Around Anglezark Reservoir and More 13th November 2010

On the track below Anglezark Moor.

Looking up Dean Black Brook towards the disused quarry East of White Coppice Village.

The picturesque cricket ground at White Coppice village.

Looking across Chorley towards Blackpool Tower from the entrance to Healy Nab wood.

Looking across Anglezark Reservoir towars the Leicester Quarry.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.2 miles; Climb:1000'.

Time:5 hours 29 minutes; On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Dave J. and Celia.

The weather in the main was good, although the temperature fluctuated from being somewhat chilly to being a very warm wish I was wearing shorts weather!

This was a very varied walk considering we were walking around so many reservoirs. We had several wooded area to go through, some moor-like terrain and old tracks to follow. Views were pretty good too, with Rivington Pike and the Winter Hill masts often in view and during lunch we had good views across Chorley with Blackpool Tower clearly seen in the distance.

Birds on the reservoirs were somewhat limited, but superb views of Greater spotted woodpeckers and Jays made up for it. However the highlight was probably a flock of Fieldfare turning away from us with bright sunshine reflecting on their undersides making them almost twinkle like stars!

Overall this was a good walk, but next time we do it, we now know how to avoid the worst of the boggy/muddy bits and Celia won't have to go paddling again!

Birds seen or heard today included: Great spotted woodpecker, Green woodpecker, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted duck, Goldeneye, Great cormorant, Winter wren, European robin, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Redwing, Fieldfare, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Sparrowhawk, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Pied wagtail, Nuthatch, Blackbird and Buzzard.

After walk drinks were again enjoyed at the Spinners Arms (Bottom Spinners) on Church Street, Adlington. Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted and Timothy Taylor Landlord were the to brews that revived tired legs on this occasion.

The name Anglezarke is derived from two Norse-Gaelic elements. The first part comes from the name Anaf , a form of the popular Scandanavian personal name of Olav. The second part comes from the Old Norse word erg or the Brythonic word cognate with Gaelic word àiridh (dialectactal arke or argh) both meaning a 'hill pasture or shieling'. The two elements together mean 'Anlaf's hill pasture' - i.e. 'the hill pasture belonging to Anlaf'. The earliest spelling of the name was in 1202 when it was recorded as 'Andelevesarewe'. By 1225 this had become 'Anlavesargh', in 1351 'Anlasargh', and by 1559 'Anlazarghe'.

Burton to Parkgate via Haddon Wood 11thNovember 2011

St Nicholas's Church, Burton with its unusual one-handed clock face.

Walk stats: Distance:10.3 miles, Climb:150'.

Time: 4 hours 42 minutes; On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Annie H., Sue and Michel, Fran and Tito, Phil, Sylvia, Dave J. and Georgie the Jack Russell.

Good numbers for a walk on a day when the forecast was for rain and strong winds. It did rain before lunch, but not that much, and it was warm enough to get a way with shorts, but alas I listened to the weather forecasters and decided to wear my Paramos!

Our first place of call was St Nicholas's Church, Burton with its unusual one-handed clock face, and a bonus was being able to see inside the church as it was open for church members getting it ready for the Remembrance day Service.

We arrived out of Burton Wood, and mis-read the walk description and turned right instead of left and had a slight deviation through Haddon Wood.

After a couple of miles or so along the Wirral Way and rain seeming to thwart any idea of a lunch stop, we emerged out of the Neston Cut to blue skies and sunshine. Lunch was enjoyed on "seats" under shelters in Stanley Park. Fortunately we didn't have to watch any teenagers showing their skills on roller boards!

While a few members decided to go to the PC down the road, the rest of the group had a rest on the front at Parkgate and were entertained by Tito wrapping up what to some seemed liked an endless piece of string emerging from the marshes. What he would do with this string leaves much to the imagination, but at least it no longer littered this area of Parkgate!

The remaining part of the walk followed the shore-line along a well defined footpath, muddy at times!

A wildfowler was seen setting out onto the estuary, but thankfully we didn't hear ant gunfire!

Birds seen or heard today included:Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion crow, House sparrow, Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Teal, Wigeon, Curlew, Black-headed gull, Blackbird, Long-tailed tit, Pied wagtail, Common starling and Mute swan.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf in Ness, where Thwaites' special Remembrance Day brew was enjoyed by at least two members of the group. Tito even sampled a glass of wine from near his home village in Italy, he didn't comment on its quality!

Rivington Pike and Winter Hill 6th November 2010

Rivington Pike and the mast on Winter Hill from the Liverpool Castle Folly.

Looking towards Pigeon Tower and Rivington Pike from a footpath on the East side of Lower Rivington Reservoir

At the trig point on Winter Hill.

A the largest of the three cairns on Twa lads.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.7 miles; Climb:1232'.

Time: 4 hours 39 minutes. On the move walking average:2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Dave J., Mike D and Fran.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be, my only regret is that I believed the weather forecast and decided not to wear shorts! Wall to wall blue skies, plenty of sunshine and hardly any wind.

