
14th December 2021
Today our walk was rather special - it started with quite a small number of walkers meeting a couple more at the top of Waste Lane; they then carried on through Primrose Wood, then followed Tirley Lane to Utkinton, where they met up with some more of the walkers group at Rose Farm Cafe for the Walkers Christmas Lunch. We had a lovely meal with turkey and all the trimmings for some, and salmon for others who had already had several Christmas lunches elsewhere. There was a huge collection of vegetables, especially roast potatoes! For dessert there was a choice of crumble or Christmas Pudding, both very tasty and all this was topped off with mince pies. Dorothy presented Pat and Myra with a card and voucher each as a thank you from the group for organising our walking calendar this year, which has been quite complicated. Luckily we did not have to walk back to Kelsall as there were enough cars to take us all home. Many thanks to Pat for organising what was a very pleasant and excellent value lunch.
Words and photos: Fiona
Today our walk was rather special - it started with quite a small number of walkers meeting a couple more at the top of Waste Lane; they then carried on through Primrose Wood, then followed Tirley Lane to Utkinton, where they met up with some more of the walkers group at Rose Farm Cafe for the Walkers Christmas Lunch. We had a lovely meal with turkey and all the trimmings for some, and salmon for others who had already had several Christmas lunches elsewhere. There was a huge collection of vegetables, especially roast potatoes! For dessert there was a choice of crumble or Christmas Pudding, both very tasty and all this was topped off with mince pies. Dorothy presented Pat and Myra with a card and voucher each as a thank you from the group for organising our walking calendar this year, which has been quite complicated. Luckily we did not have to walk back to Kelsall as there were enough cars to take us all home. Many thanks to Pat for organising what was a very pleasant and excellent value lunch.
Words and photos: Fiona
23rd November 2021.
Our walk today began at the Leigh Arms (not in the Leigh Arms) and followed the scenic path across the fields next to the River Weaver. We crossed a metal footbridge towards Saltersford Locks and climbed upwards to a convenient bench by the Trent and Mersey canal. Here the seven of us rested and enjoyed our drinks, bananas and energy bars.
Soon we continued with our walk climbing above the Saltersford Tunnel, one of the longest on the canal, and down the towpath on the opposite side. We spotted wildlife including a large heron, ducks and coots. Most of the barges were moored up and shuttered but we passed a friendly couple steering their barge "Dreamcatcher". All too soon we reached bridge number 208 and left the canal walking down the hill to the Leigh Arms and our return to Kelsall.
Words: Dorothy Photos: Marie and Jean
Our walk today began at the Leigh Arms (not in the Leigh Arms) and followed the scenic path across the fields next to the River Weaver. We crossed a metal footbridge towards Saltersford Locks and climbed upwards to a convenient bench by the Trent and Mersey canal. Here the seven of us rested and enjoyed our drinks, bananas and energy bars.
Soon we continued with our walk climbing above the Saltersford Tunnel, one of the longest on the canal, and down the towpath on the opposite side. We spotted wildlife including a large heron, ducks and coots. Most of the barges were moored up and shuttered but we passed a friendly couple steering their barge "Dreamcatcher". All too soon we reached bridge number 208 and left the canal walking down the hill to the Leigh Arms and our return to Kelsall.
