OUR
WALKS
2025
WALKS
2025
Tuesday 10th June.
Eight of us set off from the car park in Little Budworth Country Park; it had rained heavily overnight and was very windy but by the time Jean led us through the heather moorland area it had brightened up and the sun was nearly shining! There were a few dog walkers out but apart from that the only things we met were an inquisitive calf, some whinnying horses and a dog cart pulled by two ponies - which were on the route we should have taken but some extensive chatting meant we missed the turn. Luckily some of us had OS maps and walking apps but some of us also had no glasses so finding our route was not straight forward! But we retraced our steps and found our way to the horse field - where we had promised our new member some Zebras! However as it's now summer the horses were not wearing their zebra blankets and they studiously ignored us as we crossed their field. We met a surprising Winston Churchill on the lane, reminding us of the previous weekend's village fete. Approaching Budworth Pool we were astonished to find we were walking amongst hundreds of toadlets/froglets heading for the pool; it was a tense walk on tip toe to the end of the path. Coming into the village we started to see lots of scarecrows; they were all fantastic as you can see from the photos below and we ended up near the village shop by the Edgerton Arms as we headed for the car park. 4 miles of lovely quiet wooded and varied scenery in much better weather than we'd hoped.
Words and Photos: Jean/Fiona
Eight of us set off from the car park in Little Budworth Country Park; it had rained heavily overnight and was very windy but by the time Jean led us through the heather moorland area it had brightened up and the sun was nearly shining! There were a few dog walkers out but apart from that the only things we met were an inquisitive calf, some whinnying horses and a dog cart pulled by two ponies - which were on the route we should have taken but some extensive chatting meant we missed the turn. Luckily some of us had OS maps and walking apps but some of us also had no glasses so finding our route was not straight forward! But we retraced our steps and found our way to the horse field - where we had promised our new member some Zebras! However as it's now summer the horses were not wearing their zebra blankets and they studiously ignored us as we crossed their field. We met a surprising Winston Churchill on the lane, reminding us of the previous weekend's village fete. Approaching Budworth Pool we were astonished to find we were walking amongst hundreds of toadlets/froglets heading for the pool; it was a tense walk on tip toe to the end of the path. Coming into the village we started to see lots of scarecrows; they were all fantastic as you can see from the photos below and we ended up near the village shop by the Edgerton Arms as we headed for the car park. 4 miles of lovely quiet wooded and varied scenery in much better weather than we'd hoped.
Words and Photos: Jean/Fiona
Tuesday 3rd June.
With the overnight rain having thankfully subsided, eight ladies set off from Back Lane,,Spurstow, heading across the fieldls towards Peckforton Wood. The long grass underfoot was wet but the growing patches of blue sky suggested the weather would be bright and dry after all. After negotiating a couple of stiles and walking across a large arable field, we walked alongside Peckforton Wood until we reached a stony track which took us downhill to join Peckforton Hall Lane, opposite Peckforton Hall. After a short distance walking along the lane, we crossed over and followed another farm track making our way gradually downhill where the views, including Peckforton and Beeston castles, were captivating. We are so lucky to have such natural beauty on our doorstep. After stopping and getting out our coffee flasks for a quick refuelling, we made our way across Peckforton Mere, crossing the River Gowy. The land is low lying, with marshy grasses warning of boggy conditions during wetter weather, but today the going was excellent and we soon reached Beeston Moss. Soon after we came to a CWAC sign indicating our footpath was temporarily closed, which meant following an alternative route around a large field. We met up with the original footpath just beyond a large house with several metal sculptured animals in its grounds. Continuing on we came to a property called Haycroft, which had once been a racing yard. The impressive house and converted barns were being lived in, but the outbuildings clearly hadn't housed race horses for many years; the only clue being a privet sculpture of a horse and jockey by the entrance. After climbing the last stile and admiring the beautiful chapel conversion, we crossed over Peckforton Lane and into Back Lane to our starting point.
The map shows our route defined by the orange dots.
