Around Shotwick and Saughall 15th November 2012

Shotwick Castle.

On the outer ramparts at Shotwick Castle.

On field paths heading for Shotwick.

The entrance to Shotwick church with its famous arrow sharpening markings.

The inside of hotwick Church.

The last few leaving Shotwick church.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.5 miles. Climb: 305'.

Time: 5 hours 13 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Annie H., Phil, David S., Paul, Celia, Carol H, Tim, Sue and Dave P.

Yet another good November day for walking, dry with plenty of sunshine and little wind.

This can definately be described as a low level walk with plenty of interest interspersed with plenty of field paths, a few of which were on the "boggy / muddy" side.

The highlight of the day was Shotwick church which was open, always good to see.  Another bonus was the people that we encountered were all very pleasant and helpful, including a farmer who pointed out to us that we were on the right path through his field, but most walkers didn't use the path, but instead used the embankment adjacent to it. In future we will do that and avoid treking through the muddy fields and avoid being blocked by tapes across the gateway of the last field.

I almost forgot, we did encounter one cyclist that managed to upset at least one member of the group, and wouldn't pass his cycling proficiency test if it include road etiquette!

Lunch was taken along the cycle way adjacent to the busy Queensferry road, and not everyone manged to sit for lunch. However to our surprise a pony and trap with two riders slowly passed us by, and speeded into a trot.

Birds seen or heard today included: Filedfare, Redwing, Common blackbird, Common starling, Collared doeve, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Moorhen, Common buzzard, Chaffinch, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Black-billed magpie and Carrion crow.

Ater walk drinks were enjoyed at the Greyhound Inn at Saughall, where Theakston's Lightfoot went down well.  Another good local, open at times when tired walkers are in need of a quenching drink and a warm by the fire!