The party on a swing bridge over the Macclesfield Canal
Fairways Garden Centre at Sutton Lane Ends was the starting point for this eleven mile ramble. Sunny skies greeted the sixteen strong group who set off south via Parvey Lane to reach the frozen Sutton Reservoir which was built as a feeder canal to replenish the nearby Macclesfield Canal. Heading west, the group crossed fields to reach the parish church at Gawsworth and a convenient stop for elevenses in the shadow of the fine ashlar sandstone church. The present building dates from around 1430 and is a local landmark.
It wasn’t our last visit to Gawsworth on this walk as the group headed south on a popular path before skirting around via High Lane and The Mollards to re-enter the village on the western side for lunch in sheltered Gawsworth Park. The village sign depicts a picture of a jester known as Maggoty Johnson who was jester to Gawsworth Hall and his grave is located at nearby Maggoty Wood.
Another loop was made to the north of the village for the afternoon leg of the walk via Dalehouse Farm and Danes Moss Farm before crossing the Danes Moss Nature Reserve in low afternoon sunshine. Finally, the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal was followed back to the Fairways Garden Centre for a most welcome cup of tea and cake to round off the day.
Colin Park
Audrey making a presentation to Gwen in recognition of her excellent backmarking skills