Cheshire West & Chester Council
West Cheshire Walking Festival A celebration of healthy lifestyle activities 20 19
West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 3
Welcome We are delighted to be hosting ‘The West Cheshire Walking Festival’ in 2019 for the third year running. The festival features a wide range of fantastic walks for you to enjoy that run throughout the month of May and beyond.
This year’s festival includes everything from The Walking Festival is possible due dog walks and pram pushes to heritage to the many walk leaders, community trails and mystery tours. There really is groups, and volunteers who are so something for everyone! passionate about providing a great variety of walks and showcasing our great outdoor Walking is a really safe and effective way spaces. I would particularly like to thank to keep physically active, improve your them for giving up their valuable time mental wellbeing, and meet new people. and I really hope you are all inspired to take part. We have many amazing cultural sights and wonderful open spaces for you to enjoy, Finally, a thank you to our partner, Active and as the festival is borough-wide, you Cheshire and our internal teams for should be able to find a walk close to your making the festival happen. home; or why not try exploring further afield?
The brochure includes walks that cater for everyone from short social walks, friends and family walks and to those longer routes which provide a real journey. Although the festival runs throughout May we hope that it will encourage you to walk more often throughout the year and look for Ian Ashworth opportunities in everyday life. Director of Public Health 4 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 5
The West Cheshire Walking Festival is now on its third year, after the success of the previous two years Active Cheshire are delighted to be involved in the coordination of the 2019 festival. Introducing people to walking is a big step towards Active Cheshire’s mission of embedding physical activity into everyday life.
Walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week can help you achieve the recommended amount of physical activity set by the UK Chief Medical Officer. By enjoying one of the walks and walking opportunities in this booklet you are giving yourself the best possible chance of reaching the recommended levels of activity in a fun and relaxed way.
The festival is not just about getting fit and active, it is also about meeting new people and creating a social environment in the beautiful surroundings of west Cheshire’s countryside, towns and villages.
We hope that you use the festival to meet new people, explore new places and kick start your regular walking habit. A regular walking habit can be as simple as walking to the shop rather than getting in the car, or parking on the outside of town and walking in. Being more active doesn’t need to feel hard work – explore the range of routes and walks to find your style!
Throughout the festival we want to see your photos from the walks, so feel free to share with us on social media using the below hashtag, or email them to us and we will choose the best and share these around on our own social media. Keep an eye out for your pics!
@ AC Tea mW #WCW est alkingF estival 6 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Accessibility Many of the walks in this brochure are accessible to people with limited mobility. However, it is recommended that you check with the walk organiser for each event if you have specific requirements including wheelchair access or are unable to step over stiles. In many cases, the walk route can be adapted to provide access for all. We have also introduced a new system to clearly show where routes may be restricted so ensure you check the icons below each walk.
If you are unable to attend the walk at the times shown, please contact the walk leader who will be able to advise of alternative meeting points for you to join the walk at a different location later on. Additionally, if you need to leave a walk early please let the walk leader know. Many of the walks are regular and therefore might operate outside of the festival month so please check with the leaders. Finally, we recommend that you check with the walk leaders prior to attending to ensure that schedules have not been changed!
Getting there Plan your journey and download a timetable using Traveline, telephone: 0871 200 22 33 or visit: www.traveline.info Download the itravel smart phone app - a free journey planning app for Cheshire West and Chester, with up to date travel information, interactive maps and public transport timetables. Visit: http://itravelsmart.co.uk/itravelsmart-app
We hope you enjoy attending the 2019 West Cheshire Walking Festival and welcome your feedback. The feedback form can be completed at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk /r/WCwalkingfestival West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 7
Contents Accessibility key
Chester 8 Less mobile Beginner Ellesmere Port 20 Intermediate Frodsham 25 Advanced Malpas 36 Family friendly Neston 40 Pram and pushchair friendly
Northwich 42 Wheelchair friendly
Winsford 48 Dog friendly 8 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Chester West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 9
Chester Heritage Trail 10 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Caldy Valley Vintage Blacon
Wednesday 1 May, 10:30 Health Walks Booking required: No Thursdays 2 May, 10:15 Cost: Free Booking required: Not necessary, just turn An ideal starter walk, at a pace to suit all, up (first time there will be a form to fill in) taking in the Caldy Valley Nature Park. Cost: Free, though donations welcome Start postcode: CH3 7AS A one hour walk from a choice of various Meeting point: Ring o’ Bells routes. We finish back at the church for Contact: Sean Ray refreshments. Telephone: 01606 720432 Start postcode: CH1 5EY Email: [email protected] Meeting point: Blacon United Reformed Church, 121, Saughall Road, Blacon, Chester Contact: Ron Glenn Telephone: 01244 371843 Email: [email protected] Discovering Deva Delights Wednesday 1 May, 10:30 Duke's Drive, Booking required: No Cost: Free Woodlands, Chester A mostly flat, nine mile walk to Chester via the woods of the Chester approach, visiting Sunday 5 May, 14:00 Little Roodee, Edgar’s Field, The Walls and Booking required: No river front. Returning by Queen’s Park and Cost: Free The Meadows. Bring a packed lunch. Each walk is 3-4 miles in 2 hours with a No dogs please. gentle pace and regular stops to learn Start postcode: CH4 9JE about the history, plants and wildlife in the Meeting point: Eccleston Ferry car park woods. See Friends of Duke's Drive website Contact: Joyce Porter for more details. Telephone: 01928 735150 Meeting point: Dukes Drive Email: [email protected] Contact: Friends of Dukes Drive, Woodland Chester. www.facebook.com/dukesdrive/ West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 11
Blacon Gentle walks Caldy Valley
Monday 6 May, 10:30 Wednesday 8 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free A gentle walk at a pace to suit all, taking in An ideal starter walk at a pace to suit all, the Greenway and areas around Blacon. taking in the Caldy Valley Nature Park There is the option to do a short 30-minute Start postcode: CH3 5QJ stroll or one hour walk. Meeting point: Café in Sainsbury’s Start postcode: CH1 5EY superstore on Caldy Valley Road Meeting point: United Reformed Church Contact: Sean Ray Contact: Sean Ray Telephone: 01606 720432 Telephone: 01606 720432 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Vintage Blacon Grosvenor Park Strollers Health Walks
Tuesday 7 May, 10:15 Thursday 9 May, 10:15 Booking required: No Booking required: Not necessary, just turn Cost: Free up (first time there will be a form to fill in) It is a short friendly walk. Free parking for up Cost: Free, though donations welcome to 10 cars. Free Tea and Coffee and most A one hour walk from a choice of various important a good chat with friendly people. routes. Please wear appropriate footwear. Start postcode: CH1 5EY Start postcode: CH1 1SD Meeting point: Blacon United Reformed Meeting point: Grosvenor Park Pavilion Church, 121, Saughall Road, Blacon, Contact: Malcolm Craig Chester Telephone: 01244 313530 Contact: Ron Glenn Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01244 371843 Email: [email protected] 12 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 13
