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to WHAT WE DO Walking Group
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We meet monthly, usually on the last Wednesday of each month, at 10am by the village hall.
Walks are not long or strenuous; 5 or 6 miles on average, each with a different leader.
Come along to see the countryside in all its moods, sometimes bathed in sunshine, often with a shower or two, even perhaps with a carpet of snow!
Our walkers might pass stone-age remains, badger setts and tracks, and fascinating old farmhouses and cottages.
They
will certainly
enjoy sweeping views over the Cheshire plain, Peak District panoramas
of hills and dales, and gentler scenery by canals and parkland in Lyme,
Alderley and Ladybrook. You are guaranteed a friendly welcome when you join us.
Do come!
Group Leader: Walter Mason
2008 Programme of Walks
- 30/1 Mystery Walk; 27/2 Styal area; 26/3 Strines area;
30/4 Swettenham; 21/5 Mottram St. Andrew area; 25/6 Taxal, Windgather, Fernilee;
30/7 Combs area; 27/8 Grindleford/Padley area
30/4 Swettenham; 21/5 Mottram St. Andrew area; 25/6 Taxal, Windgather, Fernilee;
30/7 Combs area; 27/8 Grindleford/Padley area
2008 Walks.
ALL WEDNESDAYS Meet at the Village Hall at 10am unless stated otherwise.
Intending walk leaders
please
contact Walter
Mason so this year's programme can be completed.ALL WEDNESDAYS Meet at the Village Hall at 10am unless stated otherwise.
JANUARY
30 Meet
at 10am for Walter’s mystery
walk, which won’t be more
than 4 miles, and should be walkable by all – could be a couple of
inclines and occasional mud though! There will be somewhere for
a meal or light refreshments.
Report on the Walk
Bright sunshine brought 34 curious walkers for Walter’s mystery walk This led them from Wyevale garden centre up through the woods to the site of Marple Hall, home of the Bradshaw family from 1658, but demolished in 1960 to make way for Marple Hall School. Our party passed through the estate to the semi - mansions of Dale Road, and descended past the canoe centre to the wooded valley of the River Goyt.
Several
herons entertained us by Lower Dale farm, but we walked on to the weir
and ford opposite Chadkirk. This is the spot where Sustrans want to
build a cycle bridge, recently featured on TV. Good for the cyclists,
perhaps less good for nature lovers, in that the cyclists would have to
appropriate some public footpaths, and would make a currently peaceful
area much less so. Recent storms had breached the weir, and left their
mark with one or two fallen trees.
Finally our group climbed up through the woods and down again to Otter’s Pool, and the pleasant surroundings of Wyevale conservatory restaurant, who just about coped with our numbers and our varied demands. It had been an easy walk with only the odd patch of mud, and although the large group held together well, on a route with stiles or sterner ground, we could have been straggling and scattered.
It was great to see a record turnout, but it did raise the possibility of logistical problems for the future, if we frequently have such numbers!
FEBRUARY 27 David Lloyd will take us for a 5 mile walk in the area of Styal and
the woods by the river Bollin. Meet at 10am and bring packed lunch.
The walk is fairly flat, but there will be several sets of steps.
Report on the Walk
Once again we were very fortunate with the weather, and 24 turned up for the February walk.
Starting from Twinnies Bridge, between Wilmslow and Styal we meandered along the "apprentice" path to Greg's Mill and a coffee stop. The walk continued down river, but not all downhill, as there were a couple of areas where the river bank has to be negotiated up and down lengths of steps.
The River Bollin had to be crossed and recrossed several times, and after the last bridge there was a suitable picnic spot, with lots of fallen logs to sit upon. The sun came out and it was very pleasant.
On leaving the river, we negotiated a number of field paths, wooded glens and boardwalks, bringing the group to the final river crossing and the car park. Most people enjoyed the walk, although one or two might have found it a little long.
Thanks to David Lloyd for leading the walk, and for providing the report.
MARCH 26 Meet at 9.30am for an intermediate 4 mile walk in the Strines area.
There is a steady climb of about 400 feet part way round the walk
and some of the tracks, which are rough and uneven, become very
muddy after prolonged rain. There is the opportunity to have lunch
at the Sportsman after the walk. Leaders Barbara & John McCartney.
Report on the Walk
In
March, 22 of us joined John McCartney. We walked past the millpond and
distinctive dovecote of the former printworks, past Strines Hall, and
up the long muddy incline to Brookbottom hamlet. Rumour does tell
of Morris dancing at the Fox Inn, but not on this drizzly day. A
gentle contour with sweeping views over the valley of the river Goyt
led us to 
Mellor golf course, where we turned down Linnet Clough past
wide swathes of ramsons (often incorrectly called wild garlic ). The
chopped and cooked leaves of ramsons (allium ursinum) have been used to
flavour dishes and sauces, but are rated inferior to cultivated garlic
(allium sativum).