Words: Dorothy Photos: Marie and Jean
9th November 2021 Eight walkers assembled at KCC and started our circular walk up the dreaded "39 steps" which according to one member of the group: "it's not 39 it's 54 steps!" After a little breather looking over the hedge at the wooden teddy bears in Elizabeth Close we met the other members of the group at Kings Gate car park and proceeded into Primrose Wood. It was an extremely mild autumn day, the colours of the leaves were quite spectacular, and leaves on the ground were dry and crisp, ideal for crunching under foot. We came out of Primrose Wood at Tirley Lane and walked along the road past the llamas in the field, lamenting the loss of Summertrees cafe. We continued down Rough Low with beautiful views towards Moel Famau; we then headed up to Little Switzerland to the top of Waste Lane where again the group split, four going off to Kings Gate and the rest of the group thankfully going down the 39/54 steps back to KCC. Words and photos: Lesley |
2nd November 2021
Nine of us met up in KCC car park to do the walk which had been rained off two weeks previously and the weather could not have been more different. It was cold but sunny with light winds. We parked at Tiverton and walked across fields before crossing over to walk along the Shropshire Union Canal. There were lovely views of Beeston Castle and after stopping for coffee at Wharton's Lock it was back across the fields. Some inquisitive young heifers came over to check us out but fortunately Jean was with us so they didn't dare give us any trouble! Once back on the road we thought it would be a straightforward walk back but there was a lot of water on the road and it was only as we rounded the bend that we saw how deep the water was! The road was completely flooded. Fortunately we were able to bypass the road by crossing a field of cut maize and then it was a straightforward walk back to the cars. It was a very enjoyable 4.8 mile walk.
Words: Avril. Photos: Jean
Nine of us met up in KCC car park to do the walk which had been rained off two weeks previously and the weather could not have been more different. It was cold but sunny with light winds. We parked at Tiverton and walked across fields before crossing over to walk along the Shropshire Union Canal. There were lovely views of Beeston Castle and after stopping for coffee at Wharton's Lock it was back across the fields. Some inquisitive young heifers came over to check us out but fortunately Jean was with us so they didn't dare give us any trouble! Once back on the road we thought it would be a straightforward walk back but there was a lot of water on the road and it was only as we rounded the bend that we saw how deep the water was! The road was completely flooded. Fortunately we were able to bypass the road by crossing a field of cut maize and then it was a straightforward walk back to the cars. It was a very enjoyable 4.8 mile walk.
Words: Avril. Photos: Jean

28th October 2021
Eight walkers met at the Community Centre looking forward to a gentle and hopefully dry walk. We had two cars with English Heritage stickers so we could enjoy free parking at the Beeston Castle car park which was ideal. Once there, we set off for an amazing circular walk, passing through attractive woodland where we ascended a wooded hill which was a little steep but we all felt great for having managed it. There was a moment of excitement (panic) when Beatriz missed a turn as the landmark did not behave as expected (gate was open) and we carried on regardless. So after a bit of undoing we found the right path and were on our way again, finishing the walk with an ice cream at the Beeston Castle cafe. All in all, a fine day out!
Words: Beatriz Photos: Pat and Beatriz
Eight walkers met at the Community Centre looking forward to a gentle and hopefully dry walk. We had two cars with English Heritage stickers so we could enjoy free parking at the Beeston Castle car park which was ideal. Once there, we set off for an amazing circular walk, passing through attractive woodland where we ascended a wooded hill which was a little steep but we all felt great for having managed it. There was a moment of excitement (panic) when Beatriz missed a turn as the landmark did not behave as expected (gate was open) and we carried on regardless. So after a bit of undoing we found the right path and were on our way again, finishing the walk with an ice cream at the Beeston Castle cafe. All in all, a fine day out!
Words: Beatriz Photos: Pat and Beatriz
12th October 2021
Seven of us started the walk from Simon's Lane, Frodsham in light drizzle which continued for most of the walk. It didn't really bother us too much as most of the walk was under a thick tree canopy. After crossing the golf course we dropped down into Dunsdale Hollow via a couple of flights of steps before climbing up the other side and scrambling up some sandstone rocks. No problem for such active and fearless WI members! The views from the top were quite extensive looking over the Mersey Estuary to Liverpool. We also looked down on the school in Helsby and several of us reminisced on playing hockey on those very fields in the biting winds so many years ago.
We continued through an attractive little valley before climbing to meet the Manley Road. After crossing here we turned onto a sandy track which led us down to the Shepherd's Houses, beyond which was a field with more views of the Mersey Estuary. From here we emerged into Simon's Lane before returning to the cars.