Duke's Drive, Grosvenor Park Strollers
Woodlands, Chester Tuesday 14 May, 10:15 Booking required: No Sunday 12 May, 14:00 Cost: Free Booking required: No It is a short friendly walk. Free parking for up Cost: Free to 10 cars. Free Tea and Coffee and most Each walk is 3-4 miles (in 2 hours) with important a good chat with friendly people. a gentle pace and regular stops to learn Please wear appropriate footwear. about the history and plants and wildlife Start postcode: CH1 1SD in the woods. See Friends of Duke's Drive website for more details. Meeting point: Grosvenor Park Pavilion Start postcode: CH4 7QR Contact: Malcolm Craig Meeting point: Dukes Drive Telephone: 01244 313530 Contact: Friends of Dukes Drive, Woodland Email: [email protected] Chester. www.facebook.com/dukesdrive/
Caldy Valley
Wednesday 15 May, 10:30 Blacon Gentle walks Booking required: No Cost: Free Monday 13 May, 10:30 An ideal starter walk, at a pace to suit all, Booking required: No taking in the Caldy Valley Nature Park. Cost: Free Start postcode: CH3 5QJ A gentle walk at a pace to suit all, taking in Meeting point: Café in Sainsbury’s the Greenway and areas around Blacon. superstore on Caldy Valley Road There is the option to do a short 30-minute Contact: Sean Ray stroll or one hour walk. Telephone: 01606 720432 Start postcode: CH1 5EY Email: [email protected] Meeting point: United Reformed Church Contact: Sean Ray Telephone: 01606 720432 Email: [email protected] 14 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Vintage Blacon Blacon Gentle walks
Health Walks Monday 20 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Thursday 16 May, 10:15 Cost: Free Booking required: Not necessary, just turn up (first time there will be a form to fill in) A gentle walk at a pace to suit all, taking in the Greenway and areas around Blacon. Cost: Free, though donations welcome There is the option to do a short 30-minute A one hour walk from a choice of various stroll or one hour walk. routes. We finish back at the church for Start postcode: CH1 5EY refreshments. Meeting point: United Reformed Church Start postcode: CH1 5EY Contact: Sean Ray Meeting point: Blacon United Reformed Church, 121, Saughall Road, Blacon, Telephone: 01606 720432 Chester. Email: [email protected] Contact: Ron Glenn Telephone: 01244 371843 Email: [email protected]
Grosvenor Park Strollers
Tuesday 21 May, 10:15 Duke's Drive, Booking required: No Woodlands, Chester Cost: Free It is a short friendly walk. Free parking for up Sunday 19 May, 14:00 to 10 cars. Free tea and coffee and most Booking required: No important a good chat with friendly people. Cost: Free Please wear appropriate footwear. Each walk is 3-4 miles (in 2 hours) with Start postcode: CH1 1SD a gentle pace and regular stops to learn Meeting point: Grosvenor Park Pavilion about the history, plants and wildlife in the Contact: Malcolm Craig woods. See Friends of Duke's Drive website Telephone: 01244 313530 for more details. Email: [email protected] Start postcode: CH4 7QR Meeting point: Dukes Drive Contact: Friends of Dukes Drive, Woodland, Chester. www.facebook.com/dukesdrive/ West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 15 16 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 17
Caldy Valley Great Barrow
Wednesday 22 May, 10:30 Wednesday 22 May, 19:00 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free An ideal starter walk at a pace to suit all, A 4.5 mile circular walk starting from the taking in the Caldy Valley Nature Park. village centre, walking along tracks and Start postcode: CH3 5QJ footpaths to Plemstall Church, returning across fields and past a wood to Great Meeting point: Café in Sainsbury’s Barrow. A pleasant, level walk, with only superstore on Caldy Valley Road three stiles. Contact: Sean Ray Start postcode: CH3 Telephone: 01606 720432 Meeting point: Meet by school at cross Email: [email protected] roads in centre of Great Barrow on the B5132. Parking available on side of road. SJ 468684. Contact: Helen Holyoak Telephone: 01244 880649 Email: [email protected] Huxley Walk
Wednesday 22 May, 10.30 Booking required: No Cost: Free A 5 mile circular walk in Huxley and the surrounding countryside. The route covers River Ramble part of the Eddisbury Way and affords good views of Beeston and Peckforton castles. Thursday 23 May, 10:00 Bring a packed lunch. Booking required: Yes Start postcode: CH3 9BG Cost: £12 or £10 for members of Cheshire Meeting point: Village Hall, Huxley Lane, Wildlife Trust Huxley After a hot drink and a piece of cake at Contact: Karen McKay Walk Mill café, join us for a 5km ramble Telephone: 01244 683663 along the River Gowy to see birds and butterflies, with the chance to see kingfishers, Email: [email protected] spotted flycatchers and an impressive display of banded demoiselles. Start postcode: CH3 7RZ Meeting point: River Gowy and Hockenhull Platts Contact: Cheshire Wildlfe Trust Telephone: 01948 820728 Email: [email protected] 18 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Vintage Blacon Blacon Gentle walks
Health Walks Monday 27 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Thursday 23 May, 10:15 Cost: Free Booking required: Not necessary, just turn up (first time there will be a form to fill in) A gentle walk at a pace to suit all, taking in the Greenway and areas around Blacon. Cost: Free, though donations welcome There is the option to do a short 30-minute A one hour walk from a choice of various stroll or one hour walk. routes. We finish back at the church for Start postcode: CH1 5EY refreshments. Meeting point: United Reformed Church Start postcode: CH1 5EY Contact: Sean Ray Meeting point: Blacon United Reformed Church, 121, Saughall Road, Blacon, Telephone: 01606 720432 Chester. Email: [email protected] Contact: Ron Glenn Telephone: 01244 371843 Email: [email protected]
Grosvenor Park Strollers Duke's Drive, Tuesday 28 May, 10:15 Woodlands, Chester Booking required: No Cost: Free Sunday 26 May, 14:00 It is a short friendly walk. Free parking for up Booking required: No to 10 cars. Free Tea and Coffee and most Cost: Free important a good chat with friendly people. Each walk is 3-4 miles in (2 hours) with Please wear appropriate footwear. a gentle pace and regular stops to learn Start postcode: CH1 1SD about the history, plants and wildlife in the Meeting point: Grosvenor Park Pavilion woods. See Friends of Duke's Drive website for more details. Contact: Malcolm Craig Start postcode: CH4 7QR Telephone: 01244 313530 Meeting point: Dukes Drive Email: [email protected] Contact: Friends of Dukes Drive, Woodland, Chester. www.facebook.com/dukesdrive/ West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 19
Walk a Mile May Vintage Blacon
Tuesday 28 May 11:00 Health Walks Booking required: Yes Thursday 30 May, 10:15 Cost: Free Booking required: Not necessary, just turn A gentle buggy friendly one mile walk to up (first time there will be a form to fill in) Westminster Park for a play and a picnic. Session is for children & families. Cost: Free, though donations welcome A one hour walk from a choice of various Start postcode: CH4 8HX routes. We finish back at the church for Meeting point: Lache Childrens Centre refreshments. Contact: Lache Children’s Centre Start postcode: CH1 5EY Telephone: 01244 397486 Meeting point: Blacon United Reformed Email: [email protected] Church, 121, Saughall Road, Blacon, Chester. Contact: Ron Glenn Telephone: 01244 371843 Email: [email protected]
Caldy Valley
Wednesday 29 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Walk a Mile Cost: Free An ideal starter walk at a pace to suit all, Friday 31 May, 10:00 taking in the Caldy Valley Nature Park. Booking required: No Start postcode: CH3 5QJ Cost: Free Meeting point: Café in Sainsbury’s A gentle buggy friendly one mile walk superstore on Caldy Valley Road passing Carterbury Road Park for a play and Contact: Sean Ray finishing at the library for a drink and snack Telephone: 01606 720432 and a session of rhyme time. Session is for children aged 0-5years Email: [email protected] Start postcode: CH1 5DB Meeting point: Frodsham Children’s Centre Contact: Robyn Carew Telephone: 01244 397412 Email: [email protected] 20 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Ellesmere Port As well as the guided walks listed, why not explore the industrial heritage of Ellesmere Port? You can take a walk along the waterways and learn a bit about their history as well. Take a look at the Mersey Forest website to find out more. https://www.merseyforest.org.uk/things-to-do/walks-bike-rides-and- more/walks/ellesmere-port-canal-port-trail/ West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 21
