Christmas Ramble - Saturday 13th December 2014
On a cold and frosty morning eleven of our members assembled on the car park at the Golden Pheasant in Plumley for a four mile circular ramble around the area. The route took us through Halford Moss, along past the old lime kilns and finally Halford Hall before returning to our start point at the Golden Pheasant.
Here, seventeen of our members assembled for the real purpose of the day - Christmas Lunch and we enjoyed some excellent food in the true spirit of Christmas. Our thanks go to the landlord and his staff for their kind hospitality and to Judith and Mike for leading the walk and organising the lunch.
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| Start Point - The Golden Pheasant |
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| Morning frost |
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| Holford Moss |
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| More of Holford Moss |
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| Crossing fields on route to Holford Hall |
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| Holford Hall |
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Christmas lunch at the Golden Pheasant
Bollington Circular - Saturday 8th November
Due to other church commitments we only had four walkers last week end but undeterred we set out from Bollington for a 5 mile circular walk around the local area. We joined the Middlewood Way in fine weather but very shortly the drizzle came, followed by rain, followed by heavy rain. By this time we were thoroughly drenched and to add to our problems we had missed a turning and had gone too far along the trail. Fortunately a bridge provided shelter while we regrouped and enjoyed morning coffee. After studying the map and the rain clouds we decided to return direct to Bollington via the Macclesfield canal. The Bollington circular had now become the Bollington Rectangle but we had an enjoyable ramble and by the time we reached our start point the rain had stopped and we finished the trail in fine weather.
Afterwards we adjourned to the Vale Inn where we had an excellent lunch in company with other members of our group who had been unable to come on the walk.
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Afterwards we adjourned to the Vale Inn where we had an excellent lunch in company with other members of our group who had been unable to come on the walk.
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| Morning coffee on the Middlewood Way |
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| Planning where to go next! |
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| Autumn scene on Macclesfield Canal |
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| Trudging along in the rain! |
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| Lunch at the Vale Inn Bollington |
Gawsworth Circular - Saturday 17th October 2014
On a fine autumn morning six of our members set off on a 7 mile circular walk from the village of Gawsworth in Cheshire. Passing the picturesque church and the old hall we were soon in open fields heading towards the Macclesfield Canal. We than followed the canal down to Bosley before swinging west to the village of North Rode. From here the route turned northwards across open fields and return to Gawsworth.
The walk concluded with a visit to the Harrington Arms for liquid refreshment.
The walk concluded with a visit to the Harrington Arms for liquid refreshment.
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| Setting off from Gawsworth |
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| Autumn colour |
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| Swing bridge on Macclesfield Canal |
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| Lunch stop at Bosley Lock |
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| North Rode Manor fish pond |
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| Highland cattle |
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| Crossing field on route to Gawsworth |
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| Gawsworth Hall Lake |
September Walk - Delamere Forest
Pictures from our last walk in Delamere Forest.
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| Eddisbury |
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| Old Pale |
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| Urchin's Kitchen |
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| Urchin's Kitchen |
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| Willington |
Warfe Valley Circular
Ten members of our group set off from the Strid Wood Car Park on the Bolton Abbey estate for a walk along the Warfe Valley. The weather was wet at the outset but it quickly improved and most of the walk was completed in the sunshine. Outwards we followed the path along the river which took us to the village of Appletreewick where we arrived just in time for an excellent lunch in the Craven Arms.
The return journey was along the north bank of the river finishing back at the car park and a welcome cup of tea in the Pavilion Tea Room. An enjoyable walk of about six miles and our thanks go to Gordon for leading this ramble.
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| Outside the Craven Arms |
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| Barden Bridge |
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| Homeward bound |
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| Ice cream break |
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| Afternoon break |
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| River Warfe |
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| Warfedale |
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| On the road |
Eyam Circular - Saturday 12th July 2014
Eyam Circular
On a beautiful sunny day, nine of us set out on a 6 mile walk from Eyam, led by Hilary. Eyam is noted for being the legendary plague village in the Peak District. We headed for Foolow, via fields full of wild flowers and grazing sheep. . Foolrow with its village green, a pond with roaming ducks and 14th century cross. There we called in the church where we helped ourselves to free tea/coffee and biscuits, but of course left our donations in grateful thanks for refreshments.
Further on we had a steep climb up to Eyam Edge – phew. Now along the edge with stunning views on either side, The Edge, we learn, is the dividing line between the dark peak and the white peak, passing the Barrell Inn, one of our group did sneak in for a quick half! It was here we met up with nine horsemen who refused our request for a lift back to Eyam but if our request had been accepted it is doubtful if any of our group would have been able to mount the horse.
Eventually, we left the Edge to begin the steep descent back to Eyam village and where we passed some lovely alpacas on the way. Back in the village and into the Tea Rooms for drinks and cakes making a very sociable end to our walk.
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| Morning Coffee at Foolow |
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| Eyam Edge |
Cressbrook Dale - Saturday 14th June 2014
Five of us set out for Tideswelldale on a fine Saturday morning to enjoy a walk through the White Peak. We started by following the river which was great apart from mud at Water-cum-Jollyday. Plenty for bird lovers and we made our first stop at Cressbrook for coffee. The break was spoilt however, by a local lady claiming we were on private land. Continued into Cressbrook hoping to see the well dressing but unfortunately we couldn’t locate the site so followed the path uphill through Cressbrook Nature Reserve. Emerging at the top of the vale is one of the ‘wow’ experiences of the Peak. Banks of orchids and fine views down to Tansley Dale provided us with the perfect place for our lunch stop.
