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Martin [Swindells] left Mr. Smith to go into partnership with Thomas Fernley of Stockport. The two partners would appear to have heard something of a cotton mill in a village called Bollington. They drove into the village by way of 'Long Lane', 'Cat-ladder' & 'Beeston' to see the Clough Mill.
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An extract from information given to Emma F. Brooke by her Uncle George Swindells at his residence, Pott Hall, Shrigley in April 1885.
The hillside for about half a mile between Beeston Brow and Nab Lane is known as Beeston and has mostly been quarried for stone. The story suggests that what we today call Beeston Brow might then have been known as Cat Ladder. On the other hand there might not have been a road at Beeston Brow and they might have been using the original track which comes down Beeston Mount.
Today one of the paths above Beeston Mount is stepped - maybe it was then - in which case this may have been the 'ladder', but not very accessible by horse and trap - remember, they drove into the village and this was the early 1800s. There is another path closeby which also leads to Beeston Mount.
Listed buildings
The links are all to the Images of England web site provided by English Heritage.
1, 1A, 3, 5 and 5A Beeston Brow
; II, Formerly 3 houses with weaving lofts above: early 19thC.
One of the truly delightful corners of Bollington, Beeston Brow is very steep and very narrow and contains a very sharp corner but commands superb views from the higher reaches. It has along its length a variety of beautiful stone cottages and houses. 
