Macclesfield Forest

Settlement in Cheshire

England

Macclesfield Forest

Junction on Buxton New Road Taken from the northern end of Ankers Lane which heads for Wildboarclough. — Junction on Buxton New Road Credit: Trevor Harris

Macclesfield Forest is a large wooded area located in Cheshire, England. Covering approximately 4,000 acres, it is situated east of the town of Macclesfield and is part of the Peak District National Park. The forest is comprised mainly of coniferous trees, including spruce and pine, with some areas of deciduous woodland. It is surrounded by rolling hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities. There are numerous walking trails and footpaths, catering to all levels of ability. These trails provide opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna found within the forest, including various bird species and rare plants. The forest is also home to a number of small streams and ponds, adding to its natural beauty.

In addition to walking and hiking, Macclesfield Forest offers opportunities for cycling and horse riding. The area has a network of bridleways and cycle paths, allowing visitors to explore the forest on two wheels or on horseback. The forest is also a haven for wildlife, with deer, foxes, and badgers frequently spotted by visitors.

The forest is managed by the Peak District National Park Authority, which works to maintain the natural environment and protect the wildlife habitats within the area. Facilities within the forest include a car park, picnic areas, and public toilets. Additionally, there are several nearby villages and towns where visitors can find accommodation and amenities. Overall, Macclesfield Forest is a picturesque and idyllic location, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Macclesfield Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.24608/-2.037133 or Grid Reference SJ9772. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Junction on Buxton New Road

Taken from the northern end of Ankers Lane which heads for Wildboarclough.

Trevor Harris

Trentabank Reservoir, Macclesfield Forest

habiloid

View to Shutlingsloe & A537 from Shining Tor

Colin Park

Late afternoon sunlight Macclesfield Forest as seen from the path south of Stakeside

The Cheshire Plain is choked by a cold air inversion. Beyond, the Berwyn Range of mountains is visible.

Colin Park

Macclesfield Forest & the Welsh mountains with cold air inversion over Cheshire Plain

Snowdon and the Carneddau Range were clearly visible on the horizon and standing out as 'an island above the clouds' during this cold air inversion. These mountains are some eighty miles away.

Colin Park

Young plantation above Higher Ridgegate

These trees will eventually obscure the view over to Tegg's Nose.

Stephen Craven

Start of a track into Macclesfield Forest

The track is shown on recent OS mapping as just a public footpath, but a sign on the gate says it is also a permissive bridleway.

Stephen Craven

Cleared area of Macclesfield Forest

A large area of conifer plantation has been cleared.

Stephen Craven

Path into Macclesfield Forest

The sign in the middle distance warns of 'unauthorised cycle trails', warning mountain bikers against using these trails but acknowledging that people will in practice continue to use them.

Stephen Craven

Pool in Macclesfield Forest

The pool is on a running stream, where it meets a forest track. There is an iron pipe to take excess water under the track.

Stephen Craven

Stream in Macclesfield Forest

The stream feeds the pool in the foreground SJ9672 : Pool in Macclesfield Forest.

Stephen Craven

Ruined building at Dimples

The 1897 map shows four buildings comprising this farmstead, of which only one, now roofless, remains. See SJ9672 : Farm ruin in Macclesfield Forest for more of the history. The presence of the stream in the foreground presumably dictated its location, and the surrounding area was not forested when it was built in the 19th century.

Stephen Craven

Ruined building at Dimples - datestone

The datestone has the initials JB and the date 1880. An interpretation board explains the initials as those of James Bullock who lived here until his death in 1892, after which the family moved away and the remote farm presumably became uninhabited thereafter. See SJ9672 : Ruined building at Dimples for context.

Stephen Craven