Introduction

I am delighted to be out of self isolation and to be Covid-free.

It’s been 3 weeks since my last walk, and it felt good to be out in the countryside again.

The walk is approximately 7 miles with 990ft, 300m, of ascent to tackle.

The weather was dull, very windy, but quite warm for the time of year.

Danebridge is a very popular starting point for walkers. It is about 40 minutes from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk took about 3 hours 15 minutes, plus a 20 minute lunch stop.

This walk is in livestock farming country, so not great for dog walking, though no significant road sections to worry about.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.

The start is on the bridge at Danebridge, adjacent the Wincle Microbrewery, postcode SK11 0QE. Hard to believe you get a Stockport postcode all the way down here!

River Dane

I headed off downstream on the Cheshire side of the river, past this sign and the brewery.

I took it slowly, stopping to enjoy the bobbing and diving of the dippers, the flitting around of the grey wagtails, and the beautiful autumnal trees along the river banks.

I crossed the river into Staffordshire at Gig Hall.

On To Turner’s Pool

Climbing up past Hollinhall to Hawksley Farm, the unmistakeable views of classic hills appeared.

I noticed the Staffordshire knot flag as I walked past the Swythamley and Heaton Community Centre . It always reminds me of school days as this emblem was on the front of all our exercise books in the pre-1974 days when Kingswinford was part of this large county.

Turner’s Pool is an attractive, and, today at least, popular fishing pool.

Buxton Brow and Back Forest

The walking was now steadily uphill, approaching the northern end of The Roaches.

I loved this old sign, which was still doing its job. As I stopped to photograph it, I was surprised by a brown hare which leapt and bolted from nearby.

I didn’t manage to photograph the hare, and my earlier dipper pictures weren’t good enough to publish, so I settled for this lovely insect!

I found a sheltered spot to sit behind a wall and take lunch whilst watching hikers traverse the ridge which separates Back Forest from Forest Wood and the charismatic Lud’s Church ravine.

Hanging Stone

As they say, “it did what it says on the tin”.

I stayed on the path below the ridge, enjoying more autumn colours along the way.

The hanging stone is an unmistakeable landmark, so look out for it in a future picture quiz! And yes, that is a person on top taking a peek at what faced those committed to drop by the penal system of long ago.

Back To Danebridge

The last part of the walk takes in a delightful woodland before emerging back at the bridge where I had parked.

This is a super walk, and there are many other equally inspiring routes that can be tackled from here!

And Finally……

A few of you will know our friend Euron Griffith, others not.

Euron is an author, artist, and musician. He is a published writer in Welsh and English.

He has sent us a copy of his wonderful “Bubblegum Minty Kiss” album released as “Ayres”. He wrote the songs, sings them , and plays all the instruments! This is “Timeless Wonder”. Such talent!