THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
Tegg’s Nose: Much More Than Miles
You know those walks that stretch for miles but never quite leave the everyday behind? Tegg’s Nose manages the opposite. This route isn’t long but, it feels generous, like the countryside has decided to let you in a little more than you expected.
Our day began bright and steady, blue skies as our backdrop with a few slow moving clouds adding colour to the horizon. Paths drift easily through fields and into woodland, settling the mind without exertion. Pika (the dog) moved ahead and back again in loose loops of curiosity, finding particular joy in the forest brush and then later at the water.
There’s a spot on the edge of the forest with a perfectly placed bench. From here Tegg’s Nose stands across the landscape in full profile, its broad shoulders and tipped beak catching the light. For a moment it feels unusually expansive, with a vast and rugged wildness hinting at North America, entirely unexpected for a managed woodland in Macclesfield. It is a reminder that space is sometimes more about perspective than distance.
The bench is a magnet for people and stories. Pika and I met a lovely older couple who had been coming there for years. They were very patient with Pika the fog horn. Through all the ups and downs of life, this view had remained a constant calm. Next time I go I might bring a spare cup for conversation, and I suggest you do the same.
Another gentle pause comes at Bottoms Reservoir. The hill, the sky, and the surrounding trees gather themselves in the water, the whole scene an echoed conversation you can’t help eavesdropping on.
Eventually the hill asserts itself and a steeper pull leads toward the summit, where the old quarry workings have left their quiet mark on the landscape. From the top you can see it all, the journey laid out in front of you. Fields, woodland, reservoirs and distant hills sitting comfortably beside one another.
Just a short walk that somehow manages to feel bigger than it looks.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: From Tegg’s Nose Country Car Park head down the cobbled path called Saddler’s Way which will join Crooked Yard Road. At the cross roads head leg to join Forest Road which becomes Hacked Way Lane. Take the next footpath left cutting across a field before rejoining the road briefly then departing right into the forest path.
Past the ruin of Walter Whiston Bullock and veer right onto the Forest Bridleway remembering to take a pit stop at the ‘conversation bench’. Next continue down the Bridleway past the Leather’s Smithy pub (feel free to partake in a beverage) before joining Clarke Lane.
Here you’ll see Bottoms Reservoir, follow the footpath along the wall, veering right. Head across the bridge and up some stairs before crossing the road and skirting the side of Tegg’s Nose Reservoir and entering a small car park. Here there are two footpaths. Choose the one on your right at the back of the car park, entering the woods and starting the climb toward the peak.
Follow the path all the way upward snaking through the trees and gaining height. You’ll encounter some stairs which will bring you to a small gate. Directly opposite there’s a path to take you to the summit top, but there’s a viewing bench to your right if you want a rest stop.
Following the summit path you’ll walk over the top of the quarry (on your right). After the summit continue along the pathway veering right which brings you to another gate and a more structured, straight footpath.
Finish: Follow the path down to end back at the Car Park and Nose Coffee for a pick me up.
Sense The Scene
See: Rugged profile of the summit, reflections gathering quietly in Bottoms Reservoir, stretching views of Cheshire plains.
Hear: breeze moving across grass and through trees, the stories of strangers, a rich chorus of woodland and moorland sounds
Smell: warm grass in the sun, cool woodland air, the faint mineral scent near the quarry stone.
Feel: soft forest paths underfoot, rough gritstone at the summit, the pull of the short climb before the top.
Taste: fresh air after the ascent, a flask or snack enjoyed on the bench, the pine woodland tang on the breeze.
Practical Parts
Parking: Pay and display parking available although this is a popular spot for ramblers, cafe patrons and dog walkers.
Facilities: Toilets, visitor information and café at the start and end, Pub en route.
Hazards: One steeper ascent near the summit. Paths may become muddy in wet conditions. Quarry edges require care.
Have you been here? What's Your Story
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