Harris Hikers: Chester Branch Socially Distanced Walks and Dates December 2020

Chester Branch social distanced walks will resume again, starting on the 2nd December 2020.

Remember the Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is still in operation, and social distance kept even on the walk.
We will need to keep checking the Ramblers England web site for any updates on their advice for walking groups, especially on the day before the planned walk.

 Wednesday 2nd December 2020.

Another Walk from the Bickerton Poachers

David S will lead a walk from the Poacher going north towards Peckforton Castle.  It measures a little less than 8 miles but inevitably includes some ascents.

I must limit the number to six to be within the law, so if more than five confirm I will start a waiting list.  Let David S know your firm intentions by noon on Tuesday and he will confirm just after that. 

The six confirmed walking on Wednesday: David S, Fran, Nigel, Michel, Sue P, Mike.

Usual timing, leaving Chester at 0900.  We will need to go in separate cars.

 Wednesday 9th December 2020.

A walk from Gresty's Waste Car Park.

Start from Gresty’s car park Kelsall
Leaving Chester 9.15 am. 

Mike will be leading the walk.

will be about 8-9 miles with a climb of about 1000',

The route will visit Pale Heights, Blakemere ans explore parts of Delamere Forest as far as Manley Common.

some of the route may be off the main paths and you can expect some of them to be muddy, so gaiters are to be recommended.

Contact Mike and Martyn if you intend to walk.

The six confirmed walking on Wednesday: Mike, David S., Sue and Michel, Nigel., Fran,

Wednesday 16th December 2020.

No official walk planned.

Thursday 17th December 2020

However Fran plans to do a short a short morning walk  round the West Kirby Marine Lake. Contact her directly if you want to join her.

Leave Chester 09-15 am . 

Wednesday 23rd December 2020.

Is anyone in the group prepared to organise and lead a walk?

Wednesday 30th December 2020.

The Whitegate Way and Vale Royal Locks

Walk today cancelled.  

Expected Icy state of roads on way to car park.  

Messages on your phones.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 480'.

Start: Park at Whitegate Station SJ615680, Clay Lane,  Marton CW7 2QE

Off A54

Leave Chester in time to make a 10-00 start. Whitegate is about 15 miles away and takes about half an hour to get there.

From the car park it’s about a mile east along the old railway track before heading off left for a clockwise loop.  Two thirds of the route is along the Weaver Navigation and the old railway line so should be level and well surfaced.  What the bit across the fields will be like heaven knows.

The Rule of Six still applies and remember this is a socially distanced wak.

Let me know, David S with copy to Martyn, if you intend to join us.

Walkers so far:- David S, Wendy, Nigel, Michel & Sue, Mike (first six to sign up). 

Sorry, but any late comers will have to go onto a reserve list.

Reserve list: Celia.

Now that there is a reserve list, it is important to let the leader know if you find you can no longer make the walk.

2021 Walks.

It looks as though the Chester Branch can continue to walk together with the rule of six still applying.

I assume they will continue to take it in turns to organise and lead the walks.

A Gresty's Waste Round via Manley Common 9th December 2020

A Gresty's Waste Round via Manley Common.

At Pale Heights with an unexpected friend.

A muddy field ahead.

Lunchtime at Manley.

Distance: 9.5 miles, Climb: 960'.
Time: 4.5 hours, Overall walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Walkers: Mike, David, Fran, Nigel, Sue and Michel
With a temp of around 7deg and no wind whatsoever this was a good day for walking. Whilst we were putting on our boots we noticed our good friend Dave Jenkins was about to walk from the same car park. It was great to see him.
Taking an early right from the main path we took the stile on to the old Roman Road towards Stoney Lane, but we soon left it to climb a muddy track in a straight line up to Pale Heights. Visibility was not good from the top, so we soon descended in the direction of Eddisbury Wood; a pleasant descent and new to some. The new cafe/visitor centre is quite impressive, but we resisted the lure of coffee and cake and proceeded to cross the railway line and head towards the eastern edge of Blakemere Moss, passing trough the GoApe High Wire Attraction on our way.
There was no cacophony of birds on the lake today as we skirted round and headed for the forest on the other side of Ashton Lane. Leaving the forest path to take a stile across the western edge of a field we headed north to Pinewood Farm and then in a westerly direction along a good track. After about a mile we came across the building work for Forest Holidays; something which has caused great concern to many. The track soon became difficult to pass due to long sections of deep mud and water, but eventually we reached the point on the path where we had to take a left to walk across a field. Beeston Castle and Peckforton Hills could be seen in the distance as we walked towards the stile to take us on to the road down to Manley Common; where a wall was a perfect location to have lunch.
From here we picked up the Sandstone Trail leading us back into the forest, and across Ashton Lane towards a bridge over the railway line. Following a steady incline of the Sandstone Trail we headed south back towards the car park. Birds seen or heard included: great spotted woodpecker and European robin.

