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REDESMERE Directions Take the A537 Knutsford Road from Macclesfield and turn left at the junction with the A34. Proceed towards Congleton. Now take the first left (signposted Henbury). A lay-by and small surfaced parking area will soon be reached (grid reference SJ847 713 on sheet 118 of the OS Landranger Map). Beyond are picnic tables and a short footpath which rejoins the road at the mere side. However, many people prefer to drive on a little further and park on the rough ground facing the lake. From here, good views may be had of the length of the lake. Please be careful of traffic. To view a location map click here. |
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Description Of Site Redesmere is half a mile in length and is used for sailing. The clubhouse is situated halfway along the eastern (right hand) shore. There is no public access to the western shore, although an angling club does fish from both banks. Access to the eastern shore is by public footpath (signposted Capesthorne). This footpath leaves the road some 100 yards beyond the lake and crosses two fields before running behind the wooded fringes of the lake. A roughly surfaced path then runs through reeds and scrub before crossing a footbridge to emerge, via a bridle gate, by the clubhouse. The path then continues forward to follow the drive to the main road. (Pheasant are often seen in the fields on the right.) It is preferable to retrace one's steps than to return by the road. The walk may be extended by crossing the small footbridge on the left, just before the road gate. Pass along the short northern bank of the lake (a good vantage point) before crossing the A34 and the opposite stile. Now continue along the boundary of the field until the southern bank of the Capesthorne lakes is reached. There are good views of the hall available from here. The path then joins Mill Lane at a small lodge. Turn left here and then right at the T-junction with the A34. From here, the next left will complete the circuit. |
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The Best Time Of Year
Winter is the best time for waterfowl, although many of the species are present throughout the year. Coot may number as many as 200 in the winter months, but their nests can often be seen in the reeds from March onwards.
There are large flocks of mallard with some odd-looking hybrids in their midst. Canada geese, moorhen, and tufted duck are present in some numbers. Mute swan, and great crested grebe, can usually be seen while pochard, ruddy duck, shoveller, and goldeneye and kingfisher may be spotted occasionally. The secretive water rail has been seen and some rare species - such as smew - have been known to visit.
In summer, sand martin, swallow, and house martin can be seen wheeling above the water.
Resident species in the woodland include the following birds: chaffinch, nuthatch, treecreeper, wren, great spotted woodpecker, little and tawny owls. Summer visitors will include the blackcap, the willow warbler, and spotted flycatchers. Reed warblers are frequently heard calling in the reeds close to the sailing club, but this is a very difficult bird to spot.
Other Points Of Interest
Redesmere is a favourite place for children to feed the ducks, some of which will take food from a human hand. But beware, these ducks are liable to be a hazard on the road.
The car-park can be very busy at weekends, but relatively few visitors take the footpath through the fields, which can be very wet.
Capesthorne Hall is open to the public at certain times. There are several walks in the grounds and these are described in a booklet obtainable from the Hall.