Leek

Leek is an old Peakland textile town perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding moorland and valleys, as well as a great place for shopping.

The fortunes of the town began in the seventeenth century by Huguenots who developed the fashionable silk industry, although Macclesfield can relate more to the silk trade. Leek continued to grow around textiles during the boom years and has now become a busy market town far less dependent on its traditional industry. Not being an over-commercialized tourist hot-spot, its attractions are straightforward and generally unpretentious; with variety in its streets, its butter market and historical connections to please every visitor.

Buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries dominate the scene, and many from Victorian times were influenced by local architects, Sugdens. There are almshouses dating from the 17th century and later. It is pleasing to see the Butter Cross of 1671 back in its rightful place since being removed to the cemetery in the last century.

The eight pinnacled tower of St Edmund 's church is early 14th century, but Saxon relics from 10th and 11th centuries exist in the churchyard and in the south chapel of the church. Look inside this airy building where two circular rose windows transmit beautiful colours to the eye.

History is preserved at the old corn mill of James Brindley, which includes the life story of that famous canal engineer who lived in Leek.

A lesser known name from the past is Thomas Parker, first Earl of Macclesfield, who was born in Leek in 1666. Although he became Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor, his character was blotted when he was fined £30,000 for corruption, a considerable price to pay in those days.

Ramshaw Rocks, Five Clouds, plus the detached and prominent Hen Cloud make up that rocky escarpment called the Roaches, five miles northeast of Leek. Enjoy the view from here; a favourite venue for novice rock climbers and an exhilarating spot through which the Staffordshire Moorlands Walk footpath passes. Hen Cloud overlooks the attractive moorland village of Upper Hulme . The Roaches are an outpost of the Dark Peak , predominantly gritstone, yet only a few miles eastwards a change in topography presents softer limestone country with its associated dales of the Peak National Park. Butterton is a moorland village with a different character to that of Upper Hulme. Their contrasts lie in the heart of the earth - the stone that built them.

There are two large reservoirs set amidst woodland and moorland, with sailing and fishing and picnic areas. Rudyard Lake was particularly popular in Victorian times and the small village near the dam reflects those connections. The lakeside walk is recommended today as it was a century ago. Visit Tittesworth Reservoir slightly nearer to Leek yet with a greater feeling of remoteness.

Southwards the valleys become more prominent. The river Churnet and Caldon canal run close to each other near Cheddleton where stands an old flint mill, now a museum. More preserved heritage is a railway museum on the mineral railway route outside Cheddleton. Deep Hayes Country Park once a reservoir, reduced to three small lakes in lovely surroundings, is well worth visiting, as is the thickly wooded Coombes Valley Nature Reserve jointly held by the RSPB and a must for lovers of wildlife.

Tourist Information Centres will be able to provide you with helpful brochures covering attractions in that area, particularly relating to the traditional industry which remains an important part of our heritage from the Industrial Revolution.

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