Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December 2016
Christmas Get together
We woke to a foggy morning, a little disappointing for people wanting to play golf and walk!
Hilary booked Carden Park for our night away. Some of us had Junior suites, and some the Courtyard suites.
Golf - Phil, Chris, Martin and John eat mince pies and drank whisky as well as played golf.
The sun shone.
Walk - Jane, Hilary and Ian went for a 3.5 mile walk. Ian found a path on the map on his phone and we followed that. There was a shoot going on at one point, great views across the countryside to Chester and even sunshine. Then we played a couple of games.
Spa - Carol, Tracey and Donna
Dinner was in the Redmond's Restaurant
Breakfast again in the Redmond restaurant with lots of choice.
Walked around in the sunshine, up to the golf course, had a look at the view from the eighteenth hole.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Lyme Park and the Macclesfield Canal
Saturday 26 November 5 miles
Hilary + Jane
After Friday's blue sky and sunshine opening the curtains to fog was very disappointing. It makes you wonder if it is worth leaving home.
Thank goodness we did decide to drive away from Middlewich, as soon as we got to the Chelford roundabout the fog disappeared and the sun shone.
We started at the Boar's Head, on Shrigley Road North, parking just down the road. We turned onto Lyme Road, passing over the Middlewood Way, up the lane, across the canal then out into the countryside.
On our way uphill we passed a farm with a bike outside with the names Sophie and Helen on it. Sophie Thornhill and Helen Scott won gold at the Rio Paralympics.
We continued up hill and came to the boundary of Lyme Park with the National Trust sign displayed.
Hilary + Jane
After Friday's blue sky and sunshine opening the curtains to fog was very disappointing. It makes you wonder if it is worth leaving home.
Thank goodness we did decide to drive away from Middlewich, as soon as we got to the Chelford roundabout the fog disappeared and the sun shone.
We started at the Boar's Head, on Shrigley Road North, parking just down the road. We turned onto Lyme Road, passing over the Middlewood Way, up the lane, across the canal then out into the countryside.
On our way uphill we passed a farm with a bike outside with the names Sophie and Helen on it. Sophie Thornhill and Helen Scott won gold at the Rio Paralympics.
We continued up hill and came to the boundary of Lyme Park with the National Trust sign displayed.
Thursday, 24 November 2016
Delamere, along Watling Street and below the Hillfort
Saturday 5 November 5.5 miles
Jane and John
We parked at Barnsbridge Gates, we actually managed to find a space as someone was leaving. On such a lovely day I thought there would be no spaces left. There were plenty of dog walkers and families.
Delamere Forest on a sunny autumn afternoon is beautiful, the colours of the leaves look amazing. A thick blanket of leaves underfoot to kick through was lovely, the empty sweet chestnut cases also littered the ground.
Jane and John
We parked at Barnsbridge Gates, we actually managed to find a space as someone was leaving. On such a lovely day I thought there would be no spaces left. There were plenty of dog walkers and families.
Delamere Forest on a sunny autumn afternoon is beautiful, the colours of the leaves look amazing. A thick blanket of leaves underfoot to kick through was lovely, the empty sweet chestnut cases also littered the ground.
Get Together
Saturday 22 October 2016
Donna and Martin's 25th wedding anniversary meal at The Kings Lock.
Donna and Martin's 25th wedding anniversary meal at The Kings Lock.
Saturday, 8 October 2016
The Hayhurst Arms, Moulton and the River Weaver
Saturday 8 October 9 miles
Hilary, Tracey, and Jane
The day was cloudy and the weather cool, but quite pleasant to be walking in.
We parked at the Hayhurst Arms. There were young ones going to play football, and having to rake the leaves off the pitch first. We also met an old lady (aged 91).
From Brick Kiln Lane we crossed the busy road (A533), went up Jack Lane, then Niddries Lane, to the end of the tarmac and onto the track. There were quite a few cars going along the track.
We went under the railway bridge to the river.
Walked along the river to the Weaver Navigation and arrived at the Vale Royal Locks. We had our lunch here.
We decided to make the walk longer and continued along the river. At the Northwich Rowing Club hut we turned around and retraced our steps.
Just after the Vale Royal Locks we took the footpath going across the fields, over the railway line and along the path to come back to Moulton. We followed the track along the edge of the houses back to Niddries Lane, then onto Jack Lane and back to the Hayhurst.
Hilary, Tracey, and Jane
The day was cloudy and the weather cool, but quite pleasant to be walking in.
We parked at the Hayhurst Arms. There were young ones going to play football, and having to rake the leaves off the pitch first. We also met an old lady (aged 91).
From Brick Kiln Lane we crossed the busy road (A533), went up Jack Lane, then Niddries Lane, to the end of the tarmac and onto the track. There were quite a few cars going along the track.
We went under the railway bridge to the river.
Walked along the river to the Weaver Navigation and arrived at the Vale Royal Locks. We had our lunch here.
