Route description & photos

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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. 

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

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.

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.

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

Follow the road around as it bends to the right. 

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

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.

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.

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

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

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