No trouble at t'Mill

Late up. Breakfast, then off to Quarry Bank Mill. We have been there before, but this 18th century National Trust mill is extraordinary, set in a deep forested valley not far from Manchester.


We did 6k steps around the extensive grounds. Saw a large fluffy heron on a lake and a weir which fed the mill stream when the looms were water powered.


We encountered endless dogs and children - for once the majority of visitors were not as old as us.

After the walk we had coffee in the cafe and L whizzed around the mill, watching and filming one of the looms in action, and one of the cotton spinning machines too. She was especially interested in the mill office, a perfect example of a Victorian office. 


Finally we had a walk around the garden and on the path back to the carpark we saw an NT employee in a field of English Longhorn cattle. He was scratching the back of an enormous bull with giant horns and everything else (!) to scale. The bull was drooling with contentment. When the worker walked away, the bull followed him rather sadly. 


Home for a delayed lunch with a welcoming cat. Cupboard love of course. 


We had a very indulgent afternoon of book and TV, though we did sort the recycling rubbish into outside bins. 

Takeaway tonight, and lightweight packing ahead of tomorrow's long journey back to Devon. 


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