MY WAY AROUND ~ TEGGS NOSE TO LYME PARK ~ BY SALLY MOSLEY

This stretch of my walk was adorned in parts by a heavenly host of golden daffodils on the ground and trees above that were dripping with blossom.

The route I chose incorporated a couple of memorable climbs but it was worth every plod to enjoy spectacular views. When walking along the top of a gritstone ridge, the plains of Cheshire stretched out beside us so flat that I thought if I squinted a little I might catch a glimpse of the sun shimmering in the distance on the Irish Sea.

Nellie and I have walked our way up through OS OL24 and will now have a little dip into OS OL1 before heading south for a while. For this section of our boundary walk we were following part of the Gritstone Trail, with drama right from the start, as Tegg’s Nose must be one of the most scenic car parks in the whole of the National Park.

We turned right at the road exit to walk uphill but soon crossed a stile on the left to pick up a footpath taking us over high fields to meet up with Buxton New Road. From up there I could look at a long strip of hills and summits including Croker Hill with its iconic mast. Scanning around me I also saw the dish at Jodrell Bank pointing up toward space and could make out a plane coming in to land at Manchester airport.

Having crossed over the A537 Nellie and I made our way to Rainow, a very pretty little village. Its name evidently means ‘hill-spur frequented by ravens’.

Continuing on the Gritstone Trail we left Rainow’s main street by heading down a bridlepath to cross a brook. A gentle amble up through trees was followed by a short sharp grassy ascent that brought us onto the Saddle of Kerridge as it is known, where a lovely path along its ridge top culminated with a visit to White Nancy. This iconic circular white-painted landmark was erected to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

It was now time for some down, down and more down following steep paths and lots of steps to Bollington below. This gorgeous former mill town is packed with fabulous character houses and cottages. From the late 18th through to the mid-20th centuries, Bollington was a major centre for cotton-spinning.

Making our way to the High Street we then walked up past a row of shops and traditional butchers before turning right up Ingersley Road followed by Smithy Brow before turning down Spuley Lane.

Back to footpath walking again, taking us across fields and stiles, through little gates and over a fabulous tiny stone-arched bridge known locally as the Roman Bridge.

We headed up past Berristall Hall on a route to Bakerstonedale Moor, ascending from fields to moorland that were dotted and spotted with sheep. An interesting and unexpected surprise was when I came across some old mine shafts topped with structures like trig points. One of them was artistically decorated to depict how this area was a significant hub for coal and fireclay mining for over 300 years, with operations continuing until the mid-1960s.

Finally reaching the highest ground above the former Moorside Quarry, a bridleway led us downhill to Moorside Lane. A right to pass Keepers Cottage and then a left down a footpath and we eventually emerged onto Shrigley Road on the far western boundary of the National Park. It was now just a short stroll to West Parkgate to enter the National Trust estate of Lyme Park from where a fabulous track runs up through woodland carpeted with wild garlic and bluebells. Emerging through a gate, there is then a roadway past The Knott which is a large grassy mound. From the top of this are fantastic views of the Manchester metropolis with its distinctive line-up of skyscrapers.

The Lyme Park estate was granted to Sir Thomas d'Anyers in 1346 and passed to the Leghs of Lyme by marriage in 1388. It remained in the possession of the Legh family until 1946, when it was given to the National Trust.

Sally Mosley

FOOTNOTE BY NELLIE: I know when its spring because mum gets paint pots out and starts decorating. This time it was the turn of the kitchen skirting boards and door frames. I was banished into the lounge out of the way whilst she made horrible smells as she glossed the woodwork. After what seemed like ages mum headed upstairs for a quick comfort break and I sneaked into the kitchen for a drink before she got back. Somehow I managed to acquire a white stripe down my side along the way which I thought I could hide by lying on the new sofa and new navy throw. I didn’t think she would notice but she did!! xxx