Manchester

Manchester City Centre

 

December 20, 2023. 

 

PICADILLY STATION, ASHTON CANAL, WETHERSPOONS, MANC ART GALLERY, THIS & THAT, MILLSTONE, SEVENOAKS, CITY TAVERN.

 

Distance: No idea

Difficulty: Not at all

Weather: Raining cats and dogs for 30 mins then fine

Walkers: TomC and AlastairC

Alternative walkers/diners/drinkers: SimonW, KeithW, CliffW, AndyB

Late Arrival: Jock McFarland

Apologies: Everyone else

Leader: Cunliffe/Cairns. Diarist: Cunliffe

Starting point: The “Victory over Blindness” monument at Picc Station 

Starting time: 9.50am. Finishing time: whenever

                             

 

With a sorry number of attendees and so many cry-offs, it was left to “we two, we happy two” to sally forth. Unbeknown to your diarist, Jock Mc arrived at our RVP but we’d already set off, apparently he took a few train numbers then went looking for us at the Kabana. Oh dear!

Our plan was to walk along the Ashton canal to reach Audenshawe by noon then board a tram back to Manc for lunch. Sadly the weather turned decidedly soggy for the first 30 mins, there was no way this could be described as enjoyment, with a heavy heart we reluctantly retreated to the warmth and comfort of the Piccadilly Wetherspoons. 

Alastair spotted something especially noteworthy before leaving the canal: we reckon we were lucky enough to be one of the first to see Banks’s latest Urban Art creation, there was no title but I reckon it must have been called “Man Having a Piss” see pic.

At Spoons a new plan was hatched involving a visit to the Man Art Gallery, just a couple of hundred yards away, where we could while away the next hour in a warm building before our lunch. We eased on over to Thomas Street and waited for other walkers/diners/drinkers to join us. Keith suggested we pop into the Millstone for an aperitif before taking up our reservation at the world famous Indian Restaurant - This and That on Soap Street - see pics. And what a delight it was too; any three curries on offer for just £6, add rice £7 add a chapati £8, what an absolute delight.

On leaving the restaurant we visited a couple more pubs (Circus Tavern Tavern, Sevenoaks and City Tavern) before your diarist had to withdraw. I believe the remaining fellows had one for the road at the Bull’s Head.

 

Next week's walk will start at 9.40am from the car park at High Lane Village Hall, off Windlehurst Road, High Lane (SK6 8AB) aiming for a livener at The Boar's Head, 2, Shrigley Road North, Poynton (SK12 1TE) for about 12.15pm and finishing at The Bull's Head, 28, Buxton Road, High Lane (SK6 8BH) around 2.15pm.

Happy wandering !

 

 Banks’s “Man having Piss”

Chapel-en-le-Frith

 December 13, 2023. 

 

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, HIGHER EAVES FARM, WINDY HILLS FARM, SITTINGLOW FARM. “THE BULLRING” AT DOVEHOLES, HIGHER BARMOOR FARM, KNOWLE TOP FARM, THE OLIVE TREE AT SPARROWPIT, BENNETTS WELL, GOLDPIECE FARM, PEASLOW FARM, LANESIDE FARM, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH

 

Distance: Eight miles.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Weather: Dry with blue skies and sunshine, but chilly wind.

Walkers: Micky Barrett, Andy Blease, Alastair Cairns, Mike Cassini, Tom Cunliffe with Daisy, Mark Enright*, Alan Hart, Iain (Jock) McFarland*, Chris Owen*, Dean Taylor*, Dave Willetts*, Simon Williams.

Alternative walkers: Jock and Keiran Rooney.

Non-walking drinker: George Dearsley

Apologies: Peter Beal (family visit), Mark Gibby and Hughie Hardiman.

Leader: Cunliffe. Diarist: Hart.

Starting point: Free car park at Miry Meadow, off Station Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith SK23 0ER.

Starting time: 10.05am. Finishing time: 2.30pm.

 

After a week of rain the weather gods looked down kindly upon us once again as Tom led us on a walk last attempted in 2012. The route towards our annual Christmas lunch varied considerably from that completed 11 years previously. Furthermore our choice of venue, formerly a pub called The Wanted Inn, had now become a farm shop named The Olive Tree.

