2024 - Kelsall WI

OUR WALKS 2024

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3rd December. Today the very last of our 2024 walks took place and, as is traditional, it was a linear walk from Kelsall to Utkinton. As usual, careful thought had gone into the logistics with regard to cars and walkers so that no one would be stranded in Utkinton at the end of the walk; in the end we had cars in three places! And as if that was not complicated enough, one of our walkers joined us half way through! But we were not deterred on a cold but bright morning and 10 ladies made it to Rose Farm Cafe for coffee and cake and a festive photo.
Words and Photo: Fiona

26th November. It was a beautiful sunny day as 5 ladies, led by Janet, walked around the Anderton and Marbury Country Parks. Starting at the Anderton Boat Lift car park we passed through Marshall's Wood where a display board had information about the salt mining in the area. We were interested to see pictures of the terrible damage to houses caused by the extensive subsidence of the land. After crossing the canal we entered Marbury Park and stopped at a convenient seat for coffee where a very tame robin came to join us and perched on the back of the seating hoping for some crumbs. Passing through Marbury Wood, which was full of squirrels dashing about amongst the mature beech trees there, we regained the Trent and Mersey Canal and crossed the footbridge to walk along the tow path back to the car park. Despite all the snow and heavy rain in the past week it was not too muddy underfoot and we appreciated having a walk in the sunshine for once.
Words Janet. Photos Lesley

12th November. On a cold but sunny morning 12 ladies met up at Kings Gate and walked down the track, taking a left turn up the Sandstone Trail before heading off across the recently logged hillside into the woods. We walked downhill before heading for the woodland skirting the fields behind the equestrian centre; the birch trees were ablaze in the sunshine and the leaves a crisp carpet under our feet. We headed along the sandy track to Urchins Kitchen cafe where we crowded around 2 tables with our coffees before setting off again for the forest track circling back to Kings Gate. A short walk of 2.5 miles in beautiful sunlight.
Words Fiona Photos Jean/Fiona

Tuesday 5th November. Eight members participated in a circular walk in the Malpas area today. We walked along Chester Road, crossed the fields to Mates Lane and continued on to Kidnal. We had a refreshment stop then walked along Overton Scar before proceeding along part of the Marchers Way and passing the Twelve Apostles sycamore trees back to Malpas village. As you can see from the photo it was rather misty so we were unable to see the wonderful westerly views to the Vale of Llangollen.
Words: Pat. Photos: Pat/Cathy/Jean

Tuesday 29th October. The morning was so misty and moist I sat in my car at KCC, listening to Schubert, wondering if anyone might turn up...as negative message after negative message rolled in on the WI walkers app. Suddenly a smiling Danielle who had braved the wet appeared at the car window. The walk was ON...
Parking at the bottom of Yeld Lane we quickly entered the forest down the leaf covered brick track, and along and around and over a bridge. A Manchester bound train traversed underneath, and we twisted and turned, and even though I had recced a definite route to follow we were talking and walking so happily in the light rain, well sheltered from anything worse by the trees, we suddenly found we had wandered from my planned route, which actually was fortuitous as we arrived at a favourite beauty spot of mine, Black Lake, This had also been a favourite haunt for one of our previous walkers who for many years was our walks organiser - Evelyn. The reflections and light were delightful.
Though a mildly damp walk, with occasional gusts and a squally shower, the forest colours were greatly enhanced by the light and the rain, Strong breezes caused leaves to flutter down and around, and the leaf carpet underfoot glowed. It couldn't have been a more beautiful and gently autumnal walk. After we arrived back in Kelsall we went for a coffee at Citrus, a perfect finish to the morning. Sorry you missed it folks!
Words and Pictures: Cathy

Tuesday 22nd October. Jean had seven for her walk today round Little Budworth Country Park. The sun shone and it wasn't too wet underfoot, considering all the recent rain. Everyone returned from the walk safely, in spite of what some of the photos suggest!
Words and Photos: Jean

