Hooray! The van is mended and is all sparkly and happy! The Macclesfield people have been so helpful and friendly - true Northerners! So, unfortunately, had no time to walk today but spent a pleasant couple of hours in the town while repairs were taking place - a bit of retail therapy, looking for replacement shorts for The Walker. He's pretty sad that they are not the same style as 8 years ago!
Whaley Bridge was manic as it was leaving school time when we arrived; hope it will be calmer tomorrow when the walk starts. Not sure how we will cope with people in cities later on! Had to travel to Buxton to find a campsite - last time I was here it was a snowy Eastertime; Jamie, Kirstie and I tackled "Go Ape" and visited a cave. No time to explore the town this time, that will have to wait for another visit.
From Bernie:
Today's walk 13.1 miles : Cumulative 545.8 miles
Early start owing to the van's garage appointment & it was good to be bowling along the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal in lovely sunshine well before 9.00 am. It had been chilly at the campsite & I'd set out in sweatshirt & fleece but these were in the backpack & I was down to a tee-shirt within the first half mile!
Macclesfield Canal just outside the town
Been counting ducklings & cygnets ever since I joined the canals &, mostly, the swans were winning but alongside Bollington's Adelphi Mill one proud mother duck boasted a brood of 13, the largest I've seen so far.
Old canal-side mill, now residential, in Macclesfield
Thought I was going to miss out on a beer in Bollington as I was there quite early &, after a quick exploration of the town, began my climb towards White Nancy shortly after 11.00 am. Passing the 'Bulls Head' I noticed a side-door open though the front door was locked; I looked inside & asked the publican, who was cleaning up, if he was open: 'I can be if you give me a minute,' was his reply - a fine man!
Highlight of the Day: the bizarre 'White Nancy', perched on Kerridge Hill & with a commanding view for miles in all directions. Built as a summerhouse for the wealthy Gaskell family of Ingersley Hall, it is thought that it might also commemorate Wellington's victory at Waterloo.... but that may be only because it was constructed in 1815!
White Nancy
Joined a gent, whose name I forgot to ask, in the hills before Kettleshume - his spaniel is called Marley, fine dog. Walked together for a mile or so chatting about walks & photography (his occupation) before he turned off to head back to Macclesfield. I enjoyed the conversation & Les is right - very friendly people around here!
Curious 'Mole' sculpture created for 2005 Bollington Festival
Beer of the Day: had a pint of Robinson's 'Ginger Tom' at the 'Bulls Head' - brewed locally in Stockport. I was surprised to see it advertised as a 'seasonal' ale - I associate ginger with Autumn or Winter & it does have a pronounced ginger flavour. It's quite light, though, & refreshing - I like this one!
Looking back to Kerridge Hill & White Nancy
Song of the Day (an occasional series!): 'Seems So Long Ago, Nancy' by Leonard Cohen & 'Nancy Spain' by Christy Moore - couldn't get them out of my head after White Nancy until I met the man with the dog - Thanks!
They were obviously expecting me!
Impressive rock formations in yesterdays blog
ReplyDeletehow many years did it take to weather them away to those shapes? Glad van is whole again, what bad manners to just drive off, did you get his number? take care xx
Hi
ReplyDeleteLoved the sign - it made me chuckle. Good to hear you got the van repaired so quickly. Losing wing mirrors is a daily occurance where Sam lives though hers has survived being hit twice and she now avoids parking on the road most of the time.
Maddie's not too well at the moment but will tell her about the swans and ducks and their young when I see her tomorrow.
Love to you both
Julia
Hi Bernie
ReplyDeleteI was the chap with the spaniel called marley( davids the name) i only know yours because i have seen it on your blog. Really nice chatting with you, weather was good too. Hope the rest of days weather was equal to the first half.
really good to meet you
David & Marley