Saturday 15 December 2019
The Fox and Hounds Christmas meal.
All ten of us made the meal, there was plenty of food - the portions were very generous.
Tuesday, 5 February 2019
Saturday, 10 November 2018
Alsager Series No. 6 - Wildflowers and Rode Hall
Saturday 10 November 5 miles
Hilary, Carol, Tracey and Jane
The weather was supposed to be ok, possibly sunshine and showers. The previous day had been grey and windy and the evening very windy and rainy, so we were not sure what weather we were going to experience, Hilary had checked the forecast and said that rain was only due in the afternoon.
We left the car by the pub. Beautiful autumn colours along Cherry Lane
Saw a horse with a coat on, the coat had foxes on it.
Walked along the Trent and Mersey Canal passing the locks there were also black and white cows in the field on our right. Then we crossed the canal at bridge 137 and went over the stile, there were cows in this field too, we went down to the bridge where the water was moving quite fast.
We went up the rise in the land across to the corner of as field, and then went through the woods and over the bridge. In spring this wood is full of bluebells but at this time of year we were admiring the colours of the colours of the trees.
As we crossed the fields there was a glow of yellow, as we got nearer we saw that the yellow was rapeseed plants that had self seeded amongst the grass. Then we joined a lane called Lunts Moss walking away from the farm and following the lane until we reached Church Lane.
We crossed Church Lane to walk on the pavement, we passed the entrance to Rode Hall and the parish Church of All Saints of Odd Rode. There is quite a long stretch of road which becomes Poolside after the bend as it passes alongside Rode Pool. There were quite a lot of cars along this road. Having reached the A50 we crossed the road to go along Chapel Lane. There were a couple of people with a dog and the younger woman was kicking up the leaves and the dog was jumping up as though he was trying to catch them. The dog wanted to continue playing with the leaves and not continue on the walk. We passed Rhema Mission Church - the chapel that gives the road it's name.
We were back at the Broughton Arms once we had crossed the road and walked on a bit. We hadn't had lunch and we were not too far from the car. Fortunately the were some benches in the field by the canal so we had the luxury of sitting at a table for our lunch. Of course that was when the rain started and a bit of a breeze, and it was only about quarter past twelve. We were feeling a bit cold by the time we finished our lunch and chat, so it was good to get on the move. As we went towards the path we needed to take there were a group of people with dogs in the way, they let us through, many of them were wearing t-shirts that showed the were supporting 'Children with Cancer', presumably raising money by doing a dog walk.
For this last part of the walk we returned the way we had come going down Cherry Lane again and the sun came out for a moment making it feel warmer. It was not long before we reached the car, and it was time to decide where to have tea and cake. We thought Sandbach would provide us with some possibilities, like The Cafe on the Square. The town was busy as there was a Maker's Market. We managed to park in the main car park when people moved on. We didn't end up at the Cafe on the Square as we thought it might be too busy, so we went to the Peppers Coffee Lounge across the road from the car park. Then it was tea with Victoria sponge, coffee and walnut cake, chocolate and orange cake and a toasted teacake, and a chat.
Hilary, Carol, Tracey and Jane
The weather was supposed to be ok, possibly sunshine and showers. The previous day had been grey and windy and the evening very windy and rainy, so we were not sure what weather we were going to experience, Hilary had checked the forecast and said that rain was only due in the afternoon.
We left the car by the pub. Beautiful autumn colours along Cherry Lane
Saw a horse with a coat on, the coat had foxes on it.
Walked along the Trent and Mersey Canal passing the locks there were also black and white cows in the field on our right. Then we crossed the canal at bridge 137 and went over the stile, there were cows in this field too, we went down to the bridge where the water was moving quite fast.
We went up the rise in the land across to the corner of as field, and then went through the woods and over the bridge. In spring this wood is full of bluebells but at this time of year we were admiring the colours of the colours of the trees.
As we crossed the fields there was a glow of yellow, as we got nearer we saw that the yellow was rapeseed plants that had self seeded amongst the grass. Then we joined a lane called Lunts Moss walking away from the farm and following the lane until we reached Church Lane.
We crossed Church Lane to walk on the pavement, we passed the entrance to Rode Hall and the parish Church of All Saints of Odd Rode. There is quite a long stretch of road which becomes Poolside after the bend as it passes alongside Rode Pool. There were quite a lot of cars along this road. Having reached the A50 we crossed the road to go along Chapel Lane. There were a couple of people with a dog and the younger woman was kicking up the leaves and the dog was jumping up as though he was trying to catch them. The dog wanted to continue playing with the leaves and not continue on the walk. We passed Rhema Mission Church - the chapel that gives the road it's name.
We were back at the Broughton Arms once we had crossed the road and walked on a bit. We hadn't had lunch and we were not too far from the car. Fortunately the were some benches in the field by the canal so we had the luxury of sitting at a table for our lunch. Of course that was when the rain started and a bit of a breeze, and it was only about quarter past twelve. We were feeling a bit cold by the time we finished our lunch and chat, so it was good to get on the move. As we went towards the path we needed to take there were a group of people with dogs in the way, they let us through, many of them were wearing t-shirts that showed the were supporting 'Children with Cancer', presumably raising money by doing a dog walk.
For this last part of the walk we returned the way we had come going down Cherry Lane again and the sun came out for a moment making it feel warmer. It was not long before we reached the car, and it was time to decide where to have tea and cake. We thought Sandbach would provide us with some possibilities, like The Cafe on the Square. The town was busy as there was a Maker's Market. We managed to park in the main car park when people moved on. We didn't end up at the Cafe on the Square as we thought it might be too busy, so we went to the Peppers Coffee Lounge across the road from the car park. Then it was tea with Victoria sponge, coffee and walnut cake, chocolate and orange cake and a toasted teacake, and a chat.
