhill which led out of the course. As we reached the road heading to Middlewood on our left we crossed for Anson Road but followed a footpath sign to its right which brought us over a wooden stile into a field (40mins).

After passing a row of stables we headed diagonally right across the field, leaving it via a metal kissing gate and a wooden stile (45mins). We then crossed three wooden stiles to enter and leave a series of fields and reached the road to Pott Shrigley (53mins). We turned left in that direction, passed the entrance to a soccer pitch on our left and turned left into Elm Beds Lane (56mins).

At a green footpath sign 20 yards later we turned left through a narrow path which emerged at the far side of the soccer field where we kept right and reached the Macclesfield Canal (60mins). We turned left and, upon reaching a pair of benches just beyond Bridge 15, we stopped for port (63mins).

By the time we resumed we were 18 minutes behind schedule. Perhaps, with the benefit of hindsight, it would have been better to settle for a late arrival at our first pub. This is not a popular choice, and can lead to scathing criticism of the leader, but perhaps it should have been risked and borne.

Instead the pace was increased as we crossed Bridge 15 and took the path which leads in a straight line towards Lyme Park. We entered the National Trust grounds by a kissing gate (80mins). The option of a short cut over a ladder stile on our left or a longer climb up to Bowstones  were both rejected.

We took a well-trodden path on the left of the hard road, crossed a wooden stile (90mins) and headed for the car park below Lyme Hall. Here we turned left (93mins) and made a further mistake. Instead of climbing up to Lyme Cage, from where there are magnificent panoramic views, we became slaves to the clock and followed the paved lane until the entrance hut came into view (113mins).

A well-worn path on our left then took us across a bridge over a stream (115mins) and through a wooden gate (117mins) leading to a permissive path. We followed this path across a series of stiles, some marked with yellow arrows, and at one stage climbed a flight of wooden steps leading to a metal kissing gate (136mins).

A series of wooden stiles then took us through fields until the welcome sight of narrow boats showed us we were heading back to the canal as planned. We reached it at Bridge 14 (141mins) which we crossed and turned left with the waterway on our left.

Turning right into the Nelson Pit car park (144mins) we followed the winding road past the information centre, crossed a road bridge over The Middlewood Way, and reached The Boar’s Head at Higher Poynton (147mins).

The six-strong S.O.B. team were already in place in the vault, having just finished their first pints of Black Sheep or Theakstons’ Original. Neither was deemed to be up to scratch according to our resident connoisseur Tom.

Departing, we turned left out of the pub door and left again to head down Anson Road. This brought us out opposite the lane leading to the golf club which we ascended (160mins). Instead of turning left across the fairway we continued along the path with the course on our left until we reached a gap stile marked with a yellow arrow (167mins).

This took us through a field. At the far side a metal kissing gate brought us into Towers Road (173mins) opposite Princes Incline. This took us down to Woodside Close  and the main road (182mins). We turned right and crossed it to reach The Bull’s Head (184mins) for pints of Thwaites’ Original at £3-20 or a selection of three guest beers, including the locally-brewed Bosley Cloud.

Next week’s walk will start from The Lantern Pike at Little Hayfield at 9.40am. We will head via Middle Moor to The Little Mill at Rowarth, arriving there around 12.15pm, before returning to the pub at about 2.15pm. Tom started a rumour that chilli and rice might be offered.

Can we remind you that on New Year’s Day there will be the traditional mixed walk. It starts at 10.30am from outside Poynton Post Office opposite St George’s Church, calling at Poynton Sports Club car park at 10.35am to collect those who are parked there for convenience. 

The walk involves a gradual climb up to The Macclesfield Canal at Higher Poynton and a walk along the canal towpath to The Miners Arms at Wood Lane Ends, Adlington, arriving shortly after 12 noon. The distance is 3-4 miles. After refreshment we return by an alternative route to The Bull’s Head at Poynton. During this walk it has been traditional to share Yuletide leftovers in the form of turkey sandwiches, mince pies and Christmas cake. Some have even been known to bring hip flasks.

Happy wandering !

