Without a cloud in sight, we set out from the car park in Adlington Road Bollington, just along from the Vale pub.

We headed along Middlewood Way and then along the canal…

…before exiting at bridge 28…

…then along the path…

…and over the field…

…passing the sign telling of the Majestic Ash…

…where we crossed the Rally Road, the former site of the old railway. Taking stone from the quarries…

…down to the canal.

All around the field looked lush,

scattered about were a number of little ponds.

We were not alone in enjoying this wonderful morning. One pony wanted to join our walk…

…whilst others idly grazed the morning away.

We passed beautiful cottages…

…and highland cattle basking in the autumn sun.

Then we started to climb the hill.

Gaining views across AstraZeneca where many of our company worked. One tried pointing out his former lab. Others commented on it being the home of Zoladex (used to treat hormone sensitive cancers particularly of the prostrate and breast), the foundation of their pensions.

Soon former memories were screened by berry laden Holly trees.

At the brow we took our break warmed by the low sun.

On the way back we passed some Russian Comfrey, pointed out by Rachel, our walk leader and resident botanist. The blue bell shaped flowers had passed. Apparently the leaves have healing properties and traditionally have been used for the healing of wounds.

Kerridge Hill offers many fine views…

…and has been of scientific interest to Rachel in her study of Waxcap fungi.

For over twenty years she has monitored these fields, as these unmowed slopes, offering well drained soils yet moistened as the mist rolls over the hills offer ideal conditions for waxcap fungi. A place where she can help to unlock their secrets.

All on the door step of Bollington.