Gritstone Trail
Seven hardy souls completed the Gritstone Trail from Rushton Spencer to
Disley a distance of 22 miles (not the 19 miles given on the sign to
Lyme Park as we had to walk from the bus stop to the start of the Trail
and from Lyme Park back to Disley). It was an early start for everyone
to get to Stockport to get the train to Macclesfield, then to get the
bus to Rushton Spencer to get there for 9.30am.
The official photographer turned up to take the group picture before we
all set off through the Shell Brook valley to the first major climb of
the walk to Croker Hill with the distinctive telecommunications tower on
the top known as Wincle Lighthouse. It was rather windy on top but at
least it was dry. Because of the distance to be covered we had to keep
up a good pace and we had lunch at Tegg's Nose Reservoir before the next
steep climb to the visitors centre at Tegg's Nose. I had not been there
for many years and the whole group were disappointed to find the cafe
had closed.
We then descended to Rainow for yet another disappointment the pub which
was nearest the trail had also closed so we had to slog up White Nancy
without the benefit of a pint which made it even harder. We were now on
the home straight and after a few miles came to the last climb of the
day Sponds Hill, it just started to drizzle a little but did not last
long as we had glorious sunshine as we approached Bow Stones and Lyme
Park.
The official photographer turned up at Lyme Park for another photo call
and we then all made our way to Disley, and this time the White
Horse was open and my prediction was right I had told the pub we would
be arriving at 7.30pm which we did on the dot.
Next year we will complete the Gritstone Trail by doing the section from Rushton Spencer to Kidsgrove.
Paul
Click here for photos of the walk.
