Frodsham, the Weaver and Kingsley 21st August 2016

Walking alongside the Weaver approaching the Frodsham Cut.

Mute swan on the Weaver Navigation.

Looking back down the delightful riverside path through Hunter's Nature Reserve.

The delightful riverside path through Hunter's Nature Reserve, heading towards Kingsley.

One of the few boats seen on the Weaver Navigation as we approached the Kingsley road.

Bindweed.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.2 miles. Climb: 565'.

Time: 5 hours 51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S., Phil and Paul.

Overall this turned out to be a pleasant day for walking, much cooler and less humid than last week. In fact we had a five minute spell of rain, just enough time to put waterproof before it stopped. In fact I took my waterproof jacket of straight away.

 Much of the time after that required the use of a sun hat and sunglasses if you had them with you..

 At one point we saw huge flocks of Canada geese feeding in stubble fields, then taking to the air in groups of about fifty heading along the river towards Frodsham. At the same time about 200 Lapwing were in the air with their easily distinguished flickering of the wings in flight.

 Considering we walked along the banks of the Weaver Navigation, we didn't see many boats actually moving, just one narrow boat and one motor launch.

 The section of the path through Hunter's Nature Reserve was a delightful wooded path adjacent to the river, but alas a little too long for my GPS, it lost contact with the satellite signals.

 Once leaving the river and heading for Kingsley, claims of being hungry started to be aired, so a suitable lunch spot was needed.

 Thankfully we came across a cross country hunt fence that provided a suitable perch for most of us, the nearby grass being favoured by one of the group.

 After lunch we were largely on field paths, and at one point came across some children with a couple of dogs that had tried chasing a hare, but decided that investigating us would be an easier option.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Lapwing, House sparrow, Canada goose, Eurasian curlew, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Great cormorant, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Barn swallow, Grey heron and Mallard.

 We arrived back at the car having had a good walk and legs knowing that they had covered a greater distance than usual.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Helter Skelter in Frodsham, where Red Willow's Headless and Oakham's Bishop's Finger went down well.