~Macclesfield Canal & Lyme Park~
14th May 2019
The Cage, Lyme Park
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On Saturday 11th May, steam engine Tornado hauled a charter train across the Pennines and she is seen here entering Holme Tunnel en route to Burnley from the Todmorden direction. A few minutes later Molly is seen at one of my favourite local viewpoints, later in the year "railway flowers" (Rosebay Willowherb) will adorn the trackside and the eye is drawn along the lines in one direction and towards Pendle Hill in another. The beautiful countryside of Cliviger is close and Burnley is hidden in the dip before the gentle slopes of Pendleside.
Familiar Territory
On Monday 13th May, we had an early morning walk up Pendle Hill. There is much concern locally about out-of-control dogs attacking sheep on Pendle Hill. Molly is five years old, has achieved 316 ascents of PH and has never attacked a sheep - principally because I trained her porperly, but also because she is always under control, if not always on the lead. Please refer to the Countryside Code and rights of walkers on Open Access Land and use your up-to-date mapping to identify what is Open Access Land and what is not and keep control of your dog(s)!!
Macclesfield Canal
On Tuesday 14th May, we parked at Nelson Pit near Poynton and joined the Macclesfield Canal. The canal was opened fully in 1831.
Crossover
About a mile up the canal towpath, we cross a bridge and join a path on the other side and join the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail.
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Into the woods and soon we see how the local beck has been channeled under a canal aqueduct. The LVI Trail continues eastwards, crossing the railway by means of a pedestrian walkway and again via an underpass en route to Lyme Park.
Farmland
The public footpath is signposted through farmland close to Brookside Farm.
Manchester to Buxton Line
The footpath crosses the line and I take an opportunity to photograph the view westwards to another canal aqueduct.
Ladder Stile
Just how in 2019 with all the H&S stuff can a dog walker be expected to convey their charges over these kind of stiles? This one has very narrow treads. I think it has much to do with the deer in Lyme Park. Molly weighs c21kg, many other people with their dogs would be turning back here.
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Lyme Parkland
1400 acres of wonderful countryside within Lyme Park's boundary. Those on foot can enter the estate unchallenged and free of charge; it costs £8 to take a car in and park near the house and gardens - free parking to National Trust Members, Under 16s and Blue Badge Holders. That's an interesting proposition: Under 16s shouldn't be driving a car and I thought the Blue Badge scheme was based on mobility, not ability to pay.
The Cage at Lyme Park
"The Cage at Lyme Park was originally built around 1580 as a hunting lodge where the ladies of the British nobility could admire the prowess of their menfolk as they hunted stag on the slopes below." taken from britainexplorer website.
The House
Our initial walk concludes with a walk towards the house, but down to the right as shown here. Located down there is The Timber Yard Cafe. We planned not to carry butties, but eat here. Typical of many National Trust Cafes (but not all) it falls short of standards usually offered by private enterprises. Dogs are not allowed inside - OK - but on a warm day like today, there should be more parasols over the outside tables. Coffee machine - not working! Is that true, or is it too much like hard work to make the "modern coffees"? Baked potatoes not quite hot enough. Packed lunches next time.
The Timber Yard
After our bite to eat, we continue with the walk and pass the outflow of the lake, before heading south to leave the inner enclosure of the park.
Deer
A herd of deer, only slightly disturbed by our prescence.
Heading South
Easy walking with the little hills of Knott and Hase Bank behind us and to the left
West Parkgate
Out of the Lyme Park boundary and heading back to the canal via the hamlet of Needygate (ahead).
Canal Aqueduct
To rejoin the canal, we had to walk under the arch and climb up the steps on the far side.
Macclesfield Canal
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Back at Nelson Pit
Bailey's Trading Post
Take a look at their website to learn more about Bailey's Trading Post, very close to Nelson Pit car park, Poynton.
Walkers: Karen, Molly and Me.
Time taken: 3.5hrs over a distance of about 6 miles, time includes the time spent at Timber Yard, Lyme Park.
Route: Nelson Pit car park, Poynton. Macclesfield Canal to the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail, fields to Lyme Park. Leaving the estate at the south end for a fields walk back to the canal.
Weather and conditions: Warm and Sunny.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2019 ©
Take me back to the start ....