Bottoms Hall,
Roman Lakes and the Roman Bridge took us quickly back to the Sportsman
for enjoyable and substantial meals. Thanks 
to John for his very
pleasant walk.
APRIL 30 Led by Rae and Ray. Meet High Lane 10.00am with packed lunch, for directions to the start, for a promised lovely 5 miles mainly flat walk at Swettenham, dry and safe to walk on! There will be a possible opportunity after the walk, either to visit Quinta arboretum (£2 donation - but free to RHS members), or for a drink in the pub (if well dressed, and still open!).
Report on the Walk
MAY 21* The May walk will be on MAY 21ST (a week earlier than usual). Richard and Susan Clark will lead a fairly easy 4½ mile walk with some slopes, with a pub lunch afterwards at Mottram St. Andrew. Meet at High Lane at 9.30am.
If going directly to the start, the pub is the Bulls Head/Osteria Mauro restaurant, Mottram Cross, Mottram St. Andrew - grid ref SJ 881784 - park in the rear car park.
Report on the Walk
Eighteen
of us (including a visitor from Liverpool) enjoyed the walk led by
Richard and Susan Clark. They took us to the pleasantly
undulating meadows and woods between Mottram St Andrew, Hare Hill and
the ridge of Alderley Edge. Late bluebells sprinkled the
undergrowth, fishing ponds were all around, and there were lovely views
of the distant Cheshire plain and the nearby hills of Lyme and Sponds.
In one field were cattle with calves, of a breed we couldn’t identify, but they tolerated our passage. Other walking groups passed to and fro, one had some old University friends of our Chairman John, and there was even a group from Formby. Occasional rough ground and an awkward stile or two were the only blemishes on a very pleasant walk with a very pleasant meal to follow at Osteria Mauros (formerly the Bull’s Head). Many thanks to Richard and Susan.
JUNE 25 Brian/Alison Allerton – meet 1000am High Lane, with packed lunch for a 6 miles fairly hilly walk, which starts on the Long Hill road out of Whaley Bridge, at a lay by on the right soon after leaving the traffic lights.
Report on the Walk
Brian and Alison took 14 of us on an interesting walk in the Taxal, Windgather, Fernilee area. The walk climbed up to the beautifully situated St. James Church in Taxal, and past the former Chimes of Taxal restaurant (remember it?) which is now a private house, before finding a lovely concession path ascending Taxal Edge and further to Windgather Rocks.
A
descent through the fringes of the Goyt forest, still devastated in
places from past storms, led to the tracks leading round to Fernilee
dam. Then it was an easy descent past Fernilee, with clusters of
Fragrant Orchids and an occasional Ragged Robin in the damp meadows by
the river Goyt, until a last short climb through Shallcross Wood led to
our cars.
Very mixed weather had kept us on our toes, but the clear views and fresh countryside gave us a worthwhile walk, hillier than most, but a good warm-up for those going on the Grasmere weekend.
Many thanks, Brian and Alison.
JULY 13/15, SUN/MON/TUES. WALKING WEEKEND
Based at Glenthorne, Easedale Road, Grasmere.
JULY 30 Walter Mason – bring bus passes and packed lunch, and meet at 9.45am for a choice of 5 or 7 mile walks. We will catch the 9.59am 199 Buxton/Skyline bus as far as Dove Holes, and return by 199 bus either from the Hanging Gate at Combs, or the Jodrell Arms at Whaley Bridge. One longish hill at the start, but then a lot of downhill on good roads/paths, with just one stretch which is fairly rough, possibly muddy. If going straight to Dove Holes, aim to be there for 1036am.
Report on the Walk
A leaden sky and occasional drizzle greeted the 16 walkers, who boarded the 199 bus to Doveholes. Doveholes is not the prettiest village, but a climb past the grey houses surprised our group with close views of the sharp ridges of Lady How and Castle Naze, and a panorama across to Chapel-en-le Frith, Kinder and Rushup.
After a coffee stop, Walter led us down past the modernised buildings of Ridge Farm, and
through the beech trees to Chapel-en-le-Frith
station (Walter’s grandfather had been stationmaster there circa
1910 to 1930, and the family lived in the Station House, now a
restaurant).
After sandwiches, now in warm sunshine, we followed railway paths to Combs, to link up with the waterside path round Combs reservoir