Rivacre Valley Rivacre Valley
Thursday 2 May, 10:00 Thursday 9 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Walks with a Ranger. Enjoy the signs of spring Walks with a Ranger. Enjoy the signs of spring and the wonderful display of bluebells in and the wonderful display of bluebells in Rivacre Valley. Rivacre Valley. Start postcode: CH66 2UQ Start postcode: CH66 2UQ Meeting point: Visitors Centre, Rivacre Road Meeting point: Visitors Centre, Rivacre Road Contact: Chris Moseley Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk chester.gov.uk
Spring migrants and Rivacre Valley insects of Gowy Meadows Thursday 16 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Saturday 4 May, 09:30 Cost: Free Booking required: Yes Walks with a Ranger. Enjoy the signs of spring Cost: £10 or £8 for members of Cheshire and the wonderful display of bluebells in Wildlife Trust Rivacre Valley. Join local recorder Steve Holmes on a Start postcode: CH66 2UQ guided walk around Gowy Meadows, looking at incoming migrant birds and insects Meeting point: Visitors Centre, Rivacre Road who come and go to the reserve throughout Contact: Chris Moseley the year. Telephone: 07946 400675 Start postcode: CH2 4HU Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Meeting point: Gowy Meadows, chester.gov.uk Thornton-le-Moors Contact: Cheshire Wildlife Trust Telephone: 01948 820728 Email: [email protected] 22 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 23
Rivacre Valley Walk a Mile May
Thursday 23 May, 10:00 Wednesday 29 May, 11:00 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free Walks with a Ranger. Enjoy the signs of spring Free gentle one mile walk around Whitby and the wonderful display of bluebells in Park followed by a picnic, parachute games Rivacre Valley. and other outdoor activities. Session is for Start postcode: CH66 2UQ children and families. Meeting point: Visitors Centre, Rivacre Road Start postcode: CH65 9AQ Contact: Chris Moseley Meeting point: Playground entrance, Whitby Park Telephone: 07946 400675 Contact: Susan Elliott Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk Telephone: 0151 4888036 Email: [email protected]
The Canal Port Trail
Thursday 23 May, 13:00 Rivacre Valley Booking required: No Thursday 30 May, 10:00 Cost: Free Booking required: No Led by local history expert Celia Webber as part of Sustrans Community Places - A Local People Cost: Free project, which aims to get local people working Walks with a Ranger. Enjoy the signs of spring together to improve their streets and become and the wonderful display of bluebells in more active. This short 0.8 mile easy walk will Rivacre Valley. reveal how and why Ellesmere Port developed. Start postcode: CH66 2UQ Find out where bathers used to come and dip Meeting point: Visitors Centre, Rivacre Road their toes into the water, discover Ellesmere Port's Contact: Chris Moseley hidden lighthouse and search for the lock keepers cottage, the smallest listed building in Telephone: 07946 400675 the area! Refreshments and toilets available in Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand the National Waterways museum. chester.gov.uk Start postcode: CH65 4FW Meeting point: Outside the main entrance, the National Waterways museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port Contact: Celia Webber, Ali Dore Telephone: 0771 7418892 Email: [email protected] 24 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Natural Health Service The Natural Health Service has been developed by The Mersey Forest to improve health and wellbeing using the great outdoors.
The programme is made up of health- • Group Walks promoting enjoyable group activities within some of west Cheshire's wonderful green • Gardening for All spaces and woodlands, and is supported • Forest School (children) by Cheshire West and Chester Council. • Bush craft (adults) Sessions of up to twelve weeks are available for both adults or children and designed to • Mindful Contact With Nature be welcoming to complete beginners: • Conservation Workouts
Book your free place now. Visit www.naturalhealthservice.org.uk/Cheshire for your local groups or contact The Mersey Forest on 01925 816217 . West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 25
Frodsham and Helsby If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not take in the start of the Sandstone Trail? This part of the trail provides a unique perspective and stunning views out over the Liverpool skyline. Find out more information by visiting the Sandstone Trail website. https://sandstonetrail.co.uk/frodsham-to-manley-common/ 26 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Wednesday Health Walk Nordic Walking Taster
Wednesday 1 May, 10:30 Wednesday 1 May, 10:45 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free A gentle guided walk of up to 3 miles for A 45 minute session that will help you understand anyone wishing to improve their fitness. how beneficial Nordic Walking can be - it’s far Ideal for all including families, the young and more than just walking with poles! Get a taste of young at heart. Sturdy footwear recommended. how light you will feel on your feet, how the whole No dogs please. body is mobilised and why you need to take the Start postcode: WA6 6SB time to learn the technique. Poles are provided. Flexible soled trainers or walking boots are ideal, Meeting point: The back entrance to Castle avoid solid heavy walking boots. No dogs Park House in Castle Park please. Contact: Kathleen Povall Places limited to 12 so it’s essential to book at Telephone: 01928 735150 www.kerleysnordicwalking.co.uk/find-a-taster/ Email: [email protected] Start postcode: WA6 6SB Meeting point: Castle Park car park Contact: Elizabeth Kerley Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] Wednesday Progression Health Walk
Wednesday 1 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Cost: Free A progression walk of up to 2 hours for those who want a more challenging experience. It will be over more strenuous terrain, possibly including stiles. Sturdy footwear recommended. No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 6SB Meeting point: The back entrance to Castle Park House in Castle Park Contact: Alan Gerrard Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 27
Sophie’s Helsby Dog Walk F r o dsham Wind Farm
Thursday 2 May, 18:00 Friday 3 May, 10.30 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free A 1½ hour flat walk for dogs and owners on A 3½ mile tour of the Frodsham cluster of wind footpaths around Helsby. Maximum two dogs turbines that form part of the larger wind farm. per person. On the way there will be information about the Start postcode: WA6 0AQ wind farm as a whole, its construction, operation and interaction with the environment, as well Meeting point: Sophie’s Groom Room and as the Marshes Community Benefit Fund. Hydrotherapy Centre, 245 Chester Road, No dogs please. Helsby Numbers are strictly limited so prebooking via Contact: Sophie Rigby & Caroline Ashton www.frodsham.gov.uk is essential. Telephone: 01928 735150 Start postcode: WA6 7BT Email: [email protected] Meeting point: Motorway bridge, Brook Furlong (off Marsh Lane) Contact: Stephen Snowdon and Abbey McGinty Telephone: 01928 735150 Pub Lunch at the Email: [email protected] Travellers Rest
Friday 3 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Cost: Free A 4-5 mile walk over Frodsham Hill then to the Travellers Rest for lunch. Could be muddy. After lunch, a 2-3 mile walk through Hob Hey Wood, admiring the bluebells. No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 6PX Meeting point: Bradley Lane (Kingsley Road end) Contact: Anne Shaw Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] 28 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Frodsham Wind Farm Weaver Valley Wandering
