Cheshire Walkers Walks Programme: Oct 2013 – Mar 2014

Sun 6th Oct 2013: North East Wales: Penycloddiau, Moel Y Parc and Moel Arthur

Description: This walk takes in the most northerly sections of high ground in the Clwydian Hills before they lose height towards the North Wales Coast. Start point: Head out of Mold on the A541, signposted Denbigh. Continue until a left- hand turn signposted Nannerch. Take the left turn and continue into Nannerch. Shortly after the 30 miles an hour sign, take the first left-hand turn. Continue for about 2.5 miles and the car park is on the right signed as Coed Llangwyfan. The last couple of miles are single-track road. Level: Moderate Distance: 12 miles Leader: Ian

Sun 13th Oct 2013: Cumbria/Lancashire: Arnside, Gait Barrow Nature Reserve, Fairy Steps and Beetham Tower

Description: A relaxing Sunday walk around one of my favourite areas of the country, the Silverdale/Arnside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A relatively easy walk with a bit of up and down, starting in Arnside. A walk full of variety and contrast with a mix of mossland, woodland, nature reserve (Gait Barrow), small lake (Haweswater), history (Hazelslack Tower), limestone steps (Fairy Steps) and architecture (Dallam Tower) and return along an old railway track that follows the Kent estuary from Sandside back to Arnside. Start point: Arnside Level: Easy/Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Jay

Sun 20th Oct 2013: Peak District: Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Back Tor, Lose Hill

Description: A scenic ridge walk starting at the car park, climbing up hill to Mam Tor. Following the ridge. Going down to Hollins Cross, climbing up to Back Tor. From Back Tor, first gentle down hill followed up by gentle up hill to Loose Hill. Going down hill from Lose hill through fields, back into castleton. On a good day nice 360 degree views from Mam Tor, Hollins Cross and Lose Hill. Walk could be windy and exposed. There are good shelters for lunch if weather is bad. Level: Moderate Distance: 7 miles Leader: Annette and Ron

Sun 27th Oct 2013: Peak District: Deer Spotting and Lyme Park from Bollington (joint with the Bollington Walk Festival)

1 Description: Following the Middlewood Way, canal and quiet footpaths towards West Park Gate, we will walk around Lyme Park looking for deer before climbing to Bowstone Gate viewpoint and returning along the Gritstone Trail. Start point: Middlewood Way car park, Adlington Road, Bollington Level: Moderate Distance: 11.5 miles Leader: Tracy

Sun 3rd Nov 2013: Snowdonia: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) by the Watkin Path

Description: The highest mountain in Wales from the lowest start point; just 57m above sea level climbing to 1085m. The Watkin Path is a scenic and challenging route to the summit, passing by the waterfalls of Cwm Llan, climbing the flanks of Y Lliwedd and crossing Bwlch y Saethau (the pass of the arrows) before finally reaching steeply to the summit. We will return by the narrow ridge of Bwlch Main (no scrambling involved, although a head for heights will help) and Bwlch Cwm Llan. Please make sure you are equipped for a full day in the mountains with strong walking boots, waterproofs, warm hat and gloves, and please bring a head torch with you in case we have to finish the walk in the dark. Start point: Nant Gwynant car park on the A498 between the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel and Beddgelert. Grid Ref SH627506 Level: Strenuous Distance: 11 miles Leader: Andrew

Sun 10th Nov 2013: Cheshire: Arley and Pickmere

Description: A pleasant walk through fields and woodland around the edge of the well known Arley Estate and into Pickmere, then through the picturesque village of Great Budworth and into Marbury Country park. This walk is ideal for new walkers to the group as it is flat. However a few stretches of the route are very wet and muddy in places as we walk down the side of two meres so please ensure you wear good walking boots. Gaiters are recommended or if not a change of trousers if you are planning on joining us for a drink in the pub at the end of the walk! Start point: Cock O’Budworth pub. The start point is from the Cock o’Budworth pub which is 4 miles down the A559 from Junction 10 M56. There is limited daytime parking at the pub so please car share where possible. Because of this please can you ensure that the walk leader is informed that you will be coming on the walk. Level: Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Alison W