However, given the limitations of a cafe selling bottles of beer, we were accorded a warm welcome and the prices were very reasonable.

Another member of Burnage Rugby Club old boys made his debut but Iain “Jock” McFarland pulled up lame at lunchtime. By then we had already been depleted by two refusals – Dean having to deal with a problem of a delicate personal nature and Chris finding his ankle had not recovered sufficiently from an earlier injury.

Along with our new boy, we lost two more walkers at The Olive Tree as Mark and Dave opted for an early finish and a lift back to Chapel.

So from a dozen starters and 15 diners we were reduced to seven finishers. Rather a poor show chaps. Must try harder.

 

At the rear of the car park was a footpath where we turned right downhill and emerged to the left of The Roebuck. We crossed the cobbles and continued downhill until we met the main road running through Chapel (3mins). At this point we lost Dean who feared his bowels would not survive the journey. (We were later relieved to hear his dash back home had avoided any further embarrassment)

 

 

 

The remaining 11 crossed the road and turned left and then right at a green public footpath sign (4mins) which brought us into Park Road and across a stream (10mins). At this juncture Chris told our leader an old ankle injury was too painful for him to continue. The remaining 10 went through a metal kissing gate on our right (12mins) and we headed diagonally left, passing a marker post before reaching a tunnel under the Manchester-Buxton railway line (25mins)

We continued uphill through a field and a gate to the right of Higher Eaves Farm (29mins) where Daisy was briefly attacked by the farm owner's dog before we came to her rescue. 

 

 Two cute calves newly born at the farm 

 

As we continued to a T junction with Windy Wells Farm on our left we turned right (36mins) and could see our lunchtime venue across the fields to our left.

 

  The Olive Tree was a mile to our left 

 

 

But first we had to visit Doveholes. We turned left at a Y-junction (40mins) and reached Sittinglow Farm on our left (43mins). We went straight on and crossed a bridge over a railway line (58mins) turning left to reach the A6 on the outskirts of Doveholes (61mins).

We turned right, passing the station, and went right at Doveholes Village Hall (68mins) where a neolithic henge, known locally as The Bull Ring because of its shape, was on our right (71mins)

This circular henge is a monument constructed in the late Neolithic Period circa 2000-1500 BC. Archaeologists estimate the original was used for ceremonial activity for the scattered farming communities nearby.

The mounds forming the circle were originally 2 metres high and 6 metres wide. A ditch inside was up to 1 metre deep. It had two entrances and there was a causeway across the ditch. It is believed that accompanying standing stones were removed and used as sleepers for the Peak Forest Tramway circa 1790.

After the briefest of Pietimes we went to the back of The Bull Ring and aimed towards a soccer pitch before turning right at a sign marked “Private Property” (75mins).  Although the terrain was described as dangerous the path remains a right of way and we followed it until we reached a T-junction (78mins) 

Turning left we crossed a wooden stile (85mins) and climbed to reach a rough road (87mins). The way ahead appeared to be through a padlocked gate. Seven of us noticed a wooden stile some 80 yards to our left and decided to enter the field from that direction. Tom and two followers climbed over the gate, crossing the field and reaching a farmyard simultaneously (99mins)

We went through a metal gate to the right at the far end of the farm buildings (103mins). The path took us to another farm and we followed it through the outbuildings. We then turned right (112mins). Beyond a metal gate we followed an enclosed footpath (115mins) and went through yet another farmyard (123mins)

We crossed a pair of stone step stiles (130mins) to reach the main A623 road and turned left. This soon took us past the sign for Sparrowpit. Beyond it on our right was Knowle Top Farm where three alpacas mingled with the sheep.

     Three alpacas and four sheep

 

Just beyond the farm on our right was The Olive Tree Farm Shop (135mins), where we joined our Blogspotter George, who is celebrating Christmas with his family in England, before returning to his home in Turkey. Chris and Dean also awaited us. We were soon joined by the two Rooneys making a total of 15 Wanderers for lunch.