Friday 3 May, 14:00 Saturday 4 May, 09:30 Booking required: Yes Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free A 3½ mile tour of the Frodsham cluster of wind An all-day 13 miles moderate walk taken at a turbines that form part of the larger wind farm. gentle pace in the Weaver Valley. We shall On the way there will be information about the weave our way to and from the Weaver on lane, wind farm as a whole, its construction, operation field, woodland, river and canal paths and and interaction with the environment, as well as tracks from the north to the south side through the Marshes Community Benefit Fund. Devil’s Garden and a secret garden. Spring No dogs please. flowers and birds in abundance. Mostly flat but Numbers are strictly limited so prebooking short inclines with some stiles and steps. Wear via www.frodsham.gov.uk is essential. stout footwear and appropriate clothing. Bring snacks, lunch and drinks. No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 7BT Start postcode: WA6 7JY Meeting point: Motorway bridge, Brook Furlong (off Marsh Lane) Meeting point: Stone Bridge, Frodsham Contact: Stephen Snowdon and Contact: Susan Kellett Abbey McGinty Telephone: 01928 735150 Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Kingsley Walk
Sunday 5 May, 14:00 Booking required: No Cost: Free A five mile circular walk covering the area north of Kingsley. It uses good tracks, field paths and minor roads and there are some stiles. There are good views of the surrounding countryside, especially along the North Cheshire Way beside the Weaver Navigation. Start postcode: WA6 8HN Meeting point: Kingsley, Ball Lane, roadside Contact: John Warman Telephone: 01925 754018 Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 29 30 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Community Police Hob Hey Wood Officer Walk Discovery Trail
Sunday 5 May, 11:00 Sunday 5 May, 14:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Walk to the top of Frodsham Hill with your Did you know that Hob Hey Wood is a fragment local Police Community Support Officer of the ancient Forest of Mara? Join this gentle Neil Flanagan. This walk is aimed at young stroll to learn about the history of Frodsham's very people discovering the benefits of walking in own ancient wood. Discover wild flowers, native and around the local area. Dogs on short leads trees, bird life and evidence of badgers, foxes or welcome. You will be back at the Community even the fabled hobgoblin! Suitable for all the Centre by 1.30pm. family. Dogs on short leads welcome. Start postcode: WA6 7QN Start postcode: WA6 7LX Meeting point: Frodsham Community Meeting point: Junction of Langdale Way Centre, Fluin Lane (park against wall and Townfield Lane nearest Fluin Lane if possible) Contact: Clare Birtles Contact: PCSO Neil Flanaghan Telephone: 01928 735150 Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 31
The Frodsham Hills Walking for Health Challenge Walk in Castle Park
Monday 6 May, 10:00 Tuesday 7 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free A delightful yet challenging 5 mile walk around Enjoy a gentle walk around Frodsham’s Castle the hills of Frodsham including Middle Walk, the Park with optional hot drinks and chat in the café lower walk around Dunsdale to Foxhill, afterwards. This is a short, steady walk lasting Woodhouse Hill and Snidley Moor. The walk will around 30 minutes. No dogs please, except return along the Sandstone Trail via Jacob’s guide dogs. Ladder and the summit of Frodsham Hill. Some Start postcode: WA6 6SB very steep sections. Sturdy footwear Meeting point: The back entrance to recommended. Can be muddy if wet. No dogs Castle Park House in Castle Park please. Contact: Cheryl Lockley and Lesley Mitchell Start postcode: WA6 6BA Telephone: 01928 735150 Meeting point: Frodsham Methodist Church, Kingsley Road Email: [email protected] Contact: Alan Gerrard Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected]
Wednesday Health Walk
Wednesday 8 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Cost: Free A gentle guided walk of up to 3 miles for anyone wishing to improve their fitness. Ideal for all including families, the young and young at heart. Sturdy footwear recommended. No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 6SB Meeting point: The back entrance to Castle Park House in Castle Park Contact: Kathleen Povall Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] 32 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Walking for Health Wednesday Health Walk in Castle Park Wednesday 15 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Tuesday 14 May, 10:30 Cost: Free Booking required: No A gentle guided walk of up to 3 miles for anyone Cost: Free wishing to improve their fitness. Ideal for all Enjoy a gentle walk around Frodsham’s Castle including families, the young and young at Park with optional hot drinks and chat in the café heart. Sturdy footwear recommended. afterwards. This is a short, steady walk lasting No dogs please. around 30 minutes. No dogs please, except Start postcode: WA6 6SB guide dogs. Meeting point: The back entrance to Start postcode: WA6 6SB Castle Park House in Castle Park Meeting point: The back entrance to Contact: Sue Heath Castle Park House in Castle Park Telephone: 01928 735150 Contact: Cheryl Lockley and Lesley Mitchell Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected]
Wednesday Progression Health Walk
Wednesday 15 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Cost: Free A progression walk of up to 2 hours for those who want a more challenging experience. It will be over more strenuous terrain, possibly including stiles. Sturdy footwear recommended. No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 6SB Meeting point: The back entrance to Castle Park House in Castle Park Contact: Alan Gerrard Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 33
Bluebell and spring Wednesday Health Walk wildflower walk Wednesday 22 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Saturday 18 May, 10:00 Cost: Free Booking required: Yes A gentle guided walk of up to 3 miles for anyone Cost: £6 or £5 for members of Cheshire wishing to improve their fitness. Ideal for all Wildlife Trust and free for under 16 including families, the young and young at Explore the spring wildflowers of our Hunter’s heart. Sturdy footwear recommended. and Warburton’s Wood nature reserves No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 8HL Start postcode: WA6 6SB Meeting point: Hunter’s and Warburton’s Meeting point: The back entrance to Wood, Frodsham Castle Park House in Castle Park Contact: Cheshire Wildlfe Trust Contact: Lesley Mitchell Telephone: 01948 820728 Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Walking for Health in Castle Park Walking for Health
Tuesday 21 May, 10:30 in Castle Park Booking required: No Tuesday 28 May, 10:30 Cost: Free Booking required: No Enjoy a gentle walk around Frodsham’s Castle Cost: Free Park with optional hot drinks and chat in the café Enjoy a gentle walk around Frodsham’s Castle afterwards. This is a short, steady walk lasting Park with optional hot drinks and chat in the café around 30 minutes. No dogs please, except afterwards. This is a short, steady walk lasting guide dogs. around 30 minutes. No dogs please, except Start postcode: WA6 6SB guide dogs. Meeting point: The back entrance to Start postcode: WA6 6SB Castle Park House in Castle Park Meeting point: The back entrance to Contact: Cheryl Lockley and Lesley Mitchell Castle Park House in Castle Park Telephone: 01928 735150 Contact: Cheryl Lockley and Lesley Mitchell Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] 34 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Wednesday Health Walk W a l k a mile May
Wednesday 29 May, 10:30 Friday 31 May, 11:00 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free A gentle guided walk of up to 3 miles for A gentle buggy friendly 1 mile walk to Castle anyone wishing to improve their fitness. Ideal Park for a play and a picnic. for all including families, the young and young Session is for children & families at heart. Sturdy footwear recommended. No dogs please. Start postcode: WA6 7PZ Meeting point: Frodsham Children’s Centre Start postcode: WA6 6SB Contact: Frodsham Children’s Centre Meeting point: The back entrance to Castle Park House in Castle Park Telephone: 01606 555287 Contact: Peter Webley Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected]
Helsby Hill