Words: Margaret Photos: Margaret and Avril
Seven of us started the walk from Simon's Lane, Frodsham in light drizzle which continued for most of the walk. It didn't really bother us too much as most of the walk was under a thick tree canopy. After crossing the golf course we dropped down into Dunsdale Hollow via a couple of flights of steps before climbing up the other side and scrambling up some sandstone rocks. No problem for such active and fearless WI members! The views from the top were quite extensive looking over the Mersey Estuary to Liverpool. We also looked down on the school in Helsby and several of us reminisced on playing hockey on those very fields in the biting winds so many years ago.
We continued through an attractive little valley before climbing to meet the Manley Road. After crossing here we turned onto a sandy track which led us down to the Shepherd's Houses, beyond which was a field with more views of the Mersey Estuary. From here we emerged into Simon's Lane before returning to the cars.
Words: Margaret Photos: Margaret and Avril
8th October 2021
We had postponed our walk from yesterday as the weather forecast was awful; so five of us were very pleased to meet in the Yeld car park in the sunshine. Fiona led into the forest down Forest Gate Lane and headed up to the Stones. After enjoying the views we turned right and went down the track heading east. We turned up a muddy track alongside a wood, walked down a farm road and then turned towards Eddisbury Hill Fort on our right. We climbed up to the earthworks after squeezing through some wooden posts - a good job we hadn't had too much for breakfast! We walked along the top of the earthworks, ending up at the reconstructed eastern entrance where there was an artist's impression of how it would have looked in the Iron Age. Apparently Eddisbury (also known as Castle Ditch) is the largest and most complex of all the seven hill forts in Cheshire. We followed the track downhill to Eddisbury Hill and Stoney Lane. We crossed two fields to bring us back into the forest, having stopped for some refreshments on the way, and made our way back to Forest Gate Lane and the car park. An interesting walk of just over 4 miles, mostly in the sunshine.
Words and Photos: Fiona
We had postponed our walk from yesterday as the weather forecast was awful; so five of us were very pleased to meet in the Yeld car park in the sunshine. Fiona led into the forest down Forest Gate Lane and headed up to the Stones. After enjoying the views we turned right and went down the track heading east. We turned up a muddy track alongside a wood, walked down a farm road and then turned towards Eddisbury Hill Fort on our right. We climbed up to the earthworks after squeezing through some wooden posts - a good job we hadn't had too much for breakfast! We walked along the top of the earthworks, ending up at the reconstructed eastern entrance where there was an artist's impression of how it would have looked in the Iron Age. Apparently Eddisbury (also known as Castle Ditch) is the largest and most complex of all the seven hill forts in Cheshire. We followed the track downhill to Eddisbury Hill and Stoney Lane. We crossed two fields to bring us back into the forest, having stopped for some refreshments on the way, and made our way back to Forest Gate Lane and the car park. An interesting walk of just over 4 miles, mostly in the sunshine.
Words and Photos: Fiona

28th September 2021
Instead of our planned walk along the River Weaver a new local walk was devised by today's leader. On a grey, cool morning seven enthusiastic ladies turned up and set off through the narrow passageways to reach the "39 steps". A tough climb, but these WI ladies are game for a challenge!! We continued along the road to King's Gate and into Primrose Wood and then joined the Sandstone Trail, climbing again to reach Summertrees.
Here we paused for a rest and refreshing drinks before continuing with a downhill stroll to Gooseberry Lane, taking in the views of the Welsh hills. Soon we were climbing again through "Little Switzerland" and past Kelsborrow Castle. By now the sun was shining and we raced downhill via the "39 steps", although some ladies counted over 50! A short but fast walk "just over three miles and the equivalent of climbing 30 floors" according to one of our group.
