We started from Poynton Coppice, 30 people had gathered, a record number for any AIR walk that I had been on. Despite the windy conditions, it was dry and not too cold.

With the wind at our backs we set off along the Middlewood Way…

…before taking the bridge across the path…

and the canal.

Horses fed in the wet fields and sheltered from the wind against the fence…

…as we set out across the countryside towards Lyme Park.

We crossed little streams…

before heading up, partially pushed by the wind, towards the park.

We followed the path down towards the Hall.

We passed the Hall and headed towards the timber yard…

which is situated at the far end of the lake.

The courtyard of the buildings affords protection from the elements and provided an ideal spot to take our break with the added luxury of a cafe.

Now with the wind in our faces we made our way back.

Passing men hard at work restoring a dry wall…

…before completing our invigorating January walk.