We decided to make the walk longer and continued along the river. At the Northwich Rowing Club hut we turned around and retraced our steps.
Just after the Vale Royal Locks we took the footpath going across the fields, over the railway line and along the path to come back to Moulton. We followed the track along the edge of the houses back to Niddries Lane, then onto Jack Lane and back to the Hayhurst.
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Bridgemere
Saturday 10 September 5.50 miles
Hilary, Tracey, Jane and Carol
We have had some warm weather this week, but with rain overnight it was a bit cooler this morning. It is hard to know how many layers to wear.
We parked at the Bridgemere Garden Centre.
We saw a buzzard flying about above our heads.
Of course there was wet grass after the rain.
Woods
field with cows and sheep
A field with three horses
some muddy gate ways
sheds in the field
Lunch on the grass at Checkley Hall
Walking a few sections on the road.
Bridgemere Garden Centre cafe for tea and cake and a wander about
Hilary, Tracey, Jane and Carol
We have had some warm weather this week, but with rain overnight it was a bit cooler this morning. It is hard to know how many layers to wear.
We parked at the Bridgemere Garden Centre.
We saw a buzzard flying about above our heads.
Of course there was wet grass after the rain.
Woods
field with cows and sheep
A field with three horses
some muddy gate ways
sheds in the field
Lunch on the grass at Checkley Hall
Walking a few sections on the road.
Bridgemere Garden Centre cafe for tea and cake and a wander about
Saturday, 6 August 2016
Salt line and Canal
Saturday 6 August 6 miles
Jane and Helen
A lovely day with sunshine and some wind, it is always hard to know how many layers to put on.
We parked at The Horseshoe Inn at Lawton Heath, then crossed the road going down Cherry Lane. We passed the houses joining a narrow lane so we went though a gate to walk in the woods, crossed the Sandbach Road North to join the Salt Line.
Jane and Helen
A lovely day with sunshine and some wind, it is always hard to know how many layers to put on.
We parked at The Horseshoe Inn at Lawton Heath, then crossed the road going down Cherry Lane. We passed the houses joining a narrow lane so we went though a gate to walk in the woods, crossed the Sandbach Road North to join the Salt Line.
The Salt Line is a lovely walk
under the trees that have grown to meet overhead. The shade meant it was cooler here. There were a few
people walking and some running, and also people walking dogs. The Salt Line is the old Sandbach to Wheelock branch of the North Staffordshire Railway line that opened in 1852 to carry coal and limestone to the salt works.
We crossed the Betchton Lane to continue on the Salt Line. We could hear the M6 quite clearly now as we were getting closer to it. We turned of the Salt Line before we reached the M6, followed the field edge and then a track down to Smithy Grove. The instructions mentioned a pink church, I imagined a pink sandstone building but as we came out of the trees a very pink painted church was there in front of us, and very cute it is too.
St Philip's Church (The Pink Church) is a prefabricated building constructed in corrugated galvanised iron, it is referred to as the 'tin tabernacle'. The church is painted pink with white bargeboards. The building originally stood in Crewe Road, Alsager, where it was erected in the early 1880s. In 1894 the construction of a permanent Church of St Mary Magdalene started. the tin tabernacle was sold for £150 and moved to Hassell Green the following year.
We crossed the Betchton Lane to continue on the Salt Line. We could hear the M6 quite clearly now as we were getting closer to it. We turned of the Salt Line before we reached the M6, followed the field edge and then a track down to Smithy Grove. The instructions mentioned a pink church, I imagined a pink sandstone building but as we came out of the trees a very pink painted church was there in front of us, and very cute it is too.
St Philip's Church (The Pink Church) is a prefabricated building constructed in corrugated galvanised iron, it is referred to as the 'tin tabernacle'. The church is painted pink with white bargeboards. The building originally stood in Crewe Road, Alsager, where it was erected in the early 1880s. In 1894 the construction of a permanent Church of St Mary Magdalene started. the tin tabernacle was sold for £150 and moved to Hassell Green the following year.
We walked up the lane to join the Trent and Mersey Canal at lock 57. Then we followed the canal towpath, as we were facing into the sun it was quite warm here. A few boats passed us. We picked some tansy flowers that were growing wild along the path, they dye wool a lovely shade of yellow. There were lots of flowers along the canal especially thistles, the flowers were so high that we were hidden from the canal.
As we reached Rode Heath there were plenty of houses that back and front onto the canal, and as there are no houses across the canal there is a green outlook. The gardens looked lovely in the sunshine. At the Broughton Arms we left the canal to walk down a path with wooden steps, then we crossed a bridge. We could hear the dogs barking at the kennels. We walked down a track and turned right onto Cherry Lane, a few cars passed us on the road. We were soon back at the pub.
