Hawk Green, Marple - Saturday 14th September 2019

Not so much 'Three Men in a Boat' as 'Three Women and a Dog' who strode out from the Crown at Hawk Green up to the Ridge where we took in the view from the quaint little Methodist Chapel, which has been modernised and is still in use.From here a steep walk down to the canal meets one of the most picturesque parts of our walk,

Our first stop was Samuel Oldknow's Lime Kilns just away from the canal past some lovely gardens, where we learned quite a bit about the living conditions and the pros and cons of industrialisation.

Minutes later and we were strolling around Marple Park where the skate park was being well used as we enjoyed surrounding glorious views in the sunshine. Back along the canal we were just in time to see the last leg of the British Cycle Tour as they flew down Brabyn's Bow.

Past some allotments and Marple Cricket Club, where we witnessed a match in full whites, and we were on the Middlewood Way before turning onto the Cown Edge Way and we completed the final stretch across Marple Golf Course

A few road junctions later we were back at The Crown where we met up with other members of our group who had put in an appearance in good time for excellent food and drink, which we were able to enjoy in the garden. Because the regular St. Paul's group were unable to come, either because of illness, holidays or football matches, we shall probably repeat the walk next year.

http://www.crownhawkgreen.pub/

Down to the canal

Picturesque cottage on our route

Marina at Marple

The Lime Kilns

Tribute to the industrial past

Along the canal

Canal basin

Path under road

Locks at Marple

Tour of Britain

Support vehicle

Crossing the Golf Course.

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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.uk/2

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 Bolli

St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

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