The Greater Manchester beauty spot that was 'like an oasis' for kids - just as long as you could find it

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A hidden beauty spot that was just off the beaten track has been described as being like 'an oasis' for kids from Manchester.

Photographs of idyllic river banks surrounded by lush greenery with swimmers cooling off in the clear waters have made people reminisce on their childhoods spent there.

The spot in question is an attractive and secluded section of the River Bollin in Castle Hill, part of the Cotteril Clough Nature Reserve, close to Manchester Airport.

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It's also worth noting there was, up until the early 1970s, a large open air swimming pool near to Mill Wood in Castle Hill by the footbridge on Mill Lane where the road and River Bollin meet.

Like many lidos in the late 20th Century, the Castle Hill pool closed as tastes changed and more indoor swimming pools were built. However, it's been noted that the River Bollin as an attraction has enjoyed something of a resurgence during the recent lockdowns.

Posting on the 'Memories of growing up in and around Manchester UK' Facebook group, people fondly remembered a section of the River Bollin surrounded by woodland.

Describing how they found the beauty spot, one person commented: "We travelled from Hulme to Castle Mills.

"I have tried to find it in the car but without success. When we went as kids we walked from the bus stop at Wythenshawe through a load of fields."

A second person said: "Many family picnics....great spot and within walking distance from home, although I can't remember how long it took to get there."

A third replied: "Loved the Bollin and Castle Mills. On a trip back home years ago I took my children there on a lovely summer day. They still talk about it now 60 years