Report - Gripper, Manchester - May 2014

[paulpowers]

I arrived late for the meet so decided to pop down Gripper to see if anyone was about still

The usual stash of drug paraphernalia littered the outfall

it's a nice little culvert that doesn't require wellies so if you're in the area and fancy trying out drains give it a go

Platt fields, Rusholme, the drain is part of the Very Ancient Mickle, or Great Ditch.

Sometimes called Nico Ditch Well-known A.D.1200. Extending over Five Miles from here to Ashton Moss and Bounding Several Townships Described fully in Vol. xxiii. of Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society.

The ditch is said to have formed a defensive line against Danish or Viking raiders attacking up the Mersey. The story is that it was dug in the space of one night - quite a feat in the ninth century-as it measures at five miles, 183 yards.

And a video of the walk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c_laNryTb0​

 

[Ojay]

Leave only footprints

 

[paulpowers]

can see the footprints on the third pic

 

[Stopford_lad]

We need a five bar gate for how many times we've all reported on this one now...always a nice little wander though, and well shot as ever

 

[Lenston]

Looking good mate

 

[tweek]

The course of Nico ditch runs across the front of Platt Chapel. Nothing to do with this culvert.

 

[Keitei]

That arched tunnel is lush! Nice shots!

 

[Miner69er]

Nice video attached and awesome pics, wouldn't mind having a wander through this though, mind you always wondered what's beyond the grated section and if it's deep or not?...