OUR WALKS 2023

28th November. Delia was our leader today for a walk starting at the Yeld. Five of us set off down Forest Gate Lane and climbed to the Stones where the views were amazing in the sunshine. Heading downhill to the Visitor Centre we debated whether to go inside but instead had our drinks sitting in the sun although the temperature was only about 4 degrees! Setting off again we headed for the railway line and walked through the Go Ape area before rounding Blakemere Moss, remembering how low the water had been during the drought last year. There was no shortage of water today, although the mud quotient was reasonable! We ended up climbing up the Sandstone Trail until we reached Forest Gate Lane where we headed back to the cars. A lovely walk in the sun on a cold winter day, many thanks to Delia.
​Words and Photos: Fiona

21st November. Today six of us set off from Kingsgate and walked along the Sandstone Trail to Gresty's Waste where we carefully crossed the road, before carrying on up the Trail. We arrived at a decision point - would we head up to the Stones or downhill towards the fields? Downhill was favourite so we walked down the grassy lane, turning left at the end towards Stoney Lane. Once there we headed towards the main road, crossing it and the A54 before another decision point was reached. Coffee at Urchins Kitchen or not? No contest! Soon we joined quite a crowd of jodhpur-clad ladies in the cafe overlooking the indoor arena. As we left the sun was still shining in Primrose Wood so we took a photo with the equestrian centre in the distance.
We walked uphill along the track, passing some of the recent tree felling, arriving back at the cars having done 4.5 miles on a beautiful autumn day.
Words and Pictures: Fiona

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14th November. There were only four intrepid walkers today who set off for the Candle Factory car park in the drizzle. But by the time we parked it was much brighter so we climbed up and up to reach the very muddy path alongside the woods as we walked towards Bulkeley Hill. The National Trust woodland is very beautiful at this time of year, with the added bonus of far reaching views towards the north including Jodrell Bank as the tree canopy is lessening with the autumn. We walked through the beech woods meeting plenty of dog walkers before looping round to the Copper Mine chimney where we stopped for a welcome drink. We headed off, again uphill, towards the woods round Raw Head, the highest point on the Sandstone Trail at 745 feet. Although by now we should be going downhill, it seemed that mostly we were still walking uphill along very muddy woodland paths until we heard the sound of shooting in the distance. This soon became very close! We could see Range Rovers below us in the field and a number of guns with their dogs, as beaters worked above us to flush out the pheasants for the guns below. As we emerged from the woods we were assured by a lady with 3 dogs that no one had ever been shot - to her knowledge! Of course, Pat knew her as a previous pupil so we set off again, reassured, towards the very muddy path we had begun our walk along. It was a lovely day up to this point but the rain was visible coming in from Wales and soon we were donning anoraks to finish the walk along the lanes, at last downhill! to the Candle Factory and the cars. A beautiful if challenging and muddy walk of 7.8 miles! - a bit farther than any of us had expected but NB next time bring a picnic!
Words and photos: Fiona

