JJ's Stuff: Monday 1st February, Dunham again

After a busy few days I was in need of a walk, if nothing else then just to get some fresh air. Long Suffering Rick readily agreed to join me and so off we went. The Plan was to do the ‘usual’ route along the Bridgewater Canal (aka ‘The Duke’s Cut’, being as what it was the Duke of Bridgewater’s canal, cut to transport the output of the Lancashire treacle mines).

There was quite a strong wind blowing – against us of course, but at least it wasn’t raining.

Much of the canal towpath has been resurfaced over the last year or so, in fact it’s now possible to walk / cycle / run into Manchester City centre from Altrincham without getting muddy feet.

The ‘new’ path allowed us to move at a good speed. Unfortunately, travelling in the south westerly direction (our direction) the money must have run out just beyond Broadheath so we were back to the mud after a couple of miles.

Where the money ran out

Bridgewater Gloopiness

Despite the mud we managed a good pace into Dunham Park – which coincided nicely with butty time. Considering it was a Monday the park was surprisingly full.

Our return leg routed us through the Devisdale conservation area, a wonderfully tranquil area. It wasn’t always so:

From the eighteenth century the 'Bowdon Wakes' were held on The Devisdale. Events such as horse, pony and donkey racing, climbing the greased pole, juggling, hen racing and foot races would run across three days and often involved heavy drinking by both men and women alike.

My kinda place then Smile

Disused tennis courts at Denzell House in the Devisdale – gives some idea how grand the place must once have been.

Back into Altrincham, an unsuccessful shopping trip for a case for my batphone, followed by a quick sprint home. Nice.

Timperley Brook

Just up the road from JJ Towers is a small but popular church. The powers-that-be in the church have decided that it’s not economic to have a resident church minister. The vicarage has been sold off, a large number of flats are due to be built on the plot. I though it prudent to photograph the building before it succumbs to the wrecking ball: