Despite recent winds and torrential rain, once again the Probus walk took place in dry weather. Our destination this month was Knypersley Reservoir.
Parking was on the top Car Park and 13 of us set off to meander through the woods descending rapidly to join the lakeside track. The trees were in full autumn splendour and provided shelter from the wind. We stopped for a coffee break before heading off into the woods to find Gawtons Well.In 2015 this was voted one of Staffordshires most spiritual sites. Legend has it that a deseased man was expelled from his village and bathed in the waters wherein he was cured. It is certainly a very atmospheric location with many prehistoric rock formations. The path continues through the woods and includes a picturesque waterfall before rejoining the lakeside path and eventually the road, that forms the dam, which we followed up the hill back to the car park.
The reservoir is 6.5 metres deep 630 metres long and 220 metres wide with an area of 1,420,000 square metres
Although the reservoir has many streams feeding it, none are officially regarded as the start of the River Trent, that honour rests with the reservoir itself.
Lunch was taken at the nearby Top Inn. and was really enjoyed by everyone.
The next Walk will be on Wednesday November 1st. leaving the tiered car park in Kidsgrove at 0930hrs. Destination Rudyard Lake with parking at the Rudyard Hotel..Where we will also take lunch.