Tuesday 15th October. Today there were seven ladies for a Beeston circular walk. Parking in Bates Mill Lane we crossed the bridge and started by walking along the Shropshire Union Canal path to Wharton's Lock, turning then into the fields towards Beeston Castle. Though quite a grey day it was dry and perfect for walking with a bit of a breeze, so for our break we stopped in the shelter of the conifer woods under the castle and then continued over the fields towards Peckforton Castle. We turned west for the return walk through the green dairy fields of Tollemache Farm. All the cows were safe behind electric fencing and the "moo-monitors" around their necks prompted an enlightening session from those in the know, sharing their knowledge of modern milking systems and AI - the agricultural kind. Much of this farm route has been paved with concrete sleepers which made the walk more level and pleasant. We crossed Tattenhall Lane and through a one time farm converted to equestrian and luxury holiday cottages and downhill through grassy green fields to the old mill in Bates Mill Lane. In all, just under 4 miles.
Words and photos: Cathy

Tuesday 8th October. There were 6 ladies today for a lovely autumn walk. Janet led us from Barnesbridge car park in mildly wet drizzly rain and we walked under cover of the sweet chestnuts. Taking the trail beside Blakemere, a heron was spotted on the edge of the lake. We circled round to cross the road near Whitefield car park and on along the tracks through the eastern woodlands. After recrossing the main road we stopped for a refreshing break under blue sky and in sunshine by Hatchmere. Refreshed, we took a narrow wooded trail through glorious dappled sunshine under green and golden trees and connected to the Beaver trail and back to Barnesbridge.
Words and Photos: Cathy

Tuesday 1st October. Today Anne had planned to do a 5 mile walk around Peckforton and Beeston, but after a recce a couple of weeks ago, she decided that it was too long, there were too many cows, unwalked paths, and overgrown stiles. The recce of her second choice at the weekend was around Bunbury and proved to be just as bad, and totally wet and muddy. Hence it was to be a forest walk with coffee and, not surprisingly due to yet more rain, only one brave soul turned up. So Cathy and Anne set off in the rain for a short walk from King's Gate car park. They passed one very damp dog walker on the way to Urchin's Kitchen where they had a very welcome cup of coffee, while watching some showjumping in the indoor arena. They swelled the number of customers in the cafe from zero to two! They were very pleased with themselves for having braved the elements and the rain had stopped for the return leg. A very enjoyable but rather damp walk.
Words: Anne. Photos: Cathy

Tuesday 24th September.
Seven ladies met at KCC to decide where to go! The original plan was to do a new walk that Fiona and Lesley had reconnoitred from Tarvin, crossing the Roman bridges towards Stamford Mill and back into Tarvin. However, with the torrential rain that occurred the day before we thought that the fields at Stamford Mill may very well have resembled water meadow, so discretion being the better part of valour we decided to do a forest walk with a cafe stop instead.
We started off from Yeld car park and walked downhill towards Blackberry Cottage and turned into Delamere Forest. From there we walked round the lake heading towards the visitor centre, stopping for coffee and cake. We then walked back up to Yeld Lane via the Sandstone Trail saying hello to some very hefty Aberdeen Angus on a 4.4 mile walk on a cool day but without getting wet - woohoo!
Words and Photo: Lesley

Tuesday 17th September.
Today Jane led five of us on a walk of about 4 miles around the village of Willaston on the Wirral. It was a beautiful sunny day and the walk was mainly on footpaths, quiet lanes and the Wirral Way. We ended up at Hadlow Road Station where the cafe was doing a roaring trade as you can see from the photos.
Words: Jane Photos Lesley and Jane

