Around Bosley Cloud 17th February 2018

The Cloud approaching from the East.

Croker Hill and Sutton Common from the East side of The Cloud.

Croker Hill and Sutton Common from the trig point on The Cloud.

Looking towards Jodrell bank from  the trig point on The Cloud.

On the Gritstone trail heading towards Timberbrook.

Ongoing works on the Macclesfield Canal.

This beats any mud experienced before this year.

The end of our diversions - or so we thought!

Part of a wonderful bank of Snowdrops next to the Macclesfield canal North east of Buglawton.

The Cloud from the Macclesfield Canal.

Croker Hill and Sutton Common from the Dane valley Way South of Bosley Locks.

St. Mary the Virgin Church at Bosley.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 mile. Climb: 1139'.

Time: 5 hours 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Celia.

Arriving at Bosley, it was still raining, so we sat in the car for about 15 minutes waiting for the rain to stop. Just as the weather forecast had suggested, just after 10-00 it did, so we put on our boots and set off. We had seen the last of the rain for the day, and were blessed with long spells of warm sunshine, particularly after lunch.

 The challenge for today was MUD, the worst that I have experienced since one of our infamous trips to Derbyshire!

 As we reached the top of The Cloud, the views opened up and we even saw Pale Heights on the other side of the Cheshire Plain. 

 Lunch was taken in our usual spot just before joining the Macclesfield Canal. Thankfully the fallen trees at this point were still there and we had a good place to sit as w were serenaded by the local birds - mainly Blue tits and great tits.

 After lunch we had our major challenge getting through the deep mud to reach the footbridge over the canal. At one point I struggled to pull my foot out of the mud and as we crossed the bridge everything from now on would be easy. However we had been warned that one section of the towpath was closed and a short diversion through Eastern edge of Buglawton would take us around the problem. A couple in the housing estate gave us direction, so we didn't have to resort to real map reading!

 The last few miles were done in really warm sunshine, warm enough for we to walk in my short sleeve shirt.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common blackbird, Pied wagtail, Common starling, Common buzzard, Jackdaw, Mallard, Moorhen, Blue tit, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Wood nuthatch, Winter wren and Rook.

  Overall a an enjoyable walk, especially if you blot out memories of MUD!

 I must remember t put this walk on a dry Summer day when the muddy areas would be less challenging.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Farmers Arms at Kelsall, where Weetwood's Cheshire Cat was h bet real ale on offer. One point to note, we found out that on a Wednesday the open at 15-00 - anew target for our walk from Gresty's Waste next week!