Bypassed

The original turnpike between Macclesfield and Buxton was authorised in 1759 and constructed soon after. This steeply graded route was superceded by a longer but less hilly line in 1821. The later road is still in use throughout but some of the earlier alignment is now footpath. It passed behind the Cat and Fiddle pub in the background before descending towards Macclesfield and this milestone stands on a bypassed section with the remaining surface just visible to the right. The legend "To London 164 miles" indicates that this was the route to the capital from Macclesfield and Knutsford. However, the construction of the more easily graded turnpike between Macclesfield and Leek soon took the London trade way from this hilly and exposed road.