Tuesday 10th September. Five of us braved the wet and windy weather and set off on our walk at Kennel Lane, Sandiway. We turned left down a track which skirted fields, crossed over Dalesfords Lane, and followed another track turning right at the end. We passed a small clutch of large houses and turning right we walked past Joshua Tree, a charity supporting children and their families affected by childhood cancer. We crossed Dalesfords Lane a second time and after walking through open farmland passed through the yard of Swallow Farm. We turned left and after walking past a couple of lakes created from old sand workings, we turned right onto the Whitegate Way. Ordinarily we would have stopped for a drink and a snack on Whtegate Way but by now the rain was so heavy we just ploughed on and after about a mile we walked over Kennel Bridge and back up Kennel Lane to the cars. Despite the horrendous weather it was an enjoyable four mile walk.
Words Avril, Photos Jean

Tuesday 3rd September. Today seven of us met up to decide how far we wanted to go on a walk which would take in the stones on Old Pale and the Iron Age Eddisbury Hillfort, which is the largest and most complex of the seven hillforts in Cheshire; it was decided that we would forego a visit to Urchins Kitchen cafe on the 5 mile version, and instead walk from the Yeld for a 4 mile walk. We set off down Forest Gate Lane and went uphill to Old Pale where the views were a bit cloudy although sunshine was promised. As we headed for the hillfort it was clear that last night's rain had been quite heavy and it was much muddier on the top - we had to walk through the herd of Welsh Black cattle, which had churned up the track, so after we had passed between the cattle we slid over to the stone walls which now guard the excavated gateway. After a chat and a drink we set off down the bank to Eddisbury Hill, going straight on at Stoney Lane to walk along the edge of the field. We turned through a gate and continued through the woods and a green lane, back towards Forest Gate Lane and the car park. The sun had at last come out and it was a lovely morning with a hint of autumn.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean and Fiona

Tuesday 20th August. Jean's walk today was a mixture of heathland, a grassy track and lanes; it took us across two small fields, alongside Budworth pool, through the village (past a handy village shop) and back to the car park. A good time of year to do the walk as the heather was out in abundance. You can see a map of the walk and our photos below.
Words Jean. Photos Jean and Fiona

Tuesday 13th August. Today we parked in the car park at Anglo-Welsh boat hire alongside the Shropshire Union Canal and Mary led us down the tow path towards Chester. There were quite a few boats along the canal heading for the locks but it was very quiet on the tow path and the summer growth was very lush with all sorts of wild flowers. We walked for some time, passing some mysterious lakes on the left, wondering what they were for - lots of benches were placed around them but we had no way over the River Gowy so couldn't use them for our refreshments! But we found a picnic bench at the next lock so we sat down and had a chat and drink. We retraced our steps to Tilston Lock where we crossed the canal and headed up a steep hill behind some pretty cottages, coming out in a beautiful field full of wild flowers. Another climb brought us to a ridge near the stables where we had lovely views back towards the canal and from there it was a short downhill to the marina, where we thought it would be a good idea to develop the old buildings alongside the canal; there are some original stables for the canal horses which would make a perfect cafe. A pretty and easy walk of around 3 miles on a much cooler day.
Words and photos: Fiona

Tuesday 6th August.
We had another good turnout today for Sue's walk, setting off from Christleton. The weather was sunny but not so hot as previously so it was a pleasant walk through the village lanes, passing the pond with it's ducks and toddlers, before heading off across the wheat fields towards Littleton. We passed through a field with a herd of young Welsh Blacks in the centre but luckily they were basking in the sunshine and not interested in us! We came out onto a cross-roads of country lanes, eventually ending up near the A55 before taking the tow path along the Shropshire Union canal to the Cheshire Cat, where we sat in the sunshine and enjoyed coffee and soft drinks. It was only a short walk from the Cat back into Christleton and the cars we had parked earlier; a lovely walk, thanks Sue.
Words: Fiona Photos: Cathy