Words: Andrea Photos: Danielle/Cathy/Fiona
With the overnight rain having thankfully subsided, eight ladies set off from Back Lane,,Spurstow, heading across the fieldls towards Peckforton Wood. The long grass underfoot was wet but the growing patches of blue sky suggested the weather would be bright and dry after all. After negotiating a couple of stiles and walking across a large arable field, we walked alongside Peckforton Wood until we reached a stony track which took us downhill to join Peckforton Hall Lane, opposite Peckforton Hall. After a short distance walking along the lane, we crossed over and followed another farm track making our way gradually downhill where the views, including Peckforton and Beeston castles, were captivating. We are so lucky to have such natural beauty on our doorstep. After stopping and getting out our coffee flasks for a quick refuelling, we made our way across Peckforton Mere, crossing the River Gowy. The land is low lying, with marshy grasses warning of boggy conditions during wetter weather, but today the going was excellent and we soon reached Beeston Moss. Soon after we came to a CWAC sign indicating our footpath was temporarily closed, which meant following an alternative route around a large field. We met up with the original footpath just beyond a large house with several metal sculptured animals in its grounds. Continuing on we came to a property called Haycroft, which had once been a racing yard. The impressive house and converted barns were being lived in, but the outbuildings clearly hadn't housed race horses for many years; the only clue being a privet sculpture of a horse and jockey by the entrance. After climbing the last stile and admiring the beautiful chapel conversion, we crossed over Peckforton Lane and into Back Lane to our starting point.
The map shows our route defined by the orange dots.
Words: Andrea Photos: Danielle/Cathy/Fiona
Tuesday 27th May.
Five ladies met for a trip out to Parkgate with the reward of ice cream at the end of the walk....sadly we had a major change of plan due to the forecast of rain from mid morning onwards. We headed up Waste Lane to Kings Gate car park and set off skirting the main path under the tree canopy towards Urchin's Kitchen Cafe. Drying off, we had coffee and a chat in the cafe while watching "horsey people" doing dressage and jumps! We then headed back to the car park on the main path....still in the rain. Hopefully we will venture to Parkgate for ice cream before the winter!
Words and photos: Lesley
Five ladies met for a trip out to Parkgate with the reward of ice cream at the end of the walk....sadly we had a major change of plan due to the forecast of rain from mid morning onwards. We headed up Waste Lane to Kings Gate car park and set off skirting the main path under the tree canopy towards Urchin's Kitchen Cafe. Drying off, we had coffee and a chat in the cafe while watching "horsey people" doing dressage and jumps! We then headed back to the car park on the main path....still in the rain. Hopefully we will venture to Parkgate for ice cream before the winter!
Words and photos: Lesley
THE MAP ABOVE HAS OUR ROUTE SHOWN AS A THIN RED LINE.
Tuesday 20th May.
We met up as usual at the Community Centre but our walk today was to start at Walk Mill so nine of us set off across the fields from their car park, just as the sun was coming out and it got warmer. Luckily today there was no herd of cows in the first field - something Fiona and Lesley had been concerned about as the recce was a bit more exciting than they had hoped! But apart from missing the next stile and having to climb over a fence instead, it was a straight route to Brookhouse Lane. From there we walked via Old Moss Lane to Platts Lane, past some lovely old houses and farms until we got to the three Packhorse Bridges at Hockenhull Platts Nature Reserve. In medieval times Platts Lane was part of the London to Holyhead road and would have been well used by pack horses. There would have been wooden bridges here in Roman times crossing the River Gowy but the bridges we see today were built in the 1700's, but they are still known locally as the Roman Bridges. We stopped here for a drink before setting off again (now on the Baker Way) to the footpath behind Cotton Farm. The only person we met on this walk was a Wildlife Officer having her lunch on a stile before taking samples of some nearby ponds to identify the animals or insects present. Several fields of very young crops had to be crossed before we got to the Gowy again and crossed it on a very rickety bridge before heading for the weir and Ford Bridge on Guy Lane. The next footpath was very overgrown so we used the road to get back to Walk Mill, ready for ice cream and tea. An increasingly hot walk of about 4.5 miles.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean/Jane/Fiona
Tuesday 20th May.
We met up as usual at the Community Centre but our walk today was to start at Walk Mill so nine of us set off across the fields from their car park, just as the sun was coming out and it got warmer. Luckily today there was no herd of cows in the first field - something Fiona and Lesley had been concerned about as the recce was a bit more exciting than they had hoped! But apart from missing the next stile and having to climb over a fence instead, it was a straight route to Brookhouse Lane. From there we walked via Old Moss Lane to Platts Lane, past some lovely old houses and farms until we got to the three Packhorse Bridges at Hockenhull Platts Nature Reserve. In medieval times Platts Lane was part of the London to Holyhead road and would have been well used by pack horses. There would have been wooden bridges here in Roman times crossing the River Gowy but the bridges we see today were built in the 1700's, but they are still known locally as the Roman Bridges. We stopped here for a drink before setting off again (now on the Baker Way) to the footpath behind Cotton Farm. The only person we met on this walk was a Wildlife Officer having her lunch on a stile before taking samples of some nearby ponds to identify the animals or insects present. Several fields of very young crops had to be crossed before we got to the Gowy again and crossed it on a very rickety bridge before heading for the weir and Ford Bridge on Guy Lane. The next footpath was very overgrown so we used the road to get back to Walk Mill, ready for ice cream and tea. An increasingly hot walk of about 4.5 miles.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean/Jane/Fiona
Tuesday 13th May. Today Jane took us for a lovely shady walk from Brines Brow car park through the forest and over the railway bridges several times. There were lots of birds on Blakemere Moss, which was the colour of the Mediterranean as It was a very warm and sunny day - again! We were glad of the trees overhead and even more glad to see the Visitor Centre where coffees and ice creams helped us to cool down before we set off again, passing Go Ape - although there were no customers today. Returning to Brines Brow, the cars were too hot to sit in to begin with but soon we set off home after about 3.5 miles.
Words: Fiona Photos: Danielle/Fiona
Words: Fiona Photos: Danielle/Fiona
Tuesday 6th May.
It was a chilly start to our walk along the Whitegate Way but it soon warmed up and was a perfect spring day for walking. The circular walk took us along the converted railway line, across Newchurch Common to Kennel Lane and back on to the Whitegate Way. The walk was described in the book as being 6 km in length but I think that we all decided that it was longer! However the spring sunshine, the bird song and the great company made for a super morning.
Words: Margaret Photo: Fiona
Tuesday 29th April.
We parked at the Farmers Arms this morning and walked up Morreys Lane as Cathy led ten of us on a route through Nettleford Wood, heading for the Roman road. We passed a large field filled with dandelion clocks before passing through the gate into the fields which lead to Stoney Lane. It was very warm by now as the sun shone from a cloudless sky and we were glad of our hats as we reached Kelsall Hill and walked across the field full of colourful jumps. We stopped in the shade of Primrose wood for a drink before heading up the hill to join the forestry track leading to Kings Gate. We were glad it wasn't far to the Farmers Arms where we had ice creams and drinks to cool us down before heading home.
Words and photos: Fiona
We parked at the Farmers Arms this morning and walked up Morreys Lane as Cathy led ten of us on a route through Nettleford Wood, heading for the Roman road. We passed a large field filled with dandelion clocks before passing through the gate into the fields which lead to Stoney Lane. It was very warm by now as the sun shone from a cloudless sky and we were glad of our hats as we reached Kelsall Hill and walked across the field full of colourful jumps. We stopped in the shade of Primrose wood for a drink before heading up the hill to join the forestry track leading to Kings Gate. We were glad it wasn't far to the Farmers Arms where we had ice creams and drinks to cool us down before heading home.
Words and photos: Fiona
Tuesday 22nd April.
Nine ladies started today's walk on the Trent and Mersey Canal near the Leigh Arms and it was lovely to welcome two new members to the group. It was a fine sunny morning with a gentle breeze, although the previous day's rain had made the towpath a little muddy in places but the lovely views more than made up for this. There wasn't a lot of activity on the canal, no boats passed us, just some mallards and coots. After coming off the canal near Bluebell Cottage Gardens we headed into some dense woodland full of bluebells and wild garlic which brought us out onto the Delamere Way and eventually the River Weaver. We stopped at Dutton Locks for a drink and welcome sit down before walking along the river and back to the Leigh Arms and reached the cars just before the rain started to fall.
Words: Avril Photos: Fiona
Nine ladies started today's walk on the Trent and Mersey Canal near the Leigh Arms and it was lovely to welcome two new members to the group. It was a fine sunny morning with a gentle breeze, although the previous day's rain had made the towpath a little muddy in places but the lovely views more than made up for this. There wasn't a lot of activity on the canal, no boats passed us, just some mallards and coots. After coming off the canal near Bluebell Cottage Gardens we headed into some dense woodland full of bluebells and wild garlic which brought us out onto the Delamere Way and eventually the River Weaver. We stopped at Dutton Locks for a drink and welcome sit down before walking along the river and back to the Leigh Arms and reached the cars just before the rain started to fall.
Words: Avril Photos: Fiona
Tuesday 15th April.
We've had so many sunny Tuesdays it was a shock to the system to find a damp, drizzly and very cloudy morning for our walk over the top of Old Pale to Eddisbury Hillfort. There were only 5 of us this morning who braved the impending rain as we set off from the car park on Yeld Lane, walking down Forest Gate Lane, admiring some lovely wisteria on the way. We met some friends on the way up to the Stones but there were not many people about; there was no view either due to the low clouds but we knew it was there! Going downhill towards the farm and then through the tiny gateway up to the fort, we wondered how someone with a large rucksack would get through! There were no cattle on the hill today but they had left evidence everywhere! We stopped for our drinks on the walls of the fort gateway - the cattle got there before us unfortunately but we avoided the worst. It was all downhill from there on, along Stoney Lane, across the fields and back into the forest on the Roman Road. Back at the car park, we enjoyed a fantastic display of primroses, and took a photo too.
Words/Photos: Fiona
We've had so many sunny Tuesdays it was a shock to the system to find a damp, drizzly and very cloudy morning for our walk over the top of Old Pale to Eddisbury Hillfort. There were only 5 of us this morning who braved the impending rain as we set off from the car park on Yeld Lane, walking down Forest Gate Lane, admiring some lovely wisteria on the way. We met some friends on the way up to the Stones but there were not many people about; there was no view either due to the low clouds but we knew it was there! Going downhill towards the farm and then through the tiny gateway up to the fort, we wondered how someone with a large rucksack would get through! There were no cattle on the hill today but they had left evidence everywhere! We stopped for our drinks on the walls of the fort gateway - the cattle got there before us unfortunately but we avoided the worst. It was all downhill from there on, along Stoney Lane, across the fields and back into the forest on the Roman Road. Back at the car park, we enjoyed a fantastic display of primroses, and took a photo too.
Words/Photos: Fiona
Tuesday 8th April.
Janet took us on an alternative walk today around Hatchmere. Nine of us set off from the free car park at Brines Brow and headed for the end of Blakemere Moss, which was calm and full of birds on this cool sunny morning. We carried on, cutting through Whitefield car park towards the Carriers Inn at Hatchmere, where there is a breeding programme for beavers; this has been quite successful as there are now 5 kits as well as their parents and they have been busy restoring the wetlands around Hatch Mere, which were in danger of disappearing.If you look at one of the photos below, you can see the work they have been doing, taking down trees and creating dams in the remaining wetlands; this photo was taken from a boardwalk as it really is very damp now! We carried on through areas which have been recently revamped by Forestry England to enable more cyclists to use the area, but it is still one of the more unchanged parts of the forest. The sun was heating up as we got back to the carpark after 4 miles of spring morning walking.
