Sutton Hall

 

Attendees: Steve Brearley, Chris Owen, Mark Gibby, Hughie Hardiman, Mike Cassini, Julian Ross

Route: Sutton Hall, Macclesfield Canal, Bosley Flight (locks), North Rode, North Rode dam, Gawsworth (Harrington Arms), Macclesfield Canal, Sutton Hall.

Weather: Wet,start to finish

Excused: lots.

Distance: Around 12 miles

We commenced from Sutton Hall at 09.45, leaving via the rear gate turning left to meet Hall lane whereupon we turned right going uphill. Upon reaching the working man’s club we turned right onto Symondley Road. We walked to the end of Symondley, where we went through a kissing gate and entered a meadow. We crossed two meadows and turned right walking through a further two meadows, entered a wooded area which lead to Sutton Reservoir via Leek Old Rd. Crossing the old rd we progressed around the Reservoir and continued until we reached the A523. We went left when we crossed the canal.and progressed keeping the Fools Nook (pub, now closed) to our left.

After an eternity (boring element) we came to Bosley Flight and turned right along Bullgate Lane crossing the West Coast train line. We kept on until we reached North Rode dam where pie time was taken. 

Post pie time we continued turning left through Highland cattle then right along a concrete road. A farmer had turned his hand to caravan storage and we crossed a stile entering yet another meadow. Another two meadows later we turned right for about 200m then crossed a road and went into another field. Going straight forward along an obvious track through a number of fields we eventually arrived at Gawsworth pools (fishing). Again we went left following our noses until we arrived at Gawsworth. Going left it was impossible to avoid the thankful sight of the Harrington Arms 😀

After refreshments we retraced our route passing into Gawsworth, via the Hall and a handless Robert Peel. Another three fields brought us to Woodhouse End rd turning left we approached Dane Moss under threat from developers. We entered Dane Moss turning right after 300m then progressed to a railway bridge crossing it to arrive back at Macclesfield canal turning left.

Keeping the canal on our right we continued until bridge 44 where we came off, Sutton Hall entrance beckoned.

Next week’s walk:  Meet in the Royal pub car park in Hayfield for an as yet unspecified walk around the local area start 9:40?