Macclesfield Forest – A One Hour Stroll

Introduction

It was such an unseasonably warm December day today. So, although I’d played 2 hours tennis this morning, I couldn’t resist a short walk in one of my favourite places.

This is a fantastic place for dog walking, well made paths, and no wildlife nor livestock to worry about disturbing.

A half hour drive each way, and my 3 mile route took just short of an hour but there’s lots of scope to extend this. Use OS Explorer Map OL24.

I parked at the top car park today, about half a mile up from the Visitor Centre which is at SK11 0NS.

Taking It From The Top

I walked anti-clockwise, so set out along the grassy path from the car park.

The path wends its way down through the trees.

Then I emerged into a clearing with beautiful views.

I turned left down the valley at the T-junction of paths, then right about 50 metres before the road. Eventually the path crosses the road into the forest opposite, alongside a pretty stream.

Ascending

I could see Trentabank Reservoir through the trees, but soon I reached another T-junction and turned left up the hill.

The path just goes up and up through the forest.

And the mist began to descend….

There are regular signs showing the paths around the forest. My route covered the bottom right third of the map.

At the Shutlingsloe turning I wandered a short way up the hill to get a picture of the reservoirs.

I returned to the path, noting the views to Sutton mast and the Cat and Fiddle Inn on the Buxton Road.

And soon, I was back at the car park, feeling very refreshed.

And Finally…..

I was very lucky to hear this local band live at my friends Paul and Jill’s party last night. Very happy to promote Waking Day here. This is “One Day Away From You”.