Looking towards the Cage from Paddock cottage.
Richard crossing a restored packhorse bridge towards the end of the walk.
Walk stats: Distance:11.1 miles; Climb: 1887'.
Time: 5 hours 39 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average: 2.o m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Richard.
Weather conditions at the start were much worse than we expected, and we delayed setting off for nearly an hour to avoid the worst of the rain and allow the low clouds to disperse from the hill tops. Following the route on the O.S. map wasn't that easy, but Graham Beech's route description on this occasion was very good, but a few stiles had been converted in to gates. Distant views were initially somewhat hazy, but towards the end of the walk, views towards the Peak district and across the Cheshire plain towards Jodrell bank were quite good. Autumn colours were very much in evidence, particularly leaves on the trees in Lyme Park, and the bracken was at its best, dying off, but leaving fantastic orange to red leaves.
Birds seen or heard today included: Snipe, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Jay, Mallard, Greylag goose, Pheasant, Stonechat, Blackbird, Robin and Red grouse. We also saw a bird of prey being mobbed by crows. It circled like a buzzard, but seemed too small. A sparrowhawk is one possiblity.
Unfortunately we didn't find a suitable place for refreshment in Bollington, lets hope we have better luck next time! Apparently there is a pub called The Vale in Adlington Road near to where we park that the Good Beer Gude 2008 says is open!
We ended up having a couple pints in the Mill in Chester, and I have to admit the Weetwood did taste quite good!
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