Around Lyme Park 28th July 2007

Richard, Celia, Tito and Fran on the approach to Moorlands Lane
with Dale Top in the background.

Lyme Park from Higher Moor.

Looking across Bollinhurst Reservoir to The Cag .

Walk stats: Distance: 9.3 miles; Climb: 1378'; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.;
Time: 5 hours 1 minute.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Fran and Tito.


This was a walk in the dry and mainly in sun, unusual for this July. A cool wind however kept the temperature down. at its highest points around Dale Top and the Bowstones you really did get the feeling that you were on top of Cheshire looking down across the plain to Beeston. Views in all directions were excellent with the Peak and Pennines clearly visible in one direction and the Welsh Hills in the other. The Cage in Lyme Park attracted our attention from various vantage points. Perhaps next time we will have to put it on as part of the route, since it would only take a small extension from the route that we did. This was another day when meadow flowers were in abundance. The only mammal sighted was a Field Mouse. Birds seen or heard on route included: Pied wagtail, House sparrow, Carrion Crow, Rook, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Magpie, Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Mallard, Greenfinch, Swallow, Blackbird, Swift and Sedge warbler.

A return visit to the Cross Keys at Knutsford was made for after walk refreshments. An enjoyable pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Deuchars IPA finished the day off quite nicely!

Dates and Walks July 2007

Updated 27th July 2007

Thursday 5th July 2007
Tatton Park - House and Park

Distance: Unknown.

It is planned that we will visit the main house using our Tatton Park Passes or National Trust Membership Cards.

We should have enough Tatton Park Passes for all of us, if we all remember to bring them.

The visitors centre has suggested walks, so we will probably look at these before we start to explore the grounds.

Binoculars would be useful when we explore the grounds after looking around the house.

I suggest that we leave Chester at about 9-15 a.m., the gates don't open until 10-00 a.m. and we don't want to queue for them to open.

This is Dave J's birthday, so I'll bring some of my fruit cake. Let me know if you are coming so that I bring enough! We will of course be celebrating Celia's birthday too (hers was on the 1st July).

Start at Tatton Park car park. Grid ref: SJ743823.
Route to Tatton Park.
Take the A51 from Chester to Tarvin.
The A54 Tarvin to Kelsall.The A556 Kelsall to Northwhich. Follows this road beyond the M6 as far as Mere. At Mere turn right by the The Swan on to the A5034. After a mile or so turn left onto a minor road by a lodge. The entrance to Tatton Park is on the right after a little more than a mile. Tatton Park is clearly signposted from the traffic lights by the Swan.

Saturday 7th July 2007

Longendale Edges.

Distance: 12 - 13 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Car park near Crowdon Youth Hostel off the A628. Grid ref: SK072994.

"Disfigured though it may be, moments of high drama still exist as this excursion illustrates". This is how Mark Richard's describes this walk.

This could be a challenging walk in terms of route finding, even getting to the start!

Thursday 12th July 2007

Around Llandegla

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: Unknown.

Start: Car park in the centre of the village of Llandegla. Grid ref: SJ197525.

To get to the car park, follow the A5014 from Chester through Saltney, Pontybodkin and across the Llandegla Moors. In Llandegla turn righ in to the village centre. The car park is on the right opposite the Post Office/Shop, behind the Bus Shelter. Take the road on the right opposite the Post Office/Shop and the entrance to the car park is on the right.

It is planned to use a walk is from a leaflet produced by Denbighshire Countryside Service and explores the area south of Llandegla/ Pen y Stryt, and extend it to about 10 miles. This will make the walk a length closer to our normal Thursday walk length. The extension will take us past the Wireless Station to Sir Watkin's Tower on Cyrn-y-Bryn. We will then descend the slopes of Cyrn-y-Bryn to the Offa's Dyke Path which we will use to return to the car park at Llandegla. I seem to be the only one that hasn't done the trek to the Wireless Station and Sir Watkin's Tower on Cyrn-y-Bryn before and it's one I've wanted to do for quote a while. It aso allows us to complete another part of the Offa's Dyke Path and Clwydian Way.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m., and meet in the car park at Llandegla.

