Sutton Hall

Sutton Hall, Sutton Reservoir, Croker Lane, Croker Hill, Higher Sutton, Ryles Arms, Fox Bank, Ridge Hill, Judy Lane, Hollin Lane, Sutton Hall.

Leader: Owen

Minutes: Owen

Weather: dry and initially chilly but sunny

Attendees: Andy Blease, Mike Cassini, Chris Owen, Mark Gibby, Dean Taylor, Dave Willet, Mark Enright, Simon Williams

Apologies: Tom Cunliffe (Camping), Alistair (Camping), Julian(Camping), Alan (jollies) Jonny (working) Cliff (mortgage for son),

Difficulty: one hill, a long one!

Sutton Hall

At precisely 09.40hrs we set off down Sutton Hall drive and turned left onto Bullocks Lane. After about 300 yards we went over a stile on our left and walked diagonally across a field exiting the field onto Walker lane at the ‘Old Poor House’. Going left along Walker Lane we passed the Post Office turning right onto Cop Meadow and exiting turning right onto Symondly road. We passed through a gate and passed through a number of fields and woods coming out onto Leek Old road opposite Sutton Reservoir.

We turned left and went uphill until we reached Croker lane where we again turned left. We continued to go uphill, uphill, uphill, uphill…. until we arrived at the BT premise aka Sutton Tower.

Turning left we were briefly on the Gritstone trail and commenced going downhill through a series of kissing gates and fields until we exited onto the A52 and turned left. 200 yards further on we went left through a kissing gate and again going downhill passed a number of farm premises on route to pie time being taken on an embankment.

                                                                      

Undulating terrain, Alpacas, sheep, horses, chickens and farmyards led us to Hollin Lane where we turned right heading for the Ryles Arms where we met Jock and Milly coming towards us.

Andy has an immediately pending significant birthday (60) and kindly bought a round of drinks for the ‘band of brothers’.

Post refreshments we left the pub and went down a lane behind the Ryles Arms and turned left again onto the Gritstone trail. A series of fields led us back onto Hollin lane where we turned right turning right again after some 300 yards. The last incline beckoned and we went up Fox Bank going through an attractive settlement coming out onto Ridge Hill and turned left. We continued along Ridge Hill turning left at Judy Lane going downhill. 

Church road, Hollin Lane, and entering the rear of Sutton Hall concluded the walk where further drinks were taken.

Next week's walk will start at 0955 from the free New Mills Leisure Centre car park off Hyde Bank Road, New Mills (SK224BP). Alan will lead us through The Torrs Riverside Park before a steady climb up Ollersett Moor, reaching the summit at the telecom mast before descending into Hayfield for a bracer in The Kinder Lodge around 12.10pm. We will then return along the Set Valley Trail back to the car park at about 14.10pm. Those still thirsty will find the nearby Masons Arms open.

Happy wandering !