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During the summer months the Rangers are often to be seen out and about on our countryside sites, with grass trimmers, mowers, shears and secateurs keeping the undergrowth from closing off the paths and making sure that our visitors can enjoy the warmer weather unobstructed by brambles and nettles.
You won't, however, find us diminishing the importance of these species, that provide food for much of the wildlife that also visit our sites. When cutting back these paths it's a constant balance between visitor access and habitat management, so where possible we will leave flowering plants untouched.
- Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) support the caterpillars of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies and ladybirds enjoy feasting on the aphids that shelter on these plants
- Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) provides protection for ground nesting birds and it is an important source of nectar for Brimstone and Speckled Wood butterflies. Plus it's fruit is enjoyed by Song Thrushes and other birds.
Take a look below, at what wildlife you can see during the current month before scrolling down to see all of the 17 events taking place next month including
Get your tickets booked ASAP so you don't miss out!
What's Out and About in June
Some tips on what to look out for during the remaining weeks of June, from Ranger Pete.
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Dragonflies such as the four spotted chaser and broad bodied chaser can be seen searching for prey around the ponds at Jacksons’ Brickworks.
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Look out for common blue butterflies on sunny banks and grasslands. Birds’ foot trefoil is the main food plant of the larva.
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Marsh orchids, which have purple-pink flowers, can be seen in the damp areas along Middlewood way.
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The hobby is an aerial hunter; look for this bird feeding on dragonflies and swallows.
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The perennial grasslands at Jacksons’ Brickworks look at their best from early June and provide important nectar for insects.
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Look out for the bright blue azure damselfly; they feed on small flying insects around vegetated ponds and slow-moving rivers.
July 2026 Events
Wednesday, 1 July - Balsam Bash 3
The third in a series of annual Himalayan Balsam bashing events. Help us to manage the threat of this invasive plant in the Bollin valley and get the ‘bashing bug’! This one is in the Bowdon area with help from Friends of Bowdon Bollin and Trafford Wildlife Trust.
Please bring thick gardening gloves along and we recommend you wearing long sleeves and trousers. Suitable for anyone over the age of 8.
Time: 10am to 1pm
Meeting point: Bow Green Farm, Bow Lane, Bowdon, WA14 3BY
what3words: ///cheering.magpie.thudding
Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma Houghton and Friends of Bowdon Bollin
Information: 01625 374790
(Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Strenuous walking grade / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Wednesday, 1 July - Wildflowers and butterflies of Jacksons’ Brickworks Local Nature Reserve
A leisurely morning walk enjoying the wildflowers and butterflies of the reserve. The wildflower meadows look superb at this time of year and include several different species of orchid. A slow-paced walk of around 1.6km (1 mile).
Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.
Time: 10am to 12noon
Meeting point: Jacksons’ Brickworks Car Park, Pool House Road, Higher Poynton, SK12 1TY (SJ945844)
what3words: ///blizzard.leaky.forge
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Pete Dowse
Information: 01625 383700
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Thursday, 2 July - Himalayan Balsam Bash at Riverside - Two
One in a series of annual Himalayan Balsam bashing events in the Bollin Valley. Help us to manage the threat of this invasive plant and get the ‘bashing bug’! This one is at Riverside Park in Macclesfield.
Please bring thick gardening gloves along and we recommend you wearing long sleeves and trousers. Suitable for anyone over the age of 8.
Time: 10am to 1pm
Meeting point: Macclesfield Riverside Park, Beechwood Mews, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL (SJ914745)
what3words: ///giving.wakes.buzz
Leader: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Dan Pilkington
Information: 01625 511086
(Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Strenuous walking grade / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Thursday, 2 July - Plein Air Painting Workshop: Sketching and Painting Trees
Join us for fun Plein Air painting workshops in 2026 at Tegg's Nose Country Park. In each workshop, experienced professional painters, Christopher Clements and Kieran Ingram, will help you capture a different aspect of landscape painting.
Trees are an essential element in landscape painting. There is endless variety and they present a fascinating challenge to plain air painters. They provide the perfect subject matter in which to explore the principle of unity and variety common to all painting. There must be enough unity to tell what species a tree is but no two trees of the same species are ever quite the same. On top of that, just like a crowd of people, their individual characteristics change when they are seen as a group.
You’ll learn about:
- shape, texture and character of trees
- level of detail to use at different distances
- the effects of lone and groups of trees
Early July is a great time to paint trees as they’re in full leaf and their form as well differences between species are easier to see. This workshop will help you work out how best to simplify and paint trees while maintaining the essence of their character and species. You’ll look at shape, form, colour and texture and how this is affected by their position in the foreground, middle distance or far distance.
