25 to 27 May 2026 - Around Timperley and a Spunch at Marple

The Bridgewater Canal's towpath in Stretford currently houses a wonderful display of Early Purple Orchids. I passed them on my way to Didsbury to feed Millie, who wouldn't let me leave.

There was a very summery feel to my bike ride beside the River Mersey, just approaching Simon's Bridge in Northenden at this point.

Later in the day (25 May), a routine 5 km stroll from home with Sue brought us past some nice reflections.

The Merlin 'App' delivered sounds from about 20 different birds, plus a number of 'Seen but not Heard' - Carrion Crow, Canada Geese and Black-headed Gulls.

26 May, and I couldn't resist the tempation to enjoy iced coffee in a garden in Hale. Thanks, P&J. En route I passed King George V Pool, where there's a fine display of Yellow Iris flowers.

 

Then on 27 May, Sue and I enjoyed our fourth adventure into 'Spunch Land' in the woods around Etherow and Marple Bridge.

The pictures should speak for themselves.

As usual, we met a few people who we knew - Tim and George, and Jenny (an old work colleague of Sue's) and her daughter Abbie. As usual, there was post run food, and we enjoyed tasty fare from the Wong menu - they set up outside the Northumberland Arms especially for the occasion. It was well attended, with about 125 participants for the three timed options - 60, 90 and 120 minutes. We have always chosen the 120 option.

All very jolly. Here's where Sue and I went during our alloted two hours. We covered almost 13 kilometres. Our results are also shown below.

Well, that was fun. All after a visit to 101 year old Dot, who's recovering from a fall and is having memory problems.