Sun 17th Nov 2013: Lancashire: Bleasedale, Fair Snape and Parlick, Forest of Bowland

Description: Walking from the village of Calder Vale, this is a horseshoe walk along the ridge from Bleasedale Fell, Fair Snape and Parlick, before returning across the fields via

2 Bleasedale. On a good day, there are lovely views to the Lake District, Morecambe Bay and into Yorkshire. The actual walking is on a moderate level, with some ascent going up Bleasedale. I have graded it moderate to hard given the distance and the fact that the descent from Parlick will be steep so bring poles if you need them. There will be plenty of mud and boggy sections on the moor at the top so allowing for the time of year, bring gaiters if you have them. The car park is in the village of Calder Vale, post code PR3 1SQ. It is in front of the Methodist Church and services start at 10.45 am. There is also another church in the village, so it may get busy later on. Please car share where you can so that we can avoid taking up too much space. Directions: coming from the M6 (going North), come off at Junction 32 (Garstang). Take the M55 (briefly) and then the A6 North towards Garstang. There are then various choices of right turn but basically you need to get to Strickens Lane (heading towards Barnacre Reservoirs and on the OS map) turn right off Strickens Lane and head into Calder Vale (only one road into the village). Head down into the village and over the bridge over the river. The church and mill are in front of you and there should be plenty of parking but please try to car share as we need to be considerate to church goers. Start point: Lappet Mill Car Park Calder Vale PR3 1SQ Level: Moderate/Hard Distance: 13 miles Leader: Kate

Sun 24th Nov 2013: North East Wales: Llangollen ’Scenic Route’

Description: This is a combination of various walks we’ve done over the years around Llangollen, linking together many of the scenic and historical features of the town. This will include the Llangollen canal, Trevor Rocks, Castell Dinas Bran, Valle Crucis Abbey and the Horseshoe Falls. There is free entry to the Abbey during the winter months; I aim to stop here for lunch giving time to explore it for those interested. Start point: Mill Street Long Stay Car Park, Llangollen LL20 8SD Level: Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Kirsty

Sun 1st Dec 2013: Lake District: Great and Little Langdale

Description: One of the most beautiful lower level walks in the Lakes. It starts in Great Langdale and climbs up to the picturesque Blea Tarn, with lovely views of the Langdale Pikes. It then heads across to Little Langdale, where it crosses the quaint old packhorse bridge, Slaters Bridge, overlooking Little Langdale Tarn. Then back through some lovely woods back round into Great Langdale. Stunning in all weather! Park in New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel car park, Langdales Valley. This is National Trust so free for members and around 4 for non members, I think. Start point: New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel car park, Langdale Valley Level: Moderate Distance: 8 miles Leader: Allison

3 Sun 8th Dec 2013: Christmas walk and lunch: Blaze Farm

Description: A short sharp ascent of Shuttlingsloe before returning to Blaze Farm for our Christmas Lunch. Santa Hats and tinsel optional. Start point: Blaze Hill Farm, Allgreave GR SJ974676 Level: Moderate Distance: 4 miles Leader: Helen and Ali S

Sun 15th Dec 2013: Cheshire/Staffordshire Border: Astbury County Park and Gritstone Trial

Description: The route goes across fields, along the Gritstone trail for a short while, past the historic Little Moreton Hall and also along the Macclesfield canal. There is a steady climb through woodland and open moorland up to the ridge which Mow Cop, a well know folly, is situated on. Fine views can be seen from the ridge over towards the canal and surrounding countryside. There will be a prompt start at 10am due to it becoming dark early, please bring a torch as backup though hopefully you will not need to use it! Start point: Sandy Lane, Off A34 Newcastle Road, Congleton, CW12 4FR. There are toilets at the start and sometimes at the weekend a refreshment van. Level: Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Alison W