Saturday, 13 October 2018
From Carol's House
Saturday 13 October 4.5 miles
Carol, Jane + Hilary
The forecast was for wild weather and a very high possibility of rain. We decided we wouldn't chance the weather in Chester. Carol suggested doing a walk from her house and having lunch at the Badger - that seemed like the better option unsurprisingly!
We walked from Carol's house going down their lane to the road, crossing over to join the canal towpath this the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. The canal is closed between Stanthorne Lock 2 and Wardle lock 1. We started with our jackets on as there was a bit of a breeze but once we walked along a bit the jackets came off.
There was a heron standing on the path and even though we came quite close it left it until the last minute to fly away to the other side of the canal - it was obviously very keen to get some breakfast. The canal was very quiet as there is no access to the canal in Middlewich due to the embankment collapse, hopefully it will have been repaired by the end of the year.
A rose bush had fallen across the path, it was a dog rose and very thorny so was hard to avoid being caught up in its spikes. We tried to hold it out of the way but it was difficult.
We left the canal to go towards Church Minshull the noise of the trees blowing in the wind was quite tremendous, we passed the farmhouse and joined a path to cross the River Weaver by a bridge. By the river there were groups of white flowers with fern like leaves and tiny groups of white flowers, I thought they looked like an achillea.
Just before we reached the main road we noticed a house with a very nice extension and an electric gate, it didn't leave much garden at the back, but plenty of glass to let the light in.
Then lunch at the Badger, the choices were a mezze platter, Shropshire brie on flatbread, and a 'fish finger' bap! We did have to wait a while to be served (perhaps the fish took a bit of cooking!), it is a bit disappointing when that happens.
We returned the way we came, this time with the sun in our eyes. Even with the wind still blowing we still didn't need our coats or fleeces so it was T-shirts in October! Sometimes it was hard to hear each other in places as the wind blew across our ears.
We didn't see many people on the canal either just a couple with a dog as we once again had to negotiate the rose thorns and attempt to not get too caught up. We passed two swans on the canal they looked very white in the sunshine. The wind across the surface of the canal created little wavelets but that didn't stop them from feeding on the bottom of the canal.
Then it was back to Carol's house for a cup of tea and looked at lots of lovely pictures of the wedding!
Carol, Jane + Hilary
The forecast was for wild weather and a very high possibility of rain. We decided we wouldn't chance the weather in Chester. Carol suggested doing a walk from her house and having lunch at the Badger - that seemed like the better option unsurprisingly!
We walked from Carol's house going down their lane to the road, crossing over to join the canal towpath this the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. The canal is closed between Stanthorne Lock 2 and Wardle lock 1. We started with our jackets on as there was a bit of a breeze but once we walked along a bit the jackets came off.
There was a heron standing on the path and even though we came quite close it left it until the last minute to fly away to the other side of the canal - it was obviously very keen to get some breakfast. The canal was very quiet as there is no access to the canal in Middlewich due to the embankment collapse, hopefully it will have been repaired by the end of the year.
A rose bush had fallen across the path, it was a dog rose and very thorny so was hard to avoid being caught up in its spikes. We tried to hold it out of the way but it was difficult.
We left the canal to go towards Church Minshull the noise of the trees blowing in the wind was quite tremendous, we passed the farmhouse and joined a path to cross the River Weaver by a bridge. By the river there were groups of white flowers with fern like leaves and tiny groups of white flowers, I thought they looked like an achillea.
Just before we reached the main road we noticed a house with a very nice extension and an electric gate, it didn't leave much garden at the back, but plenty of glass to let the light in.
Then lunch at the Badger, the choices were a mezze platter, Shropshire brie on flatbread, and a 'fish finger' bap! We did have to wait a while to be served (perhaps the fish took a bit of cooking!), it is a bit disappointing when that happens.
We returned the way we came, this time with the sun in our eyes. Even with the wind still blowing we still didn't need our coats or fleeces so it was T-shirts in October! Sometimes it was hard to hear each other in places as the wind blew across our ears.
We didn't see many people on the canal either just a couple with a dog as we once again had to negotiate the rose thorns and attempt to not get too caught up. We passed two swans on the canal they looked very white in the sunshine. The wind across the surface of the canal created little wavelets but that didn't stop them from feeding on the bottom of the canal.
Then it was back to Carol's house for a cup of tea and looked at lots of lovely pictures of the wedding!
Thursday, 27 September 2018
Plumley Station Walk
Saturday 15 September 7.5 miles
Donna, Tracey, Jane and Hilary
We didn't know what to expect weather wise as it rained heavily during the week before, especially Friday. We were lucky there was no rain and was fairly warm too.
Wet grass as the mornings are cooler
As usual stopping for lunch was mentioned by Hilary way too early!
We stopped near Holford Hall, sitting on logs by the lane side.
Plumley Garden Centre for tea and cake.
Donna, Tracey, Jane and Hilary
We didn't know what to expect weather wise as it rained heavily during the week before, especially Friday. We were lucky there was no rain and was fairly warm too.
Wet grass as the mornings are cooler
As usual stopping for lunch was mentioned by Hilary way too early!
We stopped near Holford Hall, sitting on logs by the lane side.
Plumley Garden Centre for tea and cake.
Thursday, 30 August 2018
Wedding
Saturday 18 August
Owen House Wedding Barn
The Barn was a lovely venue for a wedding, and as the weather was good people could use the inside space and the lovely patio area outside.
Owen House Wedding Barn
The Barn was a lovely venue for a wedding, and as the weather was good people could use the inside space and the lovely patio area outside.
Sunday, 5 August 2018
Saturday, 28 July 2018
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