High Lane

December 16, 2015

HIGH LANE, DISLEY GOLF CLUB, CRYSTAL SPRING MILL, PEAK FOREST CANAL, GOYT VALLEY, MANCHESTER-SHEFFIELD RAILWAY LINE, HAGUE BAR, LEA SIDE COTTAGE, THE FOX AT BROOK BOTTOM, STRINES STATION, STRINES HALL, BRUCE CLOCK, SPRING FIELD COPSE, PEAK FOREST CANAL, CLOUGH BRIDGE, HOLLINWOOD LANE, MACCLESFIELD CANAL, DOG AND PARTRIDGE AT HIGH LANE

Distance: Eight miles.

Difficulty: Easy.

Weather: Mainly dry, good visibility with slight drizzle.

Walkers: Peter Beal, Ron Buck, Tom Cunliffe, Colin Davison, Lawrie Fairman, Alan Hart, John Jones, Jock Rooney, Keiron Rooney and George Whaites.

SOB Walkers: George Fraser, Tony Job, Terry Jowett,  Ken Sparrow and Geoff Spurrell.

Apologies: Mark Gibby (Ripon), Steve Courtney (France) and George Dearsley (Turkey).

Leader: Davison. Diarist: Hart.

Starting point: The home of Colin Davison at 11, Carr Brow, High Lane, near Disley.

Starting time: 10am.Finishing time:  2.38pm.

What a difference free food and drink makes ! Just two weeks ago we struggled to raise three A team walkers. Yet with the nights drawing in, the promise of bacon butties, mince pies and mulled wine attracted no fewer than ten A-teamers and five SOB-teamers to Colin’s house for some festive cheer.

Although the promised pole dance by Angela never materialised and Colin was too busy cooking to deputise, his largesse was much appreciated by all the Wednesday Wanderers.

There was even hope that Tom, who has been missing for three weeks since his birthday, might also stand a round of celebratory drinks to mark the 64th anniversary of his birth. Sadly, although he accepted our heartfelt good wishes at The Fox, Tom could not be persuaded to treat his chums. A lesser man would have been too embarrassed to refuse.

Colin’s breakfast and our Christmas lunch later – amazing value at £4-69 –were the main event for this year’s Yuletide, but there will be an opportunity for a Harty breakfast next Wednesday when we hope that some of this week’s absentees will come along to make up the numbers at your diarist’s home.

From Colin’s house we turned left uphill and then turned left again to enter the course of Disley Golf Club (7mins). This provided an opportunity to test the nerves of a four-ball as we waited for them to drive off before we crossed the fairway in front of their tee.

The path led us into a wood which we left via a wooden stile (19mins). On our right were the remains of The Crystal Spring Mill, where animal carcases were rendered in bygone days. After going through a wooden gate we turned immediately right and descended a steep slope to reach a stream.

The path crossed the stream as it flowed beneath and we proceeded along its right bank until we reached The Peak Forest Canal and turned right (27mins). We crossed a wooden stile to go across the canal and turn right with the waterway on our right. As we followed the towpath we paused to study work which was progressing on providing an overflow for the new reservoir on our right (40mins).

After passing Higgins Clough Swing Bridge on our right we turned left just before Bridge 26 (48mins) and turned left downhill. We turned left again at a wooden public footpath sign marked Waterside (50mins), crossed a wooden stile and walked down a flight of steps (52mins).

This brought us out at a road leading to Northwood Tissues on our left. We crossed the road and reached the River Goyt. We walked with the river on our left then exited when we reached a road and turned left (59mins). After some 50 yards we turned right at a public footpath sign to follow the left bank of the Goyt.

When Pietime was declared (63mins), Colin immediately found a convenient branch on which to sit at the edge of the river. He was joined by Tom. Sadly the weight was too much and when the bough broke, Colin did fall to the amusement of his heartless chums.

Resuming we took a left fork away from the river (68mins) and went through a wooden kissing gate (73mins). We crossed the Manchester-Sheffield railway line (75mins) and climbed up to a road where we turned left (76mins). As we reached the sign for Hague Bar we turned right at Lea Side Cottageand headed left up a steep hill at a wooden public footpath sign (78mins).

This took us through a wooden gate to a road where we turned left (83mins). Six of the group turned right uphill (84mins) but the remainder carried straight on to reach The Fox at 11.43am. Their colleagues arrived 17 minutes later just as the pub doors were opening (108mins). The Robbies’ Unicorn at £3-05 a pint was deemed to be in excellent condition.