Sun 22nd Dec 2013: Cheshire: Caldy Hill, Thurstaston and the Wirral Way

Description: A relatively easy walk, for the last walk before Christmas, the opening and closing stretches are along a former railway line alongside the Dee estuary. The remainder of the walk is through broadleaf woodland and sandy heaths. Despite being a low level walk, the highest point being only 91m at Thurstaston Hill, superb views, are often to be had, stretching from the hills and mountains of Snowdonia, the Cheshire plain, the Liverpool skyline and out to the Irish Sea. The car park at the Visitors Centre is free and there are toilets. (CH61 0HN) From the A540 Telegraph road, the car park and Visitors Centre is signposted from the roundabout, and is just before the end of Station Road, just before the bridge. Start point: Thurstaston Visitors Centre Car Park, Station Road, CH61 0HN Level: Easy Distance: 7 miles Leader: Ashley

Sun 29th Dec 2013: Peak District: Three Shires Head from the Cat & Fiddle

Description: An excellent opportunity to work off the Christmas excesses with a short, but rewarding walk in the Peak District. The walk takes us to the junction of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire, aptly named Three Shires Head, before heading back up to the Cat and Fiddle Inn.

4 This is rated moderate only because of one very heavy underfoot section, and a short uphill section at the end. Walking boots and waterproofs are a must, and gaitors should be worn if you have them. That said, it’s a fantastic opportunity for new members to have a taster of the hills. On a clear day the effort will be rewarded with amazing views pretty much all the way round the walk. If you’ve not already eaten far too much, why not join us for breakfast. The Cat and Fiddle opens at 8.00 am and does all the usual breakfast fare. Please let me know if you are coming for breakfast, as I will warn them of our impending arrival. I intend getting there for about 9.00am At the end of the walk there will be a further opportunity to taste the excellent food at the pub. Email contact is preferred, but text only on the phone please. Please note that if there is severe snowfall or ice, the approach to the Cat and Fiddle PH (known as the Cat and Fiddle or Buxton Road) may be closed by the police. In this event, the walk may be substituted by a lower level one. My advice is to watch the forecast, and contact me if in any doubt. Start point: Cat & Fiddle pub Level: Moderate Distance: 7.5 miles Leader: Neil

Sun 5th Jan 2014: Cheshire: Lymm canal walk

Description: Due to the severe weather warning for coastal areas tomorrow, the planned linear walk (from Formby) has been changed to one that is inland and that can be shortened. We’ll be doing a walk from the centre of Lymm along the Bridgewater canal and sur- rounding area. It’s flat and easy. The length is to be determined on the day, depending on the weather. (The forecast is ok for the morning, but could deteriorate in the afternoon.) Start point: Pepper Street car park, Lymm WA13 0JB Level: Easy Distance: Depends on the weather! Leader: Alfred/Charles

Sun 12th Jan 2014: Cheshire: Delamere and Frodsham with Overton Hill

Description: This walk starts from Barnsbridge car park, Ashton road, Delamere Forest, Grid Reference SJ 542 716. Parking is free. The route heads from Delamere Forest towards Frodsham, following sections of the Delamere Way and the Sandstone Trail. Overton Hill provides views across the Mersey Estuary and to the Welsh hills. The route includes some short steep ascents and descents. Start point: Barnsbridge Carpark, Ashton Road, Delamere Forest Level: Moderate Distance: 11 miles Leader: Claire C

Sun 19th Jan 2014: North East Wales: Moel Gyw & The Southern Clwydians

5 Description: The walk starts with an ascent of Moel Gyw, the high point of the walk at 467m. From this vantage point we will follow Offa’s Dyke Path to visit the Southern Clwydians including Moel y Waun, which is 412m. From there we will return to the start point via Llanarmon-yn-Lal. The walk is harder than the average ’moderate’ with some steep ascents & rough terrain. Start point: Car park at Pystyll Gwyn Quarry, nearest Post Code CH7 5TQ (this is approximate only). From A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, turn left onto B5430 towards Llanarmon-yn-Lal. Car park is 1 mile on left. Level: Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Nigel