Plus, as usual we’ll also cover the practical side of working outside with lots of helpful hints and tips to make sure you get the most out of you plein air painting sessions.
This workshop can be done on its own but it also follows on nicely from the previous two looking at sketching and colour mixing.
All the Plein Air workshops we’re running this summer are based on the Tonalist approach which focuses on interpretation of the light & dark tones of the landscape, while simplifying the colours. The approach will help you to make sense of what you see. You’ll be able to organise it into a well-structured painting, evoking the simple beauty of your environment.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, these workshops are perfect for anyone looking to improve their Plein Air painting skills. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out of the studio and unleash your creativity in the great outdoors.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Workshop Price £85, reserve your place with a £20 deposit on Eventbrite, the remainder will be invoiced before the course.
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP
what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty
Leaders: Artists Chris Clements and Kieran Ingram
Information: Email Northern Realist or visit the Northern Realist website
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
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Thursday, 2 July - Summer Floral Centrepiece Workshop at The Nose
Celebrate the season with a relaxed summer evening of flower arranging at The Nose Coffee. In this guided workshop, you’ll create your own seasonal table centrepiece using a mix of fresh and dried summer flowers — perfect for summer tables, hosting or simply enjoying at home.
No experience needed, just come along, slow down and enjoy a creative evening in a cosy setting.
🌿 What’s included
- All flowers and materials to create your table centrepiece
- Step-by-step guidance throughout the workshop
- A Hot drink from The Nose Coffee
- Use of tools and equipment
- A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Additional drinks and snacks will be available to purchase throughout the evening.
🎒 What to bring
Nothing at all — everything you need to create your centrepiece will be provided. But if you have a favourite pair of shears and/or prefer wearing gloves, do bring them along! Comfort is key!
ℹ️ Good to know
- Suitable for beginners
- Limited spaces available to keep the workshop relaxed
- Parking is available in the Tegg's Nose car park (managed separately)
- Your finished centrepiece is yours to take home on the evening
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £40.
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP
what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty
Leaders: The Nose Coffee
Information: Email The Nose Coffee
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility - level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
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Friday, 10 July - Nature Journalling: An Exploration of Your Senses at Rode Heath Rise - July
Join Anna, from Writing with Purpose, for a guided nature journalling walk at Rode Heath Rise. Using simple journalling prompts inspired by the work of John Muir Laws, this gentle walk uses the natural world as a companion for personal reflection, mindful noticing, and journalling for clarity and wellbeing. No writing experience or mindfulness background needed. Pens and paper provided. Optional refreshments at the Broughton Arms after the walk.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £10 (plus booking fee).
Time: 10am to 12noon
Meeting point: The Broughton Arms, Sandbach Road, Rode Heath, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3RU
what3words: ///sublet.chainsaw.tangible
Leaders: Anna Woolliscroft from Writing with Purpose
Information: Email Anna Woolliscroft or phone 07791 59409
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Thursday, 16 July - Macclesfield Bioblitz 2026
This is the annual ‘Bioblitz’ at Riverside Park. In partnership with the Mersey Rivers Trust, join experts discovering the birds, wildflowers, minibeasts and water life that can be found within the park.
Drop-in activities throughout the day include butterfly walks, pond and river dipping, environmental art and wildlife stands in partnership with Mersey Rivers Trust.
Suitable for anyone over the age of 5.
Time: 10pm to 2pm
Meeting point: Parking at Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Beechwood Mews, Beech Lane, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL (SJ914745). Meeting by the first bridge, down the track.
what3words: ///hers.bank.glow
Leaders: Bollin Valley Partnership Ranger Emma Houghton and the Mersey Rivers Trust
Information: 01625 374790
(Bring a packed lunch / Bring binoculars if you have them / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partial accessibility - level or ramped access / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments
Wildlife walk / Event)
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Thursday, 16 July - Evening Meditation, Deep Rest and Tea in Nature at Tegg’s Nose - June
Join Amanda, from Lets Step In, for a soothing evening in nature with beautiful views at Tegg's Nose Country Park for meditation and deep rest & tea .
Unwind as the day slows and nature prepares for night with a series of guided nature-based meditation practices ending with deep rest and tea in community. Press the pause button, come into the present moment, connect with nature, and yourself to soothe your nervous system, reset your mind, and nourish your whole self. Setting you up for a restful night’s sleep.
