Marbury Park and the Canal

Saturday 9 December 5 miles

Jane, Tracey, Donna and Hilary

Rain was forecast so I decided that the fields would be too wet after the rain we have had, so I thought somewhere with paths would be useful. Marbury Park came to mind. I checked on the map for a route and came up with one that would be about 5 miles.

It was drizzling a bit so we decided to put on our waterproof trousers. Some of us had a lot of layers on because the forecast was for a cool wind.

From the carpark we walked along the Old Warrington Road, there were plenty of people about as there had been a Park Run, a few people were just finishing the run and some people were walking back to the start. 

On crossing Canal Bridge no.196 on the Trent and Mersey Canal we saw a large bird sitting in a tree and we thought it might be a buzzard.

There were some puddles right across the road, it was difficult to walk around.

Two ladies with a horse came towards us.

As we got to the end of the old road there were cars coming in to use the car park. Then we joined Marbury Road so we could pass the sculpture of The Marbury Lady, this sculpture is carved from a tree that died due to salt poisoning. The sculpture is inspired by a ghost story associated with the former Marbury Estate. People in the area frequently claim to have seen this ghost, as she haunts the park.

Shortly after the sculpture we went back into the park passed the nursuries and onto the paths again and the wintery sun came out. As the wind and rain didn't materialise Donna got too hot and took off the extra trousers and a jumper.

As we walked down towards the lake the squirrels were racing through the trees. We reached Budworth Mere and could see the tower of Great Budworth church across the water.

We crossed over on the canal footbridge Where I took off one of my fleeces. We walked along the track back to Canal Bridge 196 this time going underneath it and continued on the towpath. The rain started again so Donna put her trousers back on.

Lunch was eaten a bit early near the Anderton Boat Lift car park where there were picnic tables. It was a bit cold sitting there, even though the weak sunshine came out again there was a cool breeze.

Plenty of dog walkers, we seemed to be the only people without dogs! 

We walked back down through the Anderton Nature Park crossed the Witton Brook via the footbridge and followed the paths around behind the household waste site and back to the car park.

On the way home we visited Riverside Organic drinks and cake. We had hot chocolate and tea with almond slice, chocolate brownie and a tea cake.