Words/Photos: Fiona
Janet took us on an alternative walk today around Hatchmere. Nine of us set off from the free car park at Brines Brow and headed for the end of Blakemere Moss, which was calm and full of birds on this cool sunny morning. We carried on, cutting through Whitefield car park towards the Carriers Inn at Hatchmere, where there is a breeding programme for beavers; this has been quite successful as there are now 5 kits as well as their parents and they have been busy restoring the wetlands around Hatch Mere, which were in danger of disappearing.If you look at one of the photos below, you can see the work they have been doing, taking down trees and creating dams in the remaining wetlands; this photo was taken from a boardwalk as it really is very damp now! We carried on through areas which have been recently revamped by Forestry England to enable more cyclists to use the area, but it is still one of the more unchanged parts of the forest. The sun was heating up as we got back to the carpark after 4 miles of spring morning walking.
Words/Photos: Fiona
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Tuesday 1st April.
Chester History Walk. Following the March meeting talk by Steven Shakeshaft Kelsall WI walking group went to look at some of the features he had talked about.
We started at the Cathedral Refectory, first used by Benedictine monks around 1091. We moved to the Abbey Arch and Square and looked at the lupus wolf depictions under the arch and the Bishop's house, Sandstone cottages, cobbles and the Wheelers in the square. We discussed what is available to view in the Town Hall before looking at the foundations of the Strongroom of the Roman fort down Duke Street. On into Watergate Street to see Bishop Lloyds Palace, Old Custom House and the Guildhall. In Lower Watergate Street we turned to our right and on into Stanley Place, and down to the walls where we could see the Queens School and the Sedan Porch. Having crossed the Watergate Bridge we looked at the Roodee which is the site of the old Roman Port, and is the oldest race course in England; it runs anticlockwise and you can see the whole course without binoculars. We followed the walls to Bridge Gate and discussed some of the features in Lower Bridge Street; the Bear and Billet being the most visible, which dates back to 1664. The town house of the Earls of Shrewsbury, it is named after the heraldic device of the family, a bear shackled to a billet or stake. We walked past the Castle built in 1788 and completed in 1822, the Agricola Tower, the Old Dee Bridge, the Weir and salmon leap.
We climbed the Wishing Steps and looked at the nine but now six houses built in the mid 17th century to house the poor. When we reached Newgate, we descended to look at the Roman garden, Amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman angle tower. Back on the walls, we looked at the renovations taking place before we reached the Eastgate clock. We left the walls here to go down Frodsham Street to view the Kale Yards and Kale Yard Gate. We were able to find the inscription in the walls above the Kale yards: an Anchor and 692F; this is the length of 692F from here to the King Charles tower which was to help people visualise the length of the Great Eastern steam ship, an iron hulled ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, launched in 1858. From the walls we could see the garden of remembrance to honour the Cheshire Regiment and the Bell Tower. We walked down Godstalls Lane which formed the boundary of the Roman legion commander's residence; the lane was there in medieval times. From here we completed our walk along the Rows to the Cross.
But the excitement was not over as on our way back to Aldi where we had left the car, we saw the aftermath of the crash which took place early this morning; the final photo shows the result, but luckily no one was injured.
Words: Pat Photos:Fiona/Lesley
Chester History Walk. Following the March meeting talk by Steven Shakeshaft Kelsall WI walking group went to look at some of the features he had talked about.
We started at the Cathedral Refectory, first used by Benedictine monks around 1091. We moved to the Abbey Arch and Square and looked at the lupus wolf depictions under the arch and the Bishop's house, Sandstone cottages, cobbles and the Wheelers in the square. We discussed what is available to view in the Town Hall before looking at the foundations of the Strongroom of the Roman fort down Duke Street. On into Watergate Street to see Bishop Lloyds Palace, Old Custom House and the Guildhall. In Lower Watergate Street we turned to our right and on into Stanley Place, and down to the walls where we could see the Queens School and the Sedan Porch. Having crossed the Watergate Bridge we looked at the Roodee which is the site of the old Roman Port, and is the oldest race course in England; it runs anticlockwise and you can see the whole course without binoculars. We followed the walls to Bridge Gate and discussed some of the features in Lower Bridge Street; the Bear and Billet being the most visible, which dates back to 1664. The town house of the Earls of Shrewsbury, it is named after the heraldic device of the family, a bear shackled to a billet or stake. We walked past the Castle built in 1788 and completed in 1822, the Agricola Tower, the Old Dee Bridge, the Weir and salmon leap.
We climbed the Wishing Steps and looked at the nine but now six houses built in the mid 17th century to house the poor. When we reached Newgate, we descended to look at the Roman garden, Amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman angle tower. Back on the walls, we looked at the renovations taking place before we reached the Eastgate clock. We left the walls here to go down Frodsham Street to view the Kale Yards and Kale Yard Gate. We were able to find the inscription in the walls above the Kale yards: an Anchor and 692F; this is the length of 692F from here to the King Charles tower which was to help people visualise the length of the Great Eastern steam ship, an iron hulled ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, launched in 1858. From the walls we could see the garden of remembrance to honour the Cheshire Regiment and the Bell Tower. We walked down Godstalls Lane which formed the boundary of the Roman legion commander's residence; the lane was there in medieval times. From here we completed our walk along the Rows to the Cross.
But the excitement was not over as on our way back to Aldi where we had left the car, we saw the aftermath of the crash which took place early this morning; the final photo shows the result, but luckily no one was injured.
Words: Pat Photos:Fiona/Lesley
Tuesday 25th March. Our walk began from Commonside, near Alvanley, in drizzle. Our six walkers enjoyed a brisk walk across fields towards Helsby woods. Unfortunately our planned rest stop was occupied by another walking group so no sitting in comfort for our snacks. The temperature rose and some sunshine appeared as we ended our walk on the Sandstone Trail.
Words: Dorothy Photo: Fiona
Words: Dorothy Photo: Fiona
Tuesday 18th March. Another bright sunny day! We have been so lucky lately with the weather and although it was a bit chilly to start with, five ladies set off in Marbury Country Park walking along the path beside Budworth Mere. We could see the church tower at Great Budworth across the water and ducks and swans along the bank. We walked through the woods following Forge Brook; there was little sign of new growth as it's been so cold but the sun shone through the trees and the birds were singing. We crossed the Trent and Mersey canal at the footbridge and began to walk along the canal towards the Marina. We left the canal and passed several fishing ponds, before turning left into Uplands Woodland which is actually a large meadow surrounded by trees; we stopped here for a drink at a thoughtfully placed picnic bench. The path carried on through woodland, over a bridge and rose up through meadows to Dairy House Meadow and the woods around the canal. We crossed again on the footbridge and turned left on the other side of the canal, continuing through the woods until we reached a lane where we passed through a kissing gate into the Park. It was a short walk beside an avenue of lime trees to the car park; 4.5 miles on a beautiful day.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean/Fiona
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean/Fiona
Tuesday 11th March. Not the planned walk for today but a "stand in" at the last minute! Five ladies met at KCC who were surprised to hear we would start our walk at The Boot Inn in Willington, not the usual starting point for a walk in Primrose Wood.....One lady was let into the secret start point and joined us there.
What a lovely bright sunny day if a little more "nippy" than of late! We set off towards Gooseberry Lane and Little Switzerland, resting on our way up to take in the views (and catch our breath). We passed a WI members house, sadly with removal vans filling the drive, then on towards Kings Gate. Down and into the forest following the main paths towards Tirley Garth. The forest was very bare, bracken lying dead and only a few signs of spring. Along Tirley Lane we took the fork down Rough Low, admiring the newly planted orchards and vineyards, also inspected the fallen tree that had closed the road. At the bottom of the hill there were great views across the Cheshire Plain then it was back to The Boot for a well earned coffee.
