St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

On a cold and frosty morning eleven of our members assembled on the car park at the Golden Pheasant in Plumley for a four mile circular ramble around the area. The route took us through Halford Moss, along past the old lime kilns and finally Halford Hall before returning to our start point at the Golden Pheasant. Here, seventeen of our members assembled for the real purpose of the day - Christmas Lunch and we enjoyed some excellent food in the true spirit of Christmas. Our thanks go to the landlord and his staff for their kind hospitality and to Judith and Mike for leading the walk and organising the lunch. Start Point - The Golden Pheasant Morning frost Holford Moss More of Holford Moss Crossing fields on route to Holford Hall Holford Hall Christmas lunch at the Golden Pheasant More pictures of Christmas Ramble

Due to other church commitments we only had four walkers last week end but undeterred we set out from Bollington for a 5 mile circular walk around the local area. We joined the Middlewood Way in fine weather but very shortly the drizzle came, followed by rain, followed by heavy rain. By this time we were thoroughly drenched and to add to our problems we had missed a turning and had gone too far along the trail. Fortunately a bridge provided shelter while we regrouped and enjoyed morning coffee. After studying the map and the rain clouds we decided to return direct to Bollington via the Macclesfield canal. The Bollington circular had now become the Bollington Rectangle but we had an enjoyable ramble and by the time we reached our start point the rain had stopped and we finished the trail in fine weather. Afterwards we adjourned to the Vale Inn where we had an excellent lunch in company with other members of our group who had been unable to come on the walk. Morning coffee on the Mi

On a fine autumn morning six of our members set off on a 7 mile circular walk from the village of Gawsworth in Cheshire. Passing the picturesque church and the old hall we were soon in open fields heading towards the Macclesfield Canal.  We than followed the canal down to Bosley before swinging west to the village of North Rode.  From here the route turned northwards across open fields and return to Gawsworth. The walk concluded with a visit to the Harrington Arms for liquid refreshment. Setting off from Gawsworth Autumn colour Swing bridge on Macclesfield Canal Lunch stop at Bosley Lock North Rode Manor fish pond Highland cattle Crossing field on route to Gawsworth Gawsworth Hall Lake

Pictures from our last walk in Delamere Forest. Eddisbury Old Pale Urchin's Kitchen Urchin's Kitchen Willington

Ten members of our group set off from the Strid Wood Car Park on the Bolton Abbey estate for a walk along the Warfe Valley. The weather was wet at the outset but it quickly improved and most of the walk was completed in the sunshine. Outwards we followed the path along the river which took us to the village of Appletreewick where we arrived just in time for an excellent lunch in the Craven Arms. The return journey was along the north bank of the river finishing back at the car park and a welcome cup of tea in the Pavilion Tea Room. An enjoyable walk of about six miles and our thanks go to Gordon for leading this ramble.  Outside the Craven Arms Barden Bridge Homeward bound Ice cream break Afternoon break River Warfe Warfedale On the road

The walk started at the Eyam Hall Car Park and 9 of us set off on the first part of the ramble, a gentle undulating walk to Foolow where we stopped for coffee, tea and water, kindly provided by St Oswald’s Church.  We spent a little time admiring the duck pond, church and the village gardens in the sunshine, before setting off for the most demanding part of the walk up to Eyam Edge, a particularly steep climb, and on completion we took the opportunity to recover our breath and eat our packed lunch. Afterwards, a little more climbing along the road to the summit where we dropped steeply down past the youth hostel, then along a very picturesque path towards Eyam Tea Rooms where we enjoyed refreshment in the glorious sunshine. A fairly tough 6 miles, but the views were stunning and a visit to the tea room always makes it worthwhile! Morning Coffee at Foolow Eyam Edge

Five of us set out for Tideswelldale on a fine Saturday morning to enjoy a walk through the White Peak.  We started by following the river which was great apart from mud at Water-cum-Jollyday. Plenty for bird lovers and we made our first stop at Cressbrook for coffee. The break was spoilt however, by a local lady claiming we were on private land. Continued into Cressbrook hoping to see the well dressing but unfortunately we couldn’t locate the site so followed the path uphill through Cressbrook Nature Reserve. Emerging at the top of the vale is one of the ‘wow’ experiences of the Peak. Banks of orchids and fine views down to Tansley Dale provided us with the perfect place for our lunch stop. From here we walked downhill into the village of Litton  where we were pleased to find the village shop still thriving and selling the most delicious ice cream. After resting on the green to enjoy our ices we then continued through the village and a gentle walk along an avenue of tall trees to

May's walk was south west of Chester in the hilly bit, north of Cholmondeley Castle. Five of us set off for the Sandstone Pub at Fullers Moor on the A534 certain we would get wet and be denied the amazing distance views. We need not have worried as, apart from a few spits and spots, we stayed dry while enjoying clear and bright conditions. It was a bit windy though! Essentially we completed our own mini 'Three Peaks' circuit. We first went North of the A534 through the village of Harthill and then climbed steadily up to the trig point (740 ft) on the top of Raw Head. It made a wonderful and well earned coffee stop. We thought we had lost one party member as she disappeared into Bloody Bones Cave to explore! The rest of the walk  followed the Sandstone Trail. We went down to the main road crossing it at Gallantry Bank, passing the lovely Bickerton Church before climbing up again for our second 'Peak ' and more distant views at the Kitty Wheeldon Memorial on the top

Saltram House The West Country branch of the group went to Saltram House to walk the Boundary of the estate, a distant of about 3 miles. Saltram house overlooks the River Plym and for much of the walk there are fine views across Plymouth Sound and plenty of wild flowers, trees and birds to keep you interested as you cover the route. Eventually the path leads down to a dell, where the bluebells were in full bloom, and then turns inland to return to the car park. If you have time the house is well worth a visit but you should always stop for a delicious cream tea in the National Trust café. Boundary Walk - Saltram House Wild garlic Bluebells in 'The Dell' at Saltram House

Cowm Edge - Saturday 12th April 2014 Again a very good turnout of members and nine of us set out from Rowarth for a walk of about 5 miles along Cowm Edge. Immediately we left Rowarth we were soon climbing the steep path  onto the moors behind the village and the walk along the ‘Edge’.  As you make the ascent the views across Cheshire are quite stunning and give you a good excuse to stop, gather your breath, and admire the scenery. Once at the top the walk continues across open moorland until you reach Cowm Edge, a quite spectacular horse shoe shaped outcrop from which you have extensive views across Lancashire. The route then continues along the top for about a mile before turning to cross the moorland and the descent back to the valley below. At the foot of the valley the path follows a river and on the banks we were able to see a fine collection of spring flowers and marsh plants. A good walk which has a very lot to offer – exercise, fine views, moors and fields all with pl