Introduction

I was looking after Rolo today, so decided to walk from Jordan and Delly’s house at Turf Lea, near Marple Ridge rather than have his muddy paws in the car!

Today was clear, crisp, sunny and cold with a northerly breeze.

Turf Lea is a little over 20 minutes drive from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk is 8.5 miles, and took about 3 hours 15 minutes, plus a 15 minute lunch stop.

It is quite good for dog walking. There is quite a lot of canal towpath walking, tracks, and a good section in the grounds of Lyme Park, where leads have to be used.

There is easy parking on The Ridge, near its junction with Turf Lea Road at postcode SK6 7EU, though I was able to use Jordan’s drive 250 metres down Turf Lea Road where my walk started!

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

Peak Forest Canal

There are a few paths down from Turf Lea Road to the canal. I took the one that would lead on to Strines, joining the canal at the short aqueduct, rather than continuing on Turf Lea Road to the prettier, but probably much muddier, path through Stanleyhall Wood.

The canal, and the views from it, are always stunning.

After leaving the canal, I headed up the minor road which comes out on the A6 by The Dandy Cock in Disley. Crossing the road, I then proceeded up the minor road behind The Rams Head, passing the parish church.

Onward To Lyme Park

I joined the Gritstone Trail and proceeded along Green Lane. The prominent profile of the Lyme Park cage soon appeared.

Meanwhile, Rolo was enjoying the quiet track.

At the top of Green Lane, six paths meet like Spaghetti Junction, so I took care to take the track towards Lyme Park East Lodge..

Someone photobombed my picture of the park entrance gate!

He was on a roll now, showing off his coat in the glorious sunshine!

We arrived at the main visitor area and grabbed a picnic table where I ate my lunch, while Rolo made me feel guilty – he’s on a two meals a day diet at the moment.

Taking the path towards Poynton Marina, some high clouds were looming.

Macclesfield Canal

The marina is always full of activity.

Heading north I was fortunate to unexpectedly bump into two good friends, Cath and Frank Kelly, out for an afternoon stroll!

As I walked on through High Lane, the canal provided some great reflections.

Back To Turf Lea

A very short road section was negotiated and then it was across farmland tracks and paths. Even Rolo was tiring now, and readily posing for more portraits!

Yet, just when you think it’s a quiet and fairly dull last section, something of interest suddenly appears. How about some very inquisitive Highland Cattle calves!

I’ve walked in this area many times, but the walk up from Disley along Green Lane was interesting new territory. And though much was familiar, it is still a wonderful walk with the two canals and the magnificence of Lyme Park. A great half-day out!

And Finally….

Dave Gahan was once lead singer with Depeche Mode. He’s just released an interesting covers album called Imposter. This is a great version of the much covered Always On My Mind