Words: Lesley Photos: Lesley/Fiona
What a lovely bright sunny day if a little more "nippy" than of late! We set off towards Gooseberry Lane and Little Switzerland, resting on our way up to take in the views (and catch our breath). We passed a WI members house, sadly with removal vans filling the drive, then on towards Kings Gate. Down and into the forest following the main paths towards Tirley Garth. The forest was very bare, bracken lying dead and only a few signs of spring. Along Tirley Lane we took the fork down Rough Low, admiring the newly planted orchards and vineyards, also inspected the fallen tree that had closed the road. At the bottom of the hill there were great views across the Cheshire Plain then it was back to The Boot for a well earned coffee.
Words: Lesley Photos: Lesley/Fiona
Tuesday 4th March. A beautiful Spring day for our walk in the northern side of Delamere Forest, enjoyed by 10 ladies. A very tranquil part of the forest until we encountered a JCB laying a new path. However, the very friendly operator stopped his work and guided us past safely! We meandered on and off the main path until arriving at the Forest Lodges Cafe, where we all enjoyed a welcome coffee sitting outside in the sunshine.
Words: Danielle Photos: Cathy/Fiona
Words: Danielle Photos: Cathy/Fiona
Tuesday 25th February. This week five walkers enjoyed blue skies and sunshine on Bickerton Hill with wide ranging views including Liverpool Cathedral. En route we squeezed into a bird hide near Maiden Castle, however no birds were spotted, possibly due to the chatter escaping from the hide. All walkers ascended and descended safely.
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Jean/Jane
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Jean/Jane
Tuesday 18th February. It was lovely to see the sun again after several days of grey, cloudy skies, as seven of us started 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 onto the Whitegate Way, stopping briefly for a drink and to admire the view. After about half a mile we walked over Kennel Bridge and back up Kennel Lane to the cars. It was a very enjoyable four mile walk. It was also the last walk that Anne will be taking with us as they move to Scotland in the next couple of weeks; we will miss her as not only has she taken several of the Officers roles in the past for Kelsall and Forest Group, and begun the website with Jill years ago, but she has been a stalwart walker in all weathers and seasons. Bon Voyage Anne.
Words: Avril/Fiona. Photos: Jean & Fiona
Words: Avril/Fiona. Photos: Jean & Fiona
Tuesday 11th February. This was one of our shorter walks and the weather was not welcoming; it was cold and gloomy as we parked under the railway viaduct in Northwich for Fiona's 3 mile walk along the river Weaver. So it was lovely to see 10 ladies had decided to brave the cold and we set off by crossing the Lock and passing over the bridge towards The Crescent. We passed Northwich Rowing Club although no one was out on the river this morning, and came across the Weaver Bistro as we continued down the tow path, seeing lots of swans at the side being fed by a passing dog-walker. We could see a slightly dilapidated boat yard across the river, some of the buildings covered in tarpaulins. When we got to the Blue Bridge, we climbed up to the road and crossed the river before descending onto the tow path on the other side, soon entering Marshall's Arm nature reserve, an area of 27 acres of woodland and meadow with local wildlife, where we stopped briefly for a drink. Setting off again we passed through some beautiful gates which were created by a Manchester artist in collaboration with Hartford High School in 2009. Crossing a meadow we came back to the viaduct and our cars, luckily not very muddy as our route had been on paths.
Words and Photos: Fiona
Words and Photos: Fiona
Tuesday 4th February. Rain was promised for this morning's walk when Pat led 8 ladies over the two golf courses around Tarporley but we were very lucky as we just had to contend with some wind. We saw lots of large trees which had come down during our recent gales but the positive outcome was that there were places to sit and have our refreshments on the way round! The walk was around 4 miles and we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was not very muddy so we arrived back at the cars in a better state than usual.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean/Cathy/Fiona
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean/Cathy/Fiona
Tuesday 29th January. Today Janet had booked our belated Christmas Lunch at the Royal Oak, so before we joined forces with some who were meeting us there, those who wanted a walk took to the streets of Kelsall in a village safari. The most welcome part was the absence of mud but it did rain on us before we got to the pub. It was interesting to see the pub after it's temporary closure and we had a pleasant lunch; a good start to our walking year.
