Christleton 20th February 2008

Why are they so slow?
On the way home.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles; Climb:150'.
Time:4 hours 30 minutes; Walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Richard, Dave J, Annie H, Sue and Michel.
Martyn joined the group just before Roman Bridges
(Distance: 8.o miles; Climb: 119'.)
(Time: 3 hours 40 minutes, Walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.)

This isn't the most exciting walk that has been on the list, but on reflection it turned out to be a good choice to have a very local walk. At least today the weather was dry, cold and at times bright and sunny. Conditions underfoot were generaly quite good, but the towpath between Golden Nook and Waverton was a little muddy and slippy in places.
The highlight of today's walk was the number of birds that we saw and heard.
They included: Mute swan, Mallard, Teal, Snipe, Canada Goose, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Common gull, Buzzard, Kestrel, Long-tailed tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blut tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Lapwing, Moorhen, Coot, Grey heron, Carrion crow, Robin, House sparrow, Mistle thrush, Song thrush, Rook, Jackdaw, Collared dove, Woodpidgeon, Wren, Fieldfare and Redwing.
After walk drinks were at the Plough Inn, Christleton, where real fires greeted us. The beers sampled today included Spitting Feathers Old Wavertonian and Theakstons XP and and Special.

Boseley Cloud, Rushton Spencer and the Bridestones 16th February 2008

The Bridestones Neolithic burial site.

What's Tito doing that everyone else daren't look?

My shadow and friends at the summit of Boseley cloud.
Walk stats: Distance: 11.1 miles; Climb: 1664'.
Time: 5 hours 54 minutes. Walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group; Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.

This walk was completed in gloriuous walking conditions, cold, dry with plenty of bright sunshine. Not quite shorts weather but nearly there!
This walk had plenty of variety, including the impressive Neolithic burial site at Bridestones, the picturesque St., Lawrence's church above Rushton Spencer, and the gem of all today, Boseley Cloud. The views from this small gritstone outcrop were magnificent, made all the better for being bathed in sunshine. It wasn't difficult to see why this place was an attraction for so many people, young and older alike on a day like this.
Birds seen or herard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Robin, Jackdaw, Grey heron, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackbird, Long-tailed tit and a flock of Willow tits that flitted delightfully in the tree tops around us for several minutes. Only four of us enjoyed the hospitally and a pint or two of the best bitter in the world that you always get at the Wilkes Head in Leek.

Nant y Pandy and Moel Fferna 14th February 2008

Waterfall on the Nant Y Pandy

Ice coated heather.

Most of the group at the summit of Moel Fferna.

Michel getting the celebrations started.

Who's the naughty boy then?

On the easy track again.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.5 miles; Climb: 2056'.
Time:5 hours 12 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Nigel, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J., Sue and Michel.

This birthday walk for Michel (one day early really) had a few more surprises than we anticipated. Nigel joined us for the first time for a long time on a Thursday - he obviously had withdrawal symptons from Moel Fferna.
The initial approach along Nant y Pandy followed closely to tumbling, cascading river, a beautiful sight when plenty of water is flowing as it was today. The remains of old slate processing sites added to the interest. On leaving the confines of the wooded section of Nant y Pandy we decided to take a slightly differen route to the high moorlands by follwing the path through Cwm Canol and climb the gently rising path up the valley side to tarmac road that goes across into the Ceiriog Valley. At this point it was very evident that the temperature was below freezing with ice clinging to anything that it could get hold off, dressing the heather, trees and fences with beautiful/magical adornments. Photographs don't do it justice, but the privilage of seeing them makes a lasting memory.
Approaching the summit of Moel Fferna became more difficult as the visibilty was greatly reduced, and the main party lost contact with the three in the advanced party. Unfortunately the O.S. map indicated paths at the wrong point and the main group continued close to the fence when they should have taken the track that went half right (as Celia initially wanted to). Eventually we realised that we had gone wrong and retraced our steps back to that point, and were soon reunited with the three n........ boys, who had by this time been waiting for about 30 minutes for us and had started look for us. We returned to the summit cairn/shelter where we could celebrate Michel's soon to arrive free bus pass status. Carva, rum laced fruit cake and lovely rich biscuits were enjoyed by all. Here the temperature wa very cold and unprotected hands soon began to suffer. What a welcome hot drinks were today!
The descent to the valley was now easy to follow and and the temperature roase as we dropped below the mist. All the surprise weren't yet over! Fran decided to investigate an unusal object at thwe top of the field, and was disappointed to find that it was only an old sack on a fence post, the purpose of which still eludes us. Finally, at a point where Dave J. had slipped about a year ago, Celia decided to do the same, hurting her dignity and getting wet muddy gloves and evidence in other areas too that this wasn't really the place to sit down.
We were soon back at the cars and eager to sample again the warm welcome and delights of the Grouse Inn at Carrog.
Birds seen or heard today were very few, they had more sense and stayed under cover. They did include: Robin, Wren, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow and Fieldfare.
At the Grouse Inn, the first pint of Lees bitter was excellent, but the next few pints were a little on the cold side. Two of the group enjoyed hot cups of tea, eventually bringing them back to life!

Mynydd Garthmyn, Capel Garmon Burial Chamber and St., Michael's Church 9th February 2008

The footbridge over Afon Conwy.
The group on Mynydd Garthmyn. One of the many excellent views seen on route. See from the lunchspot.