Of those only seven started the last leg of the journey by turning right out of The Olive Tree, crossing one road and climbing another past Sparrowpit Methodist Church on our right. On our left was the Bennett Well.

 

 

Rising from a spring in Peaslows, this orginally provided drinking water for the villagers and latterly its animals. Sparrowpit village is a watershed where water from the front of The Olive Tree flows via Black Brook west to the River Mersey and the Irish Sea. Water at the back of the building flows east to the River Noe into the Hope Valley and the River Humber into the North Sea.

John Bennett was a non-conformist who joined John Wesley to found Methodism. His descendants built nearby Bennetston Hall.

 

 

Tom now led us on a direct field-free route back to Chapel, passing Goldpiece Farm on our right (145mins), Peaslow Farm on our left (150mins) and Laneside Farm on our right (160mins) until we reached the A6 roundabout (167mins)

 

Nearly there 

 

 

 

We turned right and then left to walk under the A6 and reach the outskirts of Chapel, passing The Pack Horse, turning right and passing the Shoulder of Mutton before reaching the cobbles leading back to the The Roebuck. Sadly this was shut at 2.25pm

so we took the path uphill back to Miry Meadow car park (180mins)

 

Next week's walk will start at about 10am from Piccadilly railway station in Manchester. Wanderers are advised to gather next to the bronze war memorial statue depicting a line of soldiers just outside the main entrance. They will be led on a tour of historic city centre pubs and stop at a well-loved curry cafe, The Kabana, for lunch at around 12.30pm.

 

Happy wandering ! 

 

 

 

Higher Poynton

 December 6, 2023

HIGHER POYNTON. MACCLESFIELD CANAL, GREEN FARM, GREEN CLOSE METHODIST CHURCH, SPOND HILL, BOWSTONES FARM, LYME PARK, LANTERN WOOD, LYME CAGE, RED LANE, THE DANDY COCK AT DISLEY, LYME PARK, LADYBROOK TRAIL, MACCLESFIELD CANAL, THE BOAR'S HEAD AT HIGHER POYNTON

 

Distance: 10 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Weather: Dry, sunny with gentle breeze.

 

Walkers: Micky Barrett, Mike Cassini, Tom Cunliffe with Daisy, Hughie Hardiman, Alan Hart, Jonathan Hart, Chris Owen, Julian Ross, Keith Welsh and Cliff Worthington.

Alternative walkers: Peter Beal, Jock and Keiran Rooney with Milly.

Apologies: Andy Blease (jobs to do). Alastair Cairns (family visit from Turkey), Mark Gibby (covid), Simon Williams.

Leader: Hart. Diarist: Hart.

Starting point: Outside The Boar's Head on Shrigley Road North, Higher Poynton (SK12 1TE)

Starting time: 9.50am. Finishing time: 2.45pm.

 

The weather gods once more shone down on the Wednesday Wanderers for this winter walk. Although the temperature hovered a few degrees above zero there was blue sky and a bright sun throughout the day.

Although caution was advised because of icy patches on our route, there was  unexpected entertainment by the Corps de Ballet from Burnage Rugby Club who showed us why few such sportsmen feature on the TV programme Dancing On Ice.

First Julian showed us his arabesque before Micky gave us a glimpse of his pas de deux. Not to be outshone Mike exhibited his triple salchow. 

Full credit to Julian who pirouetted twice without actually falling. Micky and Mike however ended their routines on their derrieres. Happily nobody was hurt. Tom, the other member of the Burnage Rugby contingent, retained his usual elegant aplomb throughout.

Our new route involved a tough climb for the first 90 minutes. We were rewarded with clear panoramic views from the summit of Spond Hill and other peaks.

Opposite The Boar's Head was a wooden gate through which we headed down some cobbles to the former platform of Higher Poynton Railway Station. We descended steps to reach the former track and passed trestle picnic tables before turning left up steps to enter a football field.

 

 

 

 

 

We crossed this diagonally left and emerged on the bank of the Macclesfield Canal, where we turned right (7mins). With the canal on our left we reached a footbridge and crossed to the far bank of the waterway. Ignoring an exit on our right we proceeded uphill for 100 yards then went through a gate which led to an enclosed footpath.

