Today was largely about a five mile round schlep from Wildboarclough to Shutlingsloe Hill and back via Macclesfield Forest. I blink at these names, heady still on the freshest of fresh air. An elderly man with a walking stick and wide brimmed hat was making his way steadily down the almost vertical in places path up to Shutlingsloe.

“Not too bad today. It’s quite dry.”

Blowy mind.

A 360 degree view of peaks, Cheshire hills and plain, dry stone walled fields, autumnal colouring, the dazzlingly white Jodrell Bank, tiny high rise buildings in Manchester, dotted sheep and a trig point. And that enormous open sky again. Heavy cloud coverage with slowly moving threadbare patches allowing sunnage to showcase random areas.

Over the top and down the other side. Deep steps and a heavy flag stone path to Macclesfield Forest. Follow the yellow brick road.

“Shut the fuck up.”

shouted Connor during Tom’s school performance of The Wizard of Oz. Rich took him home in the interval.

Into the forest.

Toadstool riches. And more.

Behind the Ranger Centre by Trentabank Reservoir, the Forest Food Snug. A weekend family run food van demonstrating the deliciousness that can be served from a tiny space with good humour, ingredients and food knowledge.

The final couple of miles involved dinosaurs and recently shorn alpacas.

Two young men were looking lost near the car park.

“Do you know if there’s a pub round here?”

Shrug city. Not seen one though there is a sign for the Crag Inn off the main road.

I google it on the way back. Last September the owner found the pub sat on 700,000 litres of the purest water in the world*.

Good for you, matey. I’m not surprised.

*It’s reported the firm provides internships in collaboration with the Rossendale Trust, which works with people with learning disabilities.