Wednesday 29 May, 19:00 Booking required: Yes Cost: Free This is a 4.5 mile walk over Helsby Hill. It is fairly strenuous, with three ascents, one of which is steep, over 800 feet of climbing in total. Start postcode: WA6 9PT Meeting point: Helsby Quarry car park, Alvanley Road, Helsby. WA6 9PT Contact: Mike Clark Telephone: 07752 436699 Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 35
The Frodsham Festival of Walks is an annual event being run for the 16th year in 2019. It starts on the last Saturday in April and runs for 10 days. This year there will be 31 walks in the Festival (the biggest number ever). As well as starting before the West Cheshire Festival, we venture outside of West Cheshire – with some walks this year in Warrington, Wirral and Clwyd. Our Festival is organised by local volunteers, is well supported by local community organisations and walking groups, and last year attracted over 800 participants. It includes three regular local health walks. 36 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Malpas
If you’re looking for a longer walk, why not pick up the Sandstone Trail once again? With interesting landmarks and countryside views, this would be a great walk for a nice day. https://sandstonetrail.co.uk/larkton-hall-to-willeymoor-lock/ West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 37 38 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Malpas Thursday Malpas Tuesday Long Walk Short Walk
Thursday 2 May, 10:15 Tuesday 14 May, 10:15 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free The Malpas Longer Walks usually take us outside The Malpas Shorter Walks usually take us on the village and into the countryside and last for routes around the village and last for about about one to one and a half hours. half to three quarters of an hour with the option No dogs please. to do a shorter route depending upon the Start postcode: SY14 8NR individual abilities and finish with refreshments at the High Street Church. No dogs please. Meeting point: High Street Church Start postcode: SY14 8NR Contact: Sue Norwood Meeting point: High Street Church Telephone: 01948 861 101 Contact: Sue Norwood Telephone: 01948 861 101
Barton Walk
Wednesday, 8 May, 10.30 Malpas Thursday Booking required: No Long Walk Cost: Free A 7 mile circular walk from the village of Barton Thursday 16 May, 10:15 covering an area of undulating countryside Booking required: No and woodland, using mainly field paths but incorporating a little road walking. Bring a Cost: Free packed lunch. The Malpas Longer Walks usually take us outside the village and into the countryside and last for Start postcode: SY14 7HU about one to one and a half hours. Meeting point: Cock o’ Barton pub, No dogs please. Barton Road (A534), Barton Start postcode: SY14 8NR Contact: Roger Stringer Meeting point: High Street Church Telephone: 01829 751526 Contact: Sue Norwood Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01948 861 101 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 39
Spring bird walk at Malpas Tuesday Bickley Hall Farm Short Walk
Saturday 18 May, 09:00 Tuesday 28 May, 10:15 Booking required: Yes Booking required: No Cost: £6 or £5 for members of Cheshire Cost: Free Wildlife Trust and under 16s go free The Malpas Shorter Walks usually take us on Join us for a walk around our wildlife friendly routes around the village and last for about farm, to learn about how we make space for half to three quarters of an hour with the option nature and see the wonderful birds that call to do a shorter route depending upon the the farm home. Includes hot drinks and individual abilities and finish with refreshments homemade cake. at the High Street Church. No dogs please. Start postcode: SY14 8EF Start postcode: SY14 8NR Meeting point: Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas Meeting point: High Street Church Contact: Cheshire Wildlfe Trust Contact: Sue Norwood Telephone: 01948 820728 Telephone: 01948 861 101 Email: [email protected] 40 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2018
Neston Neston Heritage Trail The Heritage Trail is a short walk of under a mile, linking together a number of places of interest in Parkgate, mainly along The Parade. The walk starts and finishes at the public car parks (free) at either end of The Parade (the Old Baths at the north end or the Ropewalk in Station Road at the south end). Find out more at: http://parkgatesociety.co.uk West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 41
Willaston Bluebell Walk R o und Little Neston
Friday 17 May, 13:50 five-miler Booking required: Yes Sunday 19 May at 10.30 Cost: Free Booking required: No After leaving the village, the route mainly follows Cost: Free brideways and footpaths through fields and bluebell woods towards Raby. It returns via the This is a fascinating circular walk for all ages Wirral Way. Good footwear is required (preferably which takes in Lees Lane Ponds and their Marl boots). Please bring your own refreshments. Pits, ancient lanes mentioned in Gawain and the There are toilets at the station and the café may Green Knight, Industrial heritage, the Dee Estuary be open. and the spookiest cutting along the Wirral Way. You will need comfortable shoes, a snack Start postcode: CH64 2UQ lunch and a drink for this five mile walk Meeting point: Hadlow Road Station Dogs on lead only please. There are two stiles Telephone: 0151 327 4125 to lift pushchairs over! Email: [email protected] Start postcode: CH64 7TH Meeting point: Car Park at Lees Lane where it crosses the Wirral Way A Tour of Ness Contact: Robert Perry Telephone: 07879 625282 Botanic Gardens Email: [email protected]
Sunday 19 May, 11:00 Booking required: Yes Cost: £7.50 Willaston's Fields A fascinating tour around stunning Ness Botanic Gardens taking in buildings and parts of the and Paths garden not normally accessible to visitors. The tour includes a look at some of the research Wednesday 22 May, 10:30 projects taking place and the stories behind the Booking required: Yes place and the plants. Registered assistance Cost: Free dogs only. This is a pretty and varied stile-free "figure of Start postcode: CH64 4AY eight" walk to the north and west of Willaston Meeting point: Ness Visitor Centre village with plenty of local history and points of interest. Walkers can "opt out" after the first Telephone: 0151 795 6300 three mile loop. Please note that this walk Email: [email protected] can be muddy in places. Start postcode: CH64 2UF Meeting point: Car park at Hadlow Road Station, Hadlow Road, Willaston, CH64 2UF Contact: Geoff Holland Telephone: 0151 677 4594 Email: [email protected] 42 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Northwich With history and heritage aplenty, you could enjoy a walking route that takes in the Anderton Boat Lift and Marbury Country Park. Find out more on the Mersey Forest website. https://www.merseyforest.org.uk/things-to-do/walks-bike-rides-and- more/walks/marbury-country-park-and-anderton-boat-lift/ West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 43 44 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Northwich Libraries Walk N o r t hwich Workzone Walk
Wednesday 1 May, 12:30 Friday 3 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Join us for a gentle exploration of Northwich Join us for a walk around Northwich Woodlands Woodlands Start postcode: CW9 5RW Start postcode: CW9 5DR Meeting point: Northwich Railway Station Meeting point: Northwich Library Contact: Chris Moseley Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk chester.gov.uk
From Rome to Victoria W e a verham
Thursday 2 May 10:30 Heritage Walk Booking required: No Saturday 4 May, 14:00 Cost: Free Booking required: No A leisurely 7½ mile walk with plenty of historic Cost: Free interest from salt to Victorian engineering. Ice cream available at the end. Bring lunch. This walk combines Weaverham’s Blue Plaque and Petal walks. The Blue Plaque walk of Parking at the Ice Cream Farm is by invitation - 1¼ miles explores the historic village of please patronise the café or bring your cool Weaverham. For those who wish to continue, box and take some ice cream home! we then follow the Petal walk for two miles Dogs on short leads welcome but be aware that through Owley Wood with views of the River this route will cross pasture with grazing cattle. Weaver. Dogs on a short lead welcome. Start postcode: CW9 6ND Start postcode: CW8 3NJ Meeting point: Great Budworth Ice Cream Meeting point: St Mary’s Church, Church Farm, New Westage Farm Street, Weaverham Contact: Judy Cross Contact: Peter Clarke Telephone: 01928 735150 Telephone: 01928 735150 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 45
