Lamaload, or Lamelode as it was once known, is a name suggesting lambs and sheep country. And indeed this area, set amid the ancient hunting grounds of Macclesfield Forest, was at the heart of the vast sheep estates that grew up in the late 17th century. Soon farms were built on the former "waste" and meandering gritstone walls divided the land. It's not much different today. True the original Lamaload Farm was sacrificed to build the reservoir, but here sheep still reign supreme while a few oaks remain as a reminder of the Medieval forest.
LOCATION: Four miles north-east of Macclesfield
START: Lamaload Reservoir car park. Follow signs to Saltersford from B5470, then turn right towards Wildboarclough.
Grid ref: SJ975753 Postcode: SK105XJ
DISTANCE: 5 miles
GRADE: Moderate
TIME: 3 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - White Peak Landranger 118
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: River Dean, Hordern Farm, Snipe House Farm, Valeroyal
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News