OUR WALKS 2022
This sculpture of a wild boar is by the artist
Stephen Charnock and can be found on the Sandstone Trail in Nettleford Wood,
part of Delamere Forest.
6th December. Today was our final walk of the year and 9 of us met at KCC on a very cold morning for the traditional trip to Utkinton. We walked up 39 steps under blue skies and followed Waste Lane to Primrose Wood. We walked on the forestry track down through the wood to Tirley Farm, crossing the lane and taking the high road to Utkinton with lovely views westward to Wales. We walked along the main road to Rose Farm Shop and cafe where we enjoyed some coffee and mince pies, having braved the donkeys in the field who seemed to think we had something for them! We drove back to Kelsall afterwards, having left several cars there before the walk. A lovely sunny morning to end our year of walks.
Words: Fiona Photos: Cathy and Fiona
Words: Fiona Photos: Cathy and Fiona
15th November.
Today only two of us joined Anne for her walk which was meant to be from Kings Gate car park to
Utkinton and back again. The walk would have taken us over a recently built wooden bridge, built over a gaping hole by a stream. The hole had appeared a few years ago following torrential rain, and had prevented us doing this particular walk, a favourite one, until now.
However, this was not to be! Due to the rain today, we decided to cut the planned walk of about 4 miles short, and just did a very short circuit along Waste Lane, round by Summertrees, and back again through the woods. On the way we said hello to the llamas and admired the beautiful autumn colours, ending our short walk with a coffee at Anne's. The walk over the new bridge will have to wait until another day!
Words: Anne Photos: Anne and Fiona
Today only two of us joined Anne for her walk which was meant to be from Kings Gate car park to
Utkinton and back again. The walk would have taken us over a recently built wooden bridge, built over a gaping hole by a stream. The hole had appeared a few years ago following torrential rain, and had prevented us doing this particular walk, a favourite one, until now.
However, this was not to be! Due to the rain today, we decided to cut the planned walk of about 4 miles short, and just did a very short circuit along Waste Lane, round by Summertrees, and back again through the woods. On the way we said hello to the llamas and admired the beautiful autumn colours, ending our short walk with a coffee at Anne's. The walk over the new bridge will have to wait until another day!
Words: Anne Photos: Anne and Fiona
8th November.
It was an uncertain day weather-wise as we set off in two groups for today's walk. It was uncertain in other ways too: would two of us find our third walker for the longer walk from Aldi carpark along the canal to central Chester? And would we three find the other two walkers we were meeting up with in the centre? In the end we did all meet up as expected, and the weather was equally reliable as it rained heavily not once but twice during our walk! During our walk we passed the Northgate Lock where a canal boat was rising very slowly through the lock; you could see in the sandstone wall where the ropes had gouged lines as the horses walked alongside the tow path. We carried on past the new waterside flats opposite the flood plain to the Racecourse and round to Grosvenor Park, where we saw some Jubilee willow sculptures. Here we split up once again for the journey home after an interesting walk full of history and modern architecture too. Thank you Heather!
Words and Photos: Fiona
It was an uncertain day weather-wise as we set off in two groups for today's walk. It was uncertain in other ways too: would two of us find our third walker for the longer walk from Aldi carpark along the canal to central Chester? And would we three find the other two walkers we were meeting up with in the centre? In the end we did all meet up as expected, and the weather was equally reliable as it rained heavily not once but twice during our walk! During our walk we passed the Northgate Lock where a canal boat was rising very slowly through the lock; you could see in the sandstone wall where the ropes had gouged lines as the horses walked alongside the tow path. We carried on past the new waterside flats opposite the flood plain to the Racecourse and round to Grosvenor Park, where we saw some Jubilee willow sculptures. Here we split up once again for the journey home after an interesting walk full of history and modern architecture too. Thank you Heather!
Words and Photos: Fiona
|
1st November.
We decided in the car park that due to the weather we would do a shorter and dryer walk so Pat lead us from her house up to the Sandstone Trail and south to Duddon. We walked through woods and fields before finding ourselves in the remnants of the Windsor's Farm orchards, where we sampled some very lovely apples. We carried on across Priors Hayes golf course onto the Oscroft road, ending up back in Willington. A lovely autumnal walk of around 4 miles in the sunshine. Words and photos: Fiona |
25th October.
