The Dipping Stone

Heritage Site in Cheshire High Peak

England

The Dipping Stone

Bothams Hall bridges, Peak Forest Canal, 1984 A lift bridge and a footbridge. They seem to be numbered 34 taken together. — Bothams Hall bridges, Peak Forest Canal, 1984 Credit: Robin Webster

The Dipping Stone, located in Cheshire, England, is a significant heritage site that holds historical and cultural importance. Dating back to the medieval period, this stone has served as a crucial landmark and gathering point for the local community.

The Dipping Stone is a large, flat stone situated near a stream, which was used for centuries as a place to wash and dip sheep before shearing. This traditional practice of dipping helped to cleanse and treat the sheep's wool, ensuring its quality. The stone's proximity to the stream made it an ideal location for this purpose, as the flowing water provided a constant supply of fresh water.

The stone itself is made of natural sandstone and measures approximately three meters in length and two meters in width. Its smooth surface and sturdy structure have ensured its longevity, surviving several centuries of use and weathering.

Today, The Dipping Stone stands as a testament to the rich rural heritage of Cheshire, reminding visitors of the area's agricultural past. It has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing both locals and visitors interested in learning about traditional farming practices and the history of the region.

The site is well-maintained and accessible, with informative signage explaining the significance of The Dipping Stone. It offers a serene and picturesque setting, surrounded by lush green fields and the gentle babbling of the nearby stream.

The Dipping Stone is not only a physical artifact but also a symbol of the close relationship between humans and animals in rural communities. Its historical significance and enduring presence make it a cherished heritage site in Cheshire.

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The Dipping Stone Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.33/-2.007 or Grid Reference SJ9981. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bothams Hall bridges, Peak Forest Canal, 1984

A lift bridge and a footbridge. They seem to be numbered 34 taken together.

Robin Webster

The Railway, Whaley Bridge

The pub on Market Street (A5004) is currently owned by Inglenook Inns & Taverns. SK0181 : Sign of The Railway.

Gerald England

Sign of The Railway

Sign for The Railway SK0181 : The Railway, Whaley Bridge.

Gerald England

Posts on Reservoir Road

These two posts are found at the bottom of Reservoir Road outside The Railway SK0181 : The Railway, Whaley Bridge. Historic Streetview images shows that these have been restored and repainted in the last few years. What exactly the information refers to I haven't been able to ascertain. Whilst I assume they refer to Stockport Corporation Water Works, that Corporation doesn't appear to have had any connection with Toddbrook Reservoir.

Gerald England

Bugsworth Basin, Whaley Bridge

Bugsworth Basin is situated at the head of navigation of the Peak Forest Canal, in the village of Buxworth. The Basin was once the largest inland port on the narrow canal system; a busy interchange between tramway and canal where boats were loaded with limestone. Bugsworth Basin closed in 1927 and by the 1960s was dry and overgrown. In 1968 volunteers from the Inland Waterways Protection Society began restoration and Bugsworth Basin was finally re-opened to navigation in March 2005. Today it is unique as the only surviving canal and tramway interchange in the UK. It is recognised as an internationally important industrial heritage site, designated as a scheduled ancient monument and is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, 1979.

habiloid

Canal basin at Whaley Bridge

The basin is at the southern end of the short Whaley Bridge branch of the Peak Forest Canal.

Bill Boaden

Iron bridge over the River Goyt

This was once the route of the Cromford & High Peak Railway.

Bill Boaden

Outflow from Toddbrook Reservoir

The level of this reservoir has been kept much lower than normal since a national incident in August 2019 when the dam was in danger of breaking. Remedial works are now in course but will take several years to complete. The footpath across the dam has been closed.

Bill Boaden

Hurst Clough

The path on the left follows the clough up from Toddbrook Reservoir to Start Lane.

Bill Boaden

Field entrance off Start Lane

This point gives a view over the Todd Brook valley, with Taxal Edge climbing behind.

Bill Boaden

Rooftops by Start Lane

From here there is a view across the Todd Brook valley in the direction of Kettleshulme.

Bill Boaden

Grazing land by Walker Brow Farm

The land is mainly used for equestrianism. It is overlooking the valley of Todd Brook.

Bill Boaden

Macclesfield Road

The B5470 descends steadily towards Whaley Bridge. The valley ahead holds the River Goyt.

Bill Boaden

Footpath to Whaley Bridge

The route also incorporates part of the Midshires Way. The path has been diverted because of remedial works being undertaken around the Toddbrook Reservoir.

Bill Boaden

Path by the River Goyt

One of several paths in the Memorial Park which occupies much of the western side of the River Goyt in Whaley Bridge.

Bill Boaden

Scrubby grass at Horwich End

Randal Carr Brook flows to the left, shortly before meeting the River Goyt. The land here is not open to the public but does not appear to be being used.

Bill Boaden

Field above Whaley Bridge

Looking down from Old Road. The more major road, Buxton Road, runs in the bottom of the valley here. The centre of Whaley Bridge is off to the right.

Bill Boaden

Toddbrook Reservoir dam

About to be repaired. The current spillway that partially collapsed is to be grassed over as part of the repair work following the almost disastrous breach on 1st August 2019. A new spillway is to be constructed.

Chris Morgan

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The Dipping Stone is located at Grid Ref: SJ9981 (Lat: 53.33, Lng: -2.007)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: High Peak

Police Authority: Derbyshire