White Nancy, Kerridge and Tegg's Nose 17th November 2007

At the trig point on Kerridge End.

White Nancy, built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.

On Kerridge Hill.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.3 miles; Climb:1756'.

Time:5 hours 28 minutes.

Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Sylvia and Dave J.

This turned out to be an excellent walk for this time of the year. It started in Bollington with a suggestion that it was going to somewhat rainy, but this soon disappeared and it remained dry for the rest of the walk. We only had hints of sun, especially towards the end of the day. The little ridge from White Nancy to Kerridge end was the highlight of the walk and gave superb views across Cheshire and beyond in all directions. The original walk from Graham Beech's book was only 6 miles, so we extended it to go to Tegg's Nose and in so doing we covered a little more of the Gritstone Trail. We took advantage of the picnic tables at Tegg's Nose to have lunch. Thanks again to Fran for providing us with Mince Pies (not just mince pies - M & S Mince Pies. These were enjoyed by all, especially Sylvia who had left the rest of her packed lunch at home! We didn't linger long over lunch as the the temperature seemed to drop and we soon felt quite cold. The way home was now virtually all down hill so we could quicken our pace to get warm.

Birds seen or heard today included: Jay, Nuthatch, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Kestrel, Pied wagtail, Grey wagtail, Goosander, Blackbird, Magpie, Starling, Fieldfare, Carrion Crow, Rook and Jackdaw.

We had our after walk drink at the Vale Inn within walking distance from the car park in Adlington Road, Bollington. This was an excellent little pub, and the old Samuel Smith sign outside should be ignored. Much better lies within. The beers sampled today were from Highgate and Blakemere. The pub also had a real fire - a pub to visit after a walk on a cold Winter day. Expect more walks starting from Bollington, even if we have to repeat the ones we have done already.