St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

Our Christmas Ramble this years was a 4 mile circular around Lymm Dam and the surrounding area. 10 of us assembled on a sunny Saturday morning to partake in this gentle stroll through the Cheshire countryside before the main event of the day - Christmas Lunch! The first part of the walk took us around the dam which was built in the early 19th century when a toll bridge was needed on what is now the A56 through Lymm. Over the years it has had several owners but the dam and surrounding woodland is now in the care of the Council. Apart from the walk there are lots of interesting things to discover and see - birds , ancient trees, rock outcrops and excellent fishing.  After completing the circle around the dam we followed the stream through the Dingle until we reached  the town centre of Lymm. As it is Christmas time a Dickensian street market was in progress with outdoor stalls, roast chestnuts and locals dressed in 19th century costume.   We now joined the Bridgewater canal a

November Walk - Marple Circular 10th November 2012 On a lovely Saturday morning and  a weather forecast which promised sun throughout the day, nine of us set off from the Marple Garden Centre  on a 6 mile circular walk around Marple.For the first part of the walk we followed the main road and diced with traffic from three directions to reach open country side at the junction with the main Stockport Rd. Eventually we all crossed safely and after a short climb we reached the open fields. The going across the fields could only be described as 'extremely heavy' as our boots sank into the muddy grass. After a lot of puffing and blowing we all made it to the other side, where we joined the Middlewood Way. With firm going underfoot we made good progress but this was short lived for the next leg was across Hazel Grove Golf Course. Fortunately the paths were reasonably firm, the golfers absent - course too wet - and we very quickly reached the Macclesfield canal  where we s

After a week of wet, cold and windy weather Saturday dawned sunny and warm  and a samll select group of eight set off from the Legh Arms car park on a circular walk around Adlington, Cheshire. A short walk through the village took us out out into open countryside and soon we were treated  to a fine display of bluebells in an area of woodland adjacent to the path. The walk took us across fields, where the going could only be described as 'soft', but was made without too many problems although we did have to navigate by map to find our next way point, the village of Whitely Green. Here we met the road to take us down to the Macclesfield canal which we joined at bridge '25' . The next part of the walk was along the towpath towards Higher Poynton but not before we had stopped for a coffee break by the waterside. After passing under one of the bridges we spotted a heron on the path who was obviously used to visitors posing quite happily for photographs before continuing

Twelve members, on what was surprisingly a sunny Saturday,set out to explore the Styal Country Park and surrounding countryside. We started at the Twinnies Car Park or is this Linnies Car Park - opinions seem to differ and followed the River Dean in a  northerly direction for about a mile where we left the river and headed through woodland towards Styal. Once through the woods it was time for a coffee break before continuing our ramble through the fields and a golf course to Styal. Styal village was built in the 18th century and the buildings are mainly terraced cottages for the mill workers at Quarry Bank. In the centre of the village stands a medieval cross which had to be restored following damage in a motor accident and there is also the interesting Norcliffe Chapel which dates from the 18th century. From the village we left to explore the Northern Woods but after a short distance we realised the path on our route was not passable and we had to return to the village and walk to

Ten members of our Group assembled at Millers Dale Station car park on a warm mild March Saturday to tackle the Monsal Trail - or part of it, around seven miles there and back. The first part of the walk is along the old Midland Rail line from Manchester to London via Derby and is very easy walking along the old tracks. This year it is even less strenuous as the tunnels which in the past had to be detoured,  have been repaired, lighting installed and opened to the public. We set off across the Millers Dale viaduct and along this part of the walk you are able to enjoy fine views across Millers Dale. The first tunnel we came to was the Litton Tunnel which is 515 yards (431m) long and cut through limestone. It was a little eerie at the entrance but the tunnels are well lit and once inside you are able to see and admire the victorian engineering which went into the construction. You emerge from the tunnel above the village of Cressbrook built around one of the first cotton mills, still

The weather forecast was for severe winter weather but fortunately for us Saturday dawned dry but very cold. Due to injuries, too much digging, and other engagements the group was down to only five members but undaunted we left the car park at Nelson Pit, Higher Poynton, well wrapped up against the cold and in good spirits, to walk round Lyme Park. We started off  along the Macclesfield Canal which was completely frozen over and an ice breaker would be required for any boating enthusiast wanting a day cruising on the canal! After a short stroll along the tow path we crossed the canal and set off across the fields to the Park. The ground was hard and frozen but crossing the fields was not a problem and we made good time up to Ryles Wood. Although the snow and frost hanging from the trees were very scenic, conditions under foot quickly became quite treacherous and extreme care was required especially on the downward slopes. However, we negotiated Ryles Wood successfully and our next