|
OUR
WALKS 2026 |
Tuesday 21st April.
Due to the slightly chaotic road works taking place on Chester Road for the next few weeks, we met at the Yeld car park after taking devious routes to get there. Nine of us set off down Forest Gate Lane heading for the Stones at the top of Old Pale. We couldn't get away from road barriers even here as one of the stones was damaged and surrounded by bright yellow fencing. It was very windy on the top but the views were excellent in the sunshine. We turned down the track towards Delamere, passing some horses by the farm, then climbing up to Eddisbury hillfort where we skirted some very muddy ground before settling down on the walls for a drink. There were no cattle there today and there was a lot of ploughing and drilling going on in the fields below us. Going down the other side we walked along the lane to the top of Stoney Lane, taking the path beside the field towards the forest. The old Roman road used to follow the route we took next, crossing the Sandstone Trail to walk through the beech woods back to Forest Gate Lane and the car park.
Words:Fiona Photos:Danielle/Fiona
Due to the slightly chaotic road works taking place on Chester Road for the next few weeks, we met at the Yeld car park after taking devious routes to get there. Nine of us set off down Forest Gate Lane heading for the Stones at the top of Old Pale. We couldn't get away from road barriers even here as one of the stones was damaged and surrounded by bright yellow fencing. It was very windy on the top but the views were excellent in the sunshine. We turned down the track towards Delamere, passing some horses by the farm, then climbing up to Eddisbury hillfort where we skirted some very muddy ground before settling down on the walls for a drink. There were no cattle there today and there was a lot of ploughing and drilling going on in the fields below us. Going down the other side we walked along the lane to the top of Stoney Lane, taking the path beside the field towards the forest. The old Roman road used to follow the route we took next, crossing the Sandstone Trail to walk through the beech woods back to Forest Gate Lane and the car park.
Words:Fiona Photos:Danielle/Fiona
Tuesday 14th April.
There were six of us this morning who set off from Commonside near Alvanley. We were lucky to get to our starting point as every lane we tried to drive up seemed to have road works on it. But our plucky leader got us there so that we could head up the unusually busy road before turning right across the fields towards Harmers Wood. We stopped here for a drink as it's the only place on the walk for a sit down; it was NOT as Dorothy impressed upon us, anywhere near half way, so not to get our hopes up! Harmers Wood is now a public space, maintained by a society of Friends, but was formerly privately owned and has 4 quarries in it which were mined for the local sandstone 200 years ago. After our refreshments we set off down the hill, skirting Woodhouses Hill and passing the Spirit of the Herd horse sanctuary, eventually reaching the Sandstone Trail, a steep uphill back to Commonside. We were very smug at the top of the hill as we were barely out of breath; we must be getting fitter!
Words: Fiona Photo: Danielle/Jean/Fiona
There were six of us this morning who set off from Commonside near Alvanley. We were lucky to get to our starting point as every lane we tried to drive up seemed to have road works on it. But our plucky leader got us there so that we could head up the unusually busy road before turning right across the fields towards Harmers Wood. We stopped here for a drink as it's the only place on the walk for a sit down; it was NOT as Dorothy impressed upon us, anywhere near half way, so not to get our hopes up! Harmers Wood is now a public space, maintained by a society of Friends, but was formerly privately owned and has 4 quarries in it which were mined for the local sandstone 200 years ago. After our refreshments we set off down the hill, skirting Woodhouses Hill and passing the Spirit of the Herd horse sanctuary, eventually reaching the Sandstone Trail, a steep uphill back to Commonside. We were very smug at the top of the hill as we were barely out of breath; we must be getting fitter!
Words: Fiona Photo: Danielle/Jean/Fiona
Tuesday 7th April.
Our walk today was a surprise as Janet stepped in to give us an alternative to the programmed event. There were nine of us who began from Whitefield car park, heading out to the north towards the new fitness trail. The photos show to some extent some of the challenges available to runners and walkers - but not necessarily ones to model yourself on! The route took us in a circle before we deviated a little to take in Dead Lake - a complete misnomer as it was a glittering hidden beauty in the sunshine today as you can see below. It's hard to find but is south of the Whitefield car park in a dip and well worth a look. A short but unexpectedly lovely walk in the warm sunshine.
Words: Fiona Photos: Elizabeth/Danielle/Jean/Fiona
Tuesday 31st March
Janet's walk today started from Barnsbridge car park on Ashton Road and we were surprised to see it quite empty when we arrived; it's usually very full! We headed for the back of the car park and along the wide forest tracks until we got to the edge of Blakemere Moss where the many different types of birds and wildfowl were singing very loudly! We continued along the tracks, skirting the Moss to cross Station Road into Whitefield car park and carrying on along a path alongside the many streams in this low area. We arrived back at the road, just before the Carriers Inn where the crossroads was closed for major water works until June. We stopped at the Hatchmere Nature Reserve layby as they have some log seats perfect for our refreshment stop, before setting off again into the Reserve. The circuitous path led us through a watery landscape (no sign of the beavers) and we were already part way across the marsh before we realised this was not the path! We tried again and found the path towards Ashton Road, passing the Fox of Gruffalo fame; someone had given him a scarf for the winter. We did another short walk through the trees to avoid walking on the road before ending up back at the cars. A lovely quiet (and flat) walk of 4.5 miles.
Words/Photos: Fiona
Janet's walk today started from Barnsbridge car park on Ashton Road and we were surprised to see it quite empty when we arrived; it's usually very full! We headed for the back of the car park and along the wide forest tracks until we got to the edge of Blakemere Moss where the many different types of birds and wildfowl were singing very loudly! We continued along the tracks, skirting the Moss to cross Station Road into Whitefield car park and carrying on along a path alongside the many streams in this low area. We arrived back at the road, just before the Carriers Inn where the crossroads was closed for major water works until June. We stopped at the Hatchmere Nature Reserve layby as they have some log seats perfect for our refreshment stop, before setting off again into the Reserve. The circuitous path led us through a watery landscape (no sign of the beavers) and we were already part way across the marsh before we realised this was not the path! We tried again and found the path towards Ashton Road, passing the Fox of Gruffalo fame; someone had given him a scarf for the winter. We did another short walk through the trees to avoid walking on the road before ending up back at the cars. A lovely quiet (and flat) walk of 4.5 miles.
Words/Photos: Fiona
Tuesday 24th March.
Today we parked at Willington Corner and Pat led us up the road towards Utkinton. Near Rock Farm we turned right into a field which led us to the Sandstone Trail. We were very careful as we headed along the field hedge as some of us remembered one of our walkers falling into the ditch on a previous walk, and having to be extracted from the brambles with the aid of her stick; on the plus side the brambles saved her from the stream lower down, but it was excitement she could have done without! After a time we came out onto Wood Lane and continued along Common Lane towards Duddon Common. We stopped for a drink where some convenient logs had been left for us to sit on, checking out which blossom we could see in all the hedgerows - Google says it's Blackthorn. We crossed the corner of Priors Heys golf club and found ourselves on Willington Road, long and straight enough for some of the passing cars to be extra speedy! At the top of the road we crossed onto Chapel Lane and back to our cars. A gentle walk with no rain and lots of conversation.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean A
Today we parked at Willington Corner and Pat led us up the road towards Utkinton. Near Rock Farm we turned right into a field which led us to the Sandstone Trail. We were very careful as we headed along the field hedge as some of us remembered one of our walkers falling into the ditch on a previous walk, and having to be extracted from the brambles with the aid of her stick; on the plus side the brambles saved her from the stream lower down, but it was excitement she could have done without! After a time we came out onto Wood Lane and continued along Common Lane towards Duddon Common. We stopped for a drink where some convenient logs had been left for us to sit on, checking out which blossom we could see in all the hedgerows - Google says it's Blackthorn. We crossed the corner of Priors Heys golf club and found ourselves on Willington Road, long and straight enough for some of the passing cars to be extra speedy! At the top of the road we crossed onto Chapel Lane and back to our cars. A gentle walk with no rain and lots of conversation.
Words: Fiona Photos: Jean A
Tuesday 17th March
We had a beautiful sunny morning as 9 of us began our walk from Barnsbridge car park, heading first along the Sandstone Trail, passing Doolittle Moss on the left, before turning right at a junction of paths to bring us further along Ashton Road. We crossed over to the north side of the forest and meandered up to the Lodges Cafe where we had coffees outside in the sunshine. We could have spent longer there chatting, but picked ourselves up, and walked back along a different section of the Sandstone Trail enjoying the peace of the forest.
Words: Danielle Photos: Danielle/Fiona
We had a beautiful sunny morning as 9 of us began our walk from Barnsbridge car park, heading first along the Sandstone Trail, passing Doolittle Moss on the left, before turning right at a junction of paths to bring us further along Ashton Road. We crossed over to the north side of the forest and meandered up to the Lodges Cafe where we had coffees outside in the sunshine. We could have spent longer there chatting, but picked ourselves up, and walked back along a different section of the Sandstone Trail enjoying the peace of the forest.
Words: Danielle Photos: Danielle/Fiona
Tuesday 10th March.
It was a blustery and cool morning as 10 of us set off from the Yeld car park and down Forest Gate Lane into the woods. We headed downhill on the green track, avoiding the mud where possible, turning left and then left again up the track towards the masts. We came across the beautiful bench in memory of someone known to one of our walkers and stood there for a while enjoying the view. There were no cattle today in the fields as we passed under the masts, glad at last to be going downhill again! We took the track down to the Visitor Centre for our coffee break before heading back up the Sandstone Trail to the car park. As the walk was made up on the hoof I've no idea how far it was but it was a lovely morning full of chatter.
Words/Photo: Fiona
It was a blustery and cool morning as 10 of us set off from the Yeld car park and down Forest Gate Lane into the woods. We headed downhill on the green track, avoiding the mud where possible, turning left and then left again up the track towards the masts. We came across the beautiful bench in memory of someone known to one of our walkers and stood there for a while enjoying the view. There were no cattle today in the fields as we passed under the masts, glad at last to be going downhill again! We took the track down to the Visitor Centre for our coffee break before heading back up the Sandstone Trail to the car park. As the walk was made up on the hoof I've no idea how far it was but it was a lovely morning full of chatter.
Words/Photo: Fiona
Tuesday 3rd March.
Nine of us set out on another lovely Tuesday morning for a walk into Delamere; through Nettleford Wood and then picking our way along paths trying to avoid too much mud underfoot. We stopped at the peaceful Black Lake for refreshments. We then made our way back to the Yeld car park, through the forest to rejoin the Sandstone trail route; passing the very hefty Aberdeen Angus cattle near Eddisbury Lodgge Farm. A lovely couple of hours well spent.
Words: Danielle Photos:Fiona
Nine of us set out on another lovely Tuesday morning for a walk into Delamere; through Nettleford Wood and then picking our way along paths trying to avoid too much mud underfoot. We stopped at the peaceful Black Lake for refreshments. We then made our way back to the Yeld car park, through the forest to rejoin the Sandstone trail route; passing the very hefty Aberdeen Angus cattle near Eddisbury Lodgge Farm. A lovely couple of hours well spent.
Words: Danielle Photos:Fiona
Tuesday 24th February.
Seven lucky ladies enjoyed a 5 km walk at Bickerton - the sun was shining and the temperature a balmy 14 degrees. We drove through Cheshire countryside admiring timber framed cottages and masses of snowdrops. After climbing up Bickerton Hill we enjoyed our refreshments at the Iron Age hillfort of Maiden Castle. Visibility was good and we were able to admire the Welsh hills and even the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool. More good news - no water-logged fields to cross!
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Danielle/Fiona
Seven lucky ladies enjoyed a 5 km walk at Bickerton - the sun was shining and the temperature a balmy 14 degrees. We drove through Cheshire countryside admiring timber framed cottages and masses of snowdrops. After climbing up Bickerton Hill we enjoyed our refreshments at the Iron Age hillfort of Maiden Castle. Visibility was good and we were able to admire the Welsh hills and even the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool. More good news - no water-logged fields to cross!
Words: Dorothy. Photos: Danielle/Fiona
Tuesday 17th February.
Seven ladies set off towards Kings Gate car park this morning. Although it was rather chilly the morning was bright, clear and most importantly NOT raining! We headed down the main path into Primrose Wood past Urchins Kitchen and into the forest.
There has been extensive logging and towards the end of the path we noted the forest looked like something you might find in Scandinavia, piles and piles of pine logs. At the end of the forest path we headed back along the ridge with good views towards Pale Heights. Looking at progress made in various gardens along the way we then split into two groups, one heading back along Waste Lane to the car park, and the other down Rough Low to Little Switzerland. At the top of Little Switzerland we stopped to admire the new bench and plaque and decided to test it. The view across the Cheshire Plain was lovely and after a few minutes we set off back to Kings Gate car park The best walking weather so far this year.
Words: Lesley. Photos: Fiona
Seven ladies set off towards Kings Gate car park this morning. Although it was rather chilly the morning was bright, clear and most importantly NOT raining! We headed down the main path into Primrose Wood past Urchins Kitchen and into the forest.
