Windmill Lane Spring

## Overview Windmill Lane Spring is a natural water source fed from Kerridge Ridge, a prominent gritstone escarpment near the town of Bollington in Cheshire, England. Kerridge Ridge rises to around 280 metres (920 feet) and is a well-known local landmark, topped by the distinctive White Nancy folly. The spring emerges from the hillside and has historically been used by locals as a source of fresh water — its flow is reported to be remarkably reliable, continuing even through the most severe winter weather conditions. The water exits through a pipe and falls into a stone tub, which in turn overflows into an old iron bath below. Over time, the bath has become partially clogged with silt, reducing its capacity. Local visitors have suggested that planting watercress in the bath could help filter sediment and keep the water flowing more freely — a traditional and ecologically sound approach to spring maintenance. ## Directions 1. Head to the village of **Bollington**, east of Macclesfield in Cheshire. 2. Find **Windmill Lane**, which runs along the western slopes of Kerridge Ridge. 3. The spring is located at approximately **GPS 53.290398, -2.096431**, on or near Windmill Lane as it climbs toward the ridge. 4. Look for the pipe outlet and iron bath at the roadside or trailside — the spring can be somewhat easy to miss, so keep an eye out for the overflow tub. *Note: Parking in the area can be limited. Many visitors park in Bollington village and walk up Windmill Lane on foot, which also provides access to the Kerridge Ridge footpath and White Nancy.* ## What to Expect The spring delivers water through a pipe into a collecting tub, with the overflow running into a large iron bath. The setup is rustic and traditional — this is not a manicured public fountain but a genuine hillside spring with character. The pipe does supply water, though accessing it directly can be a little awkward due to its positioning. The surrounding area is scenic, with Kerridge Ridge offering panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain and the Peak District fringe. The ridge itself is composed of Millstone Grit, a coarse sandstone that acts as a natural aquifer, filtering rainwater through layers of rock before it emerges at the spring. Visitors have historically reported the water to be clean and pleasant-tasting, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with conditions. The spring flows year-round and is a rewarding stop for walkers exploring the Kerridge Ridge path or heading up to White Nancy. The lane and ridge are popular with hikers, runners, and dog walkers, so you're likely to encounter other visitors, especially on weekends.