Martha's Marvellous Munchies

It was a grey and misty day in a succession of grey and misty days. The sun seems to have gone into hibernation. There are still autumn leaves around to brighten things up, though, and I was glad to get out. Cheddleton is not well-endowed with car parks. I found a roadside spot near the primary school and walked back along the road, past a war memorial gate, to St Edward's Church. Inside there were candles to light - always a nice touch. door to St Edward's church I followed a well-used path along one side of the canal to Basford Bridge, where I finished last time, and then back along the towpath on the other side. Two miles' walking to end up almost where I started! A metal fabricating business proved that there is still some functioning industry in the area. Its yard was piled with galvanised troughs and what looked like giant coat hangers. Basford Bridge The Flint Mill is a reminder of past industry. There are two water wheels which used to power machinery to grind flin...

The weather forecast had promised sun, but the clouds hadn't got the message and couldn't be bothered to move on. It was dry, mild, and fairly still, so it was pleasant for walking, even though the sky stayed overcast. I parked in the Sheepfold car park, off Hollins Lane, and set off through the woods. I dropped into a valley, climbed out again, and rounded a corner to discover a gorgeous autumn-coloured view. Down the hill, two deer trotted away. A nearby bench was dedicated to Joyce Dixon, "who loved walking in these hills and valleys so much". I could sympathise with that. At the bottom of the next valley, I was glad someone had made a boardwalk for the path. Even so, the stream was threatening to overtake it in places. And... hey! No one warned me I might fall into an abyss on this walk! Back on the Caldon Canal towpath, I soon came to Consall station. You can see there wasn't much room to squeeze the railway alongside the canal. The station waiting room had t...