Words: Dorothy
Photo of Little Switzerland
Instead of our planned walk along the River Weaver a new local walk was devised by today's leader. On a grey, cool morning seven enthusiastic ladies turned up and set off through the narrow passageways to reach the "39 steps". A tough climb, but these WI ladies are game for a challenge!! We continued along the road to King's Gate and into Primrose Wood and then joined the Sandstone Trail, climbing again to reach Summertrees.
Here we paused for a rest and refreshing drinks before continuing with a downhill stroll to Gooseberry Lane, taking in the views of the Welsh hills. Soon we were climbing again through "Little Switzerland" and past Kelsborrow Castle. By now the sun was shining and we raced downhill via the "39 steps", although some ladies counted over 50! A short but fast walk "just over three miles and the equivalent of climbing 30 floors" according to one of our group.
Words: Dorothy
Photo of Little Switzerland
21st September 2021
Today Jean led seven of us on a walk through Little Budworth Country Park. It was a soft sunny September day with no wind and we decided we would look for all the signs we could find of the countryside providing it's autumnal bounty, given this is the Great Big Green Week - and Kelsall WI had just been turned green on our CFWI map! So in the slideshow below you will see what we found on our walk - blackberries, fungi, rose hips, wild apples, rowan berries, fir cones, some zebras......well maybe not but the horses in their funky blankets looked amazing across the fields, and they have already stared in another walk earlier in the year. Sadly the heather had finished flowering but the heath still looked beautiful in the sun. We arrived back at the car park having passed Budworth Pool and the Red Lion - sadly shut! Thank you Jean for a lovely autumnal walk. Words: Fiona. Photos: Jean and Fiona |
7th September 2021
This was a pleasant walk on a very warm September morning around the Acton Bridge area. We did have to negotiate our way past a large lorry and crane near the bridge which was lowering a large crate by the river. Also, maintenance work was in progress to cut back tree branches and large areas of the weed Himalayan Bolsam near Dutton Locks.
The photograph shows a very welcome rest in the shade at the end of our walk from Acton Bridge along the River Weaver to Dutton Locks and back through Acton Bridge village.
The circular seat around the tree had been placed by Acton Bridge WI in 1956 and renovated by the Parish Council and the WI in 2018.
We were all interested to see lots of swallows on a farm building, obviously getting ready for their flight south but maybe confused by the very warm temperature.
Words/photos: Marie
31st August 2021
There were 8 of us today for Myra's 4 mile walk along the River Weaver. We parked alongside the A556 at the Blue Bridge and set off upstream to Vale Royal Locks where we crossed the river as some narrow boats were negotiating the locks. We walked along the river towards Kingsmead and Marshall's Arm nature reserve and noticed a large new building site on the opposite side with cranes and some already completed houses. Along the way we spotted quite a bit of wild-life - a heron waiting for breakfast, a fisherman also hoping for a catch, and an oarsman from the rowing club who looked like he had already had his breakfast. We stopped for a rest at the picnic tables near Northwich Rowing Club, then headed up to Hunts Lock where there were quite a lot of boats, some of which had seen better days. We crossed the river again and headed back to the Blue Bridge to our cars, seeing some swans along the way. We had a lovely level walk and a good chat despite the gloomy weather. Thank you Myra. Words/photos Fiona
This was a pleasant walk on a very warm September morning around the Acton Bridge area. We did have to negotiate our way past a large lorry and crane near the bridge which was lowering a large crate by the river. Also, maintenance work was in progress to cut back tree branches and large areas of the weed Himalayan Bolsam near Dutton Locks.
The photograph shows a very welcome rest in the shade at the end of our walk from Acton Bridge along the River Weaver to Dutton Locks and back through Acton Bridge village.
The circular seat around the tree had been placed by Acton Bridge WI in 1956 and renovated by the Parish Council and the WI in 2018.
We were all interested to see lots of swallows on a farm building, obviously getting ready for their flight south but maybe confused by the very warm temperature.
