Introduction
Caroline suggested a Sunday morning stroll, hoping to beat the showers. For a while we have been meaning to visit the local landmark that is Mellor Cross.
So, it was off to the hills and moors of Stockport, above the village of Mellor.
Travel time –about half an hour each way. Walk time – an hour and a quarter.
The weather was cool, plenty of sunny spells, and one brief shower.
The walk was 2.5 miles, easy going.
This walk is suitable for dogs, most being on stony tracks, and the last section on a very minor road, frequented only by horses and cycles on our trip.
OS Explorer Map OL1.
I parked for free on the road about a quarter of a mile after the last cottages on the road that runs up through Mellor from Marple Bridge.
Border Country
The walk starts at the border between Stockport MBC and Derbyshire, with views to the east / south east towards New Mills and Kinder Scout.
We headed south along Pole Lane, a track not suitable for motor vehicles, passing the woodland of Broadhurst Edge. Just after the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve on our left, we turned right, heading west. There are attractive dry stone walls beside these tracks.
There are gaps in the wall providing views to the north and north west.
Mellor Cross
Mellor Cross was first erected in1970 and replaced in July 2018 by Marple and District Council of Churches.
Cobden Edge
The road back, below Cobden Edge is through farming country. A couple of farms were selling eggs at their drives, with honesty boxes for payment. I couldn’t resist. Not the uniformity of the supermarket!
Another farm had two donkeys ignoring the spectacular view!
Soon we were back at the car. A splendid short walk!
As a toilet stop was called for, and the weather was holding, we couldn’t resist calling in at Etherow Country Park for an hour before heading home.
Etherow never fails to please! Dippers and grey wagtails on the river, and dozens of mandarins on the canal…. and the toilets were open!
And Finally…..
A bit of George on the way home!