Did the legions pass this way?

A COUPLE of months ago I visited the village of Mellor and passed close to the old Roman signal station on the hill. The Old English word for Mellor means a bare hill.

At one time the valley of the River Ribble was a swamp above which was a dense forest. Highways were once just that -- trading routes over the hills.

This week I found another Mellor, which is a little village close to Stockport. Nearby is an area known as Roman Lakes. What a joy this place is.

Most people think that the Roman Lakes was an invention by Victorians in an effort to attract visitors to the boating lakes which were at one time mill lodges. Why did the Victorians suggest Roman origins?

Nearby Mellor was on an ancient highway and there may well have been a signal station here, as there was on our own Mellor hill.

Nearby there is an 18th century packhorse bridge, which I also explored, called the Roman Bridge. We also have a packhorse bridge, at Higherford near Barrowford, which is known as the Roman Bridge.

I looked closely at the Roman Lakes bridge and beneath it there is an ancient ford over the River Goyt. This seems to have been the only ancient route to cross this river and it is very likely that the Romans used it.

I am in no doubt that these two Mellors are related and the Roman Lakes should be regarded as a Mecca for East Lancastrians. Those interested in natural history will not be disappointed and anglers can buy day tickets. Here are prize carp weighing up to 30lbs (14kg) and there are pike weighing up to 20lbs (9kg) Roman Lakes is a friendly place and can be contacted by ringing 0161 427 2031.

The area is also a place to explore the cotton industry and the history of transport. Close to the Roman Bridge is a soaring railway viaduct, built in 1865 and still in use, whilst between the two is an old tollhouse built in 1804. At one time this building was actually two cottages, one occupied by the road toll keeper and the other by the sluice keeper. The latter's job was to control the levels of water in the lodges with the sluice operated onto the River Goyt. Although not used any more, the sluice gates and the weir are still in evidence close to the viaduct.

By the time I had completed my walk I realised that I had hardly scratched the surface of the area. It is wonderful walking country and mountain bikes can be hired. The bacon butties are good and they make a good brew of tea!

Don't take my word for it. Get your boots polished and go yourself!

Getting there: Follow the M66 and then the M60. Turn off at Junction 25. Then follow the signs for Bredbury and Marple. Do not go all the way into Marple but go to Marple Bridge. Cross Marple Bridge over the River Goyt and almost immediately left onto Arkwright Road. Look out for a small sign to the left indicating Roman Lakes. Follow a rough track to the lakes which has a good car park. Most of the facilities are free and there is an excellent cafe. The Roman lakes are open every day except Christmas Day.