Redes Mere, Siddington and Capesthorne Hall February 2025.

Redes Mere.

The Black swan on Redes Mere.

A Mute swan on Redes Mere.

Redes Mere from the lane by the parking area.

Snowdrops on the grass verge near Redes Mere.

This could be the climb of the day!

Daffodils ready for the 1st March.

Sutton Common from Henshall Hall Farm Track.

Jodrell Bank Telescope from Henshall Hall FarmTrack.

Crocuses showing well 

At lunch.

Just before he started to sing and dance.

A delightful path through the woods.

Taking a closer look at Capesthorne Hall

Redes Mere Lake from the North.

Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 436’
Time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.2 Celsius at the start. 8.8 Celsius to 11.2 Celsius, except for a brief time after lunch when the Sun went behind the clouds and it started to rain and the temperature felt a cool 5.5 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3. In the main, no more than a Light breeze, although it did reach more of a Gentle Breeze at the highest point of the walk.
Group: Martyn. Nigel and Fran
The weather was rather forecast today was a little iffy, but thankfully we decided that it was worth risking. In fact, it was bright and sunny for most of the walk, with a fifteen-minute shower after lunch and a few spots of rain towards the end of the walk.
Arriving at the start, the lakes was hosting lots of ducks, quite a few swan, including one Black swan and large numbers of Black headed gulls.
Not exactly a walk to remember, although we did have to cross 18 stiles! Capesthorne Hall looked quite impressive as we looked across one of the lakes towards it.
Lunch was taken, sitting on the grass verge in Blackden Lane. This was a timely spot as it started to rain shortly after we had finished our refreshments.
Path /stile finding wasn’t always easy, but the walk description we had proved very helpful, considering changes to paths had been made, but not updated on the OS Map.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Common chaffinch, Canada goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted duck, Common coot, Moorhen, Black headed gull, Lesser black backed gull, Treecreeper, Blue tit, European robin, Black billed magpie, Great tit, Wood nuthatch and possibly a brief call of a Yelowhammer.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Morris Dance, Kelsall ,where Fran and Nigel enjoyed a pint or two Salopian Brewery’s Hop Twister and I had my usual tiple at the Morris Dance, Kelsall – a pot of tea. The second pints cost a little more than expected as Nigel had lost a pound somewhere between the bar and getting back to our table!

Jumbles, Wayoh, Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs 22nd February 2025.

I didn't think the Jumbles Reservoir was that full!

The surprise of the day, a Roe deer near Turton Tower.

Turton Tower, but not open today.

Is it  tower or a chimney on the distant hill?

The path to Cheetham Close.

Heading for Cheetham Close.

At the trig point on Cheetham Close.

A selfie taken from the trig point on Cheetham Close.

Winter Hill in the background.

A closer look at the tower / chimney on the hill opposite Cheetham Close.

The view from our lunch spot on the west side of Turton and Entwistle Reservoir.

I think the Grey heron has caught something.

Confusing water depth indicators on the edge of Turton and Entwistle Reservoir.

Part of the tedious track back to Turton Bottoms.

There is always a silver lining to a quarry!

Egerton church tower seen from the dam across the Wayoh Reservoir.

The Jumbles Reservoir from bridge at its northern end.

The reason why we didn't have to pay for parking today.

Distance: 10-.5 miles. Climb: 1122’Time: 5 hours 40 minutes.