It was a beautiful autumn day when eight of us met up for Marie's walk around Christleton. We took in the Duck Pond with it's swans, went up the canal and met some friendly folk on a canal boat holiday. We saw several spooky Halloween displays at the houses on the canal, then came back through the park for a welcome coffee before heading back to Kelsall.
Words: Fiona Photos: Marie and Fiona
It was a beautiful autumn day when eight of us met up for Marie's walk around Christleton. We took in the Duck Pond with it's swans, went up the canal and met some friendly folk on a canal boat holiday. We saw several spooky Halloween displays at the houses on the canal, then came back through the park for a welcome coffee before heading back to Kelsall.
Words: Fiona Photos: Marie and Fiona
18th October.
On a crisp autumn morning, without a cloud in the sky, six of us started our walk from Kennel Lane, Sandiway. We walked through fields, down tree lined lanes and past the old sand quarries which have now become lakes. We were so busy chatting we missed the right hand turn to Whitegate Way but not much further along there was another turn which took us through horse paddocks to join the Whitegate Way which led us back to Kennel Lane. A lovely 5 mile walk on a beautiful day.
Words: Avril Photos: Fiona
On a crisp autumn morning, without a cloud in the sky, six of us started our walk from Kennel Lane, Sandiway. We walked through fields, down tree lined lanes and past the old sand quarries which have now become lakes. We were so busy chatting we missed the right hand turn to Whitegate Way but not much further along there was another turn which took us through horse paddocks to join the Whitegate Way which led us back to Kennel Lane. A lovely 5 mile walk on a beautiful day.
Words: Avril Photos: Fiona
4th October.
Pat was joined today by 3 other ladies and we all went in her car to the start of the walk near Beeston castle. We walked around the base of Beeston castle, stopped for some refreshments at Wharton's Lock, and walked on within sight of Peckforton, as you can see from the photos below. Near the end, Pat was bitten by something large and voracious and had to shelter behind a tree to apply some antihistamine ointment, which she just happened to have in her bag! The journey home was uneventful but the next day Pat felt unwell but assumed it was because of the sting - until she did a Covid test, which was positive! So who knows what the other 3 tests will show? But the walk was very enjoyable, so thank you Pat! We just hope you have not shared anything else with us!
Words and Photos: Fiona
Pat was joined today by 3 other ladies and we all went in her car to the start of the walk near Beeston castle. We walked around the base of Beeston castle, stopped for some refreshments at Wharton's Lock, and walked on within sight of Peckforton, as you can see from the photos below. Near the end, Pat was bitten by something large and voracious and had to shelter behind a tree to apply some antihistamine ointment, which she just happened to have in her bag! The journey home was uneventful but the next day Pat felt unwell but assumed it was because of the sting - until she did a Covid test, which was positive! So who knows what the other 3 tests will show? But the walk was very enjoyable, so thank you Pat! We just hope you have not shared anything else with us!
Words and Photos: Fiona
13th September.
There were 7 of us meeting in the car park this morning and we decided that we would do a local walk taking in the cafe at Urchins Kitchen. We set off for Yeld Lane, climbing up and over the bypass before entering the woods from Forest Gate Lane. We headed downhill on a grassy track and wended our way towards Eddisbury, turning onto Stoney Lane, where we came across an enormous Yucca plant in full flower. We carried on over the two main roads, entering the equestrian centre from one of their sandy tracks. The cafe terrace was in the sun so we enjoyed some horsey action while we had our coffee and cakes. We walked back through Primrose Wood and down the 39 steps (always preferable to going up!) before arriving back at the car park after 5 miles without any rain.
Words and Photos: Fiona
There were 7 of us meeting in the car park this morning and we decided that we would do a local walk taking in the cafe at Urchins Kitchen. We set off for Yeld Lane, climbing up and over the bypass before entering the woods from Forest Gate Lane. We headed downhill on a grassy track and wended our way towards Eddisbury, turning onto Stoney Lane, where we came across an enormous Yucca plant in full flower. We carried on over the two main roads, entering the equestrian centre from one of their sandy tracks. The cafe terrace was in the sun so we enjoyed some horsey action while we had our coffee and cakes. We walked back through Primrose Wood and down the 39 steps (always preferable to going up!) before arriving back at the car park after 5 miles without any rain.