Saturday 14th July 2007

Bleaklow Head and High Shelf Stones.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles (will be more if we park in a car park in Glossop which is likely!)

Start: Shepley Street, Old Glossop. Grid ref: SK954925 or the Bernard Street car Park in Glossop (Pay and display). We will decide nearer the time. It will probably be better if we go in convoy if more than one car is needed.

This walk includes part of the Pennine Way. One section to Higher Shelf Stones is described by Mark Richards as "unremitting hell". WE may prefr to stick to the Pennine Way path and miss it out! Anothe walk where gaiters and a compass may both be useful!

Thursday 19th July 2007.

The North west Moors and Cynwyd Forest.

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

Start: Corwen centre car park. Grid ref: SJ080435.

This is a variation on a walk that we have done before. This one is taken from John Tranter's book "Walks in and around the Berwyn Mountains. We could visit Moel Ferna, but this would make an extension of about 6 miles - a little too much for me. The walk description starts at Llangor church and uses the road to get there from Corwen. We will use the old railway track instead. This is the first time that I have used a walk from this book, so it will be interesting to see how easily his descriptions are to follow. I hope that they are better than his sketch maps! The walk also visits part of the Berwyns that is new to me, always an added bonus on a walk.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet in the car park at Corwen.

Saturday 21st July 2007 - Postponed until August

Alport Dale and the Woodlands Valley.

Distance: 12 - 13 miles. Climb: 1000' (but I expect it will be a little more!)

Start: Birchin Clough Bridge Car park. Grid ref: SE109915.

This walk visits some of the more remote and isolated regions of the High Peak. Access is still denied in some places, but the new Right to Roam Laws may have changed things by now.

Again gaiters and compasses to be recommended.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

Thursday 26th July 2007.
Cwm Dulas and Gopa Woods.

Distance: 7 miles; Climb: 1500'.

Start: Pensarn/Abergele Beach car park near the toilet block. (turn left as you go over the railway bridge by the station). Grid ref: SH942786.

This is a walk that we have done many times before, but it is one that I like. It's only 7 miles, but it will allow us the opportunity to explore an area that I have in the past was an area where access was denied. The new OS map would suggest otherwise.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet in the car park at Pensarn/Abergele.

Saturday 28th July 2007.
Around Lyme Park.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb: unknown.
Start: At higher Poynton visitor centre and parking close to the marina on the Macclesfield Canal.
Grid ref: SJ945833. This is just off Anson Road.
To get to the parking area. Take the A51 from Chester and then the A54 to Winsford and Holmes Chapel towards Wilmslow. Then take the A535 towards Alderley Edge and then the A5102 to Poynton. At Poynton follow the road to the east for Higher Poynton. Signs for the Anson Museum and Marina may help.
This new suggested parking place avoids the need to park in Lyme Park itself
If you are a National Trust Member bring your card, just in case we decide to explore some of Lyme Park itself.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Pub Walks in Cheshire and Wirral". Jen Darling doesn't give much help about what we might expect to see on route except for two for two Saxon cross shafts called the Bowstones. However I'm sure we'll find much more ourselves!

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.

Cwm Dulas and Gopa Woods 26th July 2007

Celia and Richard at the cairn on Pen-y-corddyn mawr hill fort.

Martyn at the cairn in the centre of Pen-y-corddyn mawr hill fort.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.9 miles; Climb: 1365'; Time: 5 hours 13 minutes;

Average speed: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard and Celia.

This was a walk that we have done several times, but this time we explored the previously inaccessible Pen-y-corddyn mawr hill fort. The day started in light drizzle that seemed to go on and off all morning, but the afternoon proved to be dry if somewhat humid. The views from the summit of Pen-y-corddyn mawr hill fort were worth the effort although it was difficult to see any evidence of the hill fort itself. The hill fort was the only area where we experienced the gusty winds that had been forecast for the day.
This was another day for summer flowers, mainly along the field margins and some along the shore above the tide line along Pensarn beach.