On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.2 Celsius at the start. 5.8 Celsius on Cheetham Close. 8.8 Celsius at lunch next to Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs and 10 8 Celsius mid-afternoons.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3. In the main, no more than a Light breeze, although it did reach more of a Gentle Breeze as we crossed Cheetham Close
Group: Martyn and Mike.
The weather was rather for today was pretty good, with temperatures in double figures likely and at worse just a 20% chance of rain. In fact, we only had a few spots of rain as we crossed Cheetham Close.
Arriving at the start, the Jumbles Country Park, Waterfold Car Park just after 10-00 and it was already pretty full. We knew this wasn’t going to be a quiet stroll around the reservoirs!
Just after the start, we had a very pleasant chat with a young Christian who was just trying to get back into walking, but was said she wasn’t ready to walk a 10 mile walk and would stick to the 6 mile walk that she had planned.
Whenever we were in sunshine, it was pleasantly warm enough to be a “shorts day”, proved by many people that we saw doing just that. I didn’t use my jacket all day, so hopefully my bare arms exposed to the Sun’s rays would boost my vitamin D levels.
Our surprise of the day was seeing two Roe deer as we were walking past Turton Towers. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough with my camera to film them bound off and leap effortlessly over the fence and disappear into the distance.
The section across Cheetham Close, was as expected, quite boggy, but at least it gave us our best views of the distant hills such as Winter Hill and a tower on the hill towards the south east that we haven’t as yet identified.
Lunch was taken, using one of many lakeside seats and occasional picnic benches around Turton and Entwistle Reservoir - many more than we remembered from 2019 when we last did the walk.
The section of the walk that follows the path along the east side of the Wayoh Reservoir and Jumbles Reservoirs was quite tedious, as views of the lake were limited by the tree growth. There was also much evidence of storm damage in the woods next nearby, but thankfully none of the fallen trees prevented too much of a problem.
We arrived back at the car, having had a really good walk and looking forward to refreshments at the Rake Hall.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Common starling, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Commom chaffinch, Greylag goose, Canada goose, Mallard, Black headed gull, Leser black backed gull, Great cormorant, Blue tit, European robin, Black billed magpie, Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Goldcrest, Rook Coal tit and possibly a Tawny owl (one hoot heard).
After walk drinks were enjoyed at Rake Hall, where Mike enjoyed a pint of Three Tuns bitter and I had my usual tiple at the Rake – a pot of tea.

Walks and Dates February 2025

Saturday Walks.

I have decided that it has become pointless for me to plan Saturday walks in advance as most weeks I am the only one around.

However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.

One short walk a month could be included on request.

Saturday 1st February 2025.

Big Low, Berristall Vale and the Saddle of Kerridge.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 2000'
Start: The Adlington Street car park Grid ref: SJ931782 or Pool Bank Car Park on Palmerston Street (oppoosite the Spinners Arms Grid Ref: SJ 93707790).

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn and Mike. 

Those not walking: , .

This is another walk that combines two walks from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". He describes the walks as moderate to strenuous and includes some of the most scenic surroundings around Bollington. We have already strolled along Kerridge Hill and can vouch for that part of the walk.

These walks include some of the most scenic areas around Bollington and at the same time give hints of Bollington's industrial past.

Wednesday 5th February 2025.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top with an extension to explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb:  1300'.

Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.

This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: Nigel, .

We may explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda, woods, but last time we missed it out In addition we will only follow the Western side of the old racecourse and instead use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball Top. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.

Saturday 8th February 2025.

No planned walk - see below for a list of possible walks.

Wednesday 12th February 2024.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles.Climb: 1400'.
Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops
will be in full bloom.
The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as
far as Llangollen.
At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.
The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.
Leaving the Cwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to
the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it
meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is then followed South back to the start.

Saturday 15th February 2025.

No planned walk - see below for a list of possible walks.

Wednesday 19th February 2025.

Bersham Iron Works, Nant Mill and Around Minera.

Distance: 8.3 miles Climb: 1316'.

Start: Layby on Plas Buckley Road, Grid ref: SJ308491, near Bersham Bridge, East of Bersham Ironworks. At Junction 4 on the A483, turn left onto the A525 and follow brown signs marked Bersham and Clywedog Trail. Take the first turn on the right, the B5098 (Berse Road). At the T-junction turn right onto the B5099 and take the next right into Plas Buckley Road. The layby is immediately on the left after passing under the Bersham Road Bridge. There is a rubbish bin in the layby.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This walk follows much of the Clywedog trail from Bersham Lead Works, including Plas Power Woods and Nant Mill.  The  outward route uses paths on the north side of the Afon Clywedog. The walk continues on the Clywedog Trail as far as Minera. 

The walk returns along the old railway track as far as the Minera Lead Mine Centre and then uses paths on the south side of the Clywedog.

The first time we did this walk, one wood was the home to over 100 gnomes - will they still be tee this time.

Saturday 22nd February 2025.

Jumbles, Wayoh, Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1100'.

Start:Waterfold Car Park, off Bradshaw Road (A676), Jumbles Country Park. Grid ref: SD736139

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Those not walking: .

This walk is based on a walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes the walk as a pleasant walk on good paths. The extension to Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs includes another section of the Witton Weaver Way and crosses Turton Heights and a hill called Cheetham Cross. A good and varied walk. Has been known to be on the boggy side on the descent from Cheetham Cross! If we miss out Cheetham Cross, it will making the walk just over 9 miles.

Wednesday 26th February 2025.

Redes Mere, Siddington and Capesthorne.

Distance: 7-8 miles.Climb: 400'.
Start: Redesmere Lane /Fanshsawe Lane Car Park next to Redes Mere. 

Redesmere Lane is east of A34 Congleton Road south of Monks Heath crossroads. 