Words and Photos: Fiona
6th September.
Today, 5 of us drove to the tiny village of Haughton Moss, just outside Bunbury. We parked at the end of Ferret Oak Lane, just by the centre of the village, and with today's leader Anne, set off along the quiet lane, entering a field over the first of three stiles. The second, rather challenging stile, took us over a small stream into a large field where a group of cows thankfully ignored us completely!
The next part of the walk took us around the edge of Bunbury, passing Chantry House, dating back to 1527, and then we paid a short visit to the very lovely church dedicated to St. Boniface. It was indeed a very short visit as one or two ladies were vacuuming the carpets and we were very reluctant to venture too far along the nave due to our possibly dirty boots! Shortly after leaving the church, we passed the old National Sunday and Daily school, dating back to 1830, and after a couple of more fields and some woodland, we stopped for a short break.
Shortly after this, we entered Bunbury close to the current primary school, and completed our circular walk via more fields, and some new houses which had sprung up within the last two or three years. During the walk of about four miles, Anne commented on the amazing difference a couple of days with some rain had made. Just three days before, the grass had been yellow and scrubby. Today it was green. About time we thought, and agreed we had had a very enjoyable walk.
Words: Anne Photos: Fiona
Today, 5 of us drove to the tiny village of Haughton Moss, just outside Bunbury. We parked at the end of Ferret Oak Lane, just by the centre of the village, and with today's leader Anne, set off along the quiet lane, entering a field over the first of three stiles. The second, rather challenging stile, took us over a small stream into a large field where a group of cows thankfully ignored us completely!
The next part of the walk took us around the edge of Bunbury, passing Chantry House, dating back to 1527, and then we paid a short visit to the very lovely church dedicated to St. Boniface. It was indeed a very short visit as one or two ladies were vacuuming the carpets and we were very reluctant to venture too far along the nave due to our possibly dirty boots! Shortly after leaving the church, we passed the old National Sunday and Daily school, dating back to 1830, and after a couple of more fields and some woodland, we stopped for a short break.
Shortly after this, we entered Bunbury close to the current primary school, and completed our circular walk via more fields, and some new houses which had sprung up within the last two or three years. During the walk of about four miles, Anne commented on the amazing difference a couple of days with some rain had made. Just three days before, the grass had been yellow and scrubby. Today it was green. About time we thought, and agreed we had had a very enjoyable walk.
Words: Anne Photos: Fiona
|
|
30th August. There were four of us today for Janet's walk around Hatchmere. We began at Barnsbridge car park and set off down the tracks to the edge of Blakemere Moss. We were amazed at how the water level had reduced in the drought, leaving skeletons of trees laid bare; during the 1990's the area had been allowed to reflood naturally to regain an area of wetland which is now home to many varieties of birds and mosses. The pictures tell their own story. We crossed the road and passed through the back of Whitefield car park, along tracks we didn't know until we reached Hatch Mere Nature Reserve beside the Carriers Inn - sadly closed! A pair of breeding Beavers were released several years ago in the hope that they could restore the wetlands here; it seems they have had a kit which is good news. Passing a "grand design" house we entered the nature reserve and passed a friendly fox on the way out. Along forest tracks we finally came back to the car park after a warm walk of about 4.5 miles. Thanks Janet for a "new" bit of forest for me.
Words and Photos: Fiona
Words and Photos: Fiona
23rd August. Today there were five of us so we managed to squeeze into Fiona's car for the trip to Marbury Country Park. It was a humid day and we set off from the car park and walked through the woods beside Budworth Mere, from where we could see the church in Great Budworth across the water. We crossed the canal and walked along the towpath through the Marina and on to the Anderton Boat Lift. The cafe was nice and quiet so we enjoyed sitting outside with our drinks and ice creams. The timing of the rain was perfect and it started as we left the cafe; we turned off the tow path and wound our way towards Uplands Woodland, which is actually a large meadow - with no protection from the rain! However it stopped as we walked into the woods where we crossed a river before arriving again in the Marbury woodland; We crossed the canal again and walked through the trees and across the fields where the cows were loose but luckily they were used to walkers. The car park was nearby and we finished our 4.5 mile walk feeling quite hot but at least we had dried off!