Birds seen or heard on the walk included: Ringed plover (bird of the day), Common gull, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Common tern fishing, Jackdaw, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Buzzard, Pheasant, House sparrow, Dipper, Meadow pipit, Pied wagtail, Cormorant, and Starling.

A good pint of J.W.Lees bitter was enjoyed at the Britannia at Pentre Halkyn. No evidence of the landlord, but we think the bar maid was the same.

The North West Moors and Cynwyd Forest 19th July 2007

Celia enjoying the lunch-time view of Moel Fferna.

Richard enjoying ?

Aftertoon tea at Liberty Hall.

Admiring the view across Bala from the Pen y Pigyn Memorial.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.2 miles; Climb: 1622'; Time: 5 hours 32 minutes;
Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Tim, Michel, Fran, Tito, Celia, Dave and Sylvia J.

The walk stated at Corwen, rather than the suggested start at Llangar Church, used footpaths from Corwen to Llangar, rather than following the minor road. The weather was kind to us. In fact I think this was the sunniest July day that we have had this year. Overall this was a very pleasant walk, especially along the river and once we had emerged onto the moor. Bilberries and wild raspberries were just about perfect, adding to our five fruits a day. The views to the Rhinogs and Snowdonia excellent as well as the nearer Arans, Berwyns and the Arenigs. The Clwydians and Llantysilio Mountains were clear from the Pen y Pigyn memorial.
Animals seen included a lizard (alas not alive), Trout jumping and a very large of very tiny frogs crossing the track in Cynwyd Forest. Birds seen or heard included: Grey Heron, Mallard, Goosanders, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, House sparrow, Swifts, Swallows and House Martins, Meadow Pipits and Chaffinch. We also saw Guinea Fowl and a Peacock, but these weren't wild!

I very pleasant pint or two were quaffed in the delightfully situated Grouse Inn at Carrog.

Bleaklow Head and High Shelf Stones 14th JUly 2007

Richard on the edge of Yellowslacks.

Part of the remains of the Flying Fortress on Bleaklow, quite close to Higher Shelf Stones.

Richard at the trig point on Higher Shelf Stones.

A view of Higher Shelf Stones from Doctor's Gate bridleway.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.8 miles; Climb: 2522'; Time: 6 hours 32 minutes;
Walking Average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Richard.

This was a walk with plenty of surprises in more ways than one. I lost my monocular which was found by a group of walkers who raced after us to return it. Not all things are bad in this world!

We didn't quite follow the route as described, but there a gain on this type of terrain it's not surprising. At High Shelf Stones, the best viewing point, we were convince that we saw the Welsh Hills, but which ones are still open to debate. The weather was kind to us, dull and windy and quite cool in the morning, but ended in glorious sunshine. The scenery was fantastic with so many hidden valleys and cascading streams. We negotiated "unremitting hell" without too much trouble and in the process came across the remains of crashed Flying Fortress aircraft that crashed sixty years ago.

No animals of note were seen, but we did hear crickets and saw another of our green beetles. Another Tiger beetle we suspect. Birds seen or heard include: Skylark, Swallow, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Wren, Meadow Pipits. Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow and a bird of prey that we think was a Goshawk. Goshawks have bred on Bleaklow this year. A Peregrine Falcon is another possibility and are known to be around Alport Castle where we will be walking next week. This area is next to Bleaklow in the Snake Pass Valley.This is a walk that we will do again, but it is definitely one to be done in good weather. There is still plenty more to find and explore.

We had a couple of excellent pints of Howard Town Brewery's Wrens Nest in a pub called the Star Ale House in Glossop. This is a pub we will visit again. Another pub with character to add to our list!

Llandegla 12th July 2007

On the approach to the Radio Mast.

At the Sir Watkins tower.

Walk stats: 8.5 miles; Climb: 1198'; Time: 4 hours 35 minutes; Walking Average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Michel, Richard, Tim, Celia, Dave and Sylvia.