As we reached Rode Heath there were plenty of houses that back and front onto the canal, and as there are no houses across the canal there is a green outlook. The gardens looked lovely in the sunshine. At the Broughton Arms we left the canal to walk down a path with wooden steps, then we crossed a bridge. We could hear the dogs barking at the kennels. We walked down a track and turned right onto Cherry Lane, a few cars passed us on the road. We were soon back at the pub.
Monday, 4 July 2016
Llanddulas Weekend MK3
Saturday 2 - Sunday 4 July
Hilary, Tracey, Jane + Donna
Llandudno and the Great Orme
Saturday
The weather had been wet pretty much all week so it is hard to decide whether or not we should go. We thought we would give it a go.
Hilary picked us up and we travelled to meet Donna at the caravan. The weather was fine in Middlewich as we left, but it got cloudier as we travelled through Wales. As we reached Llanddulas it began to rain and there was a real downpour as we got to the caravan site. We drank a welcome cup of tea and set off for Llandudno to continue the walk we did on our last Llanddulas weekend. Hilary drove to Llandudno and we managed to find a parking spot we didn't have to pay for. We walked along the road to the promenade.
The Owls Trust was on the promenade at Llandudno, so we were able to have a stroke of the large owl, the feathers were very soft. The owl had problems with brittle feather so could not be let out into the wild. There were barn owls, a little owl and some baby ones sitting under the shade.
Went down the pier and joined the queue for the toilet, there was a group of young girls on an outing. The toilet still had stained glass panels at the top of the walls letting in some light.
Then we started our walk along the Great Orme road.
Hilary pointed out a glider to us, it looked just like a bird to start with due to its shape, but when it turned and flashed in the sun it was unmistakably a glider, and once it started to do rolls it was even more obvious that it was a plane not a bird. Ian has been flying on the Great Orme with his planes.
Anglesey was quite visible right to its very tip.
It was very sunny but the wind was cool at times so we were taking off and putting on our extra layers at regular intervals.
We managed to have our lunch on a bench with a shelter. We could see Tal-y-Fan in the distance.
As we climbed up towards the summit we saw the silver studded butterfly, we thought it might be a small blue. We found out that it is the Great Orme's special butterfly and its name when we got to the Visitor Centre.
It was very windy as we climbed towards the summit. We saw a goat with long curling horns and sheep here. At the visitor centre we also found out that the goats on the Great Orme are Kashmiri.
The clouds were gathering and it went quite grey, I thought we might get wet. We put on our jackets but there were only a few spots of drizzle. we were not far from the the Great Orme Tramway and the Visitor Centre. There were plenty of people queuing for the tram. We went to the Visitor Centre and had a wander about looking at the exhibits.
We began our walk down, it was still pretty windy, we followed the path to the Halfway Station, then we came to the road, it was very steep down the Old Road. We went to Haulfre Garden Tea Rooms on the Cwlach Road and sat outside with our tea and cake. There is a good view of Llandudno from here.
We walked further along the road and then started the climb down the steps until we reached the road, we walked to where the car was parked. We returned to the caravan for tea. Donna made us chicken, potatoes and vegetables and a pudding.
Sunday
We went to see the house, and looked at all the work Donna and Martin had done
Breakfast at Bryn Williams at Porth Eirais, Colwyn Bay. Three full breakfasts and a crushed avocado and poached egg on soda bread.
We had a walk in the sunshine along the Promenade towards Rhos. We had a look at the new build apartments at Ocean View. One bed apartments were going for £150k, two bed from £185k to £315k, and three bed at £360k. The promenade is also going to be done up with planting
Hilary, Tracey, Jane + Donna
Llandudno and the Great Orme
Saturday
The weather had been wet pretty much all week so it is hard to decide whether or not we should go. We thought we would give it a go.
Hilary picked us up and we travelled to meet Donna at the caravan. The weather was fine in Middlewich as we left, but it got cloudier as we travelled through Wales. As we reached Llanddulas it began to rain and there was a real downpour as we got to the caravan site. We drank a welcome cup of tea and set off for Llandudno to continue the walk we did on our last Llanddulas weekend. Hilary drove to Llandudno and we managed to find a parking spot we didn't have to pay for. We walked along the road to the promenade.
The Owls Trust was on the promenade at Llandudno, so we were able to have a stroke of the large owl, the feathers were very soft. The owl had problems with brittle feather so could not be let out into the wild. There were barn owls, a little owl and some baby ones sitting under the shade.
Went down the pier and joined the queue for the toilet, there was a group of young girls on an outing. The toilet still had stained glass panels at the top of the walls letting in some light.
Then we started our walk along the Great Orme road.
Hilary pointed out a glider to us, it looked just like a bird to start with due to its shape, but when it turned and flashed in the sun it was unmistakably a glider, and once it started to do rolls it was even more obvious that it was a plane not a bird. Ian has been flying on the Great Orme with his planes.
Anglesey was quite visible right to its very tip.
It was very sunny but the wind was cool at times so we were taking off and putting on our extra layers at regular intervals.
We managed to have our lunch on a bench with a shelter. We could see Tal-y-Fan in the distance.
As we climbed up towards the summit we saw the silver studded butterfly, we thought it might be a small blue. We found out that it is the Great Orme's special butterfly and its name when we got to the Visitor Centre.
It was very windy as we climbed towards the summit. We saw a goat with long curling horns and sheep here. At the visitor centre we also found out that the goats on the Great Orme are Kashmiri.
The clouds were gathering and it went quite grey, I thought we might get wet. We put on our jackets but there were only a few spots of drizzle. we were not far from the the Great Orme Tramway and the Visitor Centre. There were plenty of people queuing for the tram. We went to the Visitor Centre and had a wander about looking at the exhibits.
We began our walk down, it was still pretty windy, we followed the path to the Halfway Station, then we came to the road, it was very steep down the Old Road. We went to Haulfre Garden Tea Rooms on the Cwlach Road and sat outside with our tea and cake. There is a good view of Llandudno from here.
We walked further along the road and then started the climb down the steps until we reached the road, we walked to where the car was parked. We returned to the caravan for tea. Donna made us chicken, potatoes and vegetables and a pudding.
Sunday
We went to see the house, and looked at all the work Donna and Martin had done
Breakfast at Bryn Williams at Porth Eirais, Colwyn Bay. Three full breakfasts and a crushed avocado and poached egg on soda bread.
We had a walk in the sunshine along the Promenade towards Rhos. We had a look at the new build apartments at Ocean View. One bed apartments were going for £150k, two bed from £185k to £315k, and three bed at £360k. The promenade is also going to be done up with planting
Saturday, 4 June 2016
Goostrey Village Circular
Saturday 4 June 2016 4.25 miles
Carol, Donna, Tracey + Jane
The day started warm and cloudy, a really comfortable temperature, t-shirt weather.
We parked at the Red Lion in Goostrey.
The walk through the bongs was lovely, it is always great to walk through woodland, the wild garlic flowers were dying off so there wasn't a smell.
There was a single cow on the same side of the wire fence as us. It looked a bit nervous on seeing us so we walked further down the slope so we weren't too close. It relaxed and went back to eating.
We could hear water flowing strongly, but we couldn't see through the woodland. we joined the lane and crossed the bridge where there was plenty of water flowing under it. Across the field we could see that some sort of old weir structure, I presume that the water flowing over the weir was making the noise.
The converted old mill is for sale at £850,000.
There was some confusion at Swanwick Hall farm. We were looking for a path with a boardwalk, we had joined a path of gravel that had a 'Footpath' sign at the beginning so we returned to find the right path. We walked through to the farm, a girl who was working in the field told us to use the other path. So we returned and used the permissive path. This path meant that we didn't have to walk through the farmyard.
The farm was growing potatoes and the was a field of very small Christmas trees. The farm drive was quite long, they planted baskets attached to the fence. They looked attractive but it would be quite a job to keep them hydrated especially in this warm weather.
As we came to the road we noticed a finger post opposite so we followed the lane, as we came to the road an old man started talking to us. He was quite sad, he said he had been caring for the last 15 years and was now by himself, so he was looking to do something with other people. He asked if we were part of a U3A group. We suggested that he should go to the library to find out about what was going on locally as he didn't have access to a computer.
We had passed a new build on the lane, I had noticed the front door was open, someone was working on the property. As we returned down the lane as we had gone the wrong way, I noticed a for sale sign that said there were two new builds. One had been built near the lane and the other had been built in the back garden of the bungalow. We returned to Booth Bed Lane and walked passed the store.
At the cross roads we went across Main Road into Hermitage Lane, there are plenty of nice houses set back from the road.
On leaving the lane we followed a tree lined path, to the right hand side we could hear loud bird noises, there were a number of large sheds. we wondered if they were chickens laying eggs, but it is actually a turkey farm.
We walked across open fields with short mowed grass, it made the field look very flat.
We didn't see any Holstein Friesian cattle, the next fields were empty of animals at this farm, the grass had been left to grow in the field we crossed, a machine was going up and down the field spraying something on the grass.
We joined a lane where there was a little traffic, we had to be careful when going around the corners, we crossed the road to make ourselves more visible to drivers.
Jodrell bank radio telescope was visible as we walked across the next field. Always a spectacular sight.
We still needed to have our lunch. We sat on the edge of a field planted with corn and had our lunch. The corn was only about 15- 20 cms tall, it is hard to believe that in a few months the crop will be above our heads.
We went through the churchyard, looking at the gravestone. We passed one gravestone which did not look very old, but it showed that both Miriam and Ellen had died in 1899, Ellen being only four.
We had a wander about Goostrey Home and Leisure.Then we went to the Tea Room for our afternoon tea and cake.
Carol, Donna, Tracey + Jane
The day started warm and cloudy, a really comfortable temperature, t-shirt weather.
We parked at the Red Lion in Goostrey.
