The Sandstone Trail - Saturday 10th May

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 of Bickerton Hill. We could see Liverpool Cathedral from here. We walked along the ridge with a bit more down and up and lunch with a view, before reaching our final 'summit' of Larkton Hill. This is the site of earthworks of the ancient Hill Fort of Maiden Castle.
So then we had to get down. There were some very steep steps but really it was a lovely walk through the woods, and then through the village of Brown Knowl. Finally it was back for a drink In the pub before driving back.
The backdrop to the whole of this walk was the wonderful green freshness of new growth every where and the beautiful colours of the spring wild flowers.
All in all----A GOOD WALK
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Ashworth and Norden - Saturday 10th November 2018

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St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

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