Saltscape Walk: Northwich Workzone Walk the landscape legacy Friday 10 May, 10:00 of Cheshire's salt mines B o o k in g required: No Cost: Free Wednesday 8 May, 10:30 Join us for a walk around Northwich Woodlands Booking required: Yes Start postcode: CW9 5RW Cost: Yes (donation to Christian Aid) Meeting point: Northwich Railway Station A walk around the post-industrial landscape Contact: Chris Moseley of Northwich's salt mines starting from the Telephone: 07946 400675 Lion Salt Works Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Start postcode: CW9 6ES chester.gov.uk Meeting point: Lion Salt Works, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6ES Contact: Barbara Moth Telephone: 07711 624117 Email: [email protected] Northwich Libraries Walk
Wednesday 15 May, 12:30 Booking required: No Northwich Libraries Walk C o s t : F ree Wednesday 8 May, 12:30 Join us for a gentle exploration of Northwich Woodlands Booking required: No Start postcode: CW9 5DR Cost: Free Meeting point: Northwich Library Join us for a gentle exploration of Northwich Woodlands Contact: Chris Moseley Start postcode: CW9 5DR Telephone: 07946 400675 Meeting point: Northwich Library Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk 46 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Northwich Workzone Walk N o r t h w ich Libraries Walk
Friday 17 May, 10:00 Wednesday 22 May, 12:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Join us for a walk around Northwich Woodlands Join us for a gentle exploration of Northwich Start postcode: CW9 5RW Woodlands Meeting point: Northwich Railway Station Start postcode: CW9 5DR Contact: Chris Moseley Meeting point: Northwich Library Telephone: 07946 400675 Contact: Chris Moseley Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Telephone: 07946 400675 chester.gov.uk Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk
Acton Bridge Walk Northwich Workzone Walk
Wednesday 22 May, 10.30 Friday 24 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free A seven mile circular walk heading north from Join us for a walk around Northwich Woodlands Acton Bridge towards the River Weaver and Start postcode: CW9 5RW Dutton Lock. The route includes field paths, Meeting point: Northwich Railway Station some minor road walking and part of the Delamere Way. Bring a packed lunch. Contact: Chris Moseley Start postcode: CW8 3RA Telephone: 07946 400675 Meeting point: Village Hall, Top Road, Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Acton Bridge chester.gov.uk Contact: Paul Layfield Telephone: 01925 727961 Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 47
Northwich Libraries Walk W a lk a Mile May
Wednesday 29 May, 12:30 Thursday 30 May, 11:00 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free Join us for a gentle exploration of Northwich A gentle buggy friendly one mile walk. Woodlands Meeting at Victoria Road Children’s Centre, Start postcode: CW9 5DR we will walk to Vicker’s Way park for a play and teddy bears picnic. Meeting point: Northwich Library Start postcode: CW9 5UT Contact: Chris Moseley Meeting point: Victoria Road Children’s Telephone: 07946 400675 Centre Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Contact: Over Children’s Centre chester.gov.uk Telephone: 01606 555286 Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk
Northwich Workzone Walk
Friday 31 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Cost: Free Join us for a walk around Northwich Woodlands Start postcode: CW9 5RW Meeting point: Northwich Railway Station Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk 48 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Winsford West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 49
Winsford History Trail The history trail starts at the Red Lion Pub on the town bridge to Verdins Cut and ends at the railways in the salt history. The boards carry photographic images showing the historical view from where the present day observer is stood, along with descriptive text. Visitors are encouraged to compare and contrast the present day view with the historical photographs on the display. Find out more at: http://www.saltscape.co.uk 50 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Buggy Burn and Firm D ementia Walk
Wednesday 1 May, 09:30 Monday 6 May, 10:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Fun and innovative programme for parents to Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of get some exercise and meet other people. Winsford. This walk is particularly good for Sessions include guided walks, mixed with a those with dementia or their carers. range of cardio and strength building exercise. Start postcode: CW7 2QE Mums will also be doing traditional push ups, Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park squats, boxing and ‘baby lifts’ using their babies as resistance weights. Walks vary each week Contact: Chris Moseley depending on everyone’s fitness levels, Telephone: 07946 400675 you’ll only be doing exercises that suit your Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand capabilities. The best part is you bring your chester.gov.uk baby along. Start postcode: CW7 1LX Meeting point: Over Children’s Centre Contact: Over Children’s Centre Telephone: 01606 555288 Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand Winsford Library Walks chester.gov.uk Monday 6 May, 13:00 Booking required: No Cost: Free Whitegate Walk Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of Winsford. Refreshments are available after the Wednesday 1 May, 19:00 walk at a small cost. Booking required: No Start postcode: CW7 2AS Cost: Free Meeting point: Winsford Library Join us for a walk around Whitegate and the Contact: Chris Moseley surrounding areas. Refreshments available at Telephone: 07946 400675 the end of the walk for a small donation. Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Start postcode: CW7 2QE chester.gov.uk Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 51
Chatterbox Walk Whitegate Walk
Tuesday 7 May, 10:30 Wednesday 8 May, 19:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local surrounds Join us for a walk around Whitegate and the of Winsford. Refreshments available following surrounding areas. Refreshments available at the walk at a small cost. the end of the walk for a small donation. Start postcode: CW7 2HG Start postcode: CW7 2QE Meeting point: Chatterbox Café, Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park New Images Youth Club Contact: Chris Moseley Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk chester.gov.uk
Dementia Walk Buggy Burn and Firm Monday 13 May, 10:00 Wednesday 8 May 09:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of Fun and innovative programme for parents to Winsford. This walk is particularly good for get some exercise and meet other people. those with dementia or their carers. Sessions include guided walks, mixed with a Start postcode: CW7 2QE range of cardio and strength building exercise. Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Mums will also be doing traditional push ups, squats, boxing and ‘baby lifts’ using their babies Contact: Chris Moseley as resistance weights. Walks vary each week Telephone: 07946 400675 depending on everyone’s fitness levels, Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand you’ll only be doing exercises that suit your chester.gov.uk capabilities. The best part is you bring your baby along. Start postcode: CW7 1LX Meeting point: Over Children’s Centre Contact: Over Children’s Centre Telephone: 01606 555288 Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk 52 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Winsford Library Walks B u g gy Burn and Firm
