Possible Wednesday Short Walks

Possible Short Wednesday Walks.

Great Barrow and Plemstall.

Not suitable after lots of rain!

Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 280’.Start: Layby on Barrow Lane, Great Barrow. Grid ref: SJ46916846.

Leave Chester at 10-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This is one of the walks provided by the Stamford Bridge Country Inn.
This a low-level walk involving many field paths and quiet country lanes. Some of the field paths can be quite muddy after heavy rain.
The walk allows us to visit two villages, Great Barrow and Plemstall. At Plemstall we can visit St. Peter’s Church, Plemstall with its nearby St. Plegmund’s Well. At Great Barrow we can visit St. Bartholomew’s church.
Last time I did this walk was with Ed on a very hot day and I managed to lose my Leki! We also made the mistake of trying to complete all three of the Stamford Bridge walks in one go. We won't be doing that today!

The walk can easily be extended by an extra 2 miles and 50’ of climb.

On Foot to Eyarth Halt.

Not suitable after lots of rain!

Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 305’.
Start: Ruthin Craft Centre Car park (free) on Lon Parcwr (4th turning off the roundabout if approaching from Mold/Chester. It is opposite Tesco). Grid ref: SJ125586.

Leave Chester at 10-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry’s booklet Walks in the Vale of Clwyd.
It is described as a fascinating walk exploring the countryside between Ruthin and Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.
The last time this walk was on the list was in 2010, but then it was part of a 13 mile walk that included Craig Adwy-wynt and Nant Clwyd Hall

Nant y Ffrith (2)

Start: Roadside parking in Cefn Road, Bwlchgwyn. Grid ref: SJ268534. 

To get to the car park turn off the main A525 into Brymbo Road, and then opposite the primary school turn left into Cefn Road. If we park just after the its junction with Cefn Lane, the road gets a little wider.

Distance: 5.3 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Leave Chester at 10-00.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry’ booklet Walks Around Ruabon Mountain.

It is described as a walk through the Nant y Ffrith valley to the Roman settlement of Ffrith. The walk returns via an old pack-horse trail, quiet lanes and field paths.

Audlem and the Shropshire Union Canal.

Distance: 5.6 miles. Climb: 180!

Start: Cheshire Street Car park, Audlem. Grid ref: SJ659436.

Leave Chester  at 09-15. (It takes just under an hour to drive to Audlem)

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire", 

The walk is described as exploring the attractive valley of the River Weaver with fine views throughout.

Forward planning.

Wednesday 6th May 2026

Rivacre Valley Country Park.

Distance: 3-4 miles.
Climb: 200’.
Start: Rivacre Country Valley Country Park,
The car park for the Reserve is located on Rivacre Road (B5132), just off junction 7 of the M53.
This walk was suggested by Fran, a walk that should be done when the Bluebells are in flower.
May is usually the month for Bluebells, hence the reason for suggesting this for the May Short Walk. I know this is a little shorter than our usual walk, but if the group wanted to extend it, we could drive to the nearby Eastham Country park (only 3.3 miles away) and explore there as well.

It could be just a morning walk, stopping for lunch at the end after completing the circuit.  We could then decide if we wanted to call it a day or go to Eastham Country Park for an afternoon stroll.
Spring is a special time at Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, when the woodlands are truly stunning. Carpets of bright yellow celandines and delicate white wood anemones are soon followed by bluebells, filling the air with their heady scent. Look out for the electric blue flash of the kingfisher hunting for eels along Rivacre Brook.
Anthony Annakin-Smith describes the walk as a lovely walk through several deciduous woodlands, besides streams, and along a meadowy valley.

Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Hilbre Island.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 100' at a guess!

Start: South Parade, West Kirby Marine Lake. Park between the old baths and the Sailing Club at the Southern end of the lake Grid ref: SJ214860.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

High Tide is at 07-00 and is 26.0' / 7.9 m, so it looks like being a good option today. We should be able to cross the sands following the tide as it goes out.

Low Tide is at 13-06

Bring binoculars, their should be some plenty of birds to see as Wintering birds start arriving around now. We should also be able to see  the Grey seals seals on the sand banks in the estuary.

Saturday 6th June 2026

Exploring The Area Around Norton Priory Museum, Gardens and Walled Garden.

Distance: 3.6 miles. Climb: 315'.

Start: Norton Priory Grid ref: SJ 5484 8311. Sat Nav: Tudor Road, WA7 1SX.

Leave Chester at 09-15, so that we are walking by 10-00.

Those interested  in joining us on the walk, including the Museum and Walled garden: Martyn, .Mike, Nigel, Elaine, Fran, Sue and Michel, Sue Pearson, David S.

Museum open: 10-00 to 16-00.

Walled Garden Open: 12-00 to 15-00.

Entrance fee about £14, reduced, if we get a Group rate. However, we would need to recruit a few more as their leaflet says Group are 12 or more 

It is anticipated that we do the Woodland Trust walk first, followed by the Walled Garden, leaving the Museum until last.

The Woodlands Trust Walk.

Distance: 3.6 miles. Climb: 315'.This is an easy and varied walk through woods, parkland and along the Bridgewater towpath.

