Wildboarclough, Macclesfield Forest and Shuttlingsloe

Monday 24th March

A fine day was forecast, and we decided that a second visit to the splendid peak of Shuttlingsloe (506 m; 1,660ft) was called for. We were there on 24th Feb 2024 https://aliwalks.blogspot.com/2024/07/24th-feb-shuttlingsloe-from.html

We followed (more or less) Walk 25 from the AA book 50 Walks in the Peak District. The walk heads away from the summit to begin with, as we took the footpath close to the Crag Inn - just after the buildings and car park, and followed it around the hillside. At Greenway bridge we took a signed footpath following the stream. 

At this point we decided to have a coffee, only to discover that we’d forgotten our wee jar of instant stimulant, and were stuck with hot water for the rest of the walk! We consoled ourselves with a chocolate biscuit and walked on.

The path continued over a stream, past a small pond,

and going uphill eventually coming out opposite the Hanging Gate pub - unfortunately not open until Friday!

We turned right and followed the road for about a mile, going straight on where the main road turns sharply left.

Eventually the road turns right and goes into the Macclesfield Forest visitor centre and car park. The Ladies was the only toilet open today, so it became unisex. There’s a large parking area, and access to quite a lot of forest tracks and Trentabank Reservoir.

A large picnic area with tables was where we took our lunch break.

After this the walk became steadily more demanding, as we followed a steep, though wide and clear track up through the trees.

When we emerged the way to the top was clear to see.

It’s a good hill to climb, with no deceptive false summits! Another break before the steep descent and walk back to the car.

Views good, though not so clear as last time.  Approximately  7 miles and 1170 feet of ascent.

This link covers the same walk, essentially:

https://outdoorsgps.com/route/show/348844_hunt-for-wild-boar-in-macclesfield-forest-71

From Ridgehead Farm to Anroach

Sunday 23rd March

On a misty, almost drizzly afternoon, we needed a stretch of the legs and a breath of air. so we walked the rough track to Morridge Top.

Then we crossed the A53, and walked down the quiet road to Anroach Farm entrance, then turned left and back up the road past Gibb Tor Farm, over the main road and back along the ‘Leek Road as far as the gate . It was a relief to leave the road for the track. 

Curlews were calling all afternoon, and we saw one flying, plus a kestrel.

Still a lot of mist hanging around. Atmospheric views of Ramshaw Rocks.

Gretton to Spanhoe Lodge

Monday 17th March

A very chilly morning again.  I walked with Kate and Maureen along tracks which are drying out now.

Then it was along a minor road to Spanhoe Lodge - which is not officially open as a cafe until the weather improves, but they are happy to serve us, if we let them know the day before if possible.

Excellent friendly service as always.

7.2 miles  

Geddington through Weekley Hall Wood to the Bull Pen café and back

 Monday 3rd March, with Norma. Beautiful spring morning, after the chilly start.

We followed our usual route, along Grange Road, where we saw what we think was a sparrow hawk (though my phone says buzzard). It was pigeon sized…and posed for a while.

Along the woodland paths the sunlight highlighted plentiful catkins.

We crossed the main road near Glendon Lodge, and called in at the Bull Pen, which seems to be continuing the good work of the Fox and Peony.

On the way back we saw some blackthorn in blossom

and a brimstone butterfly - my first of the year.

Priors Hall Gullet and Lake

 Tuesday 25th February.

Bright, sunny, with a cold wind.

Marta and I walked just a couple of miles - The first one done at a fair lick along the Southern Gullet path, which was wet in places, then round the estate, returning close to the Lake, where we saw one coot.

We met a friend, Rita,  in the cafe, so today was more a social occasion than serious exercise. 

Fineshade Woods

 With Kate, Maureen and Norma. The weather was good, quite mild, and dry, apart from one shower as we drove back home.

A 3.5 mile stroll around  the tracks through the woods, sort of following Stickman, Wallace and Gromit, and ‘Wellness’ Trails.

We allowed our ‘inner children’ a bit of play today.

We ‘wowed’ at the puddles

the trees

the catkins

and the fungi.

Kate made her own stickman

We had coffee and cake in Grounds cafe, and only as we emerged did the sky turn threatening.

The afternoon brought sunshine again!

Drawing and a stroll at Rutland Water

 Tuesday 18th February

With Harry, Esther, Joseph and Hazel.

First a coffee at Whitwell’s Harbour cafe, where we all sat and drew for a while - the cafe was busy but not crowded.

Then we walked round to Sykes Lane, into the cold wind, and back with the wind behind us. Not far, but enough for an airing.

Aconites near Edith Weston village shop.

East Carlton Park and snowdrops

 Monday 10th February, with Norma, Maureen and Kate.

A rather unpleasant day, so we opted for an easy stroll of about one and a half miles round a somewhat muddy East Carlton Park, where the snowdrops were beautiful.

Of course we ended up as planned in the cafe as usual.

Two walks in London

 Part 1, Thursday morning Feb 5th. 

From Pax Lodge via Belsize Grove to Primrose Hill, the Regent’s Park to Baker Street (approx 4 miles)

The view from Primrose Hill wonderful as ever. 

A pause for coffee at the cafe, then on to Baker Street to catch tube and train to West Dulwich, where we visited the Picture Gallery for the Tirzah Garwood exhibition.

A cold stroll through Dulwich Park, another coffee, and then on foot all the way to the Elephant and Castle, seeing the surroundings change as we headed north.

From Dulwich to Green Dale, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, Walworth and the Elephant and Castle. (another 4 miles or so).

Wing, Manton and Rutland Garden Centre

 Monday 3rd February 2025. With Kate, Norma and Maureen.

Almost 5 miles.

This walk began from the maze in Wing, then we turned left through the village, past the church,

admiring the snowdrops and splendid aconites along the way. 

We followed the minor road towards Manton 

then turned right along the Rutland Water cycle route beside the road. More aconites to be admired.

The shared cycle/walking path was very quiet this morning - I think we saw one cyclist, though there was traffic noise from the road itself.

After about a mile we reached the new (2023, anyway) cafe - no longer Wellies, but The View. Bigger and more spacious now.

Coffee and cake or scones were consumed before we tackled the final mile and three quarters - this was mostly downhill, along the bridleway, which, as I had suspected was muddy,

though only for a short distance. It reminded me why we have been avoiding the fields this winter!

Across the railway line, and up the final incline into the village, pausing to watch the freight train (not to catch our breath!)