Words and Photos:Fiona
Words and Photos:Fiona
|
|
16th August. Four brave ladies turned up for our walk this week, despite weather forecasts of heavy thunderstorms. We started from the village of Whitegate opposite the church and were soon crossing Vale Royal Golf Course. A large field was crossed, and we descended to Vale Royal Locks and the River Weaver. We enjoyed our refreshments on a bench overlooking the river, barges and wildfowl. The walk was about five miles in total and thankfully there was no rain.
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Fiona
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Fiona
9th August. Today's walk was changed due to the high temperatures expected; five met up in the car park at KCC and decided to drive to Kings Gate and set off from there. The walk was designed to keep us in the shade at all times, something we achieved by leaving the track for the Sandstone Trail and then following the path along the forest edge almost all the way to the entrance to Kelsall Hill, where we admired the creative jumps in the field and some artwork too. We endured the sunshine along the sandy track to Urchins Kitchen where we enjoyed coffee and tea in the cool of the cafe. We then retraced our steps to Primrose Wood, walking uphill to join the main track but shortly afterwards turning left to walk in the shade through the trees, where we saw the herd of white deer who live in the field on the left. And then we were back at the car park having had a short but shady walk with the added benefit of refreshments half way through - perfect on this hot day.
Words: Fiona Photos: Lesley and Fiona
Words: Fiona Photos: Lesley and Fiona
2nd August. A group of seven ladies walked from the little layby on the village road, Christleton. We enjoyed a walk along the Shropshire Union Canal towards Waverton, where we crossed over on Eggbridge Lane. We crossed fields for a while then back to Christleton on pleasant roads. The forecast for rain mostly spared us, flat all the way to the delight of some, too fast at times for others; you can't please everyone! We made up with coffee, tea and even cake at the Koow cafe on Village Road. 2.5 miles.
Words: Beatriz Photos: Fiona
Words: Beatriz Photos: Fiona
26th July. Four walkers set off through Little Budworth Common on a cloudy but dry day, quite a relief after all the very hot weather we have had in the last couple of weeks. We meandered through the woods, coming across areas of heath as we went, although we decided not to cross the polo field. The Common is a SSSI and although owned by the Egerton estate it is managed by CWAC, and when the heather is flowering it is a blaze of colour. We did a quick 3 miles before heading back to Kelsall.
Words and Photos: Fiona
Words and Photos: Fiona
5th July. Altogether there were four walkers today. It was a warm and occasionally overcast day with a bit of light rain - a case of "hats on - hats off/jacket on - jacket off" kind of weather.
We parked in the carpark at Acton by Nantwich, near the church. We set off through part of Dorfold Estate parkland, passed along some rural trackways and some roadside walking to access the green fields to the south west of Nantwich. Then passing the edge of a new housing estate, through grassland for sheep, crossing canal and railway tracks, and with hazy views to Mow Cop in the distance, then dropped down to access Nantwich Riverside Park. We walked along the River Weaver and by Nantwich Lake, by old brine pools and under tall trees and enjoyed local wildlife - many dogs being walked but many ducks and swans in the water. We took the route out of town, walking up Welsh Row admiring the varied brick and timber houses with their pretty gardens. Just beyond Malbank High School we climbed the steps to the canal side towpath and walked northwards passing a number of canal barges, a small marina, and the Civil War information board about the Battle of Nantwich (1644).
Re-crossing the canal by bridge we returned to Acton and because it was the thick of Test Match season, we visited St. Mary's churchyard to see the grave of Albert N. Hornby - he who captained the cricket team that lost to Australia which gave rise to "The Ashes" in 1882. In all the walk was just under 5 miles; it was fairly level and dry walking and gave a nice experience of the "best of Cheshire".
Words and photo: Cathy
We parked in the carpark at Acton by Nantwich, near the church. We set off through part of Dorfold Estate parkland, passed along some rural trackways and some roadside walking to access the green fields to the south west of Nantwich. Then passing the edge of a new housing estate, through grassland for sheep, crossing canal and railway tracks, and with hazy views to Mow Cop in the distance, then dropped down to access Nantwich Riverside Park. We walked along the River Weaver and by Nantwich Lake, by old brine pools and under tall trees and enjoyed local wildlife - many dogs being walked but many ducks and swans in the water. We took the route out of town, walking up Welsh Row admiring the varied brick and timber houses with their pretty gardens. Just beyond Malbank High School we climbed the steps to the canal side towpath and walked northwards passing a number of canal barges, a small marina, and the Civil War information board about the Battle of Nantwich (1644).
Re-crossing the canal by bridge we returned to Acton and because it was the thick of Test Match season, we visited St. Mary's churchyard to see the grave of Albert N. Hornby - he who captained the cricket team that lost to Australia which gave rise to "The Ashes" in 1882. In all the walk was just under 5 miles; it was fairly level and dry walking and gave a nice experience of the "best of Cheshire".
Words and photo: Cathy
12th July. Parkgate.
Only three walkers set off to Parkgate - high temperatures were forecast but the promise of an ice cream at Nicholls was too tempting to resist! We walked along the Wirral Way, enjoying views across the Dee into North Wales. Then we set off downhill to the shore near Parkgate for a drink and light snack. Our pace quickened when there was a light shower of rain. But all was well when we enjoyed our delicious ice creams. Thanks to Jean for this enjoyable walk.
Words and photo: Dorothy
.
Only three walkers set off to Parkgate - high temperatures were forecast but the promise of an ice cream at Nicholls was too tempting to resist! We walked along the Wirral Way, enjoying views across the Dee into North Wales. Then we set off downhill to the shore near Parkgate for a drink and light snack. Our pace quickened when there was a light shower of rain. But all was well when we enjoyed our delicious ice creams. Thanks to Jean for this enjoyable walk.
Words and photo: Dorothy
.
28th June. Today we had an "emergency" walk led by Fiona as Janet, who had been due to take us around Hatchmere, has Covid. So five of us set off from KCC under dark clouds and walked up Chester Road, crossing at the top heading towards Gresty's Waste. Before we got there, we dived into the hedge to find a well hidden stile, which led us up through the woods towards the Sandstone Trail. We scrambled up into the trees above the Trail and headed for the Stones on Old Pale where we stopped for a welcome drink. Heading down towards Eddisbury, we looped round the masts, at last going downhill! We ended up crossing the Sandstone Trail again, heading through the woods to Forest Gate, from where we walked to Yeld Lane and home. We had done 5 miles with no rain after all but lots of chat and exercise.
Words and photo: Fiona
Words and photo: Fiona
7th June. It was an amazing 3 mile circular walk starting from Beeston Castle. There were just six of us but all very determined to negotiate the steep bit successfully, which we did. Everything turned out beautifully including the weather, with the exception of the cows, who were found grazing in the wrong field; that was sorted by walking through the next one which also led to the path around Peckforton, phew!!
An ice-cream and a chat "al fresco" at the Castle cafe were enjoyed at the end of the walk.
Words: Beatriz. Photos: Cathy and Lesley
31st May. Our walk today began with seven walkers and we were prepared for mixed weather conditions. Sunshine and showers were forecast. We drove to Bickerton Church and began following the Sandstone Trail, leading upwards onto the heath. This is the 2nd largest heath in Cheshire. The National Trust are managing the restoration of the heath, allowing long horned cattle to graze freely. Rain showers forced us onwards. Eventually we climbed up to Maiden Castle Iron Age earth and timber rampart. We enjoyed views across to the cathedrals of Liverpool, the Clwydian Hills and even the Shropshire Hills. Soon the sun reappeared and we enjoyed our snacks and drinks at Kitty's View after reading the poetry dedicated to the enthusiastic walker. We enjoyed a brisk walk to our cars and more sunshine.
