Trekking in Macclesfield Forest

It was cool out, the early September morning feeling a tad too autumnal for my liking but the sky was blue and the sun was already shining. It was going to be a beautiful day and I was sure it would soon warm up. The early start had me turning up the radio, singing along to my favourite tunes as I began the short journey to meet Sarah and my borrowed mount for the day, Billy. What a handsome boy.

A mixture of nerves and excitement stirred as I parked my car at Gurnett Farm in Macclesfield unsure as to what Billy would be like to ride. With a huge smile spread across her face my dearest friend Sarah walked over to greet me. It felt great to be here, to be going riding with her again, something sadly we don't get to do as often as we'd like anymore. You see Sarah and I have been friends for quite a while, some twelve years or so and have shared some great times together. She's an awesome person and a fantastic friend, you know, the kind of friend you can really count on. We made our way up to the stables where I was introduced to Billy after first pausing to say good morning to Luna, Sarah's stunning home bred welshie. While Billy and I got aquainted I listened to Sarah tell me what a lovely person he was, how that I would be thrilled with him once I rode him. Sarah planned our route while we brushed the horses before tacking up, deciding that a stop off at one of the local pubs for a drink and a bite to eat on the way back might be a good idea. I was all up for that... Suited and booted we were ready to go and once on board I felt confident and comfortable on my mount.

We set off at a steady pace through the beautiful village of Langley and I was smiling from ear to ear as the sound of the hooves against the tarmac clip clopped beneath me. The air was still cool against the bare skin of my arms making me thankful for the warmth that the gillet I wore provided. Beautiful properties littered the side of the road, our elevated position allowing a better view of them than when on foot. In no time at all we reached our destination, Macclesfield Forest where my eyes were blessed with the sight of this awesome place. Fir trees stood tall and strong all around like tall pillars as we urged our horses forward. Wow, how lucky were we to be able to ride in such a place? We hit the trail and powered up the first hill exchanging greetings with mountain bikers and dog walkers also out to enjoy a pleasant Sunday morning. Sarah indicated to a track that led off the path up between the trees and suddenly I was consumed with a sureal sense of calmness. The tranquility of my surroundings transporting me and my horse away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The slope was steep and a little slippy underfoot as we made our way up through the trees. I laughed, it made me feel like we were on the set of Robin Hood riding sure and confident over the uneven ground. The scent of the trees and earth pungent in my nostrils as we picked up pace as the ground evened out popping over a fallen log along the way.

It was exhilerating, Billy was fantastic. I was having an amazing time feeling privileged to be riding such a great horse. At the end of the trail we met the pathway again with lush grass verges to each side. With a nod from Sarah that Billy and I were good to go we urged the horses forward up the steep hill before us. Needing very little encouragement Billy powered beneath me, each stride strong and sure as he took off following Luna's lead. Adrenalin buzzed through my veins as we neared the clearing at the top of the hill. The sight that greeted us was simply breathtaking as I cantered up to the viewing point. It felt like I was on top of the world looking out over the beautiful landscape beneath us.

After pausing for a few moments to catch our breath and take in the beauty of our surroundings we set off back down through the forest trail we had just travelled up. Our horses stepped precariously down the steep slippery slope weaving through the trees as once again the quiet stillness around us had me lost in my thoughts. Sitting confident Billy carried me safely back down to the pathway where we would complete the second part of our ride. Deciding that we were having way too much fun, not wanting to waste a minute of this beautiful day we agreed to leave going to the pub and continue our adventure heading out to the reserviors seen at the bottom of Teggs Nose. Having successfully completed our decent we began to climb again galloping up the verges that ran alongside the paths. Billy was definitley enjoying himself swiftly moving from walk to canter before throwing in a gear change and powering beneath me, hot on the trail of Sarah and Luna who was equally eager to enjoy the freedom to run. I didn't want the day to end as we meandered our way through yet more breath taking countryside, despite the fact that my body was now beginning to protest a little. Clearly I wasn't as fit as my mount who seemed unafected by the distance we had travelled.

The final leg of our ride had us moving steadily down hill again as we passed by the reservoirs before crossing the River Bollin along The Teggs Nose Trail, giving our horses a moment to cool their hooves and take a welcome drink.

Utterly refreshed and equally exhausted we steered our horses homeward bound back through the picturesque village of Langley. I'd had the most wonderful adventure exploring Macclesfield Forest, with the best company possible. I felt privileged to have had the use of the most gracious and considerate horse whose enthusiam was admirable yet not overwhelming. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Billy who carried me safely on our 14.53km ride that took us 509 metres up into the Forest. Phew that was quite an experience, definitely not for the novice or lighthearted and I am certain that my body will remind me of every kilometer for the next few days. I would especialy like to thank Allyson for loaning him to me for the day and Sarah my amazing friend for sharing the wonderful hacking that's right on her doorstep. Now I'm left waiting for my next opportunity to venture into the Forest again.