A Tegg’s Nose Adventure 11th March 2026

Macclesfield Forest from Tegg's Nose.

Tegg's Nose industrial past.

Is it Langley or Trentabank Reservoir?

Descending Tegg's Nose.

This is definitely Langley Reservoir.

One of two Canada geese on Langley Reservoir.

Tegg's Nose from the bridleway leading to Hacked Way Lane.

Fran and Nigel should be there somewhere.

There they are!

Heading along the Walker Barn path through Macclesfield Forest (our escape route)

On top of the world - no, just the highest point on the path to Warrilowhead Farm.

I think I can see my car in the Tegg's Nose Car Park.

The start of the path to Gulshaw Hollow

The Gulshaw Hollow path looks like it is quite high above bottom of the valley.

Gulshaw Hollow.

The delightful path high across the slopes of Gulshaw Hollow.

Snowdrops near Hordern Far,

Memories of milk being delivered in these churns.

An old tree being felled.

Distance: 5.8 miles.
Climb: 1227’. Wind assisted GPS reading)
Time: 3 hour 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 8.2 Celsius to 10.8 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 4, a 13.3 m.p.h. Moderate breeze on top of egg’s Nose and near Walkers Barn.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
The weather forecast for today was pretty accurate today, so we can’t complain. It felt cool whenever we were exposed to the Moderate breeze and felt pleasantly warm in the Sun and out of the wind.
The journey to Tegg’s Nose was going well until we found the Old Buxton Road was closed just short of our destination. We ended up doing an extra 30 miles detour before finally arriving at Tegg’s Nose over an hour later than planned!
We set off to the top of Tegg’s Nose, before dropping down to the reservoirs below. The planned route would take us through Macclesfield Forest to Charity Lane, but we arrived at the Woodcutter’s Cottage to find the path we wanted was closed due to fallen trees.
We decide to have lunch there, and look at alternate routes to get back to Tegg’s Nose without just retracing our steps.
We ended up taking the path to Walker Barn via Ashtretop and Warrilowhead Farm. The next part of the route took us above Gulshaw Hollow on a delightful path to Hordern Farm. We then followed the access track up to the New Buxton Road to rejoin the planned route following the Gritstone Trail back to the start.
Along the access track, we were briefly entertained by some tree cutters felling a large tree.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Goldfinch, Common chaffinch, Canada goose and Common buzzard.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, very different to the original planned walk.
Arriving back at the car, we found that the Old Buxton Road was no longer closed, so we could head home the usual way.
The Upton continents were planning to enjoy drinks at the Wealstone, where they expected to be joined by Elaine and Mike.
I just headed home for a cup of tea, no beer for me, as I have just started a five-day course of strong antibiotics

Walks and Dates March 2026

 Suggestions for ALL Wednesday walks welcome, especially for the short walks.

Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Astbury Mere and Village.

Distance: 5.4 miles. Climb:300'.
Start: Car Park at Astbury Mere Country Park. Grid ref: SJ846627. Post Code: CW12 4AW
Leave Chester 09-15. (It takes about an hour to drive to Astbury Country Park)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk is taken from the Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire. It is described as following mainly enclosed tracks, part of the Macclesfield Canal and visits the attractive village of Astbury.

Saturday 7th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 11th February 2026.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
Those not walking: Mike.

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied
walk with good views from Tegg's Nose.
We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described
as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District.
This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time
of the year.

Saturday 15th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 18th March 2026.

Mynydd Marian.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llanddulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book, "Walks on the North Wales Coast". It combines an interesting section of the coast line with the attractive limestone countryside between, Old Colwyn, Llysfaen and Llanddulas. This is one of my favourite walks at any time of the year.

Saturday 21st March 2026

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 25th March 2026.

Chirk, Church Bank, Temple Wood and Chirk Castle.

Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 965’

This was a walk devised by Ed that allowed us to visit the temple we had seen on earlier walks, but only from the nearby road. This walk includes using a path that goes much closer.

This is quite a varied walk, including sections of the Llangollen Canal and the grounds of Chirk Castle.

Last time we were able to visit inside the church. 

Saturday 28th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

I am happy to change the designated walks as long it is requested by the Monday and a suitable alternative walk suggested.

Please feel free to make suggests of walks that you would like to be included.

Please remember, I have a Prayer Praise Meeting at Church on the first Wednesday of each month, so I will be looking for walks not too far away.

Astbury Mere Country Park and More 4th March 2026

The notice on arrival.

First view of the mere.

The "enclosed" woodland path around the mere.

Another view of the mere.

A pause in the woods.

Canada geese on the mere.

A male Tufted duck on the mere (1 over 50 reported on the sightings board).

Mute swans by the mere.

Another view of the mere.

On the path to Lambert's Lane.

The enclosed path from Stony Lane to Lambert's Lane.

Strolling along Lambert's Lane.

The "roving" bridge over the Macclesfield Canal.

Heading along the Macclesfield Canal towpath.

St. Mary's Church Asbury from Dodd's Lane.

A better view of St. Mary's church, Astbury.

Elaine at the main gate to St. Mary's Church, Astbury.