The walk through the bongs was lovely, it is always great to walk through woodland, the wild garlic flowers were dying off so there wasn't a smell.
There was a single cow on the same side of the wire fence as us. It looked a bit nervous on seeing us so we walked further down the slope so we weren't too close. It relaxed and went back to eating.
We could hear water flowing strongly, but we couldn't see through the woodland. we joined the lane and crossed the bridge where there was plenty of water flowing under it. Across the field we could see that some sort of old weir structure, I presume that the water flowing over the weir was making the noise.
The converted old mill is for sale at £850,000.
There was some confusion at Swanwick Hall farm. We were looking for a path with a boardwalk, we had joined a path of gravel that had a 'Footpath' sign at the beginning so we returned to find the right path. We walked through to the farm, a girl who was working in the field told us to use the other path. So we returned and used the permissive path. This path meant that we didn't have to walk through the farmyard.
The farm was growing potatoes and the was a field of very small Christmas trees. The farm drive was quite long, they planted baskets attached to the fence. They looked attractive but it would be quite a job to keep them hydrated especially in this warm weather.
As we came to the road we noticed a finger post opposite so we followed the lane, as we came to the road an old man started talking to us. He was quite sad, he said he had been caring for the last 15 years and was now by himself, so he was looking to do something with other people. He asked if we were part of a U3A group. We suggested that he should go to the library to find out about what was going on locally as he didn't have access to a computer.
We had passed a new build on the lane, I had noticed the front door was open, someone was working on the property. As we returned down the lane as we had gone the wrong way, I noticed a for sale sign that said there were two new builds. One had been built near the lane and the other had been built in the back garden of the bungalow. We returned to Booth Bed Lane and walked passed the store.
At the cross roads we went across Main Road into Hermitage Lane, there are plenty of nice houses set back from the road.
On leaving the lane we followed a tree lined path, to the right hand side we could hear loud bird noises, there were a number of large sheds. we wondered if they were chickens laying eggs, but it is actually a turkey farm.
We walked across open fields with short mowed grass, it made the field look very flat.
We didn't see any Holstein Friesian cattle, the next fields were empty of animals at this farm, the grass had been left to grow in the field we crossed, a machine was going up and down the field spraying something on the grass.
We joined a lane where there was a little traffic, we had to be careful when going around the corners, we crossed the road to make ourselves more visible to drivers.
Jodrell bank radio telescope was visible as we walked across the next field. Always a spectacular sight.
We still needed to have our lunch. We sat on the edge of a field planted with corn and had our lunch. The corn was only about 15- 20 cms tall, it is hard to believe that in a few months the crop will be above our heads.
We went through the churchyard, looking at the gravestone. We passed one gravestone which did not look very old, but it showed that both Miriam and Ellen had died in 1899, Ellen being only four.
We had a wander about Goostrey Home and Leisure.Then we went to the Tea Room for our afternoon tea and cake.
Monday, 9 May 2016
Little Paxton Weekend
Friday 6 May - Sunday 8 May
Tracey, Hilary, Jane + Donna
Friday 6 May
Journey to Little Paxton.
Tracey made good time even though the traffic was slow as we got on to the motorway. The signs were flashing '40' it turned out to be a car on the hard shoulder that was slowing everything down. Once we passed that we travelled quickly, joined the M6 toll, and then onto the A14, there were still some roadworks around the M1 junction, eventually it will make the journey quicker as in the past the traffic joining the A14 had to go down to one lane. We joined the A1 down to Little Paxton.
We had pizza and salad for tea.
We had little walk around the island, looking at the other houses and flats and also at the lock. The River is navigable.
Saturday 7 May
The Walk, between 11 and 12 miles
We started the walk by crossing the road and following the river, the River Great Ouse.
Lunch sitting on logs in the shade of the trees by Diddington Brook.
Tea, coffee and water at the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Visitors' Centre.
To the flat for tea and Tracey's cake.
The meal at tea time was excellent and chosen by Chris, Beef in Chianti, Dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables, with millionaires pudding for desert and champagne as a drink.
Sunday 8 May
The Breakfast walk, a walk along the river to St Neots, 3.5 miles round trip.
We crossed over the road and went on the foot bridge to cross the river, we got a good look at the river defences for flooding, the gates can be closed at Little Paxton and the land on the other side of the river from the flat can be flooded with water. There are times when Mill Lane is closed due to floods. We crossed the fields towards the marina where there were plenty of boats. As we came to St Neots we could see an interesting large tower, it was a mill, Paines Mill.
At the Market Cafe in St Neots we were able to sit outside in the sunshine, we ordered two number 3s, one number 5 and a scrambled egg on toast. A large group of cyclists descended on the cafe, they had obviously been on an early bike ride and were ready to have something to eat.
Then we walked back to Little Paxton along the river and started the journey home. We made good time and the traffic was flowing ok.
Tracey, Hilary, Jane + Donna
Friday 6 May
Journey to Little Paxton.