We continued our journey by walking straight ahead from the pub’s front door and then turning right down a rocky path a few yards away. This brought us to Strines Station (122mins) and Strines Hall on our left (124mins). Beyond the hall on our right was a fishing lake with a dovecote at its centre.

When we reached the Bruce Clock on our right (126mins) a plaque informed us that the Clayton family once owned most of Strines and had built Strines Hall in the 16th Century. By 1792 the hall had been split into two separate dwellings.

It was later owned by the Egerton family from Tatton, who leased the premises to the owners of Strines Print Works. By the late 18th Century there was a big demand for calico printing using engraved wooden blocks.

Strines Print Works was a premier partner in 1890 when the Calico Printers Association was formed and in 1925 new works were under construction. But the trade lost its popularity. Instead a pavilion, bowling green and three tennis courts were provided for the community.

A further merger created Tootal Ltd, the famous shirt manufacturers, who sold much of the estate. In 1982 a management buy-out saved the premises from closure but in 2003 the land was sold to housing developers. A large crowd watched the demolition of the chimney, which was a local landmark.

The distinctive clock was built in 1809 by Thomas Bruce, a foreman who lived at nearby Whitecroft Cottage.

While your diarist was making notes with the help of his fellow scribe Peter, the rest of the group had headed off out of sight. Our efforts to follow in their footsteps were not a total success, but we found our way across Strines Road, passing Spring Field Copse on our right and a row of cottages dated 1694 to reach The Peak Forest Canal.

We crossed it at Clough Bridge and found our way to the end of Hollinwood Lane and the site of the former pub called The Romper. After further adventures we reached the Macclesfield Canal at Bridge 9 and followed the towpath with the canal on our left until we reached the A6 (192mins).

From there we crossed the road and joined our colleagues from both the A and SOB teams in The Dog and Partridge, High Lane, where we were delighted to eat an excellent Christmas carvery lunch accompanied by a pint of IPA bitter and receive change from £7 !

Next week’s walk will begin at 9am with another round of bacon butties, mince pies and mulled wine at the home of your diarist, 68, London Road North, Poynton SK12 1BY. It is anticipated we will sally forth around 10am, heading round Poynton Pool and into Lyme Park. We shall return for a livener at The Boar’s Head, Higher Poynton, around 12.15pm before finishing, if open, at The Bull’s Head Poynton, around 2.15pm.

Happy wandering !

Whaley Bridge

December 9, 2015.

WHALEY BRIDGE, DISUSED CROMFORD AND HIGH PEAK RAILWAY, SHALLCROSS INCLINE GREENWAY, MANCHESTER-BUXTON LINE, SPARK FARM, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH GOLF COURSE, BRADSHAW HALL, LYDGATE FARM, HALL HILL FARM, PEAK FOREST TRAMWAY, THE OLD HALL AT WHITEHOUGH, PEAK FOREST TRAMWAY, BLACK BROOK, SILK HILL, THE COCK AT WHALEY BRIDGE

Distance: 7-8 miles.

Difficulty: Easy.

Weather: Dry with early sunshine but chilly wind.

Walkers: Peter Beal, Colin Davison, Lawrie Fairman, John Jones, Jock and Kieran Rooney with Tips, George Whaites.

SOB walkers: George Fraser, Tony Job and Geoff Spurrell.

Apologies: George Dearsley  (in Turkey), Mark Gibby (La Palma hols).

Leader: Fairman. Diarist: Hart. Photographer: Jones.

Starting point: Road outside The Cock at Whaley Bridge.

Starting time: 9.40am. Finishing time: 1.50pm.

After a last-minute change of route, five of our eight walkers were left with a feeling of déjà vu as we replicated a walk we had enjoyed on October 14. For that reason it is not your diarist’s intention to give the usual step-by-step account of our odyssey. The Wednesday Wanderers’ blogsite will provide sufficient information for anyone wishing to retrace our footsteps.

We were happy to welcome Kieran Rooney, an occasional guest who makes all-too-rare appearances, to our fold. Kieran is the elder son of Jock who shares his father’s facial features. His attempt to disguise this fact with a beard is doomed to failure for the obvious reason that Jock has adopted the same fashion statement. Alarmingly, although several inches taller, Kieran is also copying Jock’s shape.

