A Good Friday Challenge: The Macclesfield Ringway (20 Miles, Challenging)
Details
Something a bit special for Easter Friday...
That's right... it's the Macclesfield Ringway. Maybe it'll become a thing! A roving circumnavigation of the Marauders' home town, starting and ending at the Tegg's Nose Country Park, taking in a multitude of local sights along the way. 20 miles (32 km) of hills, fields, forests, reservoirs, paths, tracks and lanes.
This is a challenging walk for experienced hikers only. Note the earlier start time of 8:45 am. Please don't be late. We cannot wait for late-comers on this occasion.
Route
Setting off from the Tegg's Nose café, we'll head clockwise through the country park, taking in views of the journey ahead. Skirting the western edge of Macclesfield Forest, we'll head down past Tegg's Nose Reservoir and Bottoms Reservoir and around to the village of Sutton.
From there it's past Sutton Reservoir, over Macclesfield Canal and on to the magnificent 14th century grade-one listed property of Gawsworth Hall, former residence of dramatist Samuel "Maggoty" Johnson.
Continuing on towards Gawsworth village, we'll pass Maggoty Wood and Samuel Johnson's grave before following the lanes and fields out to Henbry.
A few lanes later, past the Sandy Lane Tearoom, we'll get the opportunity to annoy some posh folk as we walk through the grounds of Kings School and over Prestbury Golf Course.
Heading through Prestbury itself, we'll wind our way to Bollington and travel alone a little of the Middle Wood Way, over the viaduct to the recreation ground.
After that we'll ascend to White Nancy, the prominent war memorial, for more panoramic views over Cheshire before hiking the length of Kerridge Ridge and up further still to our final destination at Tegg's Nose café.
Starting point
Tegg's Nose café:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tPKoHz4rjDkWswP88
After the hike
Well earned drinks at the Leather's Smithy pub down the road.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/R5tjMoKw2FUvSiUD8
Parking
Tegg’s Nose Country Park Car Park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BnUWUkh2pasKzmcP6
Please shout up if you'd like a lift from Macclesfield town.
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, provided they're capable of a long distance walk.
What to bring
Please bring a packed lunch, water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather.
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DISCLAIMER
Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!
Here's a guide to our difficulty rating:
• Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll.
• Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience.
• Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience.
• Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day.
• Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves.
• Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers.
IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.