Local Peak District photographer Phil Sproson shares some favourite places to explore around Buxton and the western Peak District.
The rugged gritstone hills, bleak moors, ancient woodlands and an engaging heritage means that the border between upland and lowland England is a truly absorbing area to discover. So, let us explore the Western Peak District.
This exploration deserves some time and the perfect base is Buxton. A stunning, architecturally-significant resort town, Buxton has so much to offer within its wood-fringed bounds. Apart from being a perfectly positioned town for getting to the Western Peaks, it is also a great location if you plan to see the East and Central parts of the Peak District too, with places like Castleton, Bakewell and Chatsworth within reach by road.
First of all, we shall head out to the boundary of the Peak District, where Derbyshire gives way to the Cheshire Plains. Here we have the mill town of Bollington.
Bollington is a drive from the centre of Buxton; let’s not rush, the countryside is beautiful. The town is crossed by the River Dean and the Macclesfield Canal. It has vast old mills, a wealth of traditional pubs and gritstone houses that are all huddled up beneath Kerridge Ridge, topped by the impressive bee-hive looking monument called ‘White Nancy’.
This folly is a favourite focus for walkers, and it is a fantastic place to sit with a picnic on a summer’s day. The view from White Nancy is that of the Cheshire Plains and even the Welsh Hills on a good, clear day. It is also possible to trace the routes of aeroplanes going into and out of Manchester Airport. Routes up to Kerridge Ridge include steep sections and steps. For a gentler alternative, try the canal towpath through Bollington; the path can be muddy. See Cheshire East’s walking leaflets for route descriptions.
Moving South across the borders of the lowlands of the Cheshire Plains above Macclesfield you will find the uplands of Macclesfield Forest. This is a mountain-biker’s paradise with land that plunges from high moorland edges to the banks of the reservoirs within the forest fringe. Tracking further along you will find places like Windgather Rocks.
The rocks are popular with climbers enjoying this small open edge. This is an easy roadside location and perfect again for picnics with an amazing vista of the rolling hills around Kettleshulme, Cheshire Plains and Manchester. The ridge offers views across the surrounding hills.
Moving on via Pym’s Chair and the Goyt Valley, the road passes Errwood Reservoir and leads towards Derbyshire Bridge. The road operates one way from Errwood towards Derbyshire Bridge. From 1 May to 30 September, the section from The Street to Derbyshire Bridge is closed to visitor motor traffic on Sundays and bank holidays from 10.30am to 5.30pm, except for emergency services and special permit holders. Check Forestry England’s visitor information before travelling.
Perched on the moorland between Macclesfield and Buxton, the former Cat and Fiddle pub is now home to Forest Distillery, which offers tours, a shop and a bar. Opening days vary. From here you can walk to Shining Tor and look over the road winding through the hills, with distant views of Shutlingsloe.
The road to the south of Buxton is different again; off the rolling A53 high road to Leek are some of the western Peaks’ most appealing tracts of countryside. There are narrow and adventurous lanes that head you away from the striking Axe Edge through to the quaint little Hollinsclough, the pretty Longnor and compact Earl Sterndale. Admire the sight of Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill which rise steeply with their jagged edges that give them the nickname of the ‘Dragons Back’.
Further along the A53 towards Leek, the edges of the Staffordshire Moorlands come into view and culminate in the striking escarpment of The Roaches and Ramshaw Rocks. This is a place for walks and climbing, with rocky outcrops and woodland. Paths can be steep, muddy and uneven; see the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s visitor information for access details. The views from the ridge sweep deep into desolate moors, a wilderness of heather and deep cloughs and broken down walls. At the northern end of the Roaches and signed, paths drop steeply to the hidden abyss of Lud’s Church, a mysterious, ferny chasm secreted in thick oak woods and wreathed in legend.
Exploring these areas could be done in a week, you might be tired but I am sure you would feel accomplished and satisfied that you had made this journey and discovered lots. There is always the option to take it easier, discover even more and plan future visits to the area.
Phil created calendars featuring his photographs of the Peak District, Buxton and Matlock, alongside his professional photography work.
To see more of Phil’s work, visit Phil Sproson Photography or use his contact page.
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