Suitable for beginners and beyond.
For those nervous about meditating, clients regularly share how much more supportive they find it meditating with nature as you have stimuli, through your senses, for your mind to focus on. If you’re new to meditation come along and give it a go, I'll be guiding you throughout.
We’ll gather in the car park and walk together to where we’ll spend the session (less than 5 minute walk). I’ll be sprinkling in learnings about meditation between the practices and helping you with your practice throughout ~ always encouraging you to dose yourself in compassion and no-judgement. Bring a cup to enjoy tea at the end with conversation or continue to sit and take in the views ~ this is space for you to use as you need.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £15.
Time: 6.45pm to 8.15pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
what3words: ///palettes.racing.chop
Leader: Amanda from Let Step In
Information: Email Amanda from Let Step In
(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / Partial accessibility - level or ramped access / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)
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Saturday, 18 July - Tegg's Nose Butterfly Walk
Family wildlife walk around the top of Tegg's Nose Country Park to look for and learn more about some of the park's resident butterfly species and, if we are lucky, seeing the scarce local speciality, namely, the Wall butterfly.
Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free.
Time: 11am to 1pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty
Leaders: Tim Ward and Julia Harding from Butterfly Conservation and Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James
Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Full accessibility - level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partnership event / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)
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Saturday, 18 July - Bats at Tegg's Nose
Bats are one of the UK's most misunderstood animals. Join Ranger Martin, and our friends from Cheshire Bat Group, to dispel a few myths and find out more about these fascinating creatures as we take a very short stroll alongside Teggsnose Reservoir and close to Teggsnose Wood.
Bring a torch. Booking and payment in advance essential. Adults £7.50, children 16 or under go free. A portion of this event charge will be donated to the Bat Conservation Trust.
Photo taken by Tom Redman from Cheshire Bat Group.
Time: 9pm to 10.30pm
Meeting point: Teggsnose Reservoir car park, Holehouse Lane, Langley, SK11 0NB (SJ945718)
what3words: ///invite.stolen.expecting
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James
Information: 01625 374790
(Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Sunday, 19 July - Group Abseiling Day – Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Take on the thrill of abseiling with family, friends or work colleagues at the stunning Tegg’s Nose Country Park. Join No Limits Development for a 2-hour guided abseiling experience that’s safe, fun and guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing.
Group size: 4–8 people per slot (ages 8+)
Available slots:
- 9.30am to 11.30am
- 12 noon to 2pm
- 3pm to 5pm
Suitable for all abilities – no experience needed
Please note: each slot requires a minimum of 4 participants. If this number isn’t reached, the session may be cancelled – so grab your friends, family or colleagues and make a day of it!
Spaces are limited. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £20 per person.
Time: 9.30am to 5pm
Meeting point: Meet at the site entrance on Rossmill Lane, Hale Barns, WA15 0EU (SJ787849)
what3words:
Leaders: No Limits Development
Information: Email Lou from No Limits or 07443 953158
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk - Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
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Sunday, 19 July - Tegg’s Nose Bilberry Pick
Healthy, organic, tasty and free. Bilberry, blueberry, blaeberry, whin; whatever you want to call them they grow wild all over Tegg’s Nose Country Park and all you have to do is bring a container and get picking.
Totally Wild UK, will be on hand to explain the best places to look and will provide more information about where to source great local food. They’ll also be showing you how to make your own bilberry jam!
There is no charge to join us to pick bilberries during the event but if you would like to participate in the jam making, please book a place for the event so we can ensure we have enough jam pans and sugar.
Please bring your own 200ml jar as we will not be providing these!
Cost for jam making £1.00 per person. Suitable for anyone over the age of 5.
Time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty
Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Martin James and Totally Wild UK
Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
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Monday, 20 July to Friday, 24 July - RIPS CIC Summer Holidays Kids Adventure Activities Club - Week 1
A great way to experience some varied exciting activities in the countryside with local experts Rudyard Inclusive Paddle Sports CIC! Based at Tegg’s Nose Country Park and Rudyard Lake, each day focuses on different activities, and it will give you a taste of adventure! Suitable for anyone between the ages of 8 and 16. Booking and payment in advance is essential.
Day 1 – Monday 20 July – Archery and Orienteering at Tegg's Nose
Day 2 – Tuesday 21 July – Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake
Day 3 (Option 1) – Wednesday 22 July – Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose
Day 3 (Option 2) - Wednesday 22 July – Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake
Day 4 - Thursday 23 July – Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake
Day 5 - Friday 24 July - Bushcraft and Tree Climbing at Tegg's Nose
Please note, you can only choose 1 option on Day 3.
