Introduction

Heavy overnight rain had moved away, but more was due to follow from lunchtime, so I just had time for a short 5 mile walk not too far from home.

It’s about a half hour drive to Sutton, just south of Macclesfield, from Cheadle Hulme.

The weather was dull, but stayed dry. The ground was very wet, and it was muddy in the valley for the second half of the walk.

The walk is 5 miles. It took 2 hours 15 minutes and my early start meant no refreshment break was necessary.

This walk is on sheep pasture all the way, so unsuitable for dogs to be off the lead.

I walked in an anticlockwise direction, starting from Lowerhouse / Foxbank Farms.

The walk is on both OS Explorer Map 268 and OL24.

There’s no parking at the start of the walk, so I drove up Hollin Lane to the Ryles Arms pub and parked without problem on the car park, postcode SK11 0NN, What 3 Words ///worth.among.summer

Hollin Lane To Sutton Mast

Walking down Hollin Lane from the Ryles Arms I noted the small stream flooding over an adjacent garden.

The first section of the walk heads straight up the side of the Rossen Clough valley on the Gritstone Trail. The views soon emerge.

Approaching the ridge, I enjoyed the patterns of the tall, leafless trees.

Looking back from the trees, Shutlingsloe is unmistakable on the opposite hillside.

Turning the other way, the view from the ridge picks out Manchester in the rather murky distance.

Continuing up the ridge, a small active quarry is growing to the west.

To the south east is the view of the valley along which my route returns.

Due east I can see the Ryles Arms, and my car, down in the valley.

The Sutton Mast is now looming ahead of me, the top being almost lost in the cloud.

Hearing voices, I spied a workman on one of the high level platforms.

Sutton Mast To Hollins Lane

I dropped down and crossed the main road to join Minn-End Lane.

It was now time to leave the Gritstone Trail and make my way across fields and down the side of the brook where I knew it would be very wet underfoot….or in fact all over my feet!

I crossed back over the main road and took the drive where these attractive signs hung.

There were pigs in a field, and a kestrel eating lunch on a telegraph pole.

There are splendid views down the valley to the distant Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

The mud made it slow going, but it’s beautifully peaceful, and pretty. Eventually a tarmac track made the going much easier!

The scenery was enhanced by the wildlife, and domesticated animals too.

And soon, the driveway returned me to Hollin Lane.

I returned to the car before the rain arrived, refreshed and pleased to have got out in the countryside, given the uncertain weather forecast!

And Finally….

Irishman Darren Kiely came to my attention this week. Reminds me of Mumford and Sons. This track is “Blood Red”.