Tuesday 30th July. We had a good turnout today with ten of us setting off from the carpark near Helsby Quarry Nature Reserve; we were going to climb Helsby Hill which is a large sandstone outcrop easily seen from the M56 which we could hear below us as we climbed. We headed uphill on a very warm morning with the sun beating down through the trees. Janet had planned her walk carefully, making sure we could stay in the shade for as long as possible, something we were very glad about as the temperature rose. We reached the trig point which is 141 meters high and broke into the sun, looking at the views over the Mersey Estuary to Liverpool Airport and beyond. From there it was mainly downhill as we negotiated the path of large stones leading us into the woods, stopping at the entrance to Harmers Wood for a drink and a sit down. We carried on as the day warmed up and came out onto Hill Road again, turning left downhill back to the car park; a walk of about 3 miles, just right for a hot morning!
Words and Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 23rd July. On a lovely sunny morning ten of us started our walk on the Shropshire Union Canal, opposite The Shady pub. Just after Wharton's lock we left the canal and walked across fields in the direction of Beeston Castle. We then swung round to the left to walk over more fields in the direction of Tiverton, stopping for a drink and photo op. on the way. Once in Tiverton we rejoined the canal at Beeston Brook Bridge and walked back to The Shady. An enjoyable 4 mile walk.
Words: Avril. Photos: Jean and Fiona

Tuesday 16th July. Pat had hoped we would be in Llandudno today but lack of interest meant she had to create a local 3 mile walk round Utkinton. However after her recce we had very heavy rain. So when five of us set off across the sodden fields we found the local farmer had beaten us to it with his muck spreader, the 6 ft. high nettles, brambles and grasses through which we walked were the wet breeding ground of armies of voracious horse flies which were delighted to see us, and one of us slipped off the path through the jungle and down the vertical slope towards the stream. All was not lost however as the bramble thickets stopped her progress and we were able to pull her up with her stick, still held tightly in her hand. She made light of her wounds and her new knee and we set off again. "Are we nearly there yet?" was heard several times as we hauled ourselves up the last field so we were delighted to realise we had arrived on the road to the village. It was an unforgettable 3 miles.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean and Fiona

Tuesday 9th July. After a very wet night and with the rain still pouring down, Margaret led 9 of us on a much shorter walk than planned but with the addition of a visit to St. Peter's Church in Plemstall near Mickle Trafford. She had arranged for the church warden to open the church for us and to talk about the history of this Grade 1 listed building, standing isolated on elevated ground, which was known as The Isle of Chester, at the end of a country lane. It's sandstone structure seems unchanged from it's origin in the 15th century but there have been religious buildings on this site since the 9th century. Restorations have taken place in every century since then and Rev. Joseph Hooker Toogood was responsible for much of the woodwork while he was the incumbent from 1907 to 1946. There are many relics from the 15th and 16th centuries still remaining in the church but the stained glass windows were seriously damaged over the centuries; but the main door is the original 15th century and the tomb in the graveyard carved with skeletons is a mystery.
After our interesting look around the church and graveyard, we drove back to Meadow Lea Farm and left the cars for a circular walk through lanes and paths in the drizzle; by the time we got back to the farm cafe it was nearly dry and we enjoyed coffee and cake in the cafe - which sells it's own ice cream. Another day......
Words and Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 2nd July. Myra had planned a walk around the Whitegate Way but it was flooded! So instead she led nine ladies on a ramble down Yeld Lane and into Delamere Forest. We wended our way along paths and between tall trees where I always get lost, and crossed the railway line several times, but she unerringly took us back via the Visitor Centre where we sat outside (but under cover just in case!) and enjoyed our coffees. Along the way we met various dog walkers, some many times! We were also lucky to find patches of common spotted orchids beside the path, location secret! It didn't really rain for a change and when the sun came out it was almost warm; a lovely walk Myra.
Words: Fiona Photo: Cathy