The daffodils of Astbury.

This wasn't a path we expected to use, but it kept us of the main road alternative.

Distance: 6.3 miles.
Climb: 525’. Wind assisted GPS reading)
Time: 3 hour 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.5 Celsius to 17.8 Celsius at lunch sitting in the Sun.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2, often no wind at all, but at one point in the afternoon, it gusted to a 4.2 m.p.h. Light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Elaine, Fran and Mike. Unfortunately Nigel wasn't able to join us because he was still suffering from an infection.
The weather forecast for today was looking good, good enough to tempt me to wear my shorts again.
In fact, we were in warm sunshine all day, walking with blue skies above, probably the best day for walking this year.
Today, this was a very popular place to be, and we had a job to find a parking place. It is now a Pay and Display car park (£1-50 for all day parking).
We set off, following the route description, but missed the exit from the wood onto the minor lane, and ended going round the mere back to the start. The second time round, we managed to find the minor lane, but decided to have a lunch stop before embarking on the rest of the walk. At this point, there was two benches overlooking the mere, just enough seating for the group, and pleasant view of the mere as well.
The afternoon part of the walk wasn’t that inspiring, but a least we were able to explore parts of Cheshire that most of us hadn’t visited before.
After a pleasant stroll, we decided to cut the walk short by following Dodd’s Lane to Astbury village where the village green had an impressive display of bright yellow daffodils.
St. Mary’s Church, Astbury was impressive too, but unfortunately it was closed.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Mallard, Dunnock, Common buzzard, Song thrush, Blue tit, Great tit, Tufted duck, Moorhen, Common coot, Mute swan, Dunnock, Winter wren, Canada goose and Chiffchaff.
Overall, an enjoyable walk that may become one of our regular short walks.

Llantysilio Green, Snowdrops Eliseg’s Pillar and More 25th February 2026

The Horseshoe Falls from the car park.

The Horseshoe Falls.

Daffodils next to the path leading to Llantysilio Church.

Llantysilio Church and its Snowdrops.

Snowdrops in churchyard.

Snowdrops.

Inside Llantysilio Church.

Mike shows the Snowdrop flower,

The path to the moorland and Pen-y-bryn.

More of the path to the moorland and Pen-y-bryn.

Distant views of Dinas Bran.

Panorama of looking towards the Eglwyseg Escarpment and Dinas Bran.

Mike retracing his steps.

Information about Eliseg's Pillar.

Eliseg's Pillar.

Eliseg's Pillar.

The Clwydian Way that leads to our lunch spot.

Our lunch spot.

The remains of Valle Crucis Abbey seen from our lunch spot.

One the first lambs seen on our walks this year.

Mike tries the new gate on the way to Dinas Bran.

A recently painted narrow boat(part of the horse drawn fleet)

A Grey heron in the canal.

A splash of Snowdrops in the wooded area between the canal and the River Dee,

Distance: 7.6 miles.
Climb: 1368’. 
Time: 4 hour 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.5 Celsius to 17.8 Celsius at lunch sitting in the Sun.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3, often no wind at all, but occasionally we could feel a Light breeze and once it gusted to a Gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, and Mike.
The weather forecast for today was looking good, good enough to tempt me to wear my shorts for the first time this year.
However, drizzle was on the forecast for the afternoon – they were right, but it was more of dampness in the air, than real drizzle.
The first surprise of the day was on arriving at the Llantysilio Green / Horseshoe Falls Car Park. The car park had been revamped, it now has a good surface and there is a good PC.  It was even open!
However, the car park is no longer free to National Trust Members. It is Pay and Display for everyone £6 for all day parking.
Just for a change, we decided to complete the walk in clockwise direction, leaving the two-mile canal towpath to the end of the walk.
Llantysilio Church was the first port of call to see the Snowdrops, they were pretty good, but perhaps a week earlier they may have been better.
Doing it in reverse, we thought would be straight forward, but we still managed to miss the lower path across Peny-bryn that we wanted. This meant we climbed a little more than planned until we realised and retraced our steps. However, it did mean we had some good views that we would have missed had we taken the lower path earlier.
Arriving at the Britannia (up for sale), we decided to change the route slightly and visit Eliseg’s Pillar and join the Clwydian Way (our normal path) near Abbey Cottage.
Lunch was taken at the usual pic-nic area created by “Korsakud” and friends.
Just as we finished our lunch, the drizzle / dampness in the air started, but it was never enough to make us put on our waterproofs.
Arriving at the canal, the boats were being prepared for the tourists, with the smell of paint still evident.
Just before the Motor Museum, we noticed a pink door in the hedge, it turned out that it was the entrance to a new canalside café. It wasn’t open today!
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, Wood nuthatch, Common pheasant, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Mallard, Dunnock, Common buzzard, Song thrush, Mistle thrush, Blue tit, Great tit and Grey heron.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, and one we thought seemed easier going in the clockwise direction.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Sun at Trevor, where Mike sampled Purle Moose’s Madog and I had an excellent pot of tea that came with another pot of hot water. I only just managed to drink it all! Once again, home in time to clean my boots outside before the light faded.