Monday 13 May, 13:00 Wednesday 15 May, 09:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of Fun and innovative programme for parents to Winsford. Refreshments are available after the get some exercise and meet other people. walk at a small cost. Sessions include guided walks, mixed with a range of cardio and strength building exercise. Start postcode: CW7 2AS Mums will also be doing traditional push ups, Meeting point: Winsford Library squats, boxing and ‘baby lifts’ using their babies Contact: Chris Moseley as resistance weights. Walks vary each week Telephone: 07946 400675 depending on everyone’s fitness levels, you’ll only be doing exercises that suit your Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand capabilities. The best part is you bring your chester.gov.uk baby along. Start postcode: CW7 1LX Meeting point: Over Children’s Centre Contact: Over Children’s Centre Telephone: 01606 555288 Chatterbox Walk Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk Tuesday 14 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local surrounds of Winsford. Refreshments available following Whitegate Walk the walk at a small cost. Start postcode: CW7 2HG Wednesday 15 May, 19:00 Meeting point: Chatterbox Café, Booking required: No New Images Youth Club Cost: Free Contact: Chris Moseley Join us for a walk around Whitegate and the Telephone: 07946 400675 surrounding areas. Refreshments available at Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand the end of the walk for a small donation. chester.gov.uk Start postcode: CW7 2QE Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 53 54 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 55
Dementia Walk Chatterbox Walk
Monday 20 May, 10:00 Tuesday 21 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of Nice flat route, exploring the local surrounds Winsford. This walk is particularly good for of Winsford. Refreshments available following those with dementia or their carers. the walk at a small cost. Start postcode: CW7 2QE Start postcode: CW7 2HG Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Meeting point: Chatterbox Café, Contact: Chris Moseley New Images Youth Club Telephone: 07946 400675 Contact: Chris Moseley Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Telephone: 07946 400675 chester.gov.uk Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk
Winsford Library Walks B u g gy Burn and Firm
Monday 20 May, 13:00 Wednesday 22 May, 09:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of Fun and innovative programme for parents to Winsford. Refreshments are available after the get some exercise and meet other people. walk at a small cost. Sessions include guided walks, mixed with a Start postcode: CW7 2AS range of cardio and strength building exercise. Mums will also be doing traditional push ups, Meeting point: Winsford Library squats, boxing and ‘baby lifts’ using their babies Contact: Chris Moseley as resistance weights. Walks vary each week Telephone: 07946 400675 depending on everyone’s fitness levels, Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand you’ll only be doing exercises that suit your chester.gov.uk capabilities. The best part is you bring your baby along. Start postcode: CW7 1LX Meeting point: Over Children’s Centre Contact: Over Children’s Centre Telephone: 01606 555288 Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk 56 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Whitegate Walk Winsford Library Walks
Wednesday 22 May, 19:00 Monday 27 May, 13:00 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Join us for a walk around Whitegate and the Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of surrounding areas. Refreshments available at Winsford. Refreshments are available after the the end of the walk for a small donation. walk at a small cost. Start postcode: CW7 2QE Start postcode: CW7 2AS Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Meeting point: Winsford Library Contact: Chris Moseley Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk chester.gov.uk
Dementia Walk Chatterbox Walk
Monday 27 May, 10:00 Tuesday 28 May, 10:30 Booking required: No Booking required: No Cost: Free Cost: Free Nice flat route, exploring the local sites of Nice flat route, exploring the local surrounds Winsford. This walk is particularly good for of Winsford. Refreshments available following those with dementia or their carers. the walk at a small cost. Start postcode: CW7 2QE Start postcode: CW7 2HG Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Meeting point: Chatterbox Café, Contact: Chris Moseley New Images Youth Club Telephone: 07946 400675 Contact: Chris Moseley Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand Telephone: 07946 400675 chester.gov.uk Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 57
Buggy Burn and Firm W alk a Mile May
Wednesday 29 May, 09:30 Wednesday 29 May, 13:00 Booking required: No Booking required: Yes Cost: Free Cost: Free Fun and innovative programme for parents to Bring your little one, teddy bear and packed get some exercise and meet other people. lunch to our walk a mile. Meeting at Winsford Sessions include guided walks, mixed with a Lifestyle Centre we will walk towards Wyvern range of cardio and strength building exercise. stopping to feed the ducks on our way to the Mums will also be doing traditional push ups, Town Park for a play and teddy bears picnic. squats, boxing and ‘baby lifts’ using their babies Once finished having our lunch we’ll head over as resistance weights. Walks vary each week to the Winsford Town library where our afternoon depending on everyone’s fitness levels, of adventures will end with a story. you’ll only be doing exercises that suit your Session is for children 0-5 years. Please contact capabilities. The best part is you bring your your local centre to book your place or for any baby along. further information please call Wharton (01606) Start postcode: CW7 1LX 555285 or Over (01606)555288. Meeting point: Over Children’s Centre Start postcode: CW7 1AD Contact: Over Children’s Centre Meeting point: Winsford Lifestyle Centre Telephone: 01606 555288 Contact: Over Children’s Centre Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand Telephone: 01606 555288 chester.gov.uk Email: Childrenscentre@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk
Whitegate Walk
Wednesday 29 May, 19:00 Booking required: No Cost: Free Join us for a walk around Whitegate and the surrounding areas. Refreshments available at the end of the walk for a small donation. Start postcode: CW7 2QE Meeting point: Whitegate Station Car Park Contact: Chris Moseley Telephone: 07946 400675 Email: Chris.moseley@cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk 58 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Accessible Walks in West Cheshire
Number of miles Anderton 2.5 Ashtons 2-3 Caldy Valley 1 Chester 2 Delamere 2.5 Marbury 2 Shakerley 1 Stanney 1-2 Tarvin 0.5 Weaver 1.5
For public transport information contact Cheshire Travel Line 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 59
Countess of Chester Country Park
Footpaths throughout the park make it fully accessible for all abilities including wheelchair users and those with prams and pushchairs.
Active Self-Led Walks Booking required: No Route Maps are available from the Ranger Cost: Free Cabin (5 minutes walk from the car park) Pedestrian and vehicle entrance: and from Haygarth Building Reception off Valley Drive CH2 1UL at the Countess of Chester Hospital (one Opening hours: 7:30-18:00 minute walk from the car park). Car Parking: Available at the country park. Use the Route Maps to engage in 10 minute Weekends are often busier and park users (1km), 15 minute (1.5km) and 20 minute are permitted to use the hospital staff car (2km) walks through the parks rich landscape. park at the weekends. The routes are perfect for beginners, along Dogs Permitted: Well controlled dogs hard surfaced gentle paths with excellent are permitted. accessibility and are pushchair, wheelchair and dog (on a lead) friendly. 60 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
The Chester Tour The Guild of Chester Tour Guides The must-do walking tour of Chester Your Guide will lead you on a captivating journey through 2,000 years of history, taking in all the main sites along the way, including the unique Rows, mighty walls, beautiful River Dee, impressive Cathedral, and not forgetting the world-famous Eastgate Clock. Tours every day of the year at 10:30 (including Christmas Day!), and again at 14:00 from Easter to end October. Discover how Chester began as the largest Roman Fortress in the country, then went on to become a major trading sea port in medieval England, until changes in the River Dee brought this expansion to an end. Marvel at the Georgian and Victorian Revival visible all around the bustling city centre today and maybe even go inside one or two buildings to find the historic legacy of days gone by. Locals and visitors alike are sure to learn something new.