Tracey made good time even though the traffic was slow as we got on to the motorway. The signs were flashing '40' it turned out to be a car on the hard shoulder that was slowing everything down. Once we passed that we travelled quickly, joined the M6 toll, and then onto the A14, there were still some roadworks around the M1 junction, eventually it will make the journey quicker as in the past the traffic joining the A14 had to go down to one lane. We joined the A1 down to Little Paxton.
We had pizza and salad for tea.
We had little walk around the island, looking at the other houses and flats and also at the lock. The River is navigable.
Saturday 7 May
The Walk, between 11 and 12 miles
We started the walk by crossing the road and following the river, the River Great Ouse.
Lunch sitting on logs in the shade of the trees by Diddington Brook.
Tea, coffee and water at the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Visitors' Centre.
To the flat for tea and Tracey's cake.
The meal at tea time was excellent and chosen by Chris, Beef in Chianti, Dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables, with millionaires pudding for desert and champagne as a drink.
Sunday 8 May
The Breakfast walk, a walk along the river to St Neots, 3.5 miles round trip.
We crossed over the road and went on the foot bridge to cross the river, we got a good look at the river defences for flooding, the gates can be closed at Little Paxton and the land on the other side of the river from the flat can be flooded with water. There are times when Mill Lane is closed due to floods. We crossed the fields towards the marina where there were plenty of boats. As we came to St Neots we could see an interesting large tower, it was a mill, Paines Mill.
At the Market Cafe in St Neots we were able to sit outside in the sunshine, we ordered two number 3s, one number 5 and a scrambled egg on toast. A large group of cyclists descended on the cafe, they had obviously been on an early bike ride and were ready to have something to eat.
Then we walked back to Little Paxton along the river and started the journey home. We made good time and the traffic was flowing ok.
Saturday, 9 April 2016
Wilmslow to Mottram Bridge
Saturday 9 April 2016 8 miles
Jane and Hilary
Sunny weather - so lucky
Started following the Bollin Valley Way, I wasn't following the walk directions properly so we followed part of the Bollin when we shouldn't have. I thought it was best to turn back and follow the route in the right direction rather than the wrong direction.
The return journey meant the sun was shining over the River Bollin, so birds were flying about, were the swallows or sand martins?
Lunch only mentioned at 12.30! Sat on a log. There was a bit of a cool wind. The cloud was beginning to build.
Turned off the A538 up the driveway to Dean Farm, the old dog barked loudly from behind us so surprised us we were busy looking at the house, the owner came out and shouted the dog but it took no notice and it made sure we left the property.
Quarry Bank Mill for two cream teas.
Rain on the way home.
Jane and Hilary
Sunny weather - so lucky
Started following the Bollin Valley Way, I wasn't following the walk directions properly so we followed part of the Bollin when we shouldn't have. I thought it was best to turn back and follow the route in the right direction rather than the wrong direction.
The return journey meant the sun was shining over the River Bollin, so birds were flying about, were the swallows or sand martins?
Lunch only mentioned at 12.30! Sat on a log. There was a bit of a cool wind. The cloud was beginning to build.
Turned off the A538 up the driveway to Dean Farm, the old dog barked loudly from behind us so surprised us we were busy looking at the house, the owner came out and shouted the dog but it took no notice and it made sure we left the property.
Quarry Bank Mill for two cream teas.
Rain on the way home.
Sunday, 20 March 2016
Higher Burwardsley
Saturday 19 March 5 miles
Tracey, Jane, Hilary
Parked in Higher Burwardsley, Hilary put on her new boots.
We walked passed the Pheasant Inn
A few snowdrops were still surviving by the roadside.
Views - a bit misty
pheasants in the grass
There were plenty of cows in the field, the two by the stile moved as we got closer, but then all the others started moving towards us, and followed us down to the next stile.
Went around the woodland, across the fields with views of Beeston Castle.
A not very well cat was walking towards us along the lane. Its coat was in very poor condition.
As we were now walking below the Peckforton woods we could hear lots of the birds, including a woodpecker.
A lot of snowdrops and daffodils have been planted and spread along Horsley Lane and they looked great. The pretty houses with lovely gardens along this lane were very picturesque.
A house was for sale, the Moat House is on the market for only £1,175.000!
We left the lane and followed the Sandstone trail to Beeston Castle. After crossing Tattenhall Lane we entered he woods, there were a group of adults and children doing activities in the woods.
A cafe in the field near Beeston Castle were cooking bacon and making us feel hungry. Hilary would have been quite happy to stop and eat at this point - the usual 11.30 point.
We went on the return journey from the entrance to Beeston Castle along the path back through the woods where the tarpaulins were now shelters on towards Horsley Lane. Here we met two gentlemen and we had a chat.
We headed through the Peckforton Estate along the Sandstone trail, looking for a place to stop.
