Rushton Spencer - Winter on the Edge of the Peak District
6 people attending
9 places left
Join Rob on a winter walk exploring the unique features and varied landscape surrounding the village, Rushton Spencer, along the western edge of the Peak District.
Blending sections of the Staffordshire Way, Gritstone Trail and Dane Valley Way, this 9 mile circular walk follows a former train line and canal, a secluded reservoir and tracks through wooded ravines.
We begin by following the tree lined, former train track that once connected the village, Rushton Spencer to Macclesfield, in the north. From here, we cross over the village to join the tow path along an old atmospheric canal, once used to feed water from the River Dale to Rudyard Reservoir in the South.
Leaving the canal, we make the gentle climb northwards towards the prominent ridge, Wincle Minn via Cartlidge Wood. We then make the gentle descent to the secluded Bosley Reservoir, in the west. Weather permitting, we can enjoy a pit stop for lunch on the banks of the reservoir.
From the reservoir, its a short walk westwards through to the nearby village, Bosley, and down to the old Wood Flour Mill. A gradual ascent takes us to the base of the majestic Cloud, one of the highest hills in the area, on the border between Cheshire and Staffordshire. Depending on the level of interest, we could make a short detour to the trig point on the top of The Cloud, offering panoramic views.
A gentle descent through the enchanting wooded ravine, Ravens Clough, brings us to the River Dane. Following the river, we rejoin the route of the former train line back to the old station car park.
With two pubs in the village, there will also be the opportunity to enjoy a well earned refreshment before returning home.
This is a dog friendly walk, so please feel free to bring you dog/s along. Please note that we will be walking through farmland and through the odd farm. Therefore, dogs will need to be on a lead at these times.
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Photo Credits
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What to bring
- Water: bring at least two litres if you can.
- Your medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
- Day rucksack: typically, 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
- Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking.
- Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
- Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid-layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
- Trousers: Proper walking trousers. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and drier and on warm days shorts are OK
- Waterproof jacket and over trousers: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable waterproof fabrics are more comfortable and drier
- Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
- Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
- Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
- Sun cream: for any sunny day from spring through to Autumn but can also be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Food & drink
Please bring snacks for energy, plenty of water for hydration (see recommended kit list). If you intend to buy anything, please do this en route since there aren't any shops in Rushton Spencer.