There has been extensive logging and towards the end of the path we noted the forest looked like something you might find in Scandinavia, piles and piles of pine logs. At the end of the forest path we headed back along the ridge with good views towards Pale Heights. Looking at progress made in various gardens along the way we then split into two groups, one heading back along Waste Lane to the car park, and the other down Rough Low to Little Switzerland. At the top of Little Switzerland we stopped to admire the new bench and plaque and decided to test it. The view across the Cheshire Plain was lovely and after a few minutes we set off back to Kings Gate car park The best walking weather so far this year.
Words: Lesley. Photos: Fiona
Tuesday 10th February.
It was another very gloomy day but eight brave ladies arrived under the railway viaduct next to Hunts Lock in Northwich to begin our 3 mile walk. We crossed the river over the locks and bridge before turning right to go along the tow path. As we passed the Rowing Club, set up in 1875, we could see some teenagers having a lesson and looking rather cold. There were lots of dog walkers about and as we headed for the Blue Bridge we saw a flock of swans, some of them last years cygnets, still with some grey feathers. Crossing over the river we started down the other side, passing flooded fields and heading for Marshalls Arm nature reserve where we had a refreshment stop. We were a severe disappointment to the passing dog population, having only one dog treat between us! We ended up back at the cars after a murky walk but one filled with good company and conversation.
Words Fiona. Photos Jean/Fiona
It was another very gloomy day but eight brave ladies arrived under the railway viaduct next to Hunts Lock in Northwich to begin our 3 mile walk. We crossed the river over the locks and bridge before turning right to go along the tow path. As we passed the Rowing Club, set up in 1875, we could see some teenagers having a lesson and looking rather cold. There were lots of dog walkers about and as we headed for the Blue Bridge we saw a flock of swans, some of them last years cygnets, still with some grey feathers. Crossing over the river we started down the other side, passing flooded fields and heading for Marshalls Arm nature reserve where we had a refreshment stop. We were a severe disappointment to the passing dog population, having only one dog treat between us! We ended up back at the cars after a murky walk but one filled with good company and conversation.
Words Fiona. Photos Jean/Fiona
Tuesday 3rd February.
Pat's walk today began in a very muddy lane near Portal Golf Course, and the mud was to be a feature throughout our 4 mile walk! It was also extremely cold so we were glad to set off through the trees and along the main road, turning right and heading across the fields to Eaton. It's a very pretty village, even on a gloomy morning, and we walked through it before turning up a hill beside the golf course, full of fallen trees, a relic of last years' storms. It was too cold and windy to have a sit down at the folly on the hill so we stopped instead on the bench by the putting green. Strangely there were few people about! But we enjoyed it anyway, being an intrepid bunch.
Words/Photo: Fiona
Pat's walk today began in a very muddy lane near Portal Golf Course, and the mud was to be a feature throughout our 4 mile walk! It was also extremely cold so we were glad to set off through the trees and along the main road, turning right and heading across the fields to Eaton. It's a very pretty village, even on a gloomy morning, and we walked through it before turning up a hill beside the golf course, full of fallen trees, a relic of last years' storms. It was too cold and windy to have a sit down at the folly on the hill so we stopped instead on the bench by the putting green. Strangely there were few people about! But we enjoyed it anyway, being an intrepid bunch.
Words/Photo: Fiona
Wednesday 28th January 2026
Today was the first meeting of the year for the Walkers and we were meeting up for our "Christmas" lunch - we always have it in January so it's something to look forward to! Thirteen of us met up in the car park of the Morris Dancer in glorious sunshine for a short walk around the village before we went into the pub. Janet had booked the private dining room for us and another walker was already waiting for us so we settled down for a couple of hours of enjoyable chatter with some lovely food, the open window letting in the lovely sunny winter day. We start our proper walking programme next Tuesday with Pat's walk around Tarporley golf courses.
Words/Photos: Fiona
Today was the first meeting of the year for the Walkers and we were meeting up for our "Christmas" lunch - we always have it in January so it's something to look forward to! Thirteen of us met up in the car park of the Morris Dancer in glorious sunshine for a short walk around the village before we went into the pub. Janet had booked the private dining room for us and another walker was already waiting for us so we settled down for a couple of hours of enjoyable chatter with some lovely food, the open window letting in the lovely sunny winter day. We start our proper walking programme next Tuesday with Pat's walk around Tarporley golf courses.
Words/Photos: Fiona