From here we walked downhill into the village of Litton where we were pleased to find the village shop still thriving and selling the most delicious ice cream. After resting on the green to enjoy our ices we then continued through the village and a gentle walk along an avenue of tall trees to return to the car park. Everyone enjoyed a great day out and our thanks to Janet for organising and leading this walk.
The Sandstone Trail - Saturday 10th May 2014
May's walk was south west of Chester in the hilly bit, north of Cholmondeley Castle. Five of us set off for the Sandstone Pub at Fullers Moor on the A534 certain we would get wet and be denied the amazing distance views. We need not have worried as, apart from a few spits and spots, we stayed dry while enjoying clear and bright conditions. It was a bit windy though!
Essentially we completed our own mini 'Three Peaks' circuit. We first went North of the A534 through the village of Harthill and then climbed steadily up to the trig point (740 ft) on the top of Raw Head. It made a wonderful and well earned coffee stop. We thought we had lost one party member as she disappeared into Bloody Bones Cave to explore!
The rest of the walk followed the Sandstone Trail. We went down to the main road crossing it at Gallantry Bank, passing the lovely Bickerton Church before climbing up again for our second 'Peak ' and more distant views at the Kitty Wheeldon Memorial on the top of Bickerton Hill. We could see Liverpool Cathedral from here. We walked along the ridge with a bit more down and up and lunch with a view, before reaching our final 'summit' of Larkton Hill. This is the site of earthworks of the ancient Hill Fort of Maiden Castle.
So then we had to get down. There were some very steep steps but really it was a lovely walk through the woods, and then through the village of Brown Knowl. Finally it was back for a drink In the pub before driving back.
The backdrop to the whole of this walk was the wonderful green freshness of new growth every where and the beautiful colours of the spring wild flowers.
All in all----A GOOD WALK
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Cowm Edge - Saturday 12th April 2014
Once at the top the walk continues across open moorland until you reach Cowm Edge, a quite spectacular horse shoe shaped outcrop from which you have extensive views across Lancashire. The route then continues along the top for about a mile before turning to cross the moorland and the descent back to the valley below.
Again a very good turnout of members and nine of us set out from Rowarth for a walk of about 5 miles along Cowm Edge. Immediately we left Rowarth we were soon climbing the steep path onto the moors behind the village and the walk along the ‘Edge’. As you make the ascent the views across Cheshire are quite stunning and give you a good excuse to stop, gather your breath, and admire the scenery.
Once at the top the walk continues across open moorland until you reach Cowm Edge, a quite spectacular horse shoe shaped outcrop from which you have extensive views across Lancashire. The route then continues along the top for about a mile before turning to cross the moorland and the descent back to the valley below.
At the foot of the valley the path follows a river and on the banks we were able to see a fine collection of spring flowers and marsh plants. A good walk which has a very lot to offer – exercise, fine views, moors and fields all with plenty of wildlife. Many thanks to Beryl and Brenda for leading and organising this outing to Cowm Edge.
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| Mr & Mrs Hartill on the way to'Harthill' |
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| On the path to Cowm Edge |
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| Cowm Edge |
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| The views from Cowm Edge |
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| 'Pit Stop' |
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| Marsh Marigolds |
Lyme Park - Saturday 8th March 2014
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| Outside the Miners Arms |
Another good turn out and eleven of our group assembled at the Miners Arms in Adlington to tackle a five mile ramble through Lyme Park. The first part of the route was up to the cottage which was perhaps the most demanding section of the walk for the last mile is uphill all the way followed by, what seemed to be, a long steep section up to the cottage. Reaching the top you are rewarded with fine views across the Park, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. It was here, in the shelter of the building, we stopped for a coffee break and to recover our breath!
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| The lake in Lyme Park used for location shots in Pride and Prejudice |
From this point we walked through the Park, passing the lake used for the famous scene in Pride and Prejudice where Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth, dives fully clothed into the water and emerges in a very wet shirt to shock Miss Elizabeth and secure international stardom! Fans of the series still visit the site today although it is now nearly twenty years since filming took place.
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| Macclesfield Canal |
Mobberley Circular - Saturday 8th February, 2014
I am delighted to report that 14 walkers joined our group for the first walk of the new season, which started at the Railway Inn adjacent to Mobberley Station. The weather had been horrendous all week but fortunately for us Saturday turned out sunny and dry. The only problem was the route across fields was extremely muddy but equipped with stout boots, gaiters and wellingtons we were able to overcome this minor problem.
The walk was a four mile circular around Mobberley village and we were guided by the Cheshire East Council excellent publication ‘Rail Walks’ which gave very clear directions of the route. http://www.discovercheshire.co.uk
The ramble combines a range of footpaths through pasture and arable land and includes an impressive stretch which crosses the approach to the runway at Manchester Airport. Here you can watch incoming and outgoing planes at low level as they pass overhead. Another feature on the route is the old parish church of St Wilfred and St Mary which is worth a visit if you allow sufficient time.
With a break for coffee, and a stop off at the church the ramble took about 2 hours and we finished back at the ‘Railway’ in plenty of time for us to enjoy an excellent lunch.http://www.railwayinnpub.co.uk/
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| Outside Railway Inn at the start |
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| At the top of a slippery slope |
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| Why climb the stile when you can open the gate! |
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| At the end of runway 2 Manchester Airport |
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| Parish Church of St Wilfred & St Mary Mobberley |
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| First snowdrops of spring in corner of church yard |