Micro Event: MID-WEEK - Bottom's Bridge and Oldknow's legacy

We will start by walking down to Marple Bridge then up the High Street and along Low Lea Road to the site of Samuel Oldknow's mill, known as Mellor Mill it was built in 1790, steadily being upgraded and expanded until it burnt down in 1892. Much of the stonework was robbed out over the years, before final demolition and infill taking place in the 1950s. From 2014 to 2018 there was an archaeological project to excavate and catalogue the site, with the remains being made safe and accessible for visitors, this project included excavating the remains of Samuel Oldknow's former home a short walk away and other projects around Marple.

We will continue up the Goyt Valley, past Roman Lakes (the origin of whose name has been subject to some debate), and on to Srines, where we will cross the river before heading up the side of the valley to the Peak Forest Canal. The canal is another part of Oldknow's legacy, as he was one of the main promoters of the scheme. Walking along the canal back towards Marple we will get some fantastic views up the valley towards Whaley Bridge and the Peak District.

Having passed Tramroad Wharf, which was the temporary terminus of the canal whilst the Marple lock flight was being constructed, allowing boat cargoes to be offloaded onto wagons on a temporary tramway down to the lower section of the canal for onward shipment to Ashton, Manchester and beyond, we reach the junction with the Macclesfield canal, which today forms part of the Cheshire Ring canal cruising route. This is also the top of the Marple lock flight, which we will descend down to Marple Aqueduct, visiting Oldknow's lime kilns along the way.

At 100 feet above the Goyt Valley, Marple Aqueduct is the tallest canal aqueduct in England, being a very graceful 3-arch Romanesque structure. Having crossed the aqueduct we will descend down to the river Goyt, passing beneath the aqueduct and the nearby railway viaduct, following the river to Compstall Bridge. We will then follow the Midshires Way into Brabyn's Park and the end of the walk back at Brabyn's Brow.

Micro Events – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop.
• Please join events within around one hour’s travel from your home, rather than travelling longer distances to get there.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Public transport use to the start point is discouraged, as this is a non-essential journey. No car sharing to the start point unfortunately either.
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice.
• Each person can only attend one OutdoorLads micro event a week. (Leaders to leave at least three days between events they lead.)
• On walks, one person to hold open gates and allow everyone to walk through – so minimising surfaces that multiple people touch. 
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

Micro Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

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All pictures copyright Jeffrey Buck, may be reproduced on Outdoor Lads event pages free of charge