Grid ref: SJ849713
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks".  The last time we did this walk was in 2008, and we added an extension making the walk over 12 miles.  I don't intend to include the extension this time. The walk is described as an easy walk through some of the finest farmland and farms in Cheshire. Towards te end the walk gives impressive views of Capesthorne Hall. It also passes several stretches of open water, so bring your binoculars or monocular with you if you have them.

On our walk around Marbury Country Park in January, we spoke to a couple "duck men" who extolled Redes Mere  the place to go to see wildfowl, so I though it might be worth seeing if it was true.

Advance Notice.

Wednesday 5th March 2025

List of Possible Saturday Walks.

England.

Bollington to Bowstones.

Distance: 9-10 miles.

Climb:1800' at a guess.

Start: Adlington Road, Car Park. Adlington Road is on the north side of Bollington, a left turn just off the B5090.

Grid ref: SJ93087802

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", and is the second walk from this book that we will undertake. He describes this walk as an exhilarating walk to the Bowstones, and is a popular walk. It includes a fair portion of Lyme Park and sections of the Gritstone Trail. He describes the walk as strenuous, but I think we can still cope, even though it is over fifteen years since we last did it.

Around Bosley Cloud.

Distance: 8- 9 miles. Climb:1200'.

Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.

Long Mynd, Wild Moor and Pole Bank.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb:2100’.

Start: Centre of Church Stretton car park (Pay and display). Grid ref: SO454930.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Ian R. Jones’s booklet “20 Church Stretton Walks”.  All of the walks around Church Stretton are popular, although this walk does include a few sections that are a little less visited by the throngs.  Another possible Dotterel day, but if we do see any, it will be our first on the Long Mynd.  Even without Dotterels this is a superb area of the country to walk in, especially as you explore the moors around Pole Bank.

Wales.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1000'.

Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH0652728. Post code: LL33 0LF

PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.

This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.

 This time we will use the road to The Spinnies, and avoid the unpleasant smelly muddy experience of taking the path through the farm yard,

We may see a Kingfisher at The Spinnies, but that often depends on whether the tide is coming.

Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls), Rhaeadr Fach and More.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1400'.

Start: Abergwyngregyn Car Park. Grid ref: SH65657284.

Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

This walk follows the North Wales Path  up the valley to Aber Falls. The Afon Rhaedr-fawr is then crossed and the North Wales path followed.  The path passes Rhaeadr Fach, before crossing a stream and some rather boggy terrain. It then rises before contouring around the hillside. The path is now part of the North Wales Pilgrim's Way, giving extensive views towards Penrhyn Castle, Puffin Island and Anglesey. Eventually the North Wales Pilgrim's Way descends to the minor road at Bronydd Isaf. The minor road is then followed back to Abergwyngregyn, passing through Crymlyn with its few houses.

Both waterfalls can be impressive, especially after spells of rain in he Carneddau.

Moel y Garneddd.

Distance: 7-8 miles.

Climb: 1200'.

Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height of 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.

Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).

Bersham Iron Works, Nant Mill, and Around Minera 19th February 2025.

 

St. Mary's Church, Bersham.

One of the weirs on the Afon Clywedog in Big Wood, Bersham.

Snowdrops on the banks of the Afon Clywedog near Bersham.

Snowdrops on bank / verge on the way to the Coed Power path.

The start of the Coed Power Path to Nant Mill.

The Afon Clywedog from the road bridge at Nant Mill.

Our first gnome encounter!

It doesn't look good on Minera Mountain!

Looking back at our lunch spot at the Minera Lead Mines Visitor Centre.

It's hard work working out the choir finances!

The new to me track leading to Minera.

"This one is easy, it's  in English!"

Obstacles on the path from Minera down to the Afon Clywedog.

Next time, I think we will use this bridge and the path on the west ide of the Afon Clywedog.

Hopefully it would be less muddy than the one that we used today.

The Afon Clywedog.

This is he Footpath sign that we should have taken earlier in the day.

This walk wouldn't be the same without seeing a Jacob's sheep.

Another Jacob's sheep in the field between Minera Lead Mine Visitor Centre The Nant.

Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 1125’
Time: 5 hours 7 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 4.4 Celsius at the start. 5.5 Celsius at lunch time. 4.8 Celsius mid-afternoon.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2 – Maily calm with no noticeable wind, but at one point mid-afternoon as we approached the Minera Lead Mines for the second time, we did experience a 4.6 m.p.h. Light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Fran and Mike.
The weather was rather overcast and light rain forecast did accompany us on and off during the morning.
Arriving at the start, it was very noticeable how crystal clear the Afon Clywedog looked, and this was the same every time we walked near to the river.
Sorry to report we only saw 35 gnomes today, the rest must have gone on holiday!
Arriving on the outskirts of Coedpoeth, we made the mistake of taking the first signed path rather than the second! However, for Fran, this turned out to be the highlight of the walk as we met a couple of dog walkers and Fran found out the one of them was also a Welsh learner like her, and she was also on a course at Wrexham but on a different day.
Good practice speaking Welsh back to the Minera Lead Mine Centre.
It was a bit early for lunch, but we decided to take advantage of the picnic tables before looking at our options for the afternoon.
We decided to head back to Minera, in the opposite direction to the way we would have gone had we not taken the wrong path earlier on.
We arrived at Minera Primary school where some children were playing football on the playground. A couple of balls came over t8he wall onto road. We retrieved them, but I’m not sure that is what the teacher in charge wanted!
We encountered a fair bit of mud on the paths and several cleanings in the river, ultimately proved pointless.
Overall, an enjoyable walk with some Snowdrops spotted and improving weather in the afternoon. We even managed to use one track that I had never used before - always an added bonus to any walk.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Common starling, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Blue tit, European robin, Black billed magpie, Great tit and Coal tit
After walk drinks were enjoyed at home as Mike needed to be home early in order to catch a train at about 18-00.
Th advantage for me was that I was home before 16-00, plenty of time to clean my boos outside before Sunset!

A Snowdrop Walk from Llantysilio 12h February 2025.

 

Looking towards the Horseshoe Falls from the Llantysilio Green Car Park.

The new flagged path to Llantysilio Church.

Llantysilio Church, but will he be any Snowdrops in flower!

Snowdrops yes, but not at their best.

Snowdrops looking a little better when you get closer.

More Snowdrops  trying hard to put on a display.

Snowdrops at the back of Llantysilio Church.

Fallen tree trapped on the Horseshoe Falls.

More trapped trees on the rim of the Horseshoe Falls.

Vegetation waving in the in the flowing waters of the Llangollen canal.

More waving vegetation in the Llangollen Canal.

On the canal towpath.

A Brunning and Price, but not our chosen choice for after walk refreshments today!

Anything to do with you, Mike?

The  view of Dinas Bran from the lower path crossing the western slopes.

The Chain Bridge from the path leading to our lunch spot.

A tree with lots of catkins, another sign that Spring is here.

A close up of the catkins, just in case they weren't clear enough on the previous photo.

Valle Crucis Abbey from our lunch spot.

No comment needed!

On the way from the Britannia Inn to Llydiart Annie.

Atmospheric views towards the Berwyns.

A  single Primrose in flower.

Llantysilio Hall.

Back at Llantysilio Church.

Distance: 7.8 miles (8.7 miles). Climb: 1284’ (1684’).
Time: 5 hours 7 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 5.2 Celsius at the Llantysilio Church. 7.6 Celsius at lunch time.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 1 - No more than Light air as we descended towards Llidiart Annie.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Fran and Nigel.
The weather was rather overcast, and distant views were never clear. It felt quite cool, particularly when it threatened to rain briefly.
Starting from the Llantysilio Green car park, much of the path has now been flagged, a great improvement from the muddy path of earlier years.
We explored the grounds of Llantysilio Church, hoping to find Snowdrops in heir full glory. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t good enough to make the flowers open up. A bonus today was to go into Llantysilio Church.
The stretch along the canal can be bit uninspiring, but at least today, plenty of birds could heard singing.
Mike and Nigel decided to visit Dinas Bran while the rest of us headed for the planned lunch spot with its seats and picnic bench overlooking Valle Crucis Abbey.
Mike and Nigel joined us at the lunch spot 25 minutes later than the advance party.
After lunch we headed towards Birch Cottage, where we were delighted to see that a new hand rail installed, the steps repaired and even better the awkward stile had been replaced with a new gate.
The final climb from the Britannia Inn to reach the Llydiart Annie Path, gave us rather atmospheric views towards the Berwyns.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Black headed gull, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Common starling, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Blue tit, Common chaffinch, European robin, Black billed magpie, Great tit, Mallard, Eurasian jay, Coal tit and Common buzzard.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Sun Inn at Trevor, where Purple Moose’s Madog and Magic Dragon’s Green One went down well as we sat by the open fire.
As always this was very enjoyable walk, despite the Snowdrops not being quite at their best, but who can blame them when there was very little warmth from the Sun getting through the clouds.