Cost £44.95 per day.
Activities run from 9.00am to 4.00pm but to allow for maximum flexibility, you can drop off your child from 8.30am and collect at any time between 4.00pm and 4.30pm.
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day.
Days 1, 3 (Option 1) and 5 Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Days 2, 3 (Option 2) & 4 Meeting point: Rudyard Lake, Rudyard, ST13 8RN (SJ950580)
Time: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: RIPS CIC
Information: Email RIPS CIC
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Healthy walk - Event / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)
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Friday, 24 July - Nature Journalling: An Exploration of Your Senses at Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve - July
Join Anna, from Writing with Purpose, for a guided nature journalling walk through Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve. Using simple journalling prompts inspired by the work of John Muir Laws, this gentle walk uses the natural world as a companion for personal reflection, mindful noticing, and journalling for clarity and wellbeing. No writing experience or mindfulness background needed. Pens and paper provided.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £10 (plus booking fee).
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Meeting point: Visitor Centre, Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Davenport Lane, Brereton Heath, Congleton CW12 4SU
what3words: ///skewed.warm.lunching
Leaders: Anna Woolliscroft from Writing with Purpose
Information: Email Anna Woolliscroft or phone 07791 59409
(Bring binoculars if you have them / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event / Wildlife walk - Event)
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Saturday, 25 July - Tailor-made poems at Tegg's - July
Repeat event due to the popular demand! Poet Jo Bell takes up residence in the Tegg's Nose Gallery for the day, to write YOUR poems of gratitude.
Drop in, have a short chat to tell her what you are grateful for today (your friends, the Cheshire countryside, a kind deed - anything small or large) and return half an hour later to collect a poem, written for you on the spot. Free!
Time: 10am to 3pm
Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Gallery, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP
what3words: ///sliding.deny.nutty
Leaders: Jo Bell from The Poetic License
Information: Email Jo Bell
(Car parking charge / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)
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Saturday, 25 July to Sunday, 26 July - Dry Stone Walling Beginners Course - Tegg's Nose Country Park
Cheshire’s dry stone walls are an iconic part of our landscape. Join our friends from the Cheshire Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain for a 2-day dry stone walling training course run by professionally qualified DSWA instructors. This course is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with a basic knowledge of walling. All tools are provided.
All you need are stout boots, a pair of gloves, your camera and a packed lunch.
Booking and payment in advance is essential. Spaces are limited to 16 so book now! Cost £145 for the 2-day course.
Time: 9.30am to 3.30pm
Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733).
Leaders: Cheshire Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain
Information: Phone John McClean on 07798 808513 or email the Cheshire Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain
(Car parking charge / Easy walking grade / Healthy walk - Event / Partial accessibility - level or ramped access / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)
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Monday, 27 July to Friday, 31 July - RIPS CIC Summer Holidays Kids Adventure Activities Club - Week 2
A great way to experience some varied exciting activities in the countryside with local experts Rudyard Inclusive Paddle Sports CIC! Based at Tegg’s Nose Country Park and Rudyard Lake, each day focuses on different activities, and it will give you a taste of adventure! Suitable for anyone between the ages of 8 and 16. Booking and payment in advance is essential.
Day 1 – Monday 27 July – Archery and Orienteering at Tegg's Nose
Day 2 – Tuesday 28 July – Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake
Day 3 (Option 1) – Wednesday 29 July – Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose
Day 3 (Option 2) - Wednesday 29 July - Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake
Day 4 - Thursday 30 July - Paddle Sports at Rudyard Lake
Day 5 - Friday 31 July - Climb and Abseil at Tegg's Nose
Please note, you can only choose 1 option on Day 3.
Cost £44.95 per day.
Activities run from 9.00am to 4.00pm but to allow for maximum flexibility, you can drop off your child from 8.30am and collect at any time between 4.00pm and 4.30pm.
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks with you each day.
Days 1, 3 (Option 1) and 5 Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Days 2, 3 (Option 2) & 4 Meeting point: Rudyard Lake, Rudyard, ST13 8RN (SJ950580)
Time: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Meeting point: Tegg's Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg's Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
Leaders: RIPS CIC
Information: Email RIPS CIC
(Bring a packed lunch / Car parking charge / Healthy walk - Event / Partnership event / Places limited - please book in advance / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / There is a charge for this event)
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