Friday 17 February 2023 - Around Bollington

Last Friday's walk found us accepting a lift to Bollington with Paul, Jeanette and Rufus. We've done a similar, slightly shorter, walk before, and after a few minutes we could be found slipping and sliding up the steep path to White Nancy.

The views back over Bollington warranted a pause to admire.

White Nancy, built in 1817 to commemorate victory at the Battle of Waterloo, was resplendent in the sunshine.

A strong wind kept us cool, but for most of the way along the Saddle of Kerridge a sturdy wall protected us from the worst of the blast.

The signwriter at Swanscoe has been busy...

Between Swanscoe and the Macclesfield Canal was a pond that must be a haven for wildlife.

There followed a pleasant stroll along the towpath, albeit by now the sun had disappeared. However, we were thankful for the dry conditions and lack of precipitation. It's often quite muddy hereabouts at this time of year, but not today - appreciated by all of us, especially Rufus.

Eight miles to Marple from here, just south of Bollington..

The mill with the tall chimney is Clarence Mill - a five-storey former cotton spinning mill built between 1834 and 1877 for the Swindells family of Bollington. It was built alongside the Macclesfield Canal, which opened in 1831.

The mill appears to be humming with a plethora of uses.

We soon doubled back to the Adlington Road car park, after the 10.5km stroll with less than 200 metres ascent.

Adjourning for coffees and tea cakes at a friendly cafe in Hale sealed a most enjoyable morning. Thanks for coming along, P+J+R.

More can be found out about White Nancy, etc, by going to this entry from four years ago.

Next Friday:
Sue's Birthday Walk - Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag from the Walna Scar Road (SD 288 970). A 9km circuit starting at 10:30 and adjourning to somewhere in Coniston.
Postponed to a warmer day. let Martin know if you would like to be informed of a short notice visit on a warmer day.

More walks in the programme shortly...

Later, here they are:

Friday 24 February 2023 (to replace the postponed OMC walk)
Hurst Green and Ribchester - a 9km circuit from Hurst Green. Meet at 10am outside the Aighton, Bailey & Chaigley Memorial Hall up Avenue Road (SD 684 382).
This is Walk 22 in Mark Sutcliffe's Cicerone guide - Walking in Lancashire.

Friday 31 March 2023
Barrowford and Foulridge - a 15km circuit from Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford (SD 862 397). Meet at 10am. There's a car park next to the Heritage Centre.
This is Walk 27 in Mark Sutcliffe's Cicerone guide - Walking in Lancashire 

Friday 7 April 2023 (Good Friday)
Around Shocklach. 11km from The Bull in Shocklach (SJ 439 492).
Meet at 10am outside the pub. (Take the B5130 south from Chester. Cross the A534 at Farndon and continue south to Shocklach.)

Friday 14 April 2023
Around Appleton. 10km of lovely paths on Warrington's outskirts.
Meet at 10am outside the London Bridge Inn, London Road (via M56 Jnc 10) 

Friday 2 June 2023 (May is 'full', with the TGO Challenge and other commitments)
Y Garn and the Glyders. 13km on the route described here.
Meet at 10am at the Ogwen Cottage Visitor Centre.