Words/photos: Marie
31st August 2021
There were 8 of us today for Myra's 4 mile walk along the River Weaver. We parked alongside the A556 at the Blue Bridge and set off upstream to Vale Royal Locks where we crossed the river as some narrow boats were negotiating the locks. We walked along the river towards Kingsmead and Marshall's Arm nature reserve and noticed a large new building site on the opposite side with cranes and some already completed houses. Along the way we spotted quite a bit of wild-life - a heron waiting for breakfast, a fisherman also hoping for a catch, and an oarsman from the rowing club who looked like he had already had his breakfast. We stopped for a rest at the picnic tables near Northwich Rowing Club, then headed up to Hunts Lock where there were quite a lot of boats, some of which had seen better days. We crossed the river again and headed back to the Blue Bridge to our cars, seeing some swans along the way. We had a lovely level walk and a good chat despite the gloomy weather. Thank you Myra. Words/photos Fiona
17th August 2021 .
Today Avril led a group of 7 of us from Blakemere Craft Centre car park on a route which she had got to know very well during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It took us through some leafy lanes around Petty Pool, including many of the old sand quarries which have now become lakes, some of them quite large. We returned along the Whitegate Way having done around 4 miles. The rain never let up the whole way which you can see very well from these photos! |
10th August 2021
Today's was a special walk, not because it began at 10.45 am and not because it was a bit shorter than usual at 3 miles. It was special because it was the day we all met up for lunch at the Red Lion in Little Budworth, walkers and some non-walkers too, to say goodbye to Evelyn. She has been a driving force in the walkers for a long time, not just as a walker but creating with Myra our year-long diary of walks, made during our January coffee mornings. She is moving to London to be near her son and will be looking out for a local WI once down there. Dorothy presented her with a framed series of photos from our walks; we all appreciate the work she has put into our WI during her years with us and wish her well. The photo shows Evelyn doing one of her favourite things, walking with Kelsall WI. |
13th July 2021
Today 6 of us met by the Leigh Arms on the A49 for Avril's walk. We walked along the busy road until we crossed and began our walk along the Trent and Mersey Canal. There were lots of narrow boats, mostly tied up along the bank. It was starting to get quite hot as we left the canal and climbed up onto the bridge where some photos were taken. As we walked down the lane we passed Bluebell Cottage Gardens - if you'd like to visit them take a look at our Save the Date! page as Pat has organised a trip - and then headed into some dense woodland alongside Longacre Brook. We saw a kestrell hovering over the fields as we approached Dutton Locks on the River Weaver, where we had a welcome sit down; it was now quite hot. It was a short walk back to the Leigh Arms to collect our cars where we thanked Avril for a nice 5 mile walk with good company. Although there were only 6 of us, lots of photos were taken so here's a slideshow. Thanks to Avril, Lesley and Fiona for the photos.
Today 6 of us met by the Leigh Arms on the A49 for Avril's walk. We walked along the busy road until we crossed and began our walk along the Trent and Mersey Canal. There were lots of narrow boats, mostly tied up along the bank. It was starting to get quite hot as we left the canal and climbed up onto the bridge where some photos were taken. As we walked down the lane we passed Bluebell Cottage Gardens - if you'd like to visit them take a look at our Save the Date! page as Pat has organised a trip - and then headed into some dense woodland alongside Longacre Brook. We saw a kestrell hovering over the fields as we approached Dutton Locks on the River Weaver, where we had a welcome sit down; it was now quite hot. It was a short walk back to the Leigh Arms to collect our cars where we thanked Avril for a nice 5 mile walk with good company. Although there were only 6 of us, lots of photos were taken so here's a slideshow. Thanks to Avril, Lesley and Fiona for the photos.