There were two minor deviations from the October journey, when we decided to avoid the small loop round Tunstead Hall Farm (where we observed that one of the Houdini goats had returned), and to miss out Bugsworth Basin by crossing the A6 beforehand by a footbridge and turning right alongside a soccer pitch to reach Silk Hill.

The reason for the change of original plan was that it was pointed out The Swan at Kettleshulme only provided six seats for drinkers. Although it was a popular pub for summer visits when we could sit outside, it was deemed inappropriate for our needs in the winter.

The next choice of venue, The Shady Oak at Fernilee, was rejected for reasons not conveyed to your diarist. No doubt they were sound.

We enjoyed excellent pints of Marstons’ bitter for £2-80 at The Old Hall, although there was no sign of Daniel, the landlord. On our last visit he had told us how he was attempting the Iron Man challenge, which involved a double marathon, a 200-mile bike ride and several miles of swimming. Perhaps he has been lying down for a few days in a darkened room to recover.

Back in The Cock, where we were joined by our SOB team colleagues, we supped pints of Robbies’ bitter at £2-90 which was also in fine fettle.

Pictures by John Jones

Next week’s walk is the Christmas bonanza, starting at 9am at the home of Colin, 11, Carr Brow, High Lane. This involves bacon sandwiches, mince pies and mulled wine and may include a pole-dancing display by Angela.*

After a visit to The Fox at Brook Bottom at about 12.20pm, we finish our walk at The Dog and Partidge, High Lane, around 2.20pm with a Christmas carvery lunch for less than £8.

*Colin has offered to deputise if Angela cannot attend.

Happy wandering !

Furness Vale

December 2 2015

FURNESS VALE, PEAK FOREST CANAL, BIG TREE FARM, BALLBEARD FARM, NEW MILLS, THE TORRS, MILLENIUM WALKWAY, TORR VALE MILL, CHALKERS’ SNOOKER CLUB, ELLIBANKE COTTAGE, SHRIGLEY COTTAGE, THE SOLDIER DICK AT FURNESS VALE

Distance: 10 miles.

Difficulty: Easy.

Weather: Dry; sunny at first and cloudy later.

Walkers: Colin Davison, Alan Hart and John Jones.

Apologies: Peter Beal and Mark Gibby (hols in La Palma, Canary Islands), Lawrie Fairman (visiting relatives), Julian Ross (w*^king), George Whaites (domestic duties).

Leader: Jones. Diarist: Hart.

Starting point: Car park of The Soldier Dick pub, A6, Furness Vale.

Starting time: 9.44am. Finishing time: 2.43pm.

Eagle-eyed readers among you will have no doubt spotted that two of our Wanderers were both holidaying at the same time on the same island in the Canaries. I hope this will not start tongues wagging again.

Earlier this year there were rumours when Lawrie and Tom decided to holiday in Anglesey at the same time. Hints that Tom might have been groomed as a teenage metallurgy student were completely without foundation.

Any suggestions following this latest “coincidence” that the Wednesday Wanderers is a front organisation for a swingers’ club must be dispelled. We will not allow this vile gossip to continue.

Despite forecasts of heavy rain starting in the area at noon, we enjoyed a sunny start to this new walk and the predicted precipitation did not begin until we had de-booted in the pub car park at journey’s end.

We are indebted to John for leading us along pastures new and for keeping up a running commentary on the landscape which provided us with splendid views of the gently undulating terrain.

The relaxation of the forest laws in the 17th century created new tracks and roads, and of many open-cast coalmines. But how many of you knew that coal came in many forms ? In this area of the Goyt Valley the miners extracted yard coal, red ash coal, big smut coal, white ash coal and ganister coal in the most difficult and dangerous conditions.

Beneath the coal was a grey clay deficient in lime which made it suitable for bricks and tiles, creating another local industry. At its best, coal seams produced 4,500 tons per acre but when railways spread towards the end of the 19th Century, a superior product was brought into the area from the Yorkshire and Lancashire coalfields. The last local pit, The Beard and Bugsworth Colliery, closed in 1903.

From the car park of The Soldier Dick we crossed the A6, turned left for a few yards, then headed right down Old Road (1min) under the Manchester-Buxton railway line to reach the Furness ValeMarina (2mins). We crossed Bridge 31 over the Peak Forest Canal and turned left to reach the towpath and walked under the bridge with the canal on our right.

