A hidden beauty spot that was just off the beaten track has been described as being like 'an oasis' for kids from Manchester.
Photographs of idyllic river banks surrounded by lush greenery with swimmers cooling off in the clear waters have made people reminisce on their childhoods spent there.
The spot in question is an attractive and secluded section of the River Bollin in Castle Mill, part of the Cotteril Clough Nature Reserve, close to Manchester Airport.
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It's also worth noting there was, up until the early 1970s, a large open air swimming pool near to Mill Wood in Castle Mill by the footbridge on Mill Lane where the road and River Bollin meet.
Like many lidos in the late 20th Century, the Castle ill pool closed as tastes changed and more indoor swimming pools were built. However, it's been noted that the River Bollin as an attraction has enjoyed something of a resurgence during the recent lockdowns.
Posting on the 'Memories of growing up in and around Manchester UK' Facebook group, people fondly remembered a section of the River Bollin surrounded by woodland.
Describing how they found the beauty spot, one person commented: "We travelled from Hulme to Castle Mills.
"I have tried to find it in the car but without success. When we went as kids we walked from the bus stop at Wythenshawe through a load of fields."
A second person said: "Many family picnics....great spot and within walking distance from home, although I can't remember how long it took to get there."
A third replied: "Loved the Bollin and Castle Mills. On a trip back home years ago I took my children there on a lovely summer day. They still talk about it now 60 years later."
While another person commented: "Aw, my mum took us there in late 70s and it’s a memory I’ve had all my life. It was a boiling hot day and me and my older brother loved it. It was like an oasis."
Others described travelling from other areas in Greater Manchester just to visit the lush banks of the Bollin, commenting "those were the days".
Photographs obtained from the Manchester Libraries collection show how earlier generations chose sections of the Bollin as an ideal spots to bathe or picnic on a sunny day.
The River Bollin is a major tributary of the River Mersey and flows through Macclesfield and Wilmslow where it has a confluence with the River Dean near Styal Prison and flows through Styal country park.
From there it defines the southwestern portion of the border between Greater Manchester and Cheshire before merging with the River Mersey north of Lymm.
The river is also a popular fishing spot with the most popular species caught there said to be Chub, Mirror carp, and the Common carp.
The River Bollin remains a popular beauty spot enjoyed by bathers and swimmers, although as an untreated natural water source, the water is not suitable for drinking and caution is advised on swimming in open water, rivers and reservoirs.
More information can be found on the Public Health England website and the National Water Safety website.
Join our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group here.
E.G - Do these awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