We had lunch sitting with a great view, looking northwest towards Chester. Rather than sitting at footpath level we clambered a metre or so up the bank so we could take advantage of that view. We could see right from Frodsham hill across to the hills in Wales. It was a bit misty.
Hilary fell, a shrub knocked her glasses off.
Walked back along Barracks Lane,
House for sale £595,000
Back to the car and changed our boots for shoes.
Went to the Cheshire Workshops for tea and a cake, then had a look around.
Tracey, Jane, Hilary
Parked in Higher Burwardsley, Hilary put on her new boots.
We walked passed the Pheasant Inn
A few snowdrops were still surviving by the roadside.
Views - a bit misty
pheasants in the grass
There were plenty of cows in the field, the two by the stile moved as we got closer, but then all the others started moving towards us, and followed us down to the next stile.
Went around the woodland, across the fields with views of Beeston Castle.
A not very well cat was walking towards us along the lane. Its coat was in very poor condition.
As we were now walking below the Peckforton woods we could hear lots of the birds, including a woodpecker.
A lot of snowdrops and daffodils have been planted and spread along Horsley Lane and they looked great. The pretty houses with lovely gardens along this lane were very picturesque.
A house was for sale, the Moat House is on the market for only £1,175.000!
We left the lane and followed the Sandstone trail to Beeston Castle. After crossing Tattenhall Lane we entered he woods, there were a group of adults and children doing activities in the woods.
A cafe in the field near Beeston Castle were cooking bacon and making us feel hungry. Hilary would have been quite happy to stop and eat at this point - the usual 11.30 point.
We went on the return journey from the entrance to Beeston Castle along the path back through the woods where the tarpaulins were now shelters on towards Horsley Lane. Here we met two gentlemen and we had a chat.
We headed through the Peckforton Estate along the Sandstone trail, looking for a place to stop.
We had lunch sitting with a great view, looking northwest towards Chester. Rather than sitting at footpath level we clambered a metre or so up the bank so we could take advantage of that view. We could see right from Frodsham hill across to the hills in Wales. It was a bit misty.
Hilary fell, a shrub knocked her glasses off.
Walked back along Barracks Lane,
House for sale £595,000
Back to the car and changed our boots for shoes.
Went to the Cheshire Workshops for tea and a cake, then had a look around.
Year Ten Summary
Walk 1: March 28 2015 Bollington 5.5 miles Jane Donna and Hilary
Walk 2: April 11 2015 7 miles Tracey and Hilary
Walk 3: May 9 2015 Llanddulas Weekend 11 Miles Donna, Tracey, Jane and Hilary
Walk 4: June 21 2015 Gawsworth Hall 6.5 miles Carol, Jane and Hilary
Walk 5: July 18 2015 Anglesey 8.5 miles Jane, Donna and Hilary
Walk 6: Aug 8 2015 Tushingham Jane and Hilary
Walk 7: Sept 5 2015 Two Country Parks 8.1 miles Tracey, Jane and Hilary
Walk 8: Oct 3 2015 Donna’s walk Donna Tracey and Hilary
Walk 9: Oct 31 2015 A walk from Carol’s House 6.5 miles Carol,
Donna, Jane and Hilary
Walk 10: Nov 21 2015 Hampton Heath Jane and Tracey
Walk 11: Jan 17 2016 Middlewich 5 miles Jane, Tracey, Donna and Hilary
Walk 12: Feb 14 2016 Acton
and 'The Shroppie' 5.5 miles Donna, Jane and Tracey
Monday, 15 February 2016
Acton and 'The Shroppie'
Sunday 14 February 5.5 miles
Donna, Jane + Tracey
Gorgeous blue sky and fluffy clouds met us in the morning, it was also cold. It was two degrees as we left the car. We parked in Acton, a small village west of Nantwich.
We set off across the road, passed the Star Inn and then off across the fields.
The sun had some warmth as we started across the fields.There was ice on the puddles, it was really wet and muddy in places. We walked around water lying in the fields
The path lead to Swanley Lane, we walked a short way and joined the Llangollen Canal facing north into a breeze, making our ears cold. We passed the Swanley Bridge Marina, it looked lovely in the sunshine. There were plenty of people walking along the canal, lots with dogs. On some walks we hardly see anyone.
Then we came to the Hurleston flight of locks, there were a few boats going through. Walking down the slope we came to Hurleston Junction, here we crossed over the bridge to walk along the Shropshire Union Canal. As we walked along we came to some boats tied together, one of them had its front end under the water!
Just before twelve we sat on a bench for lunch. The Shropshire Union Canal Society fundraise and have placed benches along the canal, it was great to have a place to sit. It was a lovely spot, the canal was slightly wider at this point and the bench placed so that we could take advantage of the sunshine. It was lovely and quiet, a few walkers passed us as we sat there. Donna threw the end of her sandwich into the canal and a duck immediately flew to the water to find it. One bit it found straight away but the duck then swam in circles to find the other piece. I was so quiet as we were eating lunch that when we came nearer to the busy road it seemed really noisy, modern life was breaking in.