Harris Hikers Chester Branch: An Upton, Mickle Trafford and Stoak Round – Wednesday 18th November 2020.

An Upton, Mickle Trafford and Stoak Round.

"No, I'm not lost, I've got a certificate in ......"

Fran on the Greenway near Upton-by-Chester.

Nigel at Stoak church.

Autumn leaves trapped on the Shropshire Union Canal.

Distance: 10.3 miles, climb 120 feet
Time: 4 hours including lunch
Those walking: Nigel and Fran
It was good to get out to stretch our legs on a mild day that threatened rain but never really delivered – only one slight shower towards the end. This was another local walk Nigel had put together during the last lockdown going up the Greenway to Mickle Trafford, followed by mostly road walking to Bridge Trafford where we picked up the North Cheshire Way. Here this follows the river Gowy and the fields were distinctly muddy, not the most attractive path in this season, but as Fran said kindly “it’s nice to do a walk from your own doorstep”. Arriving at Stoak we had lunch in the delightful churchyard before heading home via the Shropshire Union canal.

Harris Hikers Chester Branch: Primrose Hill and More. Wednesday 4th November 2020

Primrose Hill and More.

At the start for many.

Still waiting to set off.

In the woods.

Still in the Woods.

Autumnal colours on the roadside.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 1200'
Group . Mike D , David S, Sue and Michel P, Nigel T, Fran & Cath M, Sue and Dave P (who said hello in the car park and took their own stroll with Lilly the dog)
A good day 9.5 miles 1200’ ascent. Fine woodland scenes with golden carpets and some muddy pathways. Many other walkers presumably as it is the last day before lockdown.
Apples, Holly and twigs foraged. Butties in Utkinton in glorious sunshine with splendid views towards Wales . We felt the apricity of the November sunshine despite some drizzly showers.
Only birds noted were Jays and the glimpse of a Bullfinch.
A feeling of sadness as we said our goodbyes for we know not when we will meet again.

After walk drinks - a cup of tea at home. 

Pale Heights.

Lilly enjoyed the walk up to Pale Heights and so did Dave and I. What a lovely day and sad. Nice to meet up with you all.

Harris Hikers - Chester Branch. Social Distanced Walks and Dates November 2020

November Walks.

Ramblers England advise that organised walking groups of up to 30 are still allowed, but social distancing must be maintained. Updated advice given on 21st October 2020.

Remember the Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is still in operation, even on the walk.
We will need to keep checking the Ramblers England web site for any updates on their advice for walking groups, especially on the day before the planned walk.

Wednesday 4th November 2020.

Primrose Hill and the Sandstone Trail.

Distance: 6.5 - 8 miles. Climb: 1072'.
Start: Gresty's Waste, Kelsall Hill, grid ref: SJ540686
Leave Chester at 09-15 a.m. Aim to Meet at Gresty's Waste Car Park at 09-30 a.m. 
The walk explores the countryside south of the Gresty's Waste Car Park.

The walk heads south along part of the Sandstone Trail, eventually leaving the trail and heading for Utinkton  Miinor road are followed northward and a footpath taken that decends through Tirley Hollow Woods before picking up woodland tracks through Primrose Hill Wood back to the Sandstone Trail and then retracing our steps to the start. 

Sections of the Sandstone Trail, particularly over Primrose Hill have been quite boggy in places, but we have usually found away around the problem without getting wet feet.

 The walk may of course be completed in a clockwise direct, the opposite to the one described above.

Fran will decide which route is her preferred way round.

Please contact Fran and Martyn if you intend to walk and we will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Fran, Sue and Michel, David S, Sue and Dave P, Nigel, Cath M, Mike D.

Please let Martyn know, if you are on the list and have decided not to walk.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

The England "Stay at Home" Lockdown directive will came into force on Thursday 5th November 2020.

This means all group walks from then have been cancelled.

 Further walks will only be planned if the directive is lifted in four weeks.

Harris Hikers Chester Branch: An Upton, Guilden Sutton, Christleton Round. Wednesday 28th Octobeer 2020

An Upton, Guilden Sutton, Christleton Round.

The only photo available - I was hoping someone had taken one of Newton Hollows!

Distance: 8.2 miles from Kingsway but as most walked there from homes in Upton, more like 10 miles. Climb 150 feet
Time: 4 hours including lunch.
Despite the forecast the weather was not that bad and the feedback has been good so far. Not sure thought that I could cope with the stress of doing it every week! Hopefully we can soon resume your walks in Wales.
Sue and Michel had colds, and Celia a painful hip so in the end there were only 5 of us started and Sue P only did the initial Greenway section. No drinks afterwards, though we went close to Harkers!