This was a very pleasant walk, and only a very short section on the climb from the Belmont Road to the top of Winter Hill was on the muddy side, even the detour around the masts wasn't too bad. We decided to make a slight detour from the described route to visit the summit of Twa Lads, well worth the minimal extra climb.

We had good views towards both Snowdonia and the Lake District

A slower than usual walking average, largely due to the fact that everyone we met, and there were lots, were very friendly and seemed happy to talk more than a the normal "good morning" or "Hi"!

Birds seen or heard today included: Chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, Black-headed gull, Black-billed magpie, Raven, Mallard, Meadow pipit, European robin, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Great cormorant, Kestrel and Jay.

The walk finished early as we couldn't find an easy extension to the walk, so we were forced to head for an early pint in the Spinners Arms (bottom house) on Church Road Adlington. An excellent selection of beers were on offer, and all those sample were enjoyed once they had warmed up slightly!

Frodsham Hill, Helsby Hill and the Marshes 4th November 2010

On the Sandstone Trail from the Frodsham Monument to the golf course.

Most of the group at the trig point on Helsby Hill.

Martyn at the trig point on Helsby Hill for the first time! Photo taken by Fran.

(A rare photo appearance!)

Michel enjoying the view from our lunch spot.

Walk stats: Distance:10.8 mile. Climb:1497'.

Time:4 hours 59 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Celia, Annie H., Sue and Michel, Phil, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.

Weather a littler on the barmy side, mid teens and definitely shorts weather, well it was for some!

This was a good walk, starting from Frodsham, supposedly following the Sandstone Trail, but we got it wrong twice within the first few miles. I should have let Phil lead the way to the top the Monument on Frodsham Hill!

The early part of the walk was superb, and all the people we met, mainly walking dogs, were very sociable, and the dogs were friendly too!

For me the highlight was visiting the summit of Helsby Hill for the first time, a new trig point visited is always a bonus!

The route also past a an old cockpit, pointed out by Phil, the most elaborate one that I have seen. Thankfully no longer in use!

We decided to cut the walk around Frodsham Marshes short as it had started to rain, but it gave some the bonus of passing the stalls on Frodsham Market.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, European robin, Blackbird, Carrion crow, Black-billed magpie, Jay, Blue tit, Common gull, Mallard, Greylag goose, Moorhen, Blackbird and Kestrel.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Helter Skelter Inn/Wine bar in Frodsham. The brews on offer were many, but most of us sampled the Maidens Cross from the local Frodsham brewery. This hostelry deserves all the credit it gets, and it even has over-sized glasses! 8 real ales and a real cider, over-sized glasses, what more could you ask for?

Hen Cloud and the Roaches 30th October 2010

An early view of the Roaches.

On the Hen Cloud.

Looking up Lud's Church.

Can you spot the Red deer?

A superb Oak in Autumnal colours.

Walk stats:Distance:10.9 miles; Climb:2054'.

Time:6 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average:2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Dave J., Nigel and Carol.

What a superb day for walking this turned out to be, bright and sunny with a cooling breeze for most of the day. Once on the ridge it was a delightful stroll for the next couple of hours, with views in all directions. Bosley Cloud, Shutlingsloe and Shinning Tor all clearly outlined. Lunch was taken about a mile into the return journey from Danebridge.

Lud's Church as ever always impresses, whether you're seeing it for the first time or it's a return visit.

Thankfully we started the walk early and we had Hen Cloud to ourselves and even the Roaches were relatively quiet.

The highlight of the day was seeing seven Red deer racing across the slopes ahead of us.

Birds seen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Meadow pipit, Red grouse, Buzzard, Winter wren, Coal tit, Nuthatch, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Coal tit, Fieldfare and Kestrel.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wilkes Head in Leek where the Hartington bitter was once again in fine form.

Moel Fammau and the Leet 28th October 2010

The final approach to Moel Fammau or so I thought!

On the summit of Moel Fammau.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.8 miles. Climb:2158'.

Time:6 hours 23 minutes. On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Annie H., Phil, Mike D., Fran and Tito.

Optimistically we were expecting a couple of showers and temperatures on the warm side due to a warm wind. In fact we did do well and both showers didn't account to much, and most of the walk was completed in pleasant conditions. Lunch was taken in wood just below the summit of Moel Fammau, on the short cut suggested by Phil. On the summit tower on Moel Fammau there was a keen wind to say the least, but one member of the group braved it out in shorts and shirt sleeves!

The walk was slightly longer than expected, both in terms of distance and time (a 30 minute delay at the visitors centre at Loggerheads when we lost Tito for a while.).

Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Cola tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Long-tailed tit, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Woodpigeon, Jay, Kestrel, Mistle thrush, Blackbird and Black-billed magpie.

Overall a good walk, even Gordon liked this route to Moel Famma. However I'll probably make the extension a little shorter next time!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn at Mold where the star brew of choice was Cwrw Eryri.

Dates and Walks October 2010.

Saturday 2nd October 2010.

Tre'r Ceiri, Yr Eifl and Vortigern's Ravine.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb:3000'.
Start: Forestry Commission Car Park and Picnic site North of Llithfaen just beyond Mount Pleasant cottages. Grid ref:SH352441.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m. Another chance to explore the wonderful remains of the largest and best hill fort in Wales. The walk is shorter than most, but this is walk to savour and not to be rushed. There is a good bit of climb involved too! Last time we also went round the museum at the Welsh Language Centre and some of the group went for a swim at Porth y Nant. Lets hope for a warm sunny day.

Thursday 7th October 2010.

Llantysilio Mountains and More.

Distance: 8-11 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start: Parking area opposite the Ponderosa Hotel at the top of the Horseshoe Pass . Grid Ref: SJ193481.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Most of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with a there and back extension to the Sir Watkin Tower and trig point. This is a superb roller coaster of a walk that can be quite challenging if the weather isn't at its best. Hopefully it will be a good Autumn day so that we can enjoy the panoramic views offered.

Saturday 9th October 2010.

Darwen Moor West

Distance: 11 miles; Climb:1000'.
Start: The car park and visitor centre at Tockholes next to the Royal Arms . Grid Ref: SD665215.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire" with a little extra to start at the Tockholes car park. This could be another walk for the Murphy clan, with this walk following Catherine Edge. Once agin the walk uses the Witton Weavers Way. This time we will visit Belmont Reservoir before returning across the wilderness of Spitlers Edge and Redmonds Edge.

Thursday 14th October 2010.

Caer Drewyn, Pen-y-Pigyn and an on to Cynwyd.

Distance: 9 miles; Climb:1000'.

Start: Corwen centre car park next to the Public Convenience. Grid Ref: SJ080435.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines to walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with a there and back extension to Cynwyd. The visit of Caer Drewyn is described as enchanting and the second walk as being a delightful walk through the wooded hillside above Corwen and concludes with lovely walk alongside the River Dee.

Saturday 16th October 2010.

Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge, Newton and the River Hodder.

Distance: 11 miles; Climb:1000'.

Start: Slaidburn village riverside car park . Grid Ref: SD713524.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is based on a walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire" with an extension from Beatrix to Dunsop Bridge, returning along the River Hodder as far as Boarden, along the road and then heading South past Knoll Wood to Foulscales and then upto Newton to rejoin the original route that follows the River Hodder back to Slaidburn. He describes his part of the walk as being a delightful rural walk.

Thursday 21st October 2010.

Moel Arthur and Moel Plas-yw.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park . Grid Ref: SJ139668.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walk from Dave Berry's book "Walking on the Clwydian Hills" and one from his book "More Walks on the Clwydian Hills". It seems quite along time since we last did these two walks together. He describes one walk as following an attractive old enclosed bridleway, traverses the slopes of Plas-yw and give excellent views. The other walk includes a delightful green track that contours around Moel Arthur and culminates in a stiff climb to the summit of Moel Arthur hillfort with its panoramic views across the Vale of Clwyd towards Snowdonia as well as giving fine views towards Moel Fammau and Offa's Dyke footpath.

Saturday 23rd October 2010.

Revidge and Ecton Hill.

Distance: 12 miles; Climb:1600'.
Start: Hulme End Car park (Pay and Display) . Grid Ref: SK103592.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk combuines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks -Southern Dales". We have done these walks many times under many different weather conditions and conditions underfoot. In fact the Ecton Hill walk relives in our memory as one of the muddiest walks ever, but we now know how to avoid it! These two varied walks allow us to enjoy good views from the tops of Revidge and Ecton Hills finish with a pleasant stroll along the Manifold Valley.

Thursday 28th October 2010.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge, Moel Fammau and Moel Dywyll.

Distance: 11-12 miles; Climb:2000'.

Start: Off road parking opposite the Loggerheads Memorial . Grid Ref: SJ199627.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The main part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" which he describes as an excellent walk exploring the beautiful valleys and foothills of the Clwydians. The extension to Moel Fammau will add about 4 miles to the walk as described. The descent from Moel Fammau follows the Offa's Dyke footpath over Moel Dywyll before descending towards Cilcain and rejoining the described route. Our walk this time is clockwise, the opposite way to our normal ascent of Moel Fammau via the Alyn Gorge and Cilcain.

Saturday 30th October 2010.

The Roaches

Distance: 11 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Roadside parking below the Roaches and Hen Cloud . Grid Ref: SK005621.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Mark Richard's book "High Peak Walks" and has become one of our favourite walks, appearing at least once each year. This walk involves a good section along the ridge that makes you feel as though you're on top of the world. On a clear day you get superb views in all directions. Trying to spot a Wallaby, I feel will be fruitless yet again. We will probably choose a route that takes us through Lud's Church. This is a popular place for walkers and climbers, so it is unlikely that we will have the Roaches to ourselves!