Welcome Back – Combs

Where Have I Been?

My last post ended with the line “But, sadly, my next blog post could be some way off, folks.”

That was on 31st December 2020. The knee injury I suffered when falling off a rock in the snow near Bramhall Park seems a long time ago.

I was, perhaps, fortunate that the injury coincided with the onset of the “Stay At Home” message, because I wasn’t going anywhere. For 5 weeks I couldn’t really bend my leg at all; getting into a car was very difficult, and driving was impossible.

However, once the significant medial collateral ligament tear with some associated cartilage damage was diagnosed, and physiotherapy commenced, improvements were fairly dramatic, although anything that involves twisting is still somewhat painful, so tennis and golf are still out for the time being.

Introduction

The lifting of the Stay At Home restrictions today has coincided with a lovely spring day. Being slightly nervous about my knee, I was glad to be accompanied by elder son Adam on this 7 mile trek into the hills between Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-frith and the Goyt Valley. It is slightly off the main tourist areas, but affords some spectacular Peak District views.

Travel time – 40 minutes each way. Walk time – 3hours.

The weather was windy but plenty of sunny intervals – bright and breezy!

The walk is 7 miles, with total rise in excess of 1250 feet, 380m.

The walk is fairly dog friendly. Although much is on narrow lanes, there is very little traffic. However, it is lambing season, so care must be taken on the grazing areas.

OS Explorer Map OL24.

I was able to park at the Combs Reservoir dam car park, accessed on a narrow lane off the B5470.

Combs Reservoir

Combs Reservoir was built in 1797 as the first feeder reservoir for the Peak Forest Canal. When the Macclesfield Canal joined the network at Marple in 1831 an additional feeder was required and the now infamous Toddbrook Reservoir was built at Whaley Bridge.

We were disappointed to find the lakeside path to Combs closed, so headed southwest, over the Buxton – Manchester railway, to Meveril Farm then southeast to Spire Hollins Farm and on by road to Combs. The path gave a handsome view of the reservoir below.

Unsurprisingly, the wonderful Beehive inn at Combs was closed. In the past I have enjoyed several excellent meals and pints here.

Heading Uphill

After the village, we turned right at Rye Flatt Farm to Allstone Lee where spring had definitely sprung!

And after the farm, another of my favourite farm animals was on hand to greet us, set against the backdrop of the hills at Combs Moss!

This section was very muddy as we headed down to cross a pretty brook.

As we climbed the steep section past Combshead Farm, the spectacular views emerged behind us. I felt very lucky to be out here again after such a long lockdown winter.

At the top of the path we were close to White Hall Outdoor Pursuits Centre which is normally accessed from the opposite side, the A5004 Whaley Bridge to Buxton road which wends its way over these hills above the Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs in the Goyt Valley.

We met a track which is marked on the OS Map as a Roman Road, and turned right to head downhill.

Returning Downhill

Where the track became a road (Old Road) we continued down it for, perhaps 3 miles. Barely a vehicle passed us as this road doesn’t really go nywhere so we could admire the countryside in peace.

The bare trees at Long Edge plantation have grown in a location exposed to gales, creating some truly sculptural qualities.

There was a glimpse of one of the Goyt Valley reservoirs to the west at one point!

Just before Elnor Lane Farm we turned right (pic below), headed to Cadster House , then east to Tunstead Farm.

Beyond Tunstead Farm we arrived back at Meveril Farm and retraced our steps to Combs Reservoir.

Time For Lunch

The walk took 3 hours, the sun was out, so we sat by the water for a spot of lunch, whilst a brave (or foolish) lady took a swim!

And Finally….

I feel so lucky to be back on the paths and byways after my injury, and after the 3rd lockdown, that I had to choose this song by one of my absolute favourite artists, the late John Prine. A song that takes you to a faraway, seemingly simpler time.

“There was all these things that I don’t think I remember…..”