Nestled within the borough of Stockport is an ancient village with rolling hills and stone cottages. Right on the fringe of the Peak District in the Pennines, Mellor enjoys panoramic views of three counties.
It was originally part of Derbyshire, and then Cheshire, before forming part of Greater Manchester in the 1970s. And, at more than 1,000 feet above sea level, it's not far from the national park's highest summit at Kinder Scout.
Mellor boasts uninterrupted views across the Cheshire Plain, making it the ideal place to live for those who work in the town of Stockport or Manchester city centre but enjoy being out in the countryside. There are plenty of walks along the Mellor Moors, where you can finish off at one of its three pubs.
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The 16th century Oddfellows Arms serves a selection of cask ales and delicious pub grub from its restaurant. Their staples are fish and chips and 28-day aged steaks, while their bar snack specialty is their homemade 'scoddies' - a hot runny egg version of the scotch egg.
The pub has been visited by a Michelin guide inspector, who said The Oddies, as it's known locally, has "a light, uncluttered feel, with wood burning stoves adding an element of cosiness. The appealing, daily changing, menu offers tasty, locally sourced ingredients; British food with a modern twist".
The village also has a Grade-II listed hall, Mellor Hall, which was historically the seat of the Mellor family from the 15th century. Another Grade-II listed building, St Thomas' Church, is also bathed in history.
The church, at the top of a lane overlooking the village with views of Manchester and beyond, stands on the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, discovered by a community archaeology project with expertise from the University of Manchester. It also houses the oldest wooden pulpit in England.
In terms of activities, keen horse riders can take lessons at the Tarden Farm Stables while Mellor also has its own golf course, with an interesting mix of moorland and parkland. If you want to spend time in some local shops and cafes, nearby Marple Bridge has a great offering, along with its spectacular locks.
The small town of New Mills, a short distance to the south east, is another place of interest with a range of independents. Have you visited Mellor? Let us know in the comments.
