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OUR WALKS 2024
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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
Words: Avril. Photos: Jean and Fiona
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Words and 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
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
Words Avril. Photos Jean and Fiona
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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
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
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
Photos: Cathy and Lesley
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
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
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
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
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
Words: Lesley/Fiona