This wove its way to a T-junction where we turned right uphill and then right again when we reached the buildings belonging to Green Farm (22mins). We turned right and kept to this footpath as it took us past the entrance to Lyme Park, turning left shortly afterwards left along a public footpath by the side of Green Close Methodist Church (37mins)

It was during the walk to Green Farm and the path beyond it that our skaters entertained us with their repertoire.

The path uphill after the church is straightforward although a short cut which might have been unofficial has now been blocked off by the local farmer. After passing through a metal gate (82mins) we reached a convenient dip looking like a bomb crater where we sheltered for Pietime.

 

 

     Approaching the summit of Spond Hill

 

Continuing uphill we reached the shoulder of Spond Hill (97mins), but instead of turning right towards its summit we headed left towards Bowstones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             A ghostly figure was seen as we approached Bowstones

 

On reaching Bowstones Farm (105mins) we turned left beginning a steady descent with the farm buildings on our right, passing the Monkhouse Memorial on our way to the ladder stile by which we accessed Lantern Wood in Lyme Park (117mins)

After exiting the wood (129mins) we walked down past Highland cattle and crossed a wooden stile where Peter Beal awaited us (140mins). We then aimed towards Lyme Cage keeping to the left of a deer sanctuary.

 

                Approaching Lyme Cage

 

 

 

Some 50 yards before we reached the distinctive landmark we turned right following a wide footpath which took us to the left of Bollinhurst Reservoir. Hopes that another path might lead us from there directly to Disley were unfulfilled so we swung left along the main path, emerging by the wooden entry hut and turned right to exit the park along Red Lane. 

This emerged at the traffic lights on the A6 which we crossed, turned right and soon reached The Dandy Cock on our left (145mins). Here we found Jock and Keiran already ensconced with Milly.

 

When  your diarist was charged £11-95 for a pint of Robinsons' Unicorn cask bitter and a pint of Moretti lager he queried the amount. A check showed that the bitter was £4-10 and the lager £5-75 so I was given a £2-10 refund. Should it not have been obvious to the barmaid that £7-85 for a pint of lager was a bit steep ? Is mental arithmetic a lost art ?  I think we know the answers.

 

Having bade farewell to the two Rooneys (it's goodnight from him and it's goodnight from me) we turned right out of the pub, crossed the A6 and entered the Disley Station car park. Opposite the ticket office we turned left up a steep and lengthy flight of steps to reach Red Lane (155mins).

Turning right we re-entered Lyme Park, passing the entry hut and heading to the right of a cottage. We left the path to pause for lunch on some convenient logs on our right (205mins)

Continuing we returned to the path which led to a ladder stile which in turn led to a footbridge. We crossed both and carried on along the path to the left of the stream which starts as Bollin Brook, becomes Norbury Brook and finally goes by the name of Lady Brook. We went through a tunnel under the railway (215mins), turned left and followed the path to the corner of a field where we crossed the Manchester – Buxton railway line (220mins)

Steps led us down to a lane where we turned right for 10 yards then went left over a ladder stile into a field, passing two derelict cottages before reaching a wooden stile and a footbridge over the brook (225mins). Beyond it we climbed a flight of steps to reach the Macclesfield Canal at the Middle Cale Moorings (227mins)

Turning left with the waterway on our right we soon reached the World War 2 pillbox and crossed Bridge 13, turning right at the far side before going sharp right again to walk beneath the bridge with the canal now on our left. From this vantage point we were able to see the accumulated memorabilia with which the pillbox is now decorated.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disguised – but would it have fooled Hitler ?

 

We now walked along the towpath to Lord Vernon's Wharf, where we turned right through the Nelson Pit car park to reach The Boar's Head (240mins)

 

Next week's walk will start at 9.40am from the free Miry Meadow car park at 1, Roebuck Place, off Station Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith (SK23 0ER). We are planning to have our annual Christmas lunch after arriving at the Olive Tree Farm Shop (formerly  The Wanted Inn) on the A623 at Sparrowpit (SK17 8ET) at about 12.30pm for aperitifs. 

Tom has texted menus and those wishing to dine should inform him of their choices on the morning when we meet.

 

Happy wandering !