7th November. Today started with a sharp shower but by the time we had driven to Aldi in Chester to leave the cars, the sun was trying to shine. There were seven of us at this stage, walking down the Shropshire Union canal towards the city centre, admiring the narrow boats being taken through Chemical Lock and noticing the rope marks made on the sandstone walls which surround the city. Some of them are over 2000 years old and are the oldest, longest and most complete with walls in Britain. We arrived in the centre to meet up with four friends who had come into the city on the bus, and we then headed out, still along the canal, towards the racecourse, passing fairly new attractive blocks of flats with great views over the River Dee. There was a lot of standing water on the racecourse, not surprising given all the recent rain, and we followed the River Dee to the boat hire quay where the Lady Diana was tied up alongside. It was lovely and sunny by now so we headed into Grosvenor Park, passing some willow sculpture on the way. Emerging from the park some of us returned to Kelsall on the bus and some found the canal again and arrived back at the cars. The full walk was about 5.5 miles and many thanks to Heather for organising it.
Words and Photos: Fiona
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31st October. Pat led us around the two golf courses on the edge of Tarporley today, which began with parking on a muddy no-through-lane by the A49.  The rain held off most of the time although the mud was evidence that there had been plenty of rain recently! The route took us down many woodland paths surrounding the golf courses, which were surprisingly busy considering the weather. We climbed up to the Folly as the sun broke through and had our refreshments in a brisk wind! We arrived back at the cars, glad to see they had not sunk into the mud while we had been away, after a 4 mile walk with lots of chat and fresh air.
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24th October. Today Heather led us around Middlewich.
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17th October. A select group of three ladies met at KCC and decided that with so few of us it did not warrant travelling to Alderley Edge for the planned walk. So we set off from Kings Gate car park, down the Sandstone Trail towards A556 and the main forest. It was a blowy morning and when we got to the Stones at the top of Old Pale the view was a bit misty. We headed downhill towards the Hill Fort, turning off towards Stoney Lane across some uncharted fields. After crossing the A54 we called in at Urchins Kitchen for coffee and cake before heading back through Primrose Wood to the car. A sunny, windy walk of about 4 miles.
Words and Photo: Fiona
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10th October. Today there were only two of us! It was a lovely morning though so we decided to investigate the tree felling that is going on in Primrose Wood as Forestry England reshapes the woodland into new contours. We walked down the track from Kings Gate car park and came across a large area of felled timber on the right of the track, where we met some fellow Kelsall residents walking their dogs; they knew a poem by Kipling which seemed appropriate (and it was, as we found out when he posted it on our facebook page later in the day!). We carried on until we turned off the track towards Kelsall Hill equestrian centre where Urchins Kitchen cafe served us a lovely coffee in the sunshine on the deck outside. Another lovely local walk to make us appreciate our surroundings, even if they are changing a little at the moment!.
Words: Fiona Photos: Anne and Fiona

26th September. Four ladies set off towards the Wirral for a walk through Heswall Dales on a sunny but breezy day. We parked in Banks Road car park Heswall, opposite the Yot Cafe.
We walked through local lanes and took the bridleway towards the beach; we followed the beach for a short distance with views over the Dee Estuary towards North Wales. We then turned inland and headed across fields towards the Wirral Way, looking out for a signpost towards Dungeon Wood. Following the path uphill we crossed over a little bridge and headed up steep steps with views from the wood across the Dee Estuary. The path then turned inland through farmland, one of the highest points on the Wirral. Walking past houses with more views across the river we headed down through the sandstone of Heswall Dales back to the Yot Cafe and "light refreshment" before heading back to KCC.
Words:Lesley. Photos:Lesley and Fiona

19th September.
When four of us met up in the KCC car park this morning it was touch and go whether we would go on the walk as the weather had been horrendous but as it wasn't actually raining and felt relatively mild we all hopped into Fiona's car and drove to Little Budworth Country Park. There wasn't much conversation initially as we followed the path which keeps by the perimeter of Oulton Park racing circuit as it was a practice day! However, we soon left the racing track behind and followed a sandy lane skirting the edge of woodland. After passing the Cheshire Polo Club's ground we headed into the woods and after several twists and turns we eventually crossed two horse pastures and followed the path beside the picturesque Budworth Pool, stopping to admire two swans with their cygnets. Before too long we were back at the car part after an enjoyable four mile walk.
Words Avril. Photos Avril and Fiona

29th August. A small group of WI walkers did a 5 mile walk from Witton Mill car park, passing the flashes and passing over the canal to Marbury Park. Stopping for refreshments here we sat under the covered area and had a tune on the piano that stands there. We then worked our way through Hopyard Wood back to the canal and finally back to the cars .It was an easy going walk on a warm cloud-covered morning.
Words: Jane P. Photos: Fiona

15th August. Today 5 walkers met at KCC and drove to Commonside, Alvanley. We set off in sunshine and walked through a field of head high maize down a short but steep path avoiding numerous badger holes. The walk continued through fields, over small bridges, passing a fruit orchard (with plums) and then to a picnic bench for refreshments. Then we skirted Helsby Hill and circled round to The Ridgeway joining the Sandstone Trail and ending back at Commonside, in very hot sunshine.
Words: Dorothy Photos: Fiona