Tickets available from Guide Meet your Guide at the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre on Northgate Street. Duration of tours approximately 90 minutes. A full range of tours in various languages can be booked privately for groups. See website for further details: www.chestertours.org.uk The Chester Tour @ChesterTour [email protected]
Official registered Tourist Guides West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 61
Chester Ghost Tours A frightfully good evening of fun and phantoms
Depart 19:30 the Town Hall, Northgate Street (CH1 2HQ) Every Saturday , December-May Every Friday and Saturday , June-August Every Thursday , Friday and Saturday , September-November
Extra Halloween Tours Thursday 31 October, Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November
Private Groups Tours can be booked at any time. Telephone: 07790 498898 Email: [email protected]
Tickets £10 adult; £9 child, student and senior; £25 Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children)
Tours last approx 90 minutes Book online at www.ghostcity.co.uk or at the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre
@chester_Ghost ChesterGhostCity 62 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Walking Football Walking isn’t all about routes and trails – why not take up a walking sport.
Walking Football has been around since 2011, and there are now over 1,000 walking teams/ clubs in the UK. Below is a list of three walking football clubs that are in west Cheshire and meet every week. Winsford: Winsford Lifestyle Centre (Brio), Winsford, Wednesday 17:00 to 18:00 Northwich: Cheshire FA Facility off Moss Lane, Winnington, Wednesday 11:00-12:00 Chester: Northgate Arena (Brio), Chester, Wednesday 12:00-13:00 Contact: [email protected] Telephone: 01606 720432 for details & prices. West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 63
Walking Rugby Same game, slower pace. • Socialise, have fun and make friends • Try a new activity or get fitter with a friend • Get back playing with an old teammate • Free and open to all abilities. Ideal for those aged 50+ Tuesdays 18:30-20:30, Winnington Park RFC, Burrows Hill, Hartford, Northwich, CW8 3AA. Walking Rugby physical activity followed by social activity in clubhouse. 64 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
20- 24 M 2 ay 019 Walk to School Week Join thousands of children across the country to celebrate the benefits walking brings.
Over 70 percent of today’s parents walked Why the walk to school matters? to school when they were children but less than half of children walk to school today. Happier children Why not convert your school run to a walk? It’s been proven that children who do some Even walking once a week you’ll make a form of exercise, especially a walk before real difference towards children’s happiness, school, do better in class because they your stress levels and local air quality. arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn. Ask your school about running The Living Less congestion Streets Walk to School programme. Now in its 21st year this ground-breaking During morning peak traffic times, one programme supports over one million in five cars on the road are taking children children in 4,000 schools to walk more. to school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. Email: [email protected] Visit: www.livingstreets.org.uk Cleaner air Telephone: 020 7377 4900 The school run alone is responsible for generating two million tonnes of CO 2 per year. Imagine what we could achieve if we began converting some of these rides to strides.
Active Kids Active Cheshire’s mission is to tackle inactivity in all ages, embedding activity from a young age will set kids up for their future development in leading a healthier and brighter future. The ‘Walk to School Week’ is the perfect opportunity for kids to realise how simple activity can be and the many benefits from keeping fit. Find out more at www.activecheshire.org West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 65
Public Health England have launched their Active 10 campaign accompanied by an App to support us all to move more on a daily basis.
There is evidence to show that A regular 10 minute brisk walk can make a brisk 10 minute walk each day you feel better in so many ways. It can boost your energy, clear your head and lift your brings the following health benefits: mood, as well as lowering your risk of serious • Increased physical fitness illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. • Greater ease in performing We know it can be hard to keep track of everyday physical activities exercise levels and with help of the free • Improved mood app you can now do this more easily. You can set goals, gentle reminders, • Improved quality of life and track progress using the app which is available on the app store and for android. • Increased physical leanness Read more at: and healthier weight https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/active10
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. 66 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Cestrian (Chester) Ramblers
If you enjoy hiking and would like to share your day with others, come and join our friendly group of likeminded people. Based in Chester, we attract members from all around the region including Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire.
We have a full day walk every Sunday, Check out our website for our programme two Thursday walks each month (one with of walks, all our social activities and further a pub lunch) and evening walks during information of our group. the summer. Special interest, slower walks Visit: [email protected] are occasionally organised to observe Telephone: 0151 336 5927 flora and fauna. Email: [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 67
Sandstone Trail
Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail is undoubtedly one of the finest and most popular walks and walking routes, not just in Cheshire but in North West England. For many, it’s probably the best Cheshire walk and the ultimate Cheshire Way. As well as the ever-popular long distance linear route along the Sandstone Trail, there is a wealth of less well-known but equally unmissable circular walks and strolls exploring the surrounding countryside. These varied circular Cheshire walks link naturally to the main trail, and are clearly waymarked and maintained by the Sandstone Trail ranger. Not surprisingly, they are increasingly popular. Some of the circular routes in Cheshire explore favourite areas such as Delamere Forest or the Bickerton Hills in more depth; some visit unexpected places along the way such as the earthen ramparts of Eddisbury hillfort or ancient Utkinton Hall; some take you to special places such as bluebell-dense Bodnick Wood or the picturesque and unhurried Norman market town of Malpas. 68 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Saltscape Trail at Anderton and Marbury
Self-Guided through Anderton and Each trail has been way-marked with Marbury Nature Parks. Joining Anderton attractive posts displaying either a dragonfly Boat Lift and The Lion Salt Works. or an orchid in different colours as well as The route is ideal for families. interpretation boards situated along the The complete route is six miles of beautiful route to educate users of the salt history scenery from Anderton Boat lift up to The Lion and significance of the area. It consists Saltworks through The Northwich Woodlands. of both new and existing paths, together It crosses over into a figure of eight so there is with a brand new wooden bridge with the the option to split the walk into two shorter purpose of crossing over the pipelines to three miles each named differently, the give easy access onto the trail. For more Dragonfly Trail or the Orchid Trail. information contact [email protected] West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019 69
The Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society The Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society organises walks for the walking festival in Cheshire West and the Wirral.
The society also organises a full and varied gates and maintenance of direction programme of guided walks throughout markers. For further information about the year and undertakes practical footpath the society phone 0151 625 7361 maintenance tasks including vegetation email [email protected] control, clearance, installation of accessible or visit www.wirralfootpaths.org.uk . 70 West Cheshire Walking Festival 2019
Mid-Cheshire Footpath Society The society is proud to contribute four walks to this year’s festival.
We organise walks in Cheshire every Wednesday at 10:30am throughout the year ranging from four to eight miles. As well as being enjoyable rambles, the walks are designed to help keep footpaths open for all to enjoy. With walks also on some Sunday afternoons and a varied social programme the society provides a home to a friendly bunch of people. For further information visit: https://mcfs.org.uk Email: [email protected] Chester Rambling and Hill Walking Club Chester Rambling and Hill Walking Club offers a choice of full day walks on Sundays and Wednesdays in Cheshire and the surrounding counties, the Clwydian Hills and the mountains of Snowdonia.
Expect to be out all day. Bring flasks, food and water, waterproofs and walking boots, plus something to sit on whilst we take a break and admire the view. New members and visitors are welcome to try our walks on Tuesday evenings in the Summer. For our full programme of walks, visit: www.chesterwalkingclub.com Booking essential in May, email: [email protected] Accessing Cheshire West and Chester Council information and services Council information is also available in Audio, Braille, Large Print or other formats. If you would like a copy in a different format, in another language or require a BSL interpreter, please contact us. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0300 123 8 123 Textphone: 18001 01606 275757 Web: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk