2020's Friday morning walks got off to a start this morning. Billy No Mates turned up on time at Rose Hill in Marple and enjoyed a 13 km stroll in more of the lovely weather that seems to have draped itself over the North West since the change of decade.
It won't last!
Well, those who might have come but didn't missed a nice route (detailed below), starting along the Middlewood Way in the company of cyclists, dog walkers and runners. A busy place despite the impression given by today's header photo.
After a while, I turned into a less muddy field than Tally-Ho would savour, and made my way past Windlehurst to the Macclesfield Canal.
Joining the towpath at bridge number 8, I discovered this to be another busy thoroughfare.
I wasn't going to Hall Green, so luckily didn't need to know how far away that was!
High Lane crosses the canal by the Bull's Head, which I gave a miss today.
A little further south, this old bridge gives access to a sizeable mooring basin.
These mallards seemed to be taunting the cat... "Come and get us if you can!"
The low sun was blinding as I moved gently south.
There's a bridge where the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail crosses the canal. I took this trail, alongside the canal, then heading east across Bollinhurst Brook.
A rare 'Northern' train passed by just as I reached a pedestrian crossing.
Coppiceside Farm is a muddy mess. Some day it may look rather different... with a bell tower and manicured lawns?
After a short section of quiet lanes, I left the road near Wybersley Hall, then encountered a lot of mud and dodgy stiles around Lomber Hey Farm.
Hunters Park Farm was much cleaner, with good views over the sunny fields, and an easy track back to the canal towpath.
At Hawk Green, near a massive old mill building, a left turn along the Cown Edge Way footpath took me through a busy golf course then along a lovely woodland path to re-join the Middlewood Way just south of Rose Hill.
A pleasant little jaunt in perfect weather - 13 km, taking a little under two hours at a brisk pace - here's the route.
Next Friday, 10 January, I'll be walking 'off road' from Stockport to Ashton, again. And I may be on my own. Again! Here's the flier... all welcome.
Stockport to Ashton - a 21 km walk from Stockport Railway Station to Audenshaw Metrolink. Off road all the way. Meet at 10.20 am at the frog outside Stockport Station, to cater for 10 am train from Altrincham.
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