Tom Read - click to email meBDXC ISWL WAB SOTA RSGB IOTA - see my radio page for more detailsLiam & Jimmy

Lockdown 33

 

Route description & photos

Start on Robin Lane, Lyme Green (SK11 0LH).  There is plenty of on-street parking along here and adjacent side roads.

 

Junction of Robin Lane and Lyme View        Robin Lane, Lyme Green

 

Walk south-west along Robin Lane towards the main A523 Macclesfield to Leek road.  Cross over and continue into Gaw End Lane.

 

Crossing over the A523 into Gaw End Lane        Moss Head Farm

 

Walk down the lane and bear left onto the public footpath signed through the industrial area. 

 

Track to Moss Head Boarding Kennels        Continue ahead towards the canal

 

Go down the track, pass the kennels, through an iron gate and cross the swing bridge over the canal.

 

Swing bridge        Macclesfield Canal

 

Turn left onto the canal towpath, and walk to the footbridge. 

 

Footbridge        Entrance to Sutton Reservoir

 

Cross over footbridge, and then the A523 main road, and enter the area for Sutton Reservoir.  The mapped public right of way follows an initially banked path towards the right (south) of the reservoir.  Ignore this, and take the wider path heading up on the left.

 

Sutton Reservoir        Good gravel path around Sutton Reservoir

 

From the top of the dam, continue around the north side of the reservoir as it becomes a good gravel path designed for anglers.  You may also see some open water swimming enthusiasts around here!

 

Path continues around the eastern end of Sutton Reservoir        Sutton Reservoir at dusk

 

At the eastern end of the reservoir, there is a gate onto Leek Old Road.  Ignore this, and bend around to the right, continuing to follow the footpath between the road wall and the reservoir. 

 

Hawkshead Quarry        Fools Nook

 

Exit onto Leek Old Road and continue south.  Follow the sharp bend to the right at Hwakshead Quarry and head down to Fools Nook. 

 

Fools Nook        Back onto the canal

 

Cross the main road at Fools Nook, and turn right onto the canal towpath.  Look for a public footpath on the left that starts by dropping down a few steps.

 

Macclesfield Canal        Steps down from the canal

 

Walk down the steps then cross the small footbridge into Woodhouse Green Farm.  Head up the grassy slope and follow the footpath route around the left of the farm buildings.

 

Footpath into Woodhouse Green Farm        Woodhouse Green Farm

 

Turn right out of the farm into Woodhouse End Road.  Continue over the railway bridge.

 

Woodhouse End Road        West Coast Mainline

 

Follow the road around as it bends to the right. 

 

Woodhouse End Road        Footpath to Danes Moss

 

As it then bends to the left, take a public footpath on the right to head towards Danes Moss.

 

Sign for the nature reserve        Footpath on Danes Moss

 

At a crossroads of paths, turn left to follow the Danes Moss Nature Reserve signpost.  The path is now very distinct between two grass banks and fences.

 

Entering the main part of the nature reserve        Footbridge in the nature reserve

 

At the start of the main part of the nature reserve, a couple of information boards are passed.  The path now follows an old tramway line across Danes Moss and in places, some of the old sleepers can still be seen.

 

Danes Moss Nature Reserve, approaching the railway fotbridge        Train approaching Macclesfield

 

As the railway is approached again, a footbridge can be made out through the trees.  After crossing the footbridge, you are very nearly on the Macclesfield Canal for a second time.

 

Footbridge        West Coast Mainline towards Macclesfield

 

Turn left onto the towpath and follow the canal back towards Lyme Green.  Pass underneath the bridge carrying Gaw End Lane.

 

Back onto the canal again        Gaw End Lane bridge

 

Exit the canal at the next bridge and turn right onto the A523.  Cross the road to make use of the footbridge.

 

A523 bridge at Lyme Green        Footbridge parallel to the road canal bridge

 

Turn left into Lindrum Avenue, then right into Robin Lane.  The route is complete.

 

Lindrum Avenue        Lyme View, off Robin Lane