22 The Bramhall Valley. 



portion of it which descends from the Lyme hills, and 

 which constitutes the bulk of Bramhall Brook, is 

 considered especially good, and has led to the partial 

 appropriation of this stream to the supply of Stockport. 

 Trout are still to be found in it. Some three or four 

 years ago thirty-five were taken within four hours. 



Another, and perhaps a better way, is found by begin- 

 ning at Hazel-grove. Lovers of green fields will do well 

 to explore it at the very opening of the season for country 

 rambles, for it will reassure them as to the variety of 

 agreeable walks that lie close at hand, and leave that 

 pleasing impression upon the mind which is one of the 

 chief rewards of treading new and worthy paths, and 

 which is far better and more lasting than any pleasure 

 that depends on mere excitement. 



The beginning, from the station, is by the curvilinear 

 bridge on the Manchester side, from which we get our 

 first view of the hilly amphitheatre that has Lyme and 

 Disley for its centre. Thence we go down a lane, and 

 through fields, keeping the hedge to the right hand; 

 presently winding to the right, close to a pond ; then 

 crossing a cindered lane, and another field, and emerg- 

 ing into a paved road. Proceeding up this road, as if 

 returning towards Hazel-grove, about 200 yards in ad- 

 vance lies Bramhall House, in front of which we pass, 

 then get over a letter A stile in the hedge, so as to have 

 the latter upon our left, and soon afterwards reach 

 a little stream, the course of which we must accom- 



