Wednesday 15 July 2009

Alderley Edge

I had to go to Alderley Edge yesterday. Its a very pretty little town on the Cheshire Plain - a small high street, lots of speciality shops and boutiques, no national chain stores. It also has a lot of very, very big houses, where people with very, very big salaries live. Like footballers. And bankers. It likes to think of itself as a little bit different, and a little bit better than anywhere else.




Yesterday I remembered to take my camera with me. I've always wondered why Alderly Edge has to put its speed restriction signs on little houses on legs!



And this sign post reassured me that when I was pushed, it was good to know which way to go!!

"The Edge" is actually a big sandstone bluff, from where there is a great view over the surrounding countryside. Mostly only in winter, as intervening trees have grown rather tall. The Edge is interesting, apart from good walks in the woods, as there are prehistoric copper mines there. They were used in the Bronze age, the Romans also mined them, and they were mined for the copper until, I think, the 17th Century. Its fascinating to think how many men have used antler picks, iron picks and modern steel picks to hack away at the valuable ore there. The Edge is a favourite place for families, loads of big sandstone boulders to play on and areas to run around in.




And just for you creative people, there is a little tree-lined lane all for you!

Have a happy Wednesday!

6 comments:

Diane said...

Somewhere for me and the hubby to visit I think - although I am always on "The Edge" one way or another!!!

Cloudhands said...

The speed signs are very curious aren't they? Obviously create by a committee with too much time on their hands. The cliffs sound like a fun place to explore. To the Edge sounds like the title to a mystery story.

Marja said...

Seems like a fun place to me I love little shops and forest A special lane for artists Did you walk the lane

cheshire wife said...

I liked the 'to the edge' photo. Somewhere that I must go, although metaphorically I am often there.

sojourner said...

I so enjoy places like Alderley Edge - thank you for sharing. And, I am intrigued by the speed posts on the little houses also.....

Rainbow dreams said...

I love your photos and observations...I think people must have had great fun thinking up these things when they were involved with planning - getting creative.. or maybe they didn't and I just like to think so..