Tuesday 25th June. On what was the hottest Tuesday so far this year six ladies set off towards the Wirral to walk to Heswall Dales. We parked opposite the Yot cafe and set off along local lanes and towards the River Dee estuary. We walked along the beach for a short section and then up through fields towards the Wirral Way. Heading along the Wirral Way for a short section we then dived through a gap in the hedge and headed up the hill towards Dungeon Wood. At the top of the hill there are beautiful views across the Dee towards North Wales. It was a little hazy but we still managed to see the wind turbines out in Liverpool Bay. We then headed across the top of the hill towards Oldfield Road, past some very swish houses, and down through heathland towards the Yot cafe where ice creams, teas and coffees were much appreciated. How nice to have a walk in shirt sleeves and hats instead of heavy duty wet weather gear!
Words: Lesley Photos: Jean, Lesley, Fiona

Tuesday 18th June. It was a dry morning for once for Janet's walk to the top of Frodsham Hill, even if it was rather grey and chilly - in fact Lesley commented that she wished she'd brought her gloves with her! A machete would have been more useful for one section of the footpath which disappeared into a tunnel of overgrown bracken and nettles, but all 5 ladies pushed their way through and emerged unscathed at the other end. The view over the Mersey from the War Memorial was good, although rather grey as we sat there drinking our coffee before the descent down the Sandstone Trail to our starting point on Ridgeway. This section of the path has some steep, uneven stone steps and a flight of metal stairs, so we proceeded with caution, but all agreed that it was an enjoyable walk and well worth the effort.
Words: Janet Photos: Jean, Lesley, Fiona

Tuesday 4th June. On yet another wet morning six ladies embarked on a 4 mile walk starting at Stable Lane Mouldsworth. Our route was: Station Road, Smithy Lane, Pingot Lane (crossing Manley Road) New Pale Road, Dark Lane, Delamere Road, and back to Stable Lane and included tracks, fields, lanes and woodland. 13 stiles in total were climbed over, some more difficult than others. Actually it wasn't the constant rain that was the biggest issue, it was negotiating the overgrown wet field grass and enormous nettles and brambles sometimes blocking our way. The conditions when the recce was carried out only 4 days earlier were dry which made the walk so much easier. Oh, for some dry sunny weather...my dripping jacket, hat and boots may take some time to dry out!
Words: Andrea Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 28th May. Today Jane was to lead us on a circular walk starting on the Whitegate Way; there has been a lot of rain in the two weeks since the recce and we were not surprised to find it very muddy, especially as it was raining as we set off, throughout the walk, and when we went into the cafe at the end. In fact it was so wet and muddy that we decided to leave out the circular element and retrace our steps, heading for the cafe in the old ticket office and the promise of some great coffee (there were some lovely cakes too but we were strong and did not indulge!). So our walk was a little shorter than anticipated but we all enjoyed being out and having a chat along the way, with the wild rhododendrons in the wet woods adding some much needed colour.
Words and Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 14th May. On today's walk 4 members set off from Commonside near Alvanley. The first obstacle was a well ploughed field with no evidence of a path. Fortunately no one fell into one of the large ruts. We walked part of the North Cheshire Way and into woods near Firs Farm. Pausing for refreshments at a picnic table we chatted to a gentleman from Friends of Harmers Wood. The original woods were destroyed by bombs during the Second World War. We carried on to the edge of Helsby Hill then on to Covertside and Ridgeway. Soon we were on the Sandstone Trail leading upwards to Commonside again after 4 miles. We avoided the rain but were rather muddy thanks to the ploughed field.
Words: Dorothy Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 7th May. After a cool start to the morning the temperature soon warmed up as six ladies set off from Norley, exploring tracks, a wildflower memorial garden, village and rural lanes, and the quieter parts of Delamere Forest. So quiet that the call of a cuckoo could be heard in the distance. How lucky we are to have so many interesting and varied walks to choose from.
Words:Andrea. Photos: Cathy

Tuesday 30th April. The instructions read keep by the perimeter of Oulton Park Racing Circuit; unfortunately our leader took this a bit too literally and five of us found ourselves struggling to walk through some dense undergrowth close by the high perimeter fence. Fortunately before too long we spotted a path over to our right a few metres away. We were glad to eventually leave Oulton Park behind us as it was a practice day and rather noisy. We followed a sandy lane skirting the edge of woodland and 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. We walked through Little Budworth village admiring the lovely cottage gardens along the way and before too long we were back at the car park after an enjoyable four mile walk on a surprisingly warm morning.
Words Avril. Photos Jean and Fiona