Sat 25th Jan 2014: Lake District weekend: Skiddaw and St. Bega’s Church from Bassenthwaite Lake

Description: A walk up England’s 4th highest mountain at 3,054 ft, ascending via the more interesting side starting from Bassenthwaite. The ascent is via the exhilarating Longside Edge (including Ullock Pike and Carl Side). If clear, the views over Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater should be superb. Returning back down via Carl Side, Dodd Wood and Mirehouse to St. Bega’s Church (dating from about 950 AD) on the banks of Bassenthwaite. Start point: Layby for St. Bega Church. Follow the A591 from Keswick towards Bassen- thwaite. Carry on for about 4 miles and then turn left down a small single tracked road (signed towards Bassenthwaite Church and Scarness). The parking is in several lay-byes about 0.25 miles down here with the notice board for the church. Note, the church is not next to the road. Level: Strenuous Distance: 7.5 miles Leader: Jay

Sun 26th Jan 2014: Lake District weekend: Watendlath, Rossthwaite, Castle Crag and back to Keswick

Description: This is a linear walk using the bus to travel to the start point at the Borrowdale Hotel. The bus is the number 78 from Keswick bus station leaving at 9.25am. At the time of writing, the fare is £2.45. The route will take us up Watendlath Beck to Watendlath, over to Rosthwaite and up to the strange rock decorations of Castle Crag before joining the Cumbria Way path to return to Keswick. Time permitting, there will be a stop off at Nichol End for big(!) scones. Start point: Main bus station in Keswick near Booths supermarket Level: Moderate Distance: 11.5 miles Leader: Ian

Sun 26th Jan 2014: Lake District weekend: Lord’s Seat and Barf

Description: We will ascend Lord’s Seat (552m)and Barf (468m) via Whinlatter Forest. Weather permitting there will be fantastic views of Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw and

6 if we’re lucky the Isle of Man, The Solway Firth and the Eastern Fells Start point: Free car park at Powter Howe - GR NY220265 Nearest Postcode CA12 5SQ Level: Moderate Distance: 8.5 miles Leader: Ali S and Jon

Sun 2nd Feb 2014: Cheshire: Bread and Water; Silk and Stone - A trip into Macclesfield’s past

Description: Starting near the birthplace of one of the countries most familiar brands, we head up for a stroll along one of the last achievements of a pre-Victorian legend. Heading up first through Langley and then Teggs Nose, we follow Kerridge Ridge to come to a folly familiar to any local before making our way back to the start point with a very pleasant stroll through fields and along the canal. As a treat for the group, lunch will be taken indoors at Teggs Nose visitor centre (space permitting), where there are also toilets. Parking is free and on the street surrounding the Wharf PH. The walk is rated moderate for distance and likely heavy going in places underfoot. There is also one steep climb and several smaller ones, so this walk is only suitable for new members of a suitable level of fitness. Please contact me first if unsure. Walking boots are a must, and wear gaitors if you have them. waterproofs and warm clothing will be needed! Start point: The Wharf PH Macclesfield Level: Moderate Distance: 11 miles Leader: Neil

Sun 9th Feb 2014: South Pennines: Top Withins and Withins Heights from Haworth

Description: ”Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr. Heathcliff’s dwelling. ’Wuthering’ being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather. Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times, indeed: one may guess the power of the north wind blowing over the edge, by the excessive slant of a few stunted firs at the end of the house; and by a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way, as if craving alms of the sun. Happily, the architect had foresight to build it strong: the narrow windows are deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones.” The inspiration for Emily Bronte’s literary masterpiece or lonely old ruin high upon Haworth Moor; come and see for yourself with readings from the book along the way and the option of visiting the Bronte Parsonage Museum afterwards (no obligation to wear 18th Century clothing and sing like Kate Bush). Start point: Car park at the Haworth Parsonage Museum, Grid Ref: SE029372 Level: Moderate Distance: 12 miles Leader: Andrew

Sun 16th Feb 2014: Peak District: Cats Tor, Shining Tor and Goyt Valley

7 Description: This walk will start at the carpark at Pym Chair and we will walk along the ridge of Cats Tor and Shining Tor (all the views for very little effort) before we head down hill in to the Goyt valley and walk along past Errwood and Fernlee reservoirs, before coming back to the carpark via Windgather rocks. The carpark is clearly marked on Ordance survey map (OL24), grid reference SJ 9948 7682. The nearest postcode is SK23 7RF - but please note that this is a point several hundred meters from the carpark, just off the road that goes past Windgather rocks. If you are coming from Macclesfield direction take the road to Rainow, go through Rainow and Ginclough and then turn right in to Smith Lane, go past Blue Boar Farm on to Erwin Lane, follow the road keeping left til you reach Jenkin Chapel and then turn up hill (the other road at this point is a dead end). After a few hundred meters turn left at the top of the hill and the carpark is almost immediately on the right. The carpark has plenty of space and is free. There are no toilets. Start point: Carpark at Pym Chair Grid Ref SJ 9948 7682 Level: Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Claire H

Sun 23rd Feb 2014: Ainsdale - Formby

Description: A winter walk along the Sefton Coast, mainly walking along the beach , with views to Blackpool Tower, The Lakeland Fells, the Clywdian Hills and out to the Irish sea and the shipping lanes. Start point: Formby Railway Station Level: Easy Distance: 9.6 miles Leader: Alfred

Sun 2nd Mar 2014: Yorkshire: Brimham Rocks

Description: From Pateley Bridge, we will follow the Nidderdale Way to Yorke’s Folly and Guise Cliff, before dropping down into Dacre Banks and Summerbridge. Return will be via Brimham Rocks, where we will stop for a cup of tea. A description of Brimham Rocks is at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks/ Start point: Nidderdale Showground car park, Pateley Bridge. Cost 1.80 at time of recce. Level: Strenuous Distance: 12 miles Leader: Tom

Sun 9th Mar 2014: Peak District: Edale Horseshoe

Description: We will ascend Kinder Scout via Ringing Roger and follow the horsehoue round to Brown Knoll and Rushup Edge Start point: Main Car Park in Edale GR SK123853 Level: Moderate Distance: 12 miles Leader: Ali S

Sun 16th Mar 2014: South Pennines: Reservoirs and wrinkled stockings from Holmfirth

8 Description: Holmfirth and the surrounding countryside is, perhaps, best known as the setting for ‘The Last of the Summer Wine’. It’s also surprisingly varied: with remote moorland, lush woodland, and several reservoirs coexisting within a few miles of each other. After the walk, we’ll go for tea and cake at the ‘Wrinkled Stocking Tearooms’ - a rather nice cafe in the house next door to Nora Batty’s! Start point: Ramsden reservoir car park, Holmbridge Level: Moderate Distance: 12 miles Leader: Charles

Sun 23rd Mar 2014: Overton-on-Dee, Wrexham

Description: This is a pleasant walk which follows a mixture of field and woodland paths taking in the banks of the River Dee. The walk has extensive views over the surrounding countryside and the Dee Valley. This is a chance to explore classic farmland and the picturesque, meandering River Dee. Start point: Overton-on-Dee car park in the centre of the village Level: Moderate Distance: 10 miles Leader: Sarah

Sun 30th Mar 2014: Peak District: Rowsley and Edensor

Description: A hill climb to about 300m through woodland,then green pastures, and,views to Chatsworth House , then following the river Derwent, make for an early spring walk. Suggest gaitors , as there was some muddy parts on the reccie. NOTE: The clocks go forward today. For this reason, the walk will start at 10:30am and NOT 10am. Start point: A6 Bakewell to Matlock road, Rowsley is 4 miles south of Bakewell. Turn left in Rowsley,the shopping centre is on the left, turn right into Zone A. Toilets at walk start, and a cafe there to finish. Level: Moderate Distance: 8 miles Leader: Alfred

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