25th July. Today, 9 ladies, led by Janet, enjoyed a scenic walk around Frodsham Hill. Beginning at The Ridgeway opposite the pony sanctuary, we climbed steadily through the wood, emerging onto a track at the top. At this point we had to stop briefly to don our rainwear, though thankfully it was only a drizzle which came and went for the next hour or so. As we walked towards Frodsham the panorama opened up and we could see Liverpool Cathedral sticking up on the other side of the Mersey. The path took us down the side of the former Frodsham Golf Course; it has now been taken over by the Woodland Trust and will be developed over the next 50 years as a native broadleaf woodland incorporating open glades and grassy paths. It was lovely to see that already a variety of butterflies have made it their home. We had our coffee break at the top of Frodsham Hill, looking towards a rather misty Runcorn and then followed the Sandstone Trail back down through the woods, passing by the impressive sandstone cliffs and overhangs. There was some awkward rock scrambling to do and several series of steps but the intrepid walkers took it all in their stride and arrived back at the parking place after a very enjoyable and energetic walk.
Words:Janet Photos:Lesley and Fiona

11th July. Mary's walk today should have been to Hilbre Island, a 5 mile walk taking us across the sands from West Kirby on the Wirral and onto the island where we would enjoy our packed lunches. However the weather forecast was for heavy rain and high winds so, as there is no shelter at all on this walk, we all decided it would be best to leave that for another day and walk locally. We set off up the 39 steps to Little Switzerland, then Willington Corner to Common Lane. Passing Weetwood Brewery we saw that their recently opened Taproom was open!  So we sheltered from the rain inside with some lovely coffee and hot chocolate. Although the shop was well stocked with Weetwood beers and spirits, not a drop touched our lips! A nice end to an unexpected walk.
Words and Photo: Fiona

A beautiful wildflower meadow at Brereton Country Park

4th July. After yesterday's rain it was a relief to begin our walk in the sunshine as we parked at Brereton Heath Country Park near Holmes Chapel. We set off to walk through the woods and round the 15 acre lake, stopping to look through the bird hide on the way. The park has areas of heath, wetland and wild flower meadow and the lake was formed when extraction of the fine sand ended decades ago. The area is now home to many interesting birds, butterflies and insects. 
We left the park and headed up Davenport Park Lane towards the River Dane, which was wide and deep today following the rains. We climbed out of the river valley, passing the church and headed down to the Ford on Sandy Lane where we stopped for an atmospheric photo. We turned off Congleton Road, crossing far too many stiles to reach Cross Lane which led us past Swettenham Meadows Nature Reserve, a wetland area criss-crossed by boardwalks. Parsons Bridge took us over Swettenham Brook and an invisible footpath linked up with the Lavender Field at the Swettenham Arms where we had a table booked. After a filling lunch we retraced our steps to the Country Park to collect our cars after nearly 6 miles of  walking and chatting.
Words: Fiona Photos: Mary & Fiona
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Here we are at the ford over Swettenham Brook

27th June. Today three of us started our walk near the Leigh Arms. After walking along the busy A49 we soon went down some stops to join the Trent and Mersey Canal tow path. We passed quite a few narrow boats, a family of ducks and a heron who was so focused on something in the water that it let us get to within a couple of feet before it gracefully took off and flew to the other side of the canal. We eventually came off the canal, walked past Bluebell Cottage Gardens and then headed into some dense woodland which brought us out onto the Delamere Way which led us to the River Weaver. We stopped for a drink and welcome sit down at Dutton Locks before walking back along the river to the Leigh Arms, admiring the wild flowers along the way. It was a pleasant four mile walk and though a bit overcast it didn't rain.
Words: Avril  photos; Fiona
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13th June. Janet's walk today was not as publicised as the hot weather has really settled in and we thought we should stay in the shade. So we set off from Kings Gate and threaded our way through the trees, passing the equestrian centre, then heading downhill and rejoining the main track. We arrived at the top of a steep hill, resting in the shade with our water bottles, before setting off again down paths on the edge of the wood. We ended up back at Kings Gate in good time, given the heat, glad we had kept in the shade and enjoyed a nice walk in good company.
Words Fiona Photos Lesley and Fiona