Tuesday 23rd April. We met up at the car park on Yeld Lane for Jane's walk in Delamere Forest. There were nine of us today and we crossed the railway line several times as we worked our way round to the Go Ape area, where we saw quite a few workers on the overhead platforms. We left them to it and walked on past Blakemere Moss where there was a great

noise from large flocks of birds on the water. We headed off to the Visitor Centre and decided to sit inside for our coffee as there was a cold wind, in spite of the sunshine .We set off along the track towards Yeld Lane, turning left and up the hill to come out just below the masts, from where it was not far to Forest Gate Lane and the car park. A nice walk of just over 5 miles with no rain!
Words and Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 16th April. Today Anne had planned a circular walk from Kings Gate via Utkinton. The recce several days before was muddy but after more rain it was decided to change the walk to a less muddy one. So the nine of us who met at the carpark set off for a short, mud free walk to take in a coffee at Urchin's Kitchen.
Forest England were working in the area, and we saw and heard two trees being felled within the first few minutes of our walk. Those of us who had not been in the forest for some time were very surprised to see the huge difference in the surrounding landscape.
After a very pleasant coffee stop, on the way back we were surprised to see a large tree being felled just a hundred yards in front of us. We had a very informative chat with the Forestry England chap, who was the "safety scout", while watching the tree being stripped and then dragged away by the amazing equipment. The felled trees (hundreds of them) will be put to use in several ways including furniture and fencing, and they will be replaced in time by new saplings. We enjoyed our walk, short but mud-free, with the added excitement of the felling and clearing of the trees.
Words: Anne Photos:Anne, Cathy and Fiona

Tuesday 2nd April. Today Cathy led two walkers around a section of Delamere Forest.
Photos: Cathy and Lesley

With the Gruffalo

Blakemere Moss

Tuesday 26th March. Myra's walk set off from the car park at Yeld Lane on a surprisingly pleasant morning, after all the wind and rain we have had recentley. We headed off downhill to the bottom of Yeld Lane and past the cycle repair shop, turning right into the forest. We walked along tracks which were generally not too muddy, enjoying the spring-like weather. Crossing the railway line several times, we arrived at Black Lake which is a Nature Reserve with unusual mosses which give a home to rare dragonflies and damselflies. There had been significant felling around the Lake which gave us some welcome seats for our drink stop. Setting off again we headed towards the Sandstone Trail, walking mostly uphill to Forest Gate Lane and back to the car park. Not sure how far todays walk was, but it was enjoyed by us all in some spring warmth.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean and Fiona

Tuesday 19th March. It was a promising morning weather-wise when we met in the community centre car park and as our walk leader had done a recce only 3 days before, it seemed as though nothing could go wrong. So we set off in 2 cars for Marbury Country Park. I could spend the next 6 lines detailing the trials and tribulations we went through before we finally arrived (separately) at Marbury but as life is too short I will only say that our new Whatsapp was very useful and we finally set off for our walk at least half an hour late!
We headed for Budworth Mere, walking the path alongside it with lovely views across the mere to Great Budworth church; the woods were full of white wood anemones and birdsong - one of us had a birdsong app on their phone! And although the trees were still bare there were signs of green to come. We crossed the bridge over the trent and mersey canal and followed the tow path up to the Anderton Marina, turning off shortly afterwards and passing some fishing ponds, although there were few fishermen today. We entered Uplands Woodland; this whole areas is fairly new planting and is part of the Northwich Woodlands, utilizing previously derelict industrial land linking Marbury with Northwich. We were glad to see a picnic table as we were ready for our drinks. Passing through more woodland we re-crossed the canal bridge to head back toward the car park. It had been a warm and sunny day and 4.5 miles felt far enough!
Words: Fiona Photos: Cathy and Fiona

