Signpost outside Snape House Farm above Rainow
As part of Bollington Walking Festival, East Cheshire Ramblers met at the bus terminus in Bollington for a twelve mile walk to Forest Chapel, led by David Gylee. Their route took them along part of the Gritstone Trail and then through Macclesfield Forest.
Forest Chapel, designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building, stands in a quiet position. The original chapel was built in 1673 but was almost entirely rebuilt in 1834. It is built in sandstone with a Kerridge stone-slate roof. Although the interior is very plain, the east window contains some fine Victorian glass. The Chapel registers begin in 1759 with some loose sheets dating back even earlier, to 1746.
Forest Chapel
Although the weather forecast was far from encouraging with an amber weather warning for whole of the North West, thirteen hardy souls duly arrived at the start point, well prepared and equipped for the expected wet and very windy weather.
In the event, the weather was surprisingly good in the morning and the route enjoyable. After the mainly uphill walk the group arrived at Forest Chapel where there was space to enjoy a welcome rest and picnic lunch.
Having arrived at the furthest point on the walk, the objective then was to return to Bollington using an alternative route, that took them past farms and through Rainow, which they had viewed from Kerridge Ridge above on their outward leg. Despite showers of rain, hail and a very strong wind nearby Snipe House Farm, – where there is a rather strange waymarking post! – the group returned safe and sound to their start point in Bollington. Indeed as a measure of their enthusiasm, two of the group were then enquiring about the next long 18 mile walk the following week-end!
David Gylee
Rainow Village from Kerridge Edge