St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

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 ...

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...

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 on...

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. Howev...

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you  Keith Booth passed away this morning. He died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family. Keith was a stalwart member of our group and although in recent years he had not enjoyed the best of health he still joined us on our walks. May his soul rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. The funeral will be at St Paul's on Saturday 14th January 2012 at 10.30 a.m.

The Warpers Trail, October 2010             Fossilised tree in Jumbles Country Park Crossing a stream on the way to Edgworth  Wayoh Reservoir Feeder stream for Entwistle Reservoir  Afternoon break at the head of Entwistle Reservoir Werneth Low December 2010                                             In his master's steps he trod,                                             Where the snow lay dinted; On the way to the summit. View across Greater Manchester War Memorial - Werneth Low On the way back to the pub and Christmas dinner! 

The Christmas ramble. A short walk and a long lunch! On a wet and grey Saturday morning fourteen members of the group assembled outside church at 9.30 a.m. to travel to Plumley for the start of a four mile circular walk around Holford Moss. As we arrived at our destination the weather suddenly brightened up and in good spirits, equipped with suitable footwear for the expected muddy conditions, we set out on our way. After walking through  the village we were soon out into the surrounding fields and countryside. Although we had expected it to be muddy conditions were not too bad and we were able to make steady progress. Today the only activity on Holford Moss is  agriculture but as you walk around the area you notice  evidence of salt production in the past and it was close to one of the many lakes we stopped for coffee. After a short break and a warming tot for one of  our party we continued up the path to the first of the old pumping stations now lying derelict and ...