After walking under Bridge 32 we went immediately left at a gap stile (11mins) and crossed a lane leading to the sewage works on our left. After crossing a footbridge over the River Goyt we saw a field of black sheep in a field on our right which our leader identified impressively as being Hebridean. Interestingly, there were no white sheep in that particular family.

We squeezed through a gap stile marked with a yellow arrow on our left to take a short cut through a field and went through two gates to cross a lane and enter a field. We kept to the left of this field and exited it by a wooden gate. Just before we reached the Manchester-Sheffield railway line we turned left at a wooden public footpath sign (18mins).  

The path swung right through a tunnel under the railway line (21mins) and we climbed a flight of steps before reaching a lane at Big Tree Farm. We turned right for 20 yards and then left opposite the farmhouse (26mins). We aimed for the left corner of a field uphill, crossing a stone step stile (29mins) and going through a wooden gate into woodland (36mins).

After exiting the copse by a stone step stile we turned right to cross moorland via a stone step stile (44mins) and a wooden stile (45mins), following a beaten path towards a yellow post. We crossed two more stone step stiles and passed a sealed mineshaft in a copse on our right before exiting the field by a stone step stile at the side of a seven-barred metal gate (53mins).

Our trio turned right up a stony track, taking the left fork where it divided (73mins) and turning sharp left at a wooden public footpath sign (78mins). After passing through a metal gate, we encountered a large group of ramblers belonging to the University of the Third Age from Buxton, who wereoccupying a grassy bank in the lee of a sheltering wall.

Heavily outnumbered, we chose a nearby depression to stop for pies and port (83mins) out of the wind. Resuming we rejoined the path to the right of a drystone wall and walked through a five-barred metal gate (84mins). We again took a left fork keeping to the right of a drystone wall and turned left through a wooden gate following a wooden public bridleway sign (95mins).

After passing through two metal gates (103mins) we began a gradual descent and through a wooden gate (111mins). At a three-way junction we turned right (116mins) and passed Ballbeard Farm on our right (124mins). We entered the outskirts of New Mills and turned left at a wooden public footpath sign (133mins), passing The Grange on our left (138mins).

At New Mills School playing fields (139mins) we headed right along a lane, reached a main road and turned right (141mins). We turned right into Church Lane (142mins) where we were stopped by a Polish van driver seeking an address in Church Lane. Our leader insisted we were not in Church Lane and sent the confused driver on a wild goose chase. Moments later we passed the house he had been seeking !

After passing New Mills Football Club on our right and St George’s Church on our left we turned left after the school (149mins). This path took us under a road bridge (151mins) and we followed a sign for The Torrs. We went left down a flight a steps and passed the sign for The Torrs Riverside Park.

With the River Sett on our left we turned right towards the Millenium Walkway and saw the colfluence of the Rivers Sett and Goyt. Despite a heavy flow of water the reverse Archimedian screw on the local hydro-electric plant was not turning and therefore not generating electricity to supply nearby homes as planned.

We continued to reach the Millenium Walkway, a £525,000 project which spans the otherwise inaccessible cliff wall, rising from the riverbed on stilts and partly cantilevered to create the final link in the 225-mile Midshires Way. At its start is a plaque commemorating Stan Brewster (1953-2005), the Derbyshire County Council civil engineer who helped to build the construction before being blown up by home-grown Islamic suicide bombers when they attacked the London tube network.

At the far side of the walkway, after passing the semi-derelict Torr Vale Mill (162mins), we crossed a footbridge over the River Goyt. We passed a children’s playground on our right, turned left at the main road, crossed it and reached The Beehive on our right (170mins). After nearly three hours of walking we had worked up considerable thirsts, but further patience was needed as the pub had recently revised its opening hours. We were thus four hours early.

John had a cunning plan B so we retraced our footsteps and turned left into Hibbert Street (174mins). A right turn into Redmoor Lane brought us to a footbridge which we crossed (177mins) to reach Chalkers Snooker Club on our left (178mins) where we enjoyed excellent pints of Mill Town mild and Monk’s Gold bitter for £2-90.