This was a new walk to me and had some pleasant surprises. The walk to start with went across arm fields, not always easy to follow even wit the O.S. map (the walk described by Discover Dembishire was less than useless to follow). The walk contouring around the hillside between Bilberry and Heather was just about O.K.. The bilberries were just about ripe, another reason for our slow progress! Access to Sir Watkins tower was a pleasant surprise, although the tower itself left a lot to the imagination. The return route along the Offa's Dyke path through the forest wasn't very memorable, but would doubt have been better had not the rain put in an appearance here.

Birds seen or heard on the walk include: Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Wren, Stonechat, House sparrow, Greenfinch and small bird that could have been a Redpoll or aTwite(the former I think).

A very enjoyable pint of J.W. Lees (from Middleton Junction, Manchester) was experienced by most of us at the Crown Inn at Llandegla.

The Longendale Edges 7th July 2007

Guess what Richard's doing? The plant in front of him is a clue.

Dowstone Rocks/Shining Clough Rocks in the background.

The suggested scramble route to Dowstone Rocks/ Shining Clough Rocks.
Not the way we went!

Looking towards Deer Knowl and start of the walk along the Longendale Edges.

The easiest of the stream crossings at Wildboar Clough.

Dated photographs by Richard.

Walk stats: 10.6 miles; Climb: 2499'; Time:6 hours 45 minutes;
Walking average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard and Dave J.

The walk presented more of a challenge than we expected. First with the Longendale Trail taking us too far without access to the road we wanted, and then signs from the Mill Clay Shooting suggesting that the route was inaccessible to walkers. That bit of road was the easy bit, the challenge started once we had stated to head for open country on largely pathless terrain. First we had the challenges of crossing a stream at Shining Clough before fighting our way through bracken to follow a fence to a stone track. At the end of the stone track we followed the edge "path" on the edge of the peat upland until we reached Wildboar Clough, which also had to be crossed. We decided to have lunch in this pleasant spot with the sun shining on us. The next section was definitely pathless, just heading in a north-east direction across Torside Naze. The worst challenge of the day, descending steeply in to Torside Clough, fording the stream and climbing the grassy bank to reach the Pennine Way Path. This was just about enough for me, and I decided to use the Pennine Way back to the car park at Crowdon. The rest eventually decide to do likewise!

Animals seen on this walk included a Stoat and two Mountain Hares. Birds seen or heard included: Canada Geese, Ring Ousel, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Lapwing, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Stonechat, Black-headed Gull, Meadow Pipit. Swift, Swallow, House Martin and Common Sandpiper.

A walk to remember, but maybe not to repeat! The second half of the walk that was missed out on this occasion, will be incorporated in a walk some time in the future.

A couple of pleasant pints of Jennings Cumberland Ale were sampled at the Bull's Head in Tintwhistle. This pub has character with all sorts of artifacts, mainly from the past on display.

Around Tatton Park 05/07/07

Photographs by Richard

Walk stats: Distance: 9.7 miles; Climb: 389'; Time: 4 hours 59 minutes;

Walking average: 2.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Gordon, Celia, Tim, Michel, Dave and Sylvia J.

Another walk that won't stay long in the memory, but at least a few of us made use of our Tatton Park passes. This was a low level walk, mainly around the edge of the park. The weather in the main remained fine if somewhat humid. We only got caught out late in the afternoon after abandoning our waterproofs to walk around the the gardens. Consequently we didn't explore the gardens completely, something we will have to do on our next visit. We will also have to visit the Mansion and the Old Hall. Nothing much stands out except for the Fallow Deer and the Red Deer, and of course the three legged dog coping better than some of us. A visit to Home Farm, more a trip for children, did have some points of interest in terms of the set up of the farm, and the different sets of piglets with the cutest going to five born on Celia's birthday. Dave birthday lunch was celebrated, sitting on logs under the trees looking across to a small herd of Red Deer.

Birds seen or heard included: Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Canada goose, Coot, Skylark, Swallows, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Cormorant and Jackdaw.

This was Gordon's last walk for a while since he has abandoned the role of being retired to take up a new job. Hopefully it won't be too long before he can join us again.

A very pleasant pint or two of Otter Bitter ( brew from Devon) was enjoyed in the Greyhound at Ashley. Well worth another visit if we go to Tatton Park again.