Three Shires Drive Report

The first day of August offered a splendid 50 mile day drive encompassing parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.  Club member Brian Poole provided a really well researched trip taking in a bewildering number of points of interest. 

Some familiar faces, and others we have not met before, gathered at Cranage for the off.  The weather was less than promising, it wasn’t all top down glorious but did cheer up as the journey progressed. 

Brian & Hannah Poole led the little convoy followed by Ross Williams from North Wales, Steve Auty & Jenny King from Rochdale, Andy Logan with Becky Ingram from Widnes, Jonathan Dawson from Huddersfield, Stephen & Helen Evans from Shropshire and I travelled  up from Mid Sussex with my wife Jenny. (It was her birthday!) 

The journey passed the 1841 Twemlow railway viaduct, Jodrell Bank telescope, then into the Peak District National Park and a sensational drive up to the Cat & Fiddle Inn which at 515 metres is the second highest public house/whiskey distillery in England. 

Next we made a short pilgrimage to Flash, at 463 metres, the highest village in England.  The village had a reputation for illegal activities including counterfeiting currency thus “Flash money.”  (We didn’t see any nefarious activity!) 

Our journey went on to include The Mermaid Pool in North Staffs., a small lake in a haunting location. It is said the pool is bottomless, that cattle decline to drink the waters and birds will not fly over it. Spooky!  

We also visited Rudyard Lake built over two centuries ago as a reservoir to feed the canal system. 

Onward we drove to Mow Cop & Castle a 1754 folly with breathtaking views.  Look who I found at the very top. 

Final stop was The Red Bull canal side pub where we were able to enjoy a de-briefing and a round of drinks courtesy of The Club.  I heard everyone agree that it was a truly enjoyable outing. 

So, again, thanks very much to Brian Poole, we hope other members will be moved to consider showcasing their favourite drives. 

Martin Garrad 

Thanks to Andy Logan, Ross Williams & Jenny Garrad for additional photographs.