Wednesday 29 January 2025 - A Bike ride - Marple and Bollington

Just Sue and me for this advertised ride. The plan had been to go through Lyme Park to New Mills and back, but we decided to avoid any hills, leaving them for a warmer day. Thus we set off at 10:30 from Rose Hill in Marple, at the end of the Middlewood Way. We soon passed through the site of High Lane railway station, as we followed the Middlewood Way all the way to beyond Bollington, along the disused railway line.

The remains of the station at Higher Poynton are a much more elaborate affair.

There are views over Bollington, with White Nancy in the background, from the viaduct in Bollington.

After passing most of the old town, we came to The Bollington Labyrinth, a structure based on a Greek design whereby the seven rings of a single path are contained within eight concentric walls, with two added arms enabling access from other points at its sides.

Just beyond the Labyrinth, we turned right down Grimshaw Lane to reach the Mulberry Leaf cafe, where we enjoyed coffee and cake at a table shared by two local musicians..

An hour passed very quickly. It's not far from there to the end of the Middlewood Way, and a left turn to join the Macclesfield Canal towpath for the return to Marple. The towpath soon changes sides, offering a pleasant view from the top of a bridge.

It was a lovely sunny day, not too cold, and the towpath was pretty much free from mud and puddles and people.

The next set of pictures were taken as we passed through Bollington and then the countryside to Marple.

In Marple there must havve been an 'event' that has left the canal, between two locks, bereft of water.

Workmen appeared to be discussing the situation.

Beyond the drained canal, we took a left turn along Stockport Road to return to the car park at the end of the Middlewood Way next to Rose Hill Station.

Here's our route - about 31km, with minimal ascent, taking us two and a half hours plus an hour in the cafe. What a lovely way to spend a morning.

By way of a reminder, my little programme of activities is here. It'll be added to shortly. Let me know if you plan to come along.

January 25/26 2025 - Another Visit to Center Parcs

One of our regular visits to Center Parcs, in Sherwood Forest. Perhaps a swansong.

Last year we introduced Robert to parkruns, and now we discover that he has done 46 such runs since then - he's even more addicted than Sue and me!

Anyway, it was another lovely morning for a bit of exercise, and my poorly knee stood up to a gentle jogging pace - the first such outing for a couple of months.

Full results are here, with Sue just ahead of Robert (positions 86 and 95), and me in position 219 out of 359 participants. Not quite last for a change!

We didn't partake in as many activities as usual, for a variety of reasons, but Shuffleboard kept us entertained for an hour or so.

Saturday night saw some dressing up in order to act out a small play. I'm not an actor, but the others did attempt to dress for their parts in the play...

L-R: Louise, Lyn, Gerry, Robert, Chris, Sue

The prosecco was much needed.

On Sunday morning Sue and I left the holiday village and enjoyed a walk to Rufford and back - about 10km in all. Some snaps were taken - I'm sure these replicate pictures taken on earlier visits.

The cafe

The ford is now closed - too many unfortunate accidents!

We finished the circuit by heading around the perimeter of the holiday village, back to our house at number 868.

Thanks to Chris for some of the 'play' pictures, and for the following wildlife observations.

We indulged in various other activities (crazy golf, archery, ping-pong, pool, jigsaw, etc), but some of those we have enjoyed in the past have been discontinued, so this may be our last visit to this site. Though Sue and I will be coming on a family visit in July. The activities should be fine for that.

For memories of all our Center Parcs visits since 2007, click here.