We continued along the canal to bridge 93, we crossed this bridge and came into Acton, passing the houses, the Village Hall, the new bus shelter and WI bench, and the lovely old red sandstone St. Mary's Church with a blossoming tree outside. Then it was back to the car park and time to find tea and cake. The temperature at this time was six degrees.
We attempted to have a drink at the Waterside Cafe at the Nantwich Marina, but as it was lunch time there was a queue and no tables available, so we decided to try Minshulls. We sat a while before we got served, the women taking orders obviously didn't keep an eye on who was coming into the cafe. The tea and cake were very enjoyable.
Donna, Jane + Tracey
Gorgeous blue sky and fluffy clouds met us in the morning, it was also cold. It was two degrees as we left the car. We parked in Acton, a small village west of Nantwich.
We set off across the road, passed the Star Inn and then off across the fields.
The sun had some warmth as we started across the fields.There was ice on the puddles, it was really wet and muddy in places. We walked around water lying in the fields
The path lead to Swanley Lane, we walked a short way and joined the Llangollen Canal facing north into a breeze, making our ears cold. We passed the Swanley Bridge Marina, it looked lovely in the sunshine. There were plenty of people walking along the canal, lots with dogs. On some walks we hardly see anyone.
Then we came to the Hurleston flight of locks, there were a few boats going through. Walking down the slope we came to Hurleston Junction, here we crossed over the bridge to walk along the Shropshire Union Canal. As we walked along we came to some boats tied together, one of them had its front end under the water!
Just before twelve we sat on a bench for lunch. The Shropshire Union Canal Society fundraise and have placed benches along the canal, it was great to have a place to sit. It was a lovely spot, the canal was slightly wider at this point and the bench placed so that we could take advantage of the sunshine. It was lovely and quiet, a few walkers passed us as we sat there. Donna threw the end of her sandwich into the canal and a duck immediately flew to the water to find it. One bit it found straight away but the duck then swam in circles to find the other piece. I was so quiet as we were eating lunch that when we came nearer to the busy road it seemed really noisy, modern life was breaking in.
We continued along the canal to bridge 93, we crossed this bridge and came into Acton, passing the houses, the Village Hall, the new bus shelter and WI bench, and the lovely old red sandstone St. Mary's Church with a blossoming tree outside. Then it was back to the car park and time to find tea and cake. The temperature at this time was six degrees.
We attempted to have a drink at the Waterside Cafe at the Nantwich Marina, but as it was lunch time there was a queue and no tables available, so we decided to try Minshulls. We sat a while before we got served, the women taking orders obviously didn't keep an eye on who was coming into the cafe. The tea and cake were very enjoyable.
Sunday, 14 February 2016
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Middlewich + planning
Sunday 17 January 5 miles
Jane, Tracey , Donna + Hilary
Snow had fallen over night, but it was beginning to melt at 9am. The pavements were wet and snowy but fortunately not too slippy.
We met together at the junction of Eaton Drive and Hayhurst Avenue. We started on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal and stayed on the canal towpath for most of the walk. We went under Booth Lane joining the Trent and Mersey Canal. It was still a bit snowy under foot and we were a bit careful going down the cobbles by the locks. Continuing along past the Big Lock we left the path at the dump walking along the rivers Dane and Wheelock. The water was running quite fast but seemed to have gone down a little from earlier in the week when the River Wheelock was almost as high as the path off the Chester Road by the bridge.
On Coalpit Lane there was the usual puddle in the dip. There was not too much traffic along this road stretch. We went back on the canal towpath, and walked around to the Big Lock, we did repeat our steps through this section.
Having arrived at the Big Lock at about 11.45 we had to sit and wait as the pub didn't open until 12. There was a nice warm welcome as the fire was roaring away.
We all had a small roast dinner at the pub then we did our planning meeting.
Jane, Tracey , Donna + Hilary
Snow had fallen over night, but it was beginning to melt at 9am. The pavements were wet and snowy but fortunately not too slippy.
We met together at the junction of Eaton Drive and Hayhurst Avenue. We started on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal and stayed on the canal towpath for most of the walk. We went under Booth Lane joining the Trent and Mersey Canal. It was still a bit snowy under foot and we were a bit careful going down the cobbles by the locks. Continuing along past the Big Lock we left the path at the dump walking along the rivers Dane and Wheelock. The water was running quite fast but seemed to have gone down a little from earlier in the week when the River Wheelock was almost as high as the path off the Chester Road by the bridge.
On Coalpit Lane there was the usual puddle in the dip. There was not too much traffic along this road stretch. We went back on the canal towpath, and walked around to the Big Lock, we did repeat our steps through this section.
Having arrived at the Big Lock at about 11.45 we had to sit and wait as the pub didn't open until 12. There was a nice warm welcome as the fire was roaring away.
We all had a small roast dinner at the pub then we did our planning meeting.
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