As rain and clouds shrouded the hills we planned to walk, a change in plan took us to Prestbury.

We set out along the path in Riverside park. The wild flower patch looked lovely.

and certainly deserved a close inspection.

The grass was very lush from the rain.

We crossed the river just before Prestbury…

…and the Bollin looked as good as ever…

…in both directions.

At Prestbury we passed through the graveyard.

We took an early break in these tranquil surroundings.

Some rested whilst others paid respect to loved ones.

This old building…

…and the old church have no doubt seen many pass by.

Then down the main street and past the Bridge Inn…

…where the pterodactyls are perched.

We then headed up Bridge end Lane…

where, if you have a few bob, you can snap up a Des-Res.

Passing other affluent pads…

…before entering a wooded lane which led to yet more high-end housing.

One of our party told us that when they were young they often walked this way from Bollington to Prestbury, but now it is unrecognisable since the property developers moved in.

In places the path has been relegated to an alley…

…but signs still mark the way…

…testifying to the fact that the developers had minimally met their obligations.

Then back out into the fields…

…where the dairy herd enjoyed grazing the fresh grass. As we walked I could not help wonder if our grandchildren will enjoy this open space when it is their turn to go on AIR rambles.

We took the steps up to the main road…

…but the council seem to have forgotten to provide a path and for the last bit we had to walk on the road .

Crossing the road we found the path again – nothing joined up about this! …

…which ran between young trees screening us from the road.

We saw testament to the Willow family…

…and shortly after tales of deer, rat and rabbit.

As we headed towards Bollington the stables looked peaceful…

…but the cows and the sheep seemed concerned to see us.

We then followed the Middlewood Way home.