Harris Hikers - Chester Branch . Socially Distanced Walks and Dates October 2020

Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is in operation.

Wednesday 7th October 2020.

A Walk on the Sandstone Trail.

Distance: 7 or so miles. Climb: 
Start: Bickerton Poacher Car Park. Wrexham Rd (A534), Bulkeley, Malpas SY14 8BE. Grid Ref: SJ523544
David S will lead a walk

Leave Chester at 09-00.
Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is in operation. However, there is an exemption for “organised sporting activities”. I think we can claim to be within that exemption. Over the past four weeks there have only been 3 or 4 of us walking (without Martyn) so I don’t think that will be an issue. But, I would not like to be having that argument with the Law!

Please contact David S and Martyn if you intend to walk and I will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: David S, Nigel, Fran, Sue and Michel, Wendy.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

Wednesday 14th October 2020.

Upton - Country Lanes around Wervin and Picton.

Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is in operation.

Distance:  6-7 miles. Climb: Very Little. 

Start: Wendy's house on Heath Lane, opposite Headstart Nursery.

There is room to park cars on the grass either side of the drive or Upton residents can make it a little longer by walking to me! 

Meet at Wendy's house at 09-30.

An easy walk exploring our local patch and one that will give everyone confidence including the leader!

A change of plan from the original walk as the towpath on the canal is closed.

Please contact Wendy and Martyn if you intend to walk and I will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Wendy, Nigel, David S, Fran, Celia.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

 Wednesday 21st October 2020.

An Aldford and Churton Round

Ramblers England advise that organised walking groups of up to 30 are still allowed, but social distancing must be maintained. Updated advice given on 14th October 2020.

Remember the Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is still in operation, even on the walk.

We will need to keep checking  the Ramblers England web site for any updates on their advice for walking groups, especially on the day before the planned walk.

Distance:  7-8 miles. Climb: 250'. 

Start: Church Lane, Alford, Chester. CH3 6JD Grid ref: SJ418593

Roadside parking outside St.John's Church.

Leave Chester at 09-15.

A pleasant walk through the farmland between Aldford and Churton. It includes footpaths along the banks of the River Dee and field paths that can be very muddy after rain.

Gaiters are recommended.

Please contact Sue / Michel and Martyn if you intend to walk and we will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Sue and Michel, Fran, Celia, David S, Wendy, Nigel.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

Wednesday 28th October 2020.

An Upton, Christleton and Guilden Sutton Round

Ramblers England advise that organised walking groups of up to 30 are still allowed, but social distancing must be maintained. Updated advice given on 31st October 2020.

Remember the Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is still in operation, even on the walk.

 We will need to keep checking  the Ramblers England web site for any updates on their advice for walking groups, especially on the day before the planned walk.

Distance:  8.2 miles (+ about 1.0 mile, if you decide to walk from Upton to the start)). Climb: 150'.  An extra 0.8 miles each way for Celia, an extra 1.3 miles each way for Wendy)

Start: Entrance to Lime Wood Fields, over the road from Kingsway shops in Chester . Grid ref: SJ419681).

Parking: Just opposite the large sign at entrance to the fields

Leave home about 09-30, if walking from Upton. Aim to meet at 10-00 at the entrance to Lime Wood Fields, Note note to Uptonians, don’t forget to factor in the distance from your home to start if walking. In my case it adds another mile.

A walk including the old railway line, footpaths and unadopted country lanes, the Shropshire Union canal and even a Roman Road. Of course there is the inevitable bits of road walking but I have tried to minimise this. All being well we will get to Christleton pond in time for lunch (hence the start time).

A walk similar in distance, difficulty and muddiness to last week’s Aldford walk

Please contact Nigel and Martyn if you intend to walk and we will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Nigel, Fran, Wendy, David S, Sue P.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

Harris Hikers Chester Branch - An Aldford - Churton Round Wednesday 21st October 2020

An Aldford - Churton Round.

At the start.

Now, where is number 7?

Pumping in or pumping out?

How many groups?

Lunch "in stile"

A house with an important message.

The message made clear.

Decorative paintwork on the Duke's cottages.

Geese? What geese?

There they are.

Distance: 7.5 miles / 12kms, Climb: Not a lot.

Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h. / 4 km/h
Group: Sue, Michel, Fran. David. Nigel. Celia. Wendy.
Although the weather forecast was not wonderful, we were lucky enough not to have a single drop of rain and most of us walked in short sleeves. We meandered along the Dee to Churton and the only real mud was on the path through the wood as we left the Dee to head for Churton.
Lunch was taken just after noon at a junction where some found a stile to perch on and others propped themselves by a gate post.
A gentle amble which was missing a little sunshine to show off the lovely autumn trees.
Birds seen: heron, geese, long-tailed tits, gold finches and lots of LBJs…

One or two even managed to have a pint in the Grosvenor Arms at Aldford.