'Nostalgia Trails'
In 2001, the Reminiscence Project expanded to include setting up Nostalgia Trails. The trails encourage local children, their families and visitors to the area to gain an interest in Bollington's heritage and surroundings, while discovering the health benefits and joys of walking in the countryside.
Each Nostalgia Trail Pack contains a map, directions, memories, quiz with answers and a furry keepsake for the end of the walk. Markers will guide you around the trail and don't forget to look for surprises along the way!
Eight Nostalgia Trails have been constructed, all starting and finishing at the Drop-In Centre. The last one was opened this year on 1st June 2008, completing the circuit. These last three Trails have been funded by 'Your Heritage' Heritage Lottery Fund and Peak District National Park Sustainable Development Fund. The Trails bring to life times gone by. They encourage people of all ages to celebrate their heritage, explore and respect the countryside and improve health through exercise, while absorbing local history and reminiscences through the pamphlets and quizzes.
The walks have very diverse themes, designed to cover many aspects of local heritage. They complement each other in creating a comprehensive account of Bollington’s industrial, cultural and natural legacy. The themes of the first six are: Stone Quarrying, Wildflowers, Lives of Mill and Agricultural Workers, Coal/Clay Mining and Ecology through Time.
The 7th Trail, ‘Travelling in Time’, compares different modes of transport from Shanks’s Pony to air travel and the 8th trail will has an ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ theme; a comparison of lifestyles between the rich and poor in Victorian times.
The trails range from 3 to 7 miles in length with differing degrees of stenuousness. Packs containing information about the theme, map, detailed directions and a children's quiz are available from the Centre at a cost of £2.00 per Trail.
Local primary schools and teachers have bee involved in design and construction of the trails and both pamphlets and packs encourage the schools to walk the trails, increasing knowledge and enjoyment of heritage and environmental issues via cross-curricular activities. All trails are modified to be used as walks in the ‘Walking for Health’ programme.
Guided Walks are led from the Centre most Wednesdays. These range from easy walks of approx. 2 miles, moderate walks led by Macclesfield Rangers of approx. 3 miles to longer walks led by Bridgend Staff of approx. 5-6 miles. Each walk takes in point of interest relating to the history or flora and fauna of the area. Please ring 01625 576311 to obtain further details