6th June. Eddisbury Hillfort is the most complex and largest of the seven Iron Age hillforts in Cheshire and  this ancient monument is near enough to include it in our walking programme. We also visit Maiden Castle on another walk. Today six of us headed down Forest Gate Lane and walked up to the Stones on Old Pale; the morning was a bit overcast, making the views from the top less far-reaching than usual. We walked past some benches and along to the farm, taking the path up to the hillfort. There were suggestions in the grass that there may be cattle nearby - and we came upon them lying by the route we were taking. Luckily they were very relaxed and barely moved as we walked by. We passed the entrance to the hillfort on the way down to the road; it has been excavated several times in the recent past, once in the 1930's and again in the summer of 2010 when a low dry stone wall was built with excavated spoil, showing the entrance. We went down the hill, passing some beautiful dog roses and after walking down the lane, we crossed the field where we found a bush with some very odd "fruits"; we couldn't identify what they were but they looked like peanuts! Look at the photos and you'll see what we meant! Then we passed into the forest, ending up back at the cars in Yeld Lane after a walk of about 4 miles on the first cloudy day for 4 weeks.
Words and photos: Fiona 

30th May. Just five WI walkers this morning but we enjoyed a lovely sunny riverside walk near Hartford. There were oarsmen and women on the river and walkers and cyclists using the footpaths. There was activity at Hunts Lock, with two old barges entering the lock. Despite all this activity there was a lovely air of peace and tranquillity, especially as we walked through Marshalls Arm Nature Reserve.  Altogether a lovely morning.
Words: Heather Photos: Lesley and Jane

23rd May. Pat led todays walk from her house. We set off up the Utkinton road, turning right along the Sandstone Trail, crossing several fields before turning right into Wood Lane. We crossed Willington Lane and carried on, passing Clemley House and it's beautiful garden in Duddon, which we visited 18 months ago (to be found in the archive).  We turned right onto Well Lane and took the footpath straight ahead, passing through Windsor's orchards where we had sampled the apples last autumn, finding a well positioned log pile for a welcome stop for refreshments. This brought us past some very nice houses backing onto Priors Hayes golf course, and back onto Willington Lane; we had a chat with a horse and very small companion before heading back to Pat's and our cars. A lovely walk in warm cloud mostly with the sun coming out at the end.
Words and photos: Fiona

  16th May. Seven ladies ventured over to Parkgate on the Wirral on a lovely sunny if rather windy day. We parked at the Old Baths car park just past the Boathouse Inn, Parkgate - free! We set off heading towards Heswall along the old sea wall. The Dee estuary was on our left with views across to North Wales. We continued along the sea wall and eventually came to the steps of the old slipway, long since silted up.  We turned right and walked up Cottage Lane towards the Wirral Way passing the local golf club and some very exclusive houses. We then turned onto a cobbled lane past a beautiful cottage covered in wisteria (see photo) this was by the historic Gayton Well. Wandering down this track through woods and then open fields and past the golf course we had more open views of the Dee Estuary and North Wales. We crossed Boathouse Lane and walked under the Wirral Way again, walking down into Parkgate where we happily spied two ice cream shops and were spoilt for choice with flavours. We then walked along the Parade, back to the Old Bath car park after a lovely.5 mile walk.
​Words: Lesley Photos: Lesley and Fiona.

9th May. Today Marie led us on a walk around Action Bridge, taking in the River Weaver and Dutton Locks. We set off from the car park at the Community Centre in Action Bridge, walking along the road until we could dive down to Dutton Locks, which are historic and Grade II listed. We walked along the waterway, seeing herons and cormorants fishing from rocks. We passed a hydro electric plant; water passes through an Archimedes screw adjacent to the sluice gate on the southern bank of the river, with flow controlled by an automatic sluice gate. Not only does this save 514 tonnes of CO2 per year, but could avoid flooding in the surrounding areas. During a stop for refreshments it began to rain and we remembered the last time we had done this walk when we had to seek shelter under the trees from the hammering rain! Luckily today wasn't so bad and we walked on into Action Bridge only slightly wet before finding the car park again. Thanks Marie for a gentle walk of around 3.5 miles.
Words and Photos: Fiona

3rd May. On Tuesday seven members of the walking group left the Yeld car park and headed across the paths and open field path to Stoney Lane. We dropped down into the forest, had a break at the visitors centre and continued to join the Sandstone Trail which we followed to the junction taking us back up Forest Gate Lane to the Yeld. The walk was 4.85 miles; the weather was chilly but dry. A pleasant moderate walk.
Words: Jane Photo: Lesley

