Looking towards Hacked Way Lane and Macclesfield Forest from Saddlers Way.
Looking South east down Saddlers Way.
Looking West from Saddlers Way.
Catkins in Macclesfield Forest.
More catkins in Macclesfield Forest.
Shining Tor from Charity Lane.
The Cat and Fiddle from Charity Lane.
St Stephen;s Church (Chapel in the Forest).
Looking over Ridgegate Reservoir towards Tegg's Nose.
Tufted duck on Bottoms Reservoir.
At the remains of the stone cutting machine on Tegg's Nose.
What is this white stuff on Tegg's Nose next to the Gritstone Trail?
Walk stats: Distance: 7.3 miles. Climb: 1529'.
Time: 4 hours 33 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Jim.
As we got out of the car at the Tegg's Nose Visitor Centre, it felt quite cool, so shorts were discarded in favour of Winter gear. However within about an hour and as we started to climb up Hacked Way lane, the Sun came out and t stated to feel quite warm. The views in all directions were very good, particularly towards Sutton Common and Shining Tor.
Arriving at St.Stephen's Church (Chapel in the Forest), we decided to see if the church was open. The door was open, so we went in to find two local women getting the church ready for a baptism the next day. Apparently the church door is always open, something to remember on any future visits to this area.
Much work has been done on many of the forest tracks, covering the surface with stones (limestone/chalk chippings I thnk).
Lunch was taken at the Trentabank Macclesfield Forest Visitor Centre pic-nic site, where we sat, bathed in warm sunshine.
After lunch I decided to put my jacket in my rucksack and just walk with a short sleeved shirt on top. Even Jim discarded his jacket after a while.
Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Blue tit, Great tit, Common buzzard, Dunnock, Goosander, canada goose, Tufted duck, Mallard, Common coot, wood nuthatch, European robin and Black headed gull.
Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest was a very popular place, I don't remember seeing so many peoples as today,even when visiting in the Summer months. Dog walkers (lots), Cyclists, runners and just ordinary walkers included. Its popularity was confirmed when we arrived back at the car to find that they had opened up the overflow car park.
Overall a very enjoyable walk and we were looking forward to refreshments on the way home.
Initially we had thought of calling in at the farmers at Kelsall, but found that it was once again closed. We ended up at The Morris Dancer down the road. This very busy, and the only seats we could find were perching stools around a high table.Nevertheless Cromwell's Bitter from Coach House and Iti Pale from Hawkshead went down very well.
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