Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The 18th century brick Ramsdell Hall, standing back from the left bank of the canal, over-
looks a magnificent spread of lawn - a meadow-sized putting green. Looking back on the
other side of the canal, if the trees permit, it may be possible to see Little Moreton Hall just
over a kilometre away. Built between 1559 and 1580, Little Moreton Hall is surrounded by
a moat and is probably the best example of Elizabethan half-timbering in existence. It has
a fine collection of pewter and oak furniture, a 21m Long Gallery with original panelling, a
16th century chapel, an Elizabethan herb garden and a 1688 knot garden.
Kidsgrove appears on the hill ahead. At Red Bull, an aqueduct carries the Hall Green
Branch over the Trent & Mersey, one of only three such canal flyovers in Britain. A sharp
left turn by Red Bull Wharf brings the Hall Green Branch parallel to the Trent & Mersey,
which it joins at Hardings Wood Junction after another 600m, during which time the Trent &
Mersey has climbed through two more locks to meet it. Many boats have cruised back and
forth along this stretch of the Trent & Mersey, trying to find the entrance to the Macclesfield
Canal on the north side.