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25th April. Dorothy led our walk today with nine ladies walking on Bickerton Hill which is on the Sandstone Trail. Bickerton Hill is actually two sandstone hills and we were aiming for the southern one; Raw Head is the highest point and is on the northern side, which we visited several weeks ago. Today we parked near Bickerton Holy Trinity Church and began the climb through the lowland heath that designates the area an SSSI as it comprises more than half the remaining heathland in Cheshire. Bickerton Hill covers more than 200 acres and there are many paths you can take. We took one leading up to Maiden Castle, an iron age hill fort, one of seven in Cheshire, as is our local one at Eddisbury. We had a brief stop at the top to admire the far reaching views over 9 counties and to the Welsh hills; it was a beautiful clear day so there was nothing to spoil the views and our sunglasses were in constant use. We then made our way to Kitty's Stone which is a memorial to his wife by Leslie Wheeldon who ensured the National Trust acquired some of the land here in the 1990's. 
We descended some steep stone steps into the woodland, meeting quite a few dog walkers; the area is popular but there are so many paths it didn't feel crowded on such a beautiful morning. We arrived back at the cars after a shortish but lovely walk.

​Words: Fiona Photos: Jean and Fiona

18th April. Today there were nine of us walking round Kelsall while Pat told us some of the history of the various buildings we passed. We were lucky in having several long term residents with us who filled in quite a few details, usually from personal knowledge. We had started our tour in Quarry Lane before moving on to The Smithy in Old Coach Road, which has been various businesses in it's history before becoming a house. We passed down Longley Lane (built in the 1960's) before heading for Grub Lane via Brooms Lane. Janet took us up to her garden in Grub Lane to see the view - and the lovely work she has done in her garden (see 1st photo). We headed down to the path alongside The Hollow Way, a medieval green lane, before joining Dog Lane and heading for Chester Road where we saw the old lock-up which was used in the early 19th century for rowdy people (the pinfold at the rear was for wandering animals) but closed in 1844; it is Grade II listed. We passed down the alley towards the rear of Rookery Farm, a grade II farmhouse with 25 acres, recently sold. We crossed Flat Lane and walked towards the Green, cutting across from the playground to the rear gate leading to the new medical centre and the wellbeing hub where we enjoyed a welcome drink and cakes in the cafe. After so long fundraising it is a pleasure to see the Hub functioning as it was always envisaged. A short and interesting walk today, thank you Pat.
Words and Photos: Fiona

11th April. Anne was to have led the walk round Peckforton today but had to pull out at the last minute, so instead, Janet led a local walk around Eddisbury. Starting at the top of Stoney Lane, we walked around the base of Eddisbury Castle and then wound our way down through the paths which lead into the forest. Although it was half-term, the forest wasn't too busy and we found a picnic table to have a quick cuppa before arriving at the Visitor Centre just in time to shelter from a sudden downpour. It didn't last long, so we continued up the hill to Old Pale Heights where we stopped to catch our breath and admire the view. Then, a descent down the other side, and back across the fields to our starting point.
Although it was a walk familiar to us all, we were again reminded of just how lucky we are to have such beautiful countryside on our doorsteps and how easy it is to take advantage of it on a regular basis.
Words:Janet Photos:Fiona

4th April. Today was a beautiful spring day with clear blue skies but quite cold. Nine ladies braved the cold wind and set out from the car park at Marbury Country Park for a 4.5 mile walk which began alongside Budworth Mere from where we could see Great Budworth village and church on the other side. We walked through the woods and crossed the bridge over the Trent and Mersey canal, continuing along the tow path towards the marina and the Anderton Boat Lift. The marina was busy but although it was Easter school holidays, the cafe was shut! So we had to wait for our sit down and refreshments until we arrived at the heath behind the anglers ponds. They do not make picnic tables quite large enough for 9 so it was quite cosy but there were no complaints as the wind was quite cool! We set off into the woods, crossing Marbury Brook, before coming across the canal bridge again which we crossed before heading for the farmland on the other side of the wood. We walked across a field which brought us back to the stately avenue of lime trees near the car park. It was a bit cold for the optimistic ice cream van but we had enjoyed our sunlit walk and a good chat.
Words and photos: Fiona

