An email popped into my inbox inviting me to join Martin & Sue on their Friday walks, the first walk being from Tegg’s Nose, situated in one of the lumpier bits of Cheshire.
It wasn’t a very warm nor bright morning but it was good and dry.
I’d left home in good time but a Road Closed sign upset my plans although after much re-routing I eventually arrived at the visitor centre car park to be greeted by a party of 5, all waiting (fairly) patiently for me.
I’d chosen to walk in and old pair of North Face Hedgehog shoes that had long since ceased to be waterproof – but they are comfortable.
Martin, being the man with the map, set off at a leisurely pace and we all trouped after him.
Looking NW towards Manchester
Martin & Sue, Paul and Graeme I’d met before, but not Cary – although our paths have almost certainly crossed at a Park Run – where he’d have shot past me.
First stop was to examine the old quarry machinery that had benefitted from a coat of paint since my last visit – it’s colourful appearance brought to mind a child’s playground.
Sue toying with the idea of a ropeless abseil
On a clear day the views from Tegg’s Nose are expansive. Good too. Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope, in all it’s bright-white glory, was prominent on the Cheshire Plain.
Martin, our glorious leader - the man with the map
For Alan R. And Dawn
Time for Tiffin, Shortbread...and some peculiar tea
Martin led us steeply downhill toward Langley and a tour of three reservoirs: Tegg’s Nose, Bottoms, and Ridgegate – where we stopped for sit down, coffee, (slightly) milk flavoured washing-up water, and goodies to eat: Sue’s highly addictive shortbread, and my contribution, home-made Tiffin.
This building that was once home to a Walter Whiston Bullock who fought at Gallipoli and the Somme, before finally meeting his end at Passchendaele after leading a successful attack to capure a German concrete shelter where 100 prisoners were taken and eight machine guns captured. Walter was killed later that same day. He was 34 and was subsequently awared the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
No idea
Suitably refreshed and refuelled we headed North-east(ish)into Macclesfield Forest, reputed to be frequented by Nastrond, Selina Place and Grimnir. I read about it in a book so it must be true.
Lovely autumn colours
Continuing north we cross the busy main road at Walker Barn, a check point on the Bullock Smithy Hike, more northerly stuff followed until we hit the Gritstone Trail, where we turned abruptly left, to follow the Way’s signs for the last mile or so back to our cars.
We’d been out for around 3½ hours – which considering our leisurely pace was just about right.
Thanks to Martin for inviting me along and leading the walk – and to Sue, Cary, Graeme and Paul for their good company.
Martin’s rather truer story of the morning’s fun.
Where we went:
