It attracts thousands of walker every year, and is loved by visitors for its "quirks" at the summit. Tegg's Nose looms over Macclesfield on the western edge of the Peak District and boasts panoramic views of Cheshire and beyond.
The 380m summit of Tegg's Nose is the imposing centrepiece of the country park just over two miles outside the Cheshire town, with one recent visitor describing it as a 'great place' with 'lots of quirks to it' on Tripadvisor. And it has the added benefit for walkers of a dog-friendly tearooms that boasts pleasant views across the Cheshire plain.
Among the "quirks" of this walk for a day out is the rather impressive site at the hilltop of an old quarrying site. Here is where millstone grit, a type of sandstone, was mined from the 1500s, right up until 1955, writes Cheshire Live.
READ MORE: The Cheshire beauty spot right next to the M6 that motorists may not realise is there
It is believed the name Tegg's Nose came from early maps' description of it as Tegg's Naze. According to official information at the site, this could have derived from Tegge, meaning an early Norse settler, and ‘nose’ meaning a promontory - a point of high land that juts out into the sea or a large lake.
The attraction is relatively easy to get to, with the main car park situated just off Buxton Old road, next to the visitor's centre. It costs a maximum of £3 for three to 10 hours, payable via the on-site machine or the PayByPhone website. A bus services (number 58) also runs close to the area.
A description of the country park on Cheshire East Council's website reads: "Discover Tegg’s Nose Country Park and experience Cheshire’s wild hill country where rock dominates the landscape. Dry stone walls and sturdy barns add to the dramatic character of the steeply sided valleys while many of the hill tops are pitted with old quarries.
"Quarrying was certainly happening at Tegg’s Nose in the 1500s and continued until 1955. Men blasted, hammered, hacked and chiselled away at the rock in harsh conditions for low wages.
"Today nature has softened the scars of industry and there is plenty to see at Tegg’s whatever time of year. You don’t have to go far to enjoy exhilarating views over the Cheshire Plain and on a clear day you can see Liverpool’s cathedrals and Welsh hills beyond.
"The car park provides an excellent base for numerous walks and throughout the year there are many events taking place at the visitor centre."
There are two suggested walking routes through the country park. These are the 1.6-mile Tegg's Nose Stroll and the 2.5-mile Tegg's Nose Trail.
The first is suggested for people who 'only have an hour to spare'. It is described as a circular walk that has 'wonderful views'.
The brochure reads: "Part of the walk is across pastures which are grazed by cattle from April to November. There are many view points and benches along the way.
"On a clear day the Welsh hills and the cathedrals of Liverpool can be seen to the west. Manchester city centre can be seen to the north and to the east the moors beyond Wildboarclough. The strangely shaped hill called Shutlingsloe rises up directly beyond Macclesfield Forest."
The longer Tegg's Nose Trail is described as being for 'an energetic half day walk'. it involves at least 200m of descent and ascent.
The brochure says: "This trail leads down the southern slopes of Tegg’s Nose and into the woodland. It crosses the dam wall of Tegg’s Nose reservoir and then turns left to follow the track with views of the slopes below Tegg’s Nose summit.
"Notice the change in vegetation type from woodland on the valley floor to heather and bilberry at higher levels. The final ascent to the car park is along Saddlers Way, an ancient packhorse trail."
The various benches dotted along the walking routes are strategically placed in the best spots to offer amazing views across both the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain. These includes the scenic Bottoms Reservoir, built in 1850, and the smaller Teggs Nose Reservoir constructed in 1871.
The route will also take people past the old 'jaw crusher' and other pieces of quarry machinery, used back when the site was still active. The main quarry face clearly shows the millstone grit - a type of sandstone used for building stone.
It's here where people can take part in the climbing and abseiling if they're brave enough. Groups or individuals who wish to make use of the rock face can book via the website.
But arguably the main attraction is the stunning panoramic views from the top of the hill. Many Cheshire landmarks are visible on the clearest of days, including Jodrell bank around 11-12 miles away.
Then when walkers arrive back at the car park, they can have a look at the information at the visitor's centre, situated right next to the car park. Or they can stop at the Tegg's Nose Tea Room for a bite to eat and a drink, as well as an ice cream if it's a warm day.
The small, family-run café serves artisan coffee and loose-leaf teas along with light lunch and cakes at very reasonable prices. On summer days, customer can enjoy the views over the Cheshire Plain from the outdoor seating area.
And of course, it is dog-friendly for those who choose to bring their four-legged friends along with them. The tea room's Facebook page reads: "A family run, dog-friendly tearoom serving fresh light lunches made with quality local produce."
The business has been open since 2016 and has been well-received by customers. One person said on Tripadvisor: "Smiling, friendly service and the coffee, sandwiches and muffins were delicious and so fresh - very pleasant indeed."
According to the Facebook page, it is usually open daily from 9am to 5pm. It is available for both seated customers and takeaway.
For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
Read next:
- The beautiful Greater Manchester park full of Victorian charm
- The award-winning 'hobbit house' you can visit in North Wales
- Gorgeous seaside town a short drive from Greater Manchester has one of UK's best beaches
- The tiny home hidden in Greater Manchester woodland you can book for a weekend away
- The hidden fairytale beauty spot sixty minutes away on the Snake Pass
