Dunham Massey - 12th January 2019

In January we do not have an organised walk because of the unpredictable weather and the absence of members on holiday. However, this year we decided to meet for a pub lunch which was extended to coffee at the National Trust Visitor Centre, a walk in the park and a long lunch at the Axe & Cleaver in Dunham Massey.

Eleven members turned up in the coffee shop and after a refreshing cup of coffee we sorted ourselves out into two groups. Those who felt like a longer trek around the grounds set off on a brisk 5km walk. The remainder opted for a leisurely stroll around the gardens which even in winter time are full of interest. Photographs showing the garden can be found below.

Everyone enjoyed their selected walk and we all met up again at the pub for an excellent lunch. It was agreed that we should repeat this type of event next year.

National Trust Dunham Massey

Axe & Cleaver Dunham Massey

The 'Garden' group.

Hellebores and Snowdrops

More Hellebores and Snowdrops

Witch Hazel

Winter colour

Crossing the stream

Aconites

Silver Birch and Snowdrops

Early flowering Narcissus

Witch Hazel

Highly scented winter flowering Honeysuckle

Daphne again highly scented

Oldest Oak in Dunham Massey

Here is proof that some of us did walk!
Canal towpath adjacent to park

Comments

Ashworth and Norden - Saturday 10th November 2018

Ashworth and Norden, Rochdale. St Jame's Church, Ashworth A party of six set out from Norden, Rochdale for this 5 mile ramble through the local countryside.From the car park we turned into Black Pits Lane and very soon arrived at the footpath alongside Naden Brook. At the bridge next to remains of the old mill, we crossed the river, and then began the climb out of the valley to a farm track which leads up to the ancient church of St James Bamford and the former pub known as the Chapel House, which is now a private residence. Here we stopped to admire the old church with its interesting grave stones and the views across Lancashire to Manchester and Derbyshire. We then crossed the fields to the old schoolhouse before joining Ashworth Rd to take us down to Simpson and Gelder Cloughs. Unfortunately we found the road closed because of a landslide and we had to retrace our steps and take an alternative path down to the valley. Not wishing to miss out the scenery...

Birtle - Saturday 11th February 2017

The first walk of the 2017 season started from the Pack Horse Inn, Birtle on the lower slopes of the Pennines above Heywood. On a cold wet windy Saturday we set off from the Inn to follow the road north on a long steady climb to the hamlet of Birtle where we then turned to follow the path along the edge of Ashworth Valley. Unfortunately from the top the views over Lancashire were obscured by cloud and mist but the views of the wooded valley with Cheesden Brook running through provided some compensation. We made a detour from the route to visit Nabs Wife the site of the former Tea room and weaving mill known as Kershaws Bridge. The site is now occupied by a private dwelling although the old mill yard is still evident. From here we continued along the edge of the valley before turning to take the path across fields to return to the start point and a long leisurely lunch in the pub! Further information: http://www.packhorseinnbury.co.uk/about http://heywoodmonkey.blogspot.co....

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Country Park - Saturday 10th August 2019

This walk came about during a discussion over coffee after Church probably two Sundays ago and was a bit of a corporate effort. Nothing was planned until some one mentioned Styal Mill and possibilities of lunch at the Ship Inn. One person had a much walked route embedded in her boots! This route also allowed the opportunity to cut back through the beautiful gardens if the prospect of the few short but sharp inclines was too much. Firstly we had coffee in the Mill restaurant before ten of us set off from the old Mill Yard (featured in ‘The Mill’ TV series). We went up the hill from the Mill towards the Apprentice House but turned left along the track that skirts the outer edges of land round the original home of the Gregg family. This used to be a muddy path but in the last few years the National Trust has upgraded many of the paths on the estate, making them accessible to more visitors, including wheelchair users and children’s buggies. We dropped down to the River B...

St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

Search This Blog