Rudyard Lake (10th October)

 

Tuesday 10th October 2023.

On a fine morning, after a couple of less than inspiring days, we headed for Rudyard Lake, a place I had seen from the main road many times, but never visited. It is very close to Leek and Macclesfield.

Coffee at the visitor centre cafe was our first priority, and it seemed to be a place of pilgrimage for many of the local dog walkers too.

We walked round anti-clockwise, following a very pleasant track, with a decent surface. Views of the water are good almost the whole way round.

The first section runs alongside the miniature railway track, and past the sea scouts hut. 

At the northern end of the lake, we turned left (west), crossing a bridge. 

After this the path is tarmac covered for a fair way, before the path branches off to the left, alongside a magnificent row of trees (linden?) and we walk uphill. There are beech trees and at least one sweet chestnut tree further on, with its ridged bark, leaves like open hands, and spiky nut cases.

We saw grebes, a robin, ducks and some other birds, as well as the occasional squirrel. A few cows/ bullocks were grazing near the folly-like building of Cliffe Park Hall. 

The woodland track emerges on a private road with several houses. Some appear to be holiday lets, others have permanent residents. All have lovely waterside situations. 

We soon arrived at Rudyard village, and we picked up lunch of a tuna sandwich at the visitor centre where we had parked.

We drove back via Flash and Wildboarclough.