Words: Dorothy Photos: Lesley and Fiona
24th May. Five intrepid ladies set off towards the dark side....well, the Wirral really, for a walk to Heswall Dales. Despite the rain on leaving Kelsall it was sunny if a little breezy when we arrived and stayed bright and sunny throughout the walk. We walked down country lanes until we came to Heswall Fields and crossed the field to sit on a bench overlooking the beach and the River Dee with great views towards North Wales. We carried on until we came to the Wirral Way, crossing over the track then heading up towards Dungeon Woods. Dungeon is Olde English for wooded dell apparently. We went down through the woods, across a little stream and then climbed up some very steep steps and past a little waterfall; we were then at one of the highest points on the Wirral. Walking past houses with lovely views across the river, we descended again towards Heswall Dales, ending up back in Banks Road car park opposite a very conveniently positioned cafe where we enjoyed a light lunch sitting out in the sunshine.
Words: Lesley. Photos: Fiona
Words: Lesley. Photos: Fiona
17th May. As only four of us met up for today's walk, Dorothy, a pair of Jeans and me, we decided not to do the Dunham Park/Bridgewater Canal walk but to do a local walk instead. We started to walk from KCC car park, past the allotments, up 39 steps, on to King's Gate and into the Forest. We stopped at Urchin's Kitchen at the Equestrian Centre for coffee, cake and chat before retracing our steps. It was a pleasant, relaxing, uneventful walk which pleased Jean as driving to KCC she had nearly been run off the road by a huge van, nearly hit by a low flying pheasant, and had to stop to help wrangle a stray sheep into a field!
Words: Avril. Photos: Jean.
Words: Avril. Photos: Jean.
3rd May. Today our walk was led by Anne and ten of us set off to meet Jean at our designated parking spot just on the edge of Waverton. Much to Anne's surprise, our designated parking spot was blocked off by a load of bollards and an army of workmen, without any warning having been visible on the recce just 3 days beforehand. Keeping a few impatient drivers at bay, the three drivers undertook a three-point-turn in the lane (some more elegantly than others!) and finally met up to start our walk. While changing our footwear we chatted with a large group of cyclists who were about to set off to Llangollen and the Horseshoe Pass. We were about to do a four-and-a-half mile walk, and I think that we had the easier morning ahead of us.
After a straight five hundred metres along a roadside pavement, we turned off onto a footpath which led us around a couple of fields, to emerge onto a narrow towpath alongside the Shropshire Union Canal. This eventually led us into Christleton, unfortunately we did not have time to call into the new cafe there, but instead we stopped for our refreshment break at a lovely circular wooden bench around a tree, opposite St. James's Church.
Continuing on through Christleton we passed the old College of Law, which has now closed, and the buildings and land are being redeveloped to provide new housing. A short way further on, we took some stops down onto the canal towpath and began walking back towards Waverton, along the opposite side of the canal from before. From here, we passed several houses with lovely gardens sweeping right down to the edge of the water and later, we passed some canalside properties with balconies and moorings directly on the water. Shortly after, we took some steps up from the towpath, emerging opposite Waverton Primary School from where we walked back to our cars.
This had been a very easy flat walk, no muddy paths, no rain to deter us and only one field of (very docile) cows! An enjoyable morning was had by us all.
Words: Anne Photos Anne and Fiona
After a straight five hundred metres along a roadside pavement, we turned off onto a footpath which led us around a couple of fields, to emerge onto a narrow towpath alongside the Shropshire Union Canal. This eventually led us into Christleton, unfortunately we did not have time to call into the new cafe there, but instead we stopped for our refreshment break at a lovely circular wooden bench around a tree, opposite St. James's Church.
Continuing on through Christleton we passed the old College of Law, which has now closed, and the buildings and land are being redeveloped to provide new housing. A short way further on, we took some stops down onto the canal towpath and began walking back towards Waverton, along the opposite side of the canal from before. From here, we passed several houses with lovely gardens sweeping right down to the edge of the water and later, we passed some canalside properties with balconies and moorings directly on the water. Shortly after, we took some steps up from the towpath, emerging opposite Waverton Primary School from where we walked back to our cars.
