Maybe it’s the purest form of getting back to nature, and if you take a walk around Lamaload Reservoir, you can totally understand what all those authors have been talking about for years.
Just make sure you have proper walking boots, which I did not, but on a sunnier day, tackling the miles of rolling hills can be easily done in trainers.
You can find this beautiful area of the world near Rainow, Cheshire in the South West peak of the Peak District.
One of the most spectacular views from along the walk (what I was treated to anyway), is Manchester in the distance, where the sun was beating down on the metropolis in what seemed to be a perfect circle. In comparison to the peaks around you, the city seems so small.
There are a number of trails you can choose to follow and the best part is that none of them are particularly strenuous, although the 20km Goyt Valley and Shining Tor route can be described as energetic.
Mark Critchley/Geograph
My group and I opted to mix in a few different trails, starting with Long Monsal Trail and ending up along the Edale route.
The scenery is utterly staggering and for a minute, you forget that you’re only a few miles outside of Manchester. If you’re an animal lover, you will never be short of sheep, horses and pigs – a proper farmer’s dream.
Neil Theasby/Geograph
The reservoir in the middle of all these trails is a wonderfully dramatic sight to behold, especially when the weather is confused to say the least. It remains perfectly still and strangely inviting.
You really are in the thick of nature out on the trails around Lamaload Reservoir, but luckily, once you have taken the time to absorb it all, you’re only a very short drive away from the famous Leather’s Smithy pub near Macclesfield Forest.
Stick your weary feet up, enjoy a delicious ale and equally delicious food.
All in all, Lamaload Reservoir is perfect for a not-too-taxing weekend walk.
