The Greater Manchester Tour
The “social bubble” of Caroline, Adam and I needed some exercise today, and took the opportunity to continue our tour of the boroughs of Greater Manchester, following the visit to Ramsbottom in the borough of Bury on 1st November.
Caroline was our leader for this trip.
Manchester – Heaton Park
The last time I was here the world was a very different place – Caroline’s Birthday, 15 June 2019 -Pale Waves, DMA’s, James, & The Courteeners. A young, edgy, crowd and the Concert Buddies (me, Caroline, and Bethan & Martin) sinking and singing in the park mud.
Today we parked at the St Margaret’s Entrance car park in glorious, sunny, cold and still December air after nipping round the M60 in around half an hour.
It’s a big park, but there are a lot of visitors and young children, so only safe for well behaved dogs to be off the lead!
We spent a couple of hours to complete the 3.5 miles we walked, but we were strolling and taking in the environment and views, so it could be completed much quicker. There were toilets open at the boating lake and the Hall.
The Woodland Walk
Crossing the drive, we headed through the woodland, which looked delightful in the sunshine, with steam rising off the stream.
The Boating Lake
On reaching the lake we intended encircling it anticlockwise, but were thwarted by a path being closed for repairs, so had to retrace our steps past the grand Town Hall Collonade.
And that’s an excuse for another, improved, view of the lake!
Preparing For The Christmas Light Show
As we made our way uphill towards the hall we passed some unexpected wildlife.
Heaton Hall
The Hall is Georgian, completed in the late 18th Century for Sir Thomas Egerton. Its pale yellow stone is quite a contrast to most other mansion buildings in the region.
The Temple
Before the construction of 21st century skyscrapers, this was the highest point in the City, and has wonderful views across Heaton Park Golf Course to many places which feature in my blog!
Dower House
After following the path around the hill below The Temple we ignored the Stable Cafe and walked up to the Dower House where the beekeepers are working on the many hives.
We returned along the main drive to the car park, well refreshed and ready for a very welcome Nando’s takeaway to finish the trip.
And Finally….
From Heaton Park, who else, but one of our absolute favourites, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. They are so well known for The Beautiful South, and he, The Housemartins before, but their recent stuff is full of absolute gems, and none more than this from 2018, Sundial In The Shade.
Enjoy!
Never been to Heaton Park but it looks great. And who could resist a walk when it includes a cheeky Nando’s? Thanks for posting.
Cheers, it’s definitely worth a visit – Heaton Park and Nando’s!
Looks like you had good weather, great photographs! Reminds me of the many conservation projects I was involved in during the eighties and early nineties!
Yes, it’s amazing to look back at the variation in the type of projects we were able to work on in those days at City Architect’s. I got involved in listed building surveys for one brief period in the early 80s – I remember scrabbling round on the Town Hall and Elliot House roofs with one of the architects. The current Town Hall project must be an exciting one to work on!
Looks lovely. Definitely one for us to do with you when we not picking the boys up from school 👍
Yes, though it would be a nice place for you to take them with a couple of play areas!