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28th March. It was not a good weather forecast for today, but 9 brave ladies turned up for Janet's walk around Blakemere and Hatchmere. Everyone was clothed in suitable waterproof jackets, hats and boots but once we got into the forest, it was really only a drizzle and our protective clothing kept us dry. After parking at Barnsbridge we walked round Blakemere, stopping at the pint where, last year, we had been amazed at all the old tree stumps visible after the dry summer. This time after all the rain in the past month, most of the tree stumps were submerged again and it looked rather dismal. However, the birds were obviously enjoying the weather as they were making a tremendous din.
We crossed over the road into Whitefield car park before veering off on the lesser-known paths of the forest which eventually emerge in Hatchmere village. The usual picnic spot outside The Carriers Inn was too exposed for our coffee break so we carried on into the wood and had a quick break in the shelter of the trees. The path through the reserve passes the beaver enclosure, though this is well fenced and thickly forested so it is impossible to see the work that these interesting animals have been doing in clearing the canopy and building their dams. The 2 adults (named Willow and Rowan) that were introduced there in 2020 have now had a couple of kits, so they are obviously thriving in their new environment.
Looping back through the forest we arrived back at Barnsbridge, damp in clothing but not in spirit!
Words: Janet Photos: Fiona

21st March. Today Delia led us from the Candle Factory car park onto the Sandstone Trail where we climbed up to Bulkeley Hill for the fantastic views at the top, all the way to the Peak District and Cannock Chase. We noticed that a lot of trees have come down over the winter. We headed down again and crossed a field,  heading for Rawhead which is the highest point around at 746 feet; the red sand stones have been sculpted by the wind and made a comfortable place to stop and have a drink, enjoying the views across to Liverpool. Then we set off down the muddy slopes through the woods into Coppermine Lane - an industrial relic of the days over 200 years ago when copper was mined here. After crossing a field we passed the signpost for the Harthill Hub, now sadly no more, before coming across the Cheshire Art Hub, walking on to Burwardsley. All along the way we had noticed the blue signs at properties owned by the 6,500 acre Bolesworth Estate, home of the Barbour family. As we headed back to the car park after our 5 miles walk, we thought how lucky we were to live in such a beautiful place on a windy but sunny day, having all the spring flowers to enjoy. Our photos show wild violets and primroses as well as daffodils and gorse. 
Words and Photos: Fiona

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14th March. Avril led 8 of us on our walk today, starting from Kennel Lane. We turned left down a track which skirted fields, crossed over Dalefords Lane, and followed another track turning right at the end. We passed a small clutch of large houses and turning right again we walked past "Joshua Tree", a charity supporting children and their families affected by childhood cancers. We crossed Dalesfords Lane a second time and after walking across open farmland we passed through the yard of Swallow Farm with it's noisy guard dog. We turned left and after walking past a couple of lakes created from old sandy quarry workings, which host numerous water fowl, we turned right onto the Whitegate Way. After about a mile we walked over Kennel Bridge and then back up Kennel Lane. It was a cold and muddy walk today but we were lucky most of the time as the sun shone and the rain help off. We had a short blast of hail when we stopped for our refreshments on the bench along the Whitegate Way, some horse riders passing us at the same time. But by the time we got back to the cars 4 miles later, the sky was dark and the rain began.
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7th March. Today a group of 10 met at Kings Gate and set off on a walk to Utkinton and back, led by Anne. The walk took us along Waste Lane, joining Tirley Lane where we saw the lamas, and then along a very muddy Sandy Lane to Rock Farm where we were joined by Pat.
We then walked along part of the Sandstone trail, veering off towards Utkinton, where we stopped along the way to admire the gorgeous view towards Beeston. We had a beautiful morning, a huge almost clear blue sky dotted with cotton wool clouds, and as we progressed towards our coffee stop at the Utkinton memorial, certain items of clothing were removed as the sun continued to beat down!
We stopped to admire the new wooden bridge which has been constructed over a large chasm which had opened up during a storm (name forgotten!) a few years ago. The path had been closed all through lockdown and had only been opened in the last year once the bridge had been rebuilt. We returned to Kelsall via Tirley Lane, passing the old Summertrees cafe, much missed by many, especially the lovely cakes! The walk was around 5 miles and I think we all felt better for it, spirits lifted by the lovely weather, good company and exercise.
Words: Anne, Photo:Pat