Resuming we turned left out of the club to reach and cross the A6 before heading up Redmoor Lane. After passing Ellibanke Cottage on our left (185mins) and Shrigley Cottage on our right we went through a metal gate and turned left at a wooden public footpath sign through a white gate (192mins).

We walked through a farmyard to pass through a wooden gate marked with a yellow arrow (193mins) and crossed a wooden stile. When we reached a six-barred metal gate (197mins) we stopped for lunch. Continuing, we kept a drystone wall on our left, crossed a wooden stile (202mins) and went through a metal gate, now heading downhill (211mins).

We went over a wooden stile on our left and followed a gravel track to the A6 (214mins). We turned right and reached the car park of The Soldier Dick at Furness Vale on our right (215mins). We had just finished de-booting when the promised rain started to fall so we congratulate our leader on his impeccable timing .

Photos by John Jones

SOB Walk Report December 2, 2015.

Bollington, Rainow, Bollington.

Distance: 5.12 miles.

Difficulty: Gentle stroll, bit of a slope.

Weather: Mainly cloudy with rain at the end of day.

Walkers: Geoff Spurrell, Ken Sparrow, Malcolm Smith, Tony Job, Jock Rooney and Tips, John Laverick.

Apologies:  Mike Walton, George Fraser, Terry Jowett.

Leader: Spurrell. Diarist: Laverick.

Starting point: Middlewood Way Car Park, Adlington Road, Bollington.

Starting time: 10:00am. Finishing time: 3.00pm.

The SOB group numbered 6 walkers plus Tips to ensure none of the group wandered. Tips greeted the group in her normal boisterous way doing her best to head butt as many walkers as possible in their sensitive areas.

Leaving the car park the group crossed Adlington Road and set off through the park following the footpath until it rejoined the B5090, Palmerston Street, just before the canal viaduct. Passing under the viaduct and turning left to follow the B5090 through Bollington. 

First stop was the orgasmic pie shop run by F Smith where a variety of pies were purchased to sustain us until the first watering hole was reached.

Continued up B5090 as far as the roundabout at the top of the village. Crossing straight over to Shrigley Road, turning first right into Ingersley Road.  Continued up Ingersley road bearing left past Savio House, onto Smithy Brow.

Savio House is a Salesian retreat centre for groups of young people and adults who want to enjoy some time of reflection away from the busyness of everyday life. The retreat experience allows young people to develop the confidence to be themselves, understand their gifts and the meaning of faith in their lives. The gentle, relaxed and fun atmosphere provides the backdrop to renew friendships, strengthen self-esteem and help young people meet life with more resilience, so that they can build a better world. Run by the Salesian community and young volunteers. 

Starting the gentle climb up Smithy Brow one of NASA`s or Russia`s Mars Landers was discovered, no wonder they think Martians look like horses or sheep they were in the field with it.

 

Leaving the Lander behind the group headed of up towards Blaze Hill, turning right at the end of the row of houses, into Oakenbank Lane, which is the Gritstone Trail.

Continued up Oakenbank Lane , turning left to avoid the loop back to Blaze Hill, until it joins the Smithy Lane. Turned right towards Rainow and the Robin Hood Inn.

There was some concern the group would arrive before 12 noon, it is not a good look to be waiting outside a pub waiting for it to open, people might think the group had a drink problem!

The Gods however were looking down on us, the Robin Hood has started opening at 09:00 hours Wednesday to Saturday. However beer is not available at 09:00 hours. Normal hours other days. The Blacksheep ale was very acceptable at £3.10 per pint.

Leaving the Robin Hood turning left onto Stocks Lane then turning right onto Chapel Lane then right again onto Sugar Lane the group made its way onto the Virgins Footpath.

Following the Virgins Footpath down to Waulkmill Farm where lunch was taken while admiring the large amount of water coming over the weir.

 

After lunch proceed down Ingersley Vale past the derelict mill and onward past the TRC Bowling Club. Just opposite the club was a tree offering a variety of houses at different levels to the discerning bird population of the area.

 

Passing Mill Pond on the left continued to the end of Ingersley Vale turning right onto Church Street. Continued to the end of Church Street turning right back onto the B5090 and retracing our earlier route back to the Dog and Partridge. The Robinsons Unicorn and Dizzy Blonde were both very good priced at £3.10 and £3.20 respectively.

