Walkers take on Le Tour de Pott Shrigley
JOHN GOODMAN, WALK LEADER
READERS will recall the grand depart of the Tour de France in Yorkshire two years ago and more recently the Tour de Yorkshire.
Given rural Pott Shrigley’s obvious popularity with cyclists, I recently decided to offer East Cheshire Ramblers something similar.
However, it was only nine miles and cycle clips were optional.
Starting from Poynton Coppice car park, twelve ECR members quickly crossed the Poynton/Pott Shrigley parish boundary, the bird song in the woods being briefly replaced by the eerie darkness of the Macclesfield Canal aqueduct.
Passing Green Lane chapel the group began to gain height, pausing briefly at the historicallynamed Keeper’s Cottage before continuing the ascent to the moorland high point of Dale Top.
The climb was compensated for not only by a coffee break but also with sweeping 360-degree views that extended from Kinder Scout, Shining Tor and the Cheshire plain to the Metropolitan areas of Stockport and Manchester.
Next they crossed the access land of Bakestone Moor and went on to join the Gritstone Trail for the return leg to Pott Shrigley via Berristall Hall.
Pott Shrigley cricket ground is perhaps the epitome of an idyllic English village cricket green and offered a tranquil setting for lunch.
After passing through the grounds of the Grade 1 listed St Christopher’s church, the group descended to the picturesque Styperson Pool.
Briefly leaving the parish by the canal towpath, the walkers completed the ‘tour’ via Redacre Hall farm and Mitchell Fold, where they paused to admire an ancient metal notice erected by the Great Central Railway Company setting out the weight limits on farm vehicles crossing the bridge over the canal.
For further information go to ramblers eastcheshire.org.uk. Sip and Knit Night: Everyone is welcome; whatever age or ability and whether you prefer to knit or crochet. Very relaxed and friendly group. No need to book. Free to join. New members are very welcome. Date: Wednesday, July 13 Time: 8pm Venue: Vale Inn Michael Portillo, Life – A Game of Two Halves: The former Conservative MP for Kensington and Chelsea who regularly appears on TV and is a successful columnist. Not for children under six. Tickets include free entry to hall grounds from 2pm on the day of the performance. Date: Wednesday, July 13 Time: 7.30pm Venue: Gawsworth Hall Willow Crafts: Join the Bollin Valley Rangers on an evening of willow weaving. No experience necessary, full instructions given. Suitable for adults and accompanied children over 12. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £8. Date: Thursday, July 14 Time: 5.30pm - 8pm Venue: Riverside Park Ranger Centre Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: Concert. Date: Thursday, July 14 Time: 7.30pm Venue: Gawsworth Hall Summer crafting weekly session: Knitting, crochet, lace making, patchwork and sewing. Try something new or help with your project. £5 a session. No need to book. See www.karumo.co.uk. Date: Thursday, July 14 Time: 7pm - 9pm Venue: Gawsworth Methodist Community Hall Vavoom! Live at The Swan With Two Necks: Stray Cats-inspired three-piece band which plays popular covers ranging from Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent through to The Ramones and Led Zeppelin with a rockabilly look and sound coloured with jazz, punk and indie influences. Date: Saturday, July 16 Time: 8pm Venue: The Swan with Two Necks
AJack Daniels: A top calibre entertainer and more than just a dynamic vocalist. Date: Saturday, July 16 Time: 9pm - 11.30pm Venue: Broken Cross Club Try Sailing and windsurfing: It doesn’t matter if you’ve never stepped in a boat before, you and your family can get afloat and sample the freedom and exhilaration of a fantastic outdoor sport. Date: Saturday, July 16 Time: 10am - 4pm Venue: Redesmere Sailing Club, www.rya.org.uk One Night of Elvis, Lee ‘Memphis’ King: Top Elvis impersonator. Date: Saturday, July 16 Time: 7.30pm Venue: Gawsworth Hall, www.gawsworthhall.com Psychic and Medium, Paul Hunt: Tickets are available from The Puss in Boots - £7.50. Date: Saturday, July 16 Time: 8pm Venue: The Puss in Boots Prestbury Village 6’s: Great day for all the family £30 per team of six. Fully licensed bar and barbecue. Date: Sunday, July 17 Time: 12pm Venue: Prestbury Cricket Club Tel: 07774 717654 Live at the White Lion: Bob Young, male vocalist, performing songs from the 70s to present day Date: Sunday, July 17 Time: 8.30pm Venue: The White Lion Gervase Phinn: English author and educator. Tickets include free entry to hall grounds from 2pm on the day. Date: Sunday, July 17 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Gawsworth Hall StreetSounds Disco: For young people aged 17 or under with disabilities. £2 entry donation. Wheelchair access and disabled toilet available, plus a tuck shop. Date: Monday, July 18 Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm Venue: Elim Christian life Centre Give Blood: Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments. Date: Monday, July 18 Time: 1.40pm - 4.15pm / 5.30pm - 7.55pm Venue: Macclesfield Broken Cross Club SK11 8TU, www.blood.co.uk.
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