This had been a very easy flat walk, no muddy paths, no rain to deter us and only one field of (very docile) cows! An enjoyable morning was had by us all.
Words: Anne Photos Anne and Fiona
|
|
26th April. Today six of us met up in the car park on Yeld Lane and set off down Forest Gate Lane towards the trees. We turned off the main track and passed over a couple of little bridges by a deep pond, wending our way through the woods to cross the Sandstone Trail and take the Roman Road up to Stoney Lane. We walked along the Lane, passing an unusual dog waste bin (see photos!), turning off at the bottom of the mound where there is an information board about Eddisbury Hill Fort, an Iron Age settlement on top of the hill. The hill was quite steep but the views from the top were excellent and we were glad of the stone walls as we sat down for our drinks. The young cattle in the field were also keen to check out our refreshments as you can see from the photos below! We also met a walker at the top who had brought his drone with him for a different view of the area; the cattle decided it was time to leave and so did we, walking along the ridge amidst masses of gorse in full flower. Due to the recent dry weather, our steep descent was much less exciting than the last time we did this walk and we carried on past the farm and onto the track leading us towards the Stones. We had another brief stop at the Stones before setting off downhill for Forest Gate Lane and the car park. We enjoyed our 4+ mile walk, meeting several husky dogs, finding flowering trees we couldn't identify and being buzzed by the cattle.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean and Fiona
19th April. Four of us met up with Jean at the Coach Road car park in Little Budworth for her walk in Little Budworth Country Park. It was a beautiful morning as we followed the paths through the tranquil woodland and across heathy glades. The birdsong was spectacular, the bluebells were in flower and on Little Budworth Pool we spotted march marigolds and two nesting swans. The final part of our walk took us through Little Budworth village where we stopped and admired several of the lovely cottage gardens.
Words Avril, Photos Jean
Words Avril, Photos Jean
5th April. Delia led six of us down Tarporley High Street before taking a footpath behind the Fire Station, through some new housing and across the bypass. We headed southwest towards Beeston, enjoying fine view of the castle despite the grey day. After a tea stop at Wharton Lock we walked along a short stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal towards the Shady Oak. The pub is only open Friday to Sunday at present so it wasn't possible to replicate Delia's beer stop from the recce! We then looped back to Tarporley, rejoining part of the Sandstone Trail. Fortunately a couple of "bull in field" signs were false alarms. We had to negotiate some rather muddy paths but the wild wood anemones helped to cheer us up and luckily the rain held off. We finished the walk through a couple of meadows and headed back into Tarporley, passing the Daffodil Field housing development.
Words:Delia Photos:Fiona
Words:Delia Photos:Fiona
|
29th March.
Seven of us set out on a beautiful morning to walk in the area around Whitegate. It was a scenic walk on lanes, fields and finally finishing on the Whitegate Way. We enjoyed the flowers and particularly the host of golden daffodils. Words:Myra Photo:Lesley |
22nd March. "Where is the Gruffalo?"
On a beautiful spring morning six walkers set off from the Yeld Car Park heading down the road before entering Delamere Forest. We followed a trail over the railway bridge and eventually began a circuit of Blakemere Moss. A bench was found overlooking the water, and we had our drinks and snacks in the sunshine. We walked around the Moss, constantly meeting the same two cyclists as they cycled the forest looking for a way out! As we began our return route we passed models of the characters from the Gruffalo books. The models were so appealing photos were taken with each of them - owl, fox, mouse and squirrel. But where was the Gruffalo? A sign explained that he was on holiday in another forest but would be back soon. Just like the WI walkers!
Words: Dorothy Photos: Pat, Avril, Anne T
On a beautiful spring morning six walkers set off from the Yeld Car Park heading down the road before entering Delamere Forest. We followed a trail over the railway bridge and eventually began a circuit of Blakemere Moss. A bench was found overlooking the water, and we had our drinks and snacks in the sunshine. We walked around the Moss, constantly meeting the same two cyclists as they cycled the forest looking for a way out! As we began our return route we passed models of the characters from the Gruffalo books. The models were so appealing photos were taken with each of them - owl, fox, mouse and squirrel. But where was the Gruffalo? A sign explained that he was on holiday in another forest but would be back soon. Just like the WI walkers!