Considering the weather forecasting rain from 11:00 hours the day stayed dry until the group reached the cars for the return trip home.

Next Weeks Walk...... TBA.

 

 

 

Next week’s walk will start at 9.40am from the road outside The Cock at Whaley Bridge. We intend to reach The Swan at Kettleshulme at about 12.15pm and return to The Cock for further refreshment around 2.15pm.

Happy wandering ! 

Morridge Farm

November 25 2015

Lay by on A53 south of Flash,

Distance: 9 -10 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate one very stiff climb.

Weather: Mainly cloudy with very high winds 

Walkers: Laurie Fairman, Mark Gibby, John Jones, Colin Davison, Jock Rooney with Tips and George Waites.

Apologies: Tom Cunliffe (AWOL as usual), George Dearsley (in Turkey), Alan Hart (holiday), Julian Ross (w**king).

Leaders: Fairman. Diarist: Fairman

Starting point: Lay-by A53 near Morridge farm Staffordshire.

Starting time: 9.50am. Finishing time: 2.50pm.

I have always wanted to do a walk around Flash, at 1518 ft above sea level the highest village in England which also boasts the highest village pub - the New Inn - alas not open on Wednesday lunch time.
I have looked for suitable places to park and pubs but with little luck so far. Hence when Colin rang me to say he was planning such a walk and had found a suitable parking spot and pub I offered to lead the expedition.
Remember when you read this we were in Staffordshire with a myriad of footpaths mostly unmarked. So gentle reader be kind to the leader who only once got lost (2 barbed wire fences to climb) and only once did the Grand old Duke of York.
Little did I realise we were starting from the highest, windiest, the most unpleasant lay by in the Peak District - Colin who found it on Google earth assured us that it was sunny when he saw it!

We managed to get away from the accursed lay by shortly before 10 am, walked North a short distance up the Leek - Buxton road A53 and turned left down a narrow lane at Morridge Top. The wind was howling, at least 50mph and we were glad of some shelter from the woods at Brund Hill. The weather did not put off the wild life as here Ravens were flying in the treetops and Buzzards over the marshes.
The lane was a pleasant route firm underfoot Colin did not moan that we were wearing out his boots - we passed Roundhill farm, Adders Green farm and took the right fork at Gib Tor.
This led us to Moss Top from which we could view the Roaches that is if they were n't covered in cloud and blowing a gale. We shortly turned right for Little Hillend (25 mins) following a long straight lane to Flash Bottom(40mins).
This where we met the “Staffordshire confusion” 3 footpaths on the map no signs- probably taken down by the cottagers at Wildstone Rock not wanting hairy legged wanderers in their backyard.
Not being down hearted we went a little further down the road an found a reasonable footpath direct up a muddy hill, soon we met the footpath I had been looking for turned left and followed it to Springhead Farm.
Over the stile the yard was packed with cattle, having carefully checked that none of them had bollocks your leader led the way down the side of the farmhouse. Here we met the farmer’s wife who was busy shifting the herd and she offered us the dairy for our break.
Politely refusing we settled down as best we could in the car parking to enjoy a portless break . Jock had a small moan about the mud in the place we picked but after all considering the rain of the previous weeks we were lucky to be out of the wind.(65 mins)
There was a rather interesting barn opposite. The keystone recorded it was built in 1821 but the stones had been re-arranged to fill in what had been a big barn entrance to the that of a small house doorway. Later someone had fitted modern door and windows but it looked totally derelict inside.
Now came the tricky bit, we crossed the road took a footpath directly down hill to cross the stream and much to the leaders relief there was an intact bridge over the swollen brook.

As we gamely climbed away from the bridge the leader could not find the path to the right and at the brow of the hill was a large foot path sign (large green footpath soc). However useful though it was it did not go the way we wanted. So the unabashed leader led his troops back down the hill to find the footpath (of course Colin singingto the tune of T.G.O.D.O.Y). However this got us back on track to Wicken Walls(95mins)
At the end of the field was a lovely wooded valley complete with bridge and waterfall, and of all things at long last a sign for Flash our destination. Passing Green Farm we came to the back road to Flash where there was an Alpaca farm with a large sign inviting you and your family to visit and set up your own Alpaca business.(110mins)
The farmer grimaced when we told him our walk was to Flash and we soon found out why; it was a solid 600ft slog up very steep hills.
Finally reached the pub at 12.30(150 mins) Knights Table aka Travellers Rest - nice room, good beer Black Sheep @£3.05 a pint - unfortunately no dogs so Jock took tips for a walk meeting us at 1.20pm
Return to the cars was 2.6 miles along an incredibly fast road so we went across the fields. Initially down the road on the Manifold Trail and turned left just past Summerhill Farm. This took us across wild grassland above Nield Bank farm where lunch was taken(170mins). The path took us back to the A53 where we immediately turned left to Blackbank and here was the 2nd mistake. 