Tuesday 12th March. Fortunately the forecast for heavy rain was incorrect and it was a dry morning with occasional glimpses of sunshine as four of us started our walk on the Trent and Mersey Canal near the Leigh Arms. There wasn't much activity on the canal, just one narrowboat and several coots and mallards passed us. We were pleased when we could leave the muddy tow path behind and walk down past Bluebell Cottage Gardens before heading into some dense woodland, too early in the year for bluebells unfortunately, which brought us out onto the Delamere Way and eventually the River Weaver. We stopped at the Grade 11 listed Dutton Locks for a drink and welcome sit down and walked back along the river to the Leigh Arms, passing the sunken boat called the Chica built in 1894, and spotting a cormorant and two swans on the way.
Words: Avril Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 5th March.Today Myra's walk was around Carey Park in Northwich but before we could begin we had to find some parking - a large group of walkers had completely filled the car park on Warrington Old Road so our three cars (filled with 9 ladies I might add, unlike the others who had obviously all arrived in separate cars!) had to go to Matalan. However as there was 4 hours free parking and toilets as well, we did not complain too much!
We set off in the gloom as it had been raining earlier in the morning, passing through a lightly wooded area which, like the whole area, had been reclaimed from derelict industrial land decades ago; the trees are now growing taller and it was very hard to see two swans on an island on one of the many small pools, making a nest. We carried on and after passing signs to Anderton Nature Park, we found a bird hide. After a good look at the birds on Haydn's pool we had our refreshments on the benches. Setting off again we rounded Newmann's Flashes where the sun came out at last, making our walk back to Matalan via Marbury Lane more scenic with silver birch trees shining against the blue sky and water, with hawthorn blossom lighting up the hedges..
Words and Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 27th February. Three intrepid walkers set off on our walk today and we were prepared for mixed weather conditions; sunshine and showers were forecast.
We drove to Bickerton church and began the walk following the Sandstone Trail, leading upwards onto the Heath. This is the second largest area of heathland in Cheshire. The National Trust are managing the restoration of the heath, allowing long horned cattle to graze freely in summertime. New pathways have been created to allow for further restoration of the heath. Eventually we climbed up to Maiden Castle, an Iron Age earth and timber rampart. We enjoyed views across to the cathedrals of Liverpool and the Clwydian Hills as we shared warm drinks and a Kit-Kat bar. A strong wind encouraged us to resume the walk, climbing onwards to Kitty'sView, then briskly down-hill back to the start.
Words: Dorothy Photos: Fiona

Tuesday 20th February. Six ladies set out from Northgate in Utkinton, having experienced difficulty parking at the designated starting point. The weather was kind, some of the stiles were rather unstable and it was very wet underfoot in parts, as can be seen from the photograph which was taken at the bottom of the Dog Lane bridle path. It was a lovely clear day with good views over the valley.
Words and photo: Pat

Tuesday 13th February. Perhaps due to the gloomy morning and rainy outlook, there were only two walkers today for a walk through Primrose Wood. They bravely set out nevertheless, walking through the woods, which are now much less tree-covered than they were a few months ago due to the felling which has gone on recently. They ended up on Tirley Lane, stopping to say hello to the herd of deer in the field before the Kingsgate car park. And it didn't rain after all!
Words: Lesley/Fiona

Tuesday 30th January 2024
Today 9 of us met at KCC for the first walk of the year in which Pat would lead us round the village using the paths and byways on a short walk to get us moving again after the Christmas and New Year holidays. We set off for Quarry Lane, looped back to Hall Lane where we explored the farm at the top where lots of tidying up has taken place. Old Coach Road led into Brooms Lane and Grub Lane; the Hollow Way took us to Dog Lane where we found an old pump, perfect for a photo opportunity. We cleaned our boots on the grass before crossing to the Green and then to Citrus for some great coffee and - for some - cake too. A nice way to start our walking year.
Words and photo: Fiona