About Me

My photo
When? Started: 1993 Who? Started with staff and friends from U H S, Chester. Organiser: Martyn Harris We walk every Wednesday and Saturdays, New Years day and May Day. How many walk? Walks take place as long as there are at least 2 wanting to walk on that day. More walk on a Wednesday than on a Saturday. Most ever: 29. Current group size walking: 2-7 in mid-week and 2-4 on Saturday. Where do we walk? Saturday: Anywhere in North and Mid-Wales, Peak District, Shropshire and the Long Mynd and as far North as the Trough of Bowland. Thursday: Anywhere within about 40 miles of Chester. Type of walk: Distance: 6 – 14 miles (but usually under 10 miles). Climb: up to 4000’ (but usually very much less!). People involved on walks in 2024:- Martyn Harris, Fran Murphy, Sue and Michel Pelissier, Mike Dodd, David Savage,, Ed Meads, Nigel and Elaine Taylor, Winston Feather.

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Brown Knowl, the Sandstone Trail and More 21st March 2013

On the low level part of the walk.
"This is my patch!"
At the Memorial Stone on Bickerton Hill.
At the trig point on Raw Head.
Our best view of Beeston Castle.
Along the delightful path through Bodnook Wood.
Distance: 13.6 miles. Climb: 3120' (wind assisted) Probably nearer 1800').
Time: 6 hours 49 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Phil, Fran and Sue Pelissier.
It was good to have Fran and Sue back to boost our numbers. A fine day weatherwise, although it was a keen wind that accompanied us along the sandstone ridge from Maiden Castle to Bickerton Hill.  Thankfully the wind came from behind us. It wasn't a day for lingering to admire the views or chat to other walkers. The views were somewhat misty especially in the distance, but otherwise quite good.
Lunch was taken before heading towards Peckforton, and it was necessary to shelter on the West side of the hill to avoid the cold wind.
We decided not to follow the walk description all the way to Beeston Castle and instead headed on a path that started along the drive to Peckforton Castle.  We thought that this would shorten the walk slightly from the 12.5 miles described. we also decided to explore another new (to us) path through Pennsylvania Wood, and the walk ended up being more than the described route!  We also ended up going through one very muddy field that will discourage us from repeating the experience.
Birds seen or heard today included: Greenfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Collared dove, Common blackbird, European robin, House sparrow, Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Common buzzard and a Sparrowhawk.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Egerton Arms at Broxton, where their Piffle brew (brewed for them by the Conwy Brewery) went down well. It was a good pot of tea too!

No comments: