A Stroll from Eccleston with Friends 15th October 2025

St Mary the Virgin Church, Eccleston.

The main gate and path to St Mary the Virgin Church, Eccleston.

We're ready to go!

Last team photo before heading to the Diamond Jubilee Wood.

The road passing Eccleston Village Hall.

The meadow leading to the gate (on the left by the tree) leading to the Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Leading the way through the Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Heading towards the river from the Diamond Jubilee Wood.

The River Dee at Eccleston Ferry.

Mallards on the River Dee at Eccleston Ferry.

The path from Eccleston Ferry leading to Alford but not that far for us today!

The riverside path below the Duke of Westminster's Estate.

The biggest climb of the day.

See who is waiting at the top of the steps.

The Ps at lunch.

E, F and G at lunch.

DS at lunch.

On th riverside path from Eccleston Ferry.

Nearly back at the start on the path next to the Village Hall.

Distance: 3.0 miles. Climb:125'. Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.2 m.p.h.
Temperature: Around 14 – 17 Celsius.
BWF: 0-1 Calm to Light air.
Birds seen or heard: - European robin, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Wood nuthatch, Jackdaw and Carrion crow.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Elaine, David S, Fran, Gaynor, Sue P, Lilly the spaniel and briefly taximan Dave P.
It was a good turnout, for this short walk and opportunity to catch up with the Pelissiers.
It was a very pleasant day for a walk by the river, overcast, but with no noticeable wind and a good temperature.
Walking alongside along the riverside path, we saw lots of dog walkers, including my friend Rupert, but all of the dogs encountered were friendly with us and each other!
After walking past Eccleston Ferry for about a mile, we started today think about stopping for lunch - but the best option was to retrace our steps back to Eccleston Ferry, where we knew there were a few stone bollards on which some of us could sit. Gaynor provide everyone with a piece of orange cake, made using an air fryer. A new skill that she has recently learned. Thanks for you. If it is easier than the conventional method, all I can say is "carry on, Gaynor. The usual fortified fruit cake was also provided, but sometimes decided to take it home for later.
We arrived back at the car, having had a very enjoyable stroll with good company, so enjoyable that we agreed to do the same sort of walk, more regularly.  Possibly  on the first Wednesday in the month, starting with 5th November.
There was only one downside to this walk, I only noticed it when I made the mistake of getting into the car without changing my boots and there was an awful smell! Yes, you can guess, not all dog's that have used the paths here have been appreciated!
Home earlier to clean my boots, and still get into Chester in time to go to my bank with £17 of coins that have been collected for Alder Hey Children's Hospital.