Situated in the furthest reaches of Stockport, just on the edge of the Peak District, lies the village of Mellor. Originally part of Derbyshire, and then Cheshire, before forming part of Greater Manchester in the 1970s, this ancient village, just past Marple Bridge, is only a 30-45 minute car journey from Manchester, but feels like another world with stone cottages and rolling hills.
Sitting at more than 1,000 feet above sea level it enjoys stunning views across three counties and is a popular place to live for those who want easy access to Stockport and Manchester, but also a slice of countryside living. As well as uninterrupted views over the Cheshire Plain, it's also only minutes from the Peak District National Park, and the presence of its highest peak - Kinder Scout - looms in the near distance.
While you can pass through on your way to the national park, or to nearby towns like New Mills and Glossop, there’s also plenty of walking routes around Mellor as well. The land around the village is made up of dry-stone-walled pasture interspersed with wooded valleys, while the River Goyt and its tributary Etherow are to the south and north.
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Locals and those familiar with the area often opt for the circular route, which features the Roman Lakes in Marple and a climb up to Mellor Cross. At the top of the moor, the large cross, a local landmark, marks the site where English cleric, theologian, and evangelist John Wesley preached. Other nearby hills, offering great views of Derbyshire and Kinder Scout, include Cown Edge and Lantern Pike.
There is more history to be discovered in the village too. St Thomas’ Church, sitting at the top of the lane overlooking the village, stands on the remains of an Iron Age hillfort and also houses the oldest wooden pulpit in England, dating from the reign of Edward II.
The remains of the hillfort were discovered as part of a community archaeological project, with support from the University of Manchester. It was just under 20 years ago when evidence for an early settlement came to light. Photos taken in the area during a drought revealed crop marks, which were later shown to be the defensive ditches of the fort.
The Village is also home to Mellor Hall, a Grade II-listed hall, which was the seat of the Mellor family from the 15th century. Part of the Mellor and Moorend Conservation Area established by Stockport Council in 1978, the hall was passed between the Mellor, Radcliffe and Chetham families, before being sold in 1787 to local cotton magnate Samuel Oldknow, who ran a number of mills in the area.
While the village, with its idyllic surroundings and stunning views, does not have any of its own shops, it does boast three public houses. Sitting just a few hundred yards from the border with Derbyshire, and known for its top selection of cask ales and locally sourced grub, is Oddfellows. The 16th century, stone-built coaching inn features a welcoming exterior with ivy growing over the doorway, while inside the interiors are cosy, with exposed wood flooring, wooden beams and a log burner for those chillier nights.
Having been commended by a Michelin inspector and with name checks in The Good Pub Guide and CAMRA Pub Guide, the Oddies - as it is known locally - is well worth a visit. Its menu, which changes daily, spans classics such as beer-battered Atlantic cod fillet and steak and kidney pudding, as well as a la carte dishes like sea bass en papillote and grilled specials like rib-eye steak, plus a range of burgers and sides.
Come summer, you can sit outside on the terrace and enjoy a glass or two, or head up the road to one of the village's two other pubs, The Devonshire Arms or The Royal Oak. The former boasts its own beer garden and offers traditional, hand-pulled ales, as well as ciders, wines and premium spirits - plus classic pub grub and seasonal specials, while the latter is known as a warm and welcoming rural pub with an extensive beer garden with wonderful views.
While Mellor is a great spot from which to explore the Greater Manchester and Derbyshire countryside - and reward yourself with a pint after a climb up to Mellor Cross - there’s also a range of activities in the local area, including horse riding lessons at the Tarden Farm Stables and a golf course with a mix of moorland and parkland.
To get to Mellor you can hop on the Sheffield to Manchester railway line, and either stop at Strines, or Marple Bridge - both are no more than two miles distance from Mellor and you can then walk or catch a bus or taxi. Marple Bridge in particular has some lovely shops and eateries, and Marple, just a little further up the hill, boasts a number of bakeries and cafes, a picture house, and plenty of places to walk including the aqueduct.