The main path went downhill on the Manifold valley - this we did not want but could not find the other path. In the end it was judged best to regain the road via 2 fences. We crossed the road (A53) and took the path past Daffodil Farm which eventually led us to the lane at Morridge and the cars at 2.50pm (210mins).

A long hard walk with great views of Roaches, Croker Hill, Shutlingsloe on the west, Chrome Hill and the Dales to the east- if it's done again keep it for the summer!!!!

SOB Walk Report November 25, 2015.

Disley, Lyme Park, Canal, Hazel Grove.

Distance: 5.94 miles (1 bus ride), 6.25miles (2 bus rides), 6.5 miles (2 bus rides)

Difficulty: Gentle stroll, bit of a slope, with the odd bus ride.

Weather: Mainly cloudy improving through the day.

Walkers: Geoff Spurrell, Ken Sparrow, Malcolm Smith, Tony Job, Terry Jowett.

Apologies: Mike Walton, George Fraser

Leader: Spurrell. Diarist: Laverick.

Starting point: Torkington Car Park.

Starting time: 10:00am. Finishing time: 2.30pm.

 

The SOB group numbered 6 walkers and bus passengers, one of whom was keen to try out his virginal shiny new bus pass.

The walk leader, it has to be said, tried his best to beat a certain A Team leaders claim to fame (A. Hart) by losing  two thirds of his flock during the walk only to find them in a pub. However in his defence there was the smell of beer in the air and a large group of ramblers involved.  More of this topic later.

The observant amongst you will also note the SOBs managed 3 different distances and number of buses taken.

The SOBs met at Torkington Park car park to catch a bus to the Rams Head. 

Crossing over the A6 road made their way up Buxton Road turning right up Red Lane.  At the point where Green Lane turns sharp right the SOBs turned left then right onto Green Lane. The group followed Green lane all the way to the end, passing the telephone kiosk where Superman changes so he can save the world.

 

Onward the group pressed as Green Lane narrowed into a watery footpath leading towards Lyme Park East Gate.  Through a couple of gates the path turned muddy, onward the group continued down the track that at one time would have been cobbled but time and wear had reduced it to a jumbled mass of rocks that slowed the pace to ensure no broken ankles.

Passing through the East Gate into Lyme Park, with The Cage on our right, the group proceed to the main car park where Lunch was taken in preparation for the next stage.

From the car park the road to Windchasers was followed, it was at this point it all went a bit wrong and the group split. One group of 4 continued at a pace down past Windchasers and onward to the first watering hole of the Boars Head. The Leader and his trusty supporter turned left along the path to West Gate, down to the canal and back along to the Boars Head, where they arrived about 2 pints behind the deserting group of 4.

It has to be said that the confusion was not caused by the Leader but by the well meaning Diarist who spotting a large group of mixed sex ramblers in front thought only of his chums standing in a very long queue waiting to be served the golden elixor best known as Black Sheep. The Diarist took the relevant orders and forged ahead catching and overtaking the ramblers to ensure beer in a timely manner. It appears because our leader was leading from the rear that 3 of the walkers followed the Diarist to the Boars Head.

After a suitable rest period 5 of the group decided to catch the P1 bus to Weatherspoons in Hazel Grove, where after a further pint, walked up the A6 to Torkington car park to collect their transport home. The 6th member of the group walked from the Boars Head back into Poynton via Weatherspoons. 

The above explanation I hope explains the different mileages and number of buses taken by this normally cohesive group.

Next week....... a walk around the Bollington country side.

 

Next week the walk will start at the Soldier Dick at 0935am and lunchtime refreshment at the Beehive – my apologies I will be in Zurich trying to find a gnome for Xmas

Laurie