St Paul's Rambling Group Heaton Moor

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....

The Christmas Ramble was held last Saturday in Mobberley. In the morning on a very mild December day  a party of 10 walkers enjoyed a short circular walk around Mobberley finishing at the Railway Inn. Here we were joined by other members of our group, to enjoy an excellent Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings. Thanks to Mike and Judith for organizing both the walk and the lunch. Details of the walk route can be found in Railway Walks in Cheshire at  PDF]Rail Walks - Cheshire East Council At the start The train now standing.......is holding us up! We think this is Rudolph......but no red nose Two headed Rudolph St Wilfred's Mobberley Wellies essential on this part of the route. Christmas lunch in the Railway Inn

A disastrous start to this walk. Wet weather, traffic problems with 10 kilometre run in area which resulted in a late start and shortened route. However, on the plus start the rain stopped and we enjoyed an excellent ramble around the area in spite of muddy fields and tracks. The walk finished with an excellent lunch in the Garden Kitchen at Arley Hall. The ramblers Wet lanes Muddy fields Winter wheat

A disappointing turnout for a what was an excellent walk on a warm October Saturday. The route took us via fields of corn on the cob over to Budworth where we then followed paths across fields to the mere. From this point we continued along the trail to Maybury Country Park and enjoyed a stroll via woodlands to the canal. After a short walk along the tow-path we then followed the well laid out route around Neumans Flash, with its abundant bird life, to return to the starting point at the Salt Works. Lunch was taken in the Salt Barge which was the perfect end to a day in the fresh air and countryside.    Battling our way through the corn on the cob ....and now a field of turnips Coffee  break Great Budworth Mere Heading for the canal Woodland in Maybury Country Park Picnic break

 Seven intrepid (foolhardy?) ramblers and one small dog braved the weather to go to Biddulph Moor. The drive there was through torrential rain and flooded roads, but the rain eased when we arrived at Biddulph Grange. Even so we started out wading uphill though fields running with water, and the views of Cheshire from the top were rather watery. After lunch in the pub, we strolled round Biddulph Grange Gardens, which the National Trust have restored to their eccentric Victorian state.

Six of us walked up Lathkill Dale from Over Haddon to Fern Dale, returning via One Ash Grange and Cales Dale. It may have looked a perfect Spring day but there was a chilly breeze. The purple orchids, saxifrage and cowslips were on full bloom but we were just to early for the Jacob’s Ladder. The walk finished with very welcome teas and large slices of cake in the garden overlooking the dale.

On a fine sunny Saturday morning seven of our group prepare ourselves for a ramble in the Bollington area. From the Rangers Office in Bollington we set off along the Middlewood Way towards Marple before turning off after about one mile to take the short ascent across fields to Styperson Lake, Here we took a short stop to view the wildlife before making the sharp steep ascent up to Long Lane. By this time it was 'Coffee Time' and we found a suitable bench where we could sit and enjoy the views across Cheshire and out to the Dee Estuary. Well rested we then made the descent across open fields to join the towpath along the Macclesfield Canal. Leaving at Bollington we enjoyed a pleasant stroll through the local park and back to our start point. After our morning exertions we then adjourned to the Vale Inn where we all enjoyed an excellent lunch. Styperson Lake Muddy path to Long Lane Old quarry on ascent to Long Lane View across Cheshire Narrow boats o...