Words: Dorothy Photos: Pat, Avril, Anne T
15th March. Today Heather led 8 walkers to Middlewich's free car park, from where we set off along the Trent and Mersey Canal. The sun shone as we walked through the old Wharf area to Middlewich Marina and on towards the locks, with all the canal boats lined up along both sides. We turned right along the Wardle Canal which is the shortest in the UK; it links the Trent and Mersey canal with the Shropshire Union canal. There is much history associated with the canals and there are interesting information boards along the way, telling the story of Middlewich's importance in the 19th and early 20th centuries; it's biggest export was cheese! We carried on, turning off the canal path to walk through Croxton Park, having had a break on a bridge over the river for some welcome refreshments. We remarked that it was very quiet today with just the occasional dog walker about, but we did meet a rather snooty Llama and some swans. Once through the park we turned back onto the Trent and Mersey canal, passing a sign to the Roman Fort (the Romans were active in the salt mining industry here before leaving the area early in the 2nd century AD), then we passed the Big Lock pub where customers sat in the sun with coffees and dogs. We popped back up into the middle of town by the Library and made our way back to the car park. In the photos below you can see an artist's impression of a settlement along King Street after the Romans had left; it looks a little like all the new housing we saw on our walk!
Words:Fiona Photos:Beatriz & Fiona
Words:Fiona Photos:Beatriz & Fiona
8th March.
Twelve of us met up in the sunshine this morning for a 3 mile walk up to Primrose Wood led by Pam. The view from the top of the 39 steps made the climb (almost!) worth it, and we carried on up to Kings Gate, following the track to the edge of the wood where we passed through the gate and onto the path to the Kelsall Hill equestian centre. The centre was very busy with cars and horse boxes and there were riders exercising their horses in both the indoor and outdoor arenas. We had a good view of all the activity from Urchins Kitchen cafe where we had a welcome coffee and cake, and were interested to see that there are events on at the centre almost every day. We retraced our steps after a good chat and made our way back to Kelsall after a blustery but sunny walk.
Words and Photos: Fiona
|
|
1st March 2022
There could not have been a greater contrast between last Tuesday's weather when our walk had to be cancelled due to the very wet and windy conditions and this Tuesday. Today it was sunny with a gentle breeze, a great day for a walk. We started our walk on the Trent and Mersey canal near the Leigh Arms. After all the recent heavy rain the tow path was very muddy but the lovely views more than made up for this. We were pleased when we could leave the muddy tow path behind, walk down past Bluebell Cottage Gardens and along a short stretch of the Delamere Way to join the River Weaver. We stopped at Dutton Lock for a drink and snack then walked back along the river to the Leigh Arms spotting a couple of cormorants on the way. It was a very enjoyable 5 mile walk.
Words Avril, Photos Jean
There could not have been a greater contrast between last Tuesday's weather when our walk had to be cancelled due to the very wet and windy conditions and this Tuesday. Today it was sunny with a gentle breeze, a great day for a walk. We started our walk on the Trent and Mersey canal near the Leigh Arms. After all the recent heavy rain the tow path was very muddy but the lovely views more than made up for this. We were pleased when we could leave the muddy tow path behind, walk down past Bluebell Cottage Gardens and along a short stretch of the Delamere Way to join the River Weaver. We stopped at Dutton Lock for a drink and snack then walked back along the river to the Leigh Arms spotting a couple of cormorants on the way. It was a very enjoyable 5 mile walk.
Words Avril, Photos Jean
15th February.
Today Janet led a group on a 4.5 mile walk around Hatchmere. Here are some photos from the walk. 8th February 2022 Today we had our first walk of the season. 14 of us joined in a Village Safari, walking some of the roads, lanes and footpaths of Kelsall, starting at our centenary tree on the Green. Various places of historical interest were pointed out en route. The walk concluded with a very welcome coffee and cake hosted by Mary Diggle. We are looking forward to a full programme of weekly walks for the year. Words: Myra Photo: Avril |
|