Capel Garmon burial chamber.

Walk stats: 9.2. miles; Climb:1120'.
Walking average 2.4 m.p.h.
Group: Richard, Celia, Roger, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J.

Birds seen or heard today include:Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, Raven, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Hedge Sparrow, Nuthatch, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Mallard, Moorhen and Grey heron.

Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls 7th February 2008

The view from the lunchspot.


Climbing the road from Vivod - Llantysilio Mountains above.

The group at Llantysilio Church

Walk stats: Distance: 10.7 miles; Climb: 1974'.
Time: 5 hours 10 minutes, Walking average: 2.7 m.p.h., Overall walk average 2.1 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Annie H., Fran and Tito, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J.

This walk is always enjoyable, more so when the sun shines as it did today. The barmy temperatures caught most of us out, only Dave J. managed to where shorts, but even he cheated a little by wearing zip-offs! The first walk provides many magnificent views across the Dee valley to the Llantysilio mountains, the Eglwyseg Rocks, Dinas Bran and Trevor Rocks.
The surprise of the day was to come across a van trapped across a narrow section of the road, wedged at the back and against the fence at the front. How it was to be recovered, gave rise to some debate, but we'll probably never find out how it was done.
The River Dee was in spate and its roar could be heard a long way off as it crashed against the rocks on its way to Llangollen and beyond.
The flowers of the day were the Snowdrops where their dominant presence around the the gravestones and borders in Llantysilio Church, bathed in sunlight really did make you feel that the joys of Spring were here.
Birds seen or heard today included: Buzzard, Robin, Raven, Siskin, Pied wagtail, Blackbird, House sparrow, Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Nuthatch, Carrion crow, Grey Heron and Jackdaw.
After walk refreshments were enjoyed at the Cornmill, where brews from the Cottage and Weetwood breweries were enjoyed.

Bosely, Sutton Common,Croker Hill and the Gritstone Trail 2nd February 2008

Looking to the Comminications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common.

Lunch time.

The view from the lunch spot.

Snowman in the making.

Saying goodbue to Mr. Snowman.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.1 miles; Climb: 2323'.
Time: 6 hours 10 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J., Fran and Tito.

The start point as originally planned, had to abandoned when the road leading to it was closed, presumeably due to snow/ice on the minor road concerned. This meant that we had to improvise and started the walk from a large layby on the A523 at Bosely. The walk had to be adapted as well, since this start point was nearly 2 miles from any point on the planned walk.
Undeterred we set off through the snow covered fields towards the dam on Bosely Reservoir.
Bright sunshine and blue skies was sufficient and the snow were enough to make you glad just to be out.
The adapted route took us through some beautiful picturesque valleys and along high field tops with magestic views in all directions. It also treated us to some rather boggy terrain that would test anyones boots to the limit of their waterproofness.
Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot with its picture postcard view looking towards Brooms Farm. After lunch Michel couldn't resist the temptaion of building a snow man.
The highlight of the walk was the ridge sections across Sutton Common, Croker Hill with its communications tower and then along the old road following the Gritstone Trail. White Nancy, Shutlingsloe, the Roaches and Boselt Cloud could all be seen in their finery dressed with snow.
Birds seen or heard today included: Magpie, Nuthatch, Robin, Greenfinch, Carrion crow, Great crested grebe, Coot, Mallard, Snipe (bird of the day for most), Grey wagtail, Kestrel, Buzzard, Blue tit, Grat tit, Jackdaw and Goldfinch.
This magnifenct day's walking in the East of Cheshire was topped with pint of the best bitter in the world (Whim' Hartington Bitter) at the Wilkes Head in Leek. We needed to return home this way to avoid the road works on the A54, and coincidently give us the chance to visit the Whim hostelry in Leek.

This is a walk we will have to do again, probaly from Danebridge/Wincle when there is no ice/snow on the ground.

Around the Bollin and Wilmslow to Mottram Bridge 31st January 2008

The view towards Alderley Edge and the Peak District.

Crossing the River Bollin.


Distance: 13.3 miles; Climb: 2008'.
Time: 5 hours 42 minutes; walking average: 2.8.m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.

The weather forecast for today, from some sources was horrendous, reducing the expected numbers as the fair weather walkers dropped out. They should have ignored what the weather men said, and just watched the computer generated movement of the clouds which suggested that we might just get away with it. This proved the case and virtually no rain was experienced and blue skies and some sun accompanied us for most of the walk.

The first walk around the Bollin via Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Woods was a delight, if somewahat muddy in places underfoot. This walk would be worth doing at any time of the year, but especially so in Spring. Lunch was taken at the picnic site at Twinnies Bridge.

The start of the second walk was linked by paths along the edge of the Carrs. It didn't quite live up to the beauty of the first, but the last section was again along the the wonderfully meandering River Bollin. Richard tried to lead us too close to the river and we ended up with a barbed wire fence to cross. Dave J. came to the rescue by putting his rucsac across the barbed wire to make our crossing easier and rip free.

Birds seen or heard today included: Robin, Chaffinch, Kestrel, Buzzard, Long-tailed tirt, Blue tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Grey wagtail, Coot and Shoveler.

After walk drinks were at the Lord Eldon in Knutsford.