28th February. Today was a cold start and there was a slight problem with two groups meeting in different places to begin our walk round Black Lake. However, thanks to modern technology (mobile phones, so not that modern!) we did meet up on the car park on Yeld Lane and begin our decent to Eddisbury Fruit Farm and then into the forest. Just to make the point, the only way to walk Yeld Lane is DOWN! So we headed towards the visitor centre but turned left before then to take us along some tracks, ending up at the bench where we could not only enjoy Black Lake but also the coffee/drinks we had brought with us to warm us up.  We set off from the bench along forest tracks, meeting on the way not only some Forestry workers but the wife of our local beekeeper who explained the bumble bee activity we had seen recently in our gardens. We ended up on the Sandstone Trail and passed a kiosk selling fresh eggs - if only I had my purse! We ended up on Forest Gate Lane en route to the car park, having done about 4 miles ,thanks to Myra.
Words and photo: Fiona
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21st February
As we left KCC to meet Mary on Willington Lane, it was a surprisingly cool morning and we were all wrapped up against the cold. We walked down to Common Lane, past the farm and across the muddy fields, coming across several deadly stiles which had obviously not been maintained for some time! As always, there were those with their phones at the ready, results below! We got warmer and warmer as we crossed more fields, ending up on the road to Oscroft where we turned left and headed back to Mary's for coffee and biscuits, leaving our boots outside and coats in piles. A nice walk of 3.5 miles, thanks Mary,
​Words:Fiona Photos: Cathy and Lesley

14th February.
We set off from KCC on a cold and misty morning but with the promise of some sun to come according to the weather forecast. We climbed Yeld Lane and collected two more walkers, making us eight, but it was so chilly we were still not warm, even after the climb. We walked down Forest Gate Lane and into the trees, taking the green lane downhill but turning left along the hedge rather than walk through the field filled with large cattle! It was still misty with no sun at Stoney Lane which led us to the cafe at Urchins Kitchen on Kelsall Hill where we stopped for coffee/hot chocolate/cake/etc. We emerged onto the patio where a kind gent took our photo overlooking the exercise rings; it was at last brightening up! As we walked through Primrose Wood the sun finally came out, making the final climb a warm one. Some walkers peeled off one by one and the rest of us descended the 39 Steps - always the best way! - to return to the car park. A chilly walk of 5 and a half miles, cheered up by lots of conversations and a sunny finish.
Words and Photo: Fiona

7th February
Today there were 11 of us looking forward to a shortish walk of 3 to 4 miles with Pat taking us around the Willington area. We set off in cold bright sunshine passing the Boot Inn, taking in the lovely view from the top of Little Switzerland, before heading for Kings Gate. We walked the length of Primrose Wood, emerging onto Tirley Lane and thinking we would be heading back to Pat's. But no! We walked along the lane, passing Tirley Garth and then headed off down the Sandstone Trail along a narrow tree-lined track which was long - but luckily downhill. We ended up on the Utkinton road near Rock Farm, from where we did finally head for Pat's and a welcome coffee and biscuits. We have reliable evidence that our walk was 6.2 miles! But there was little complaint as the weather was beautiful and it was a real pleasure to be out in it. So thanks Pat for a lovely morning, not to mention the delicious biscuits.
Words and Photos: Fiona

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​24th January 
Today was the day of our "Christmas" lunch at the Red Lion in Little Budworth, with a walk led by Jean  beforehand of about 4 miles so that we were sure we had a good appetite! Not all of us did the walk, some met us at the pub, including some who no longer do the walks but are honorary members of the group.
It was a rather muddy walk given all the snow that had finally melted along the paths in the woods but even though it was a bit gloomy, it was lovely to be outside, with a good lunch to look forward to. Our route across the Common varies from time to time but we always end up at Budworth Pool, and then we know we are almost back. After a lovely lunch we set off home, it was still gloomy but we were not!
Words and Photos: Fiona
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