6th July 2021
Eight of us congregated at the Community Centre in the pouring rain and debated whether or not to carry on with Heather's walk. We all decided that since we were already wet, we should just go ahead so we set off for Brooms Lane and took the path to the strawberry fields. Having crossed the field and the very busy A54, we set off again across the sheep-filled pastures in endless rain. However, it didn't stop us having a good chat with everyone and catching up with news. We came out on a hillside above Longley Lane and then walked along to Hollands Lane, down the Hollow Way and into Dog Lane. It was still raining! We crossed the road by the Royal Oak, took the path to Rockery Farm and continued across the road to the Green where we split up to walk home. A wet walk but a lovely chat, thank you Heather. Photo: Avril. Words: Fiona |

29th June 2021
The rain cleared away, the sun came out and it was a warm, rather muggy morning for Dorothy's walk today. Dorothy's original plan was to start by The Shady Oak, but this had to be abandoned due to the closure of the towpath there, so instead we started at Tiverton and walked across the fields to Wharton's Lock where we stopped for refreshments. From there on we had splendid views of Beeston Castle perched on its precipice as we picked up parts of the Sandstone Trail and then looped back, via some rather overgrown paths to emerge on to the A49 by Beeston Market. It was a lovely walk of 4+ miles, using some paths which none of us knew. We could have done with some secateurs to trim the brambles and a saw would have been useful as we clambered over a fallen branch, but the 5 of us (Dorothy, Avril, Pat, Anne and Janet) thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Dorothy.
Words by Janet, photo by Avril.
The rain cleared away, the sun came out and it was a warm, rather muggy morning for Dorothy's walk today. Dorothy's original plan was to start by The Shady Oak, but this had to be abandoned due to the closure of the towpath there, so instead we started at Tiverton and walked across the fields to Wharton's Lock where we stopped for refreshments. From there on we had splendid views of Beeston Castle perched on its precipice as we picked up parts of the Sandstone Trail and then looped back, via some rather overgrown paths to emerge on to the A49 by Beeston Market. It was a lovely walk of 4+ miles, using some paths which none of us knew. We could have done with some secateurs to trim the brambles and a saw would have been useful as we clambered over a fallen branch, but the 5 of us (Dorothy, Avril, Pat, Anne and Janet) thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Dorothy.
Words by Janet, photo by Avril.
22nd June 2021. Today a group of 8 walkers, ably led by Jean, set off from Little Budworth car park. The weather was warm with sunshine and bright blue skies. We walked through the woods and across the heath at a steady pace, despite all the excited chattering, as members caught up with each other's news. We passed the little cottage, once incongruously called Beach Cottage and now more suitably re-named Gardener's Cottage. The temperature kept rising and some walkers began removing items of clothing - not too much fortunately! We stopped for refreshments by a stile and there in the distance two animals were spotted in a field. One was quickly identified as a horse, but the other was more puzzling. Someone not wearing glasses thought it was a tiger, the rest of us thought it was a zebra. As we approached this mystery animal, we realised it was a horse wearing a spripey coat. Do look at the photos and you will see why we were confused! Perhaps a combination of lockdown brain and the heat. Soon we reached the mere with mirrored reflections glittering in the sunshine - a perfect end to an excellent walk. Thank you Jean. |
Many thanks to Dorothy for the words and Avril for the photos.

TIRLEY GARTH WALK
25th May 2021
The eight walkers met at Willington Corner and headed off to Kings Gate where we walked down the Sandstone Trail up to the old Summertrees cafe. We turned left along Tirley Lane and met 5 friends at the top gate to Tirley Garth - they had been very organised and had lifts! We then enjoyed the gardens before walking on to Willington Corner to collect our cars. A full account can be found in Gallery together with lots of photos. |
20th April 2021
We had our first walk today with groups of up to 6. Anne T led 5 of us from Kings Gate to Grestys Waste along the Sandstone Trail. We crossed the road and headed up by the Roman Road towards Stoney Lane. We crossed both main roads on Stoney Lane, ending up by Kelsall Equestrian Centre, where the photo was taken. We entered Primrose Wood from the field path and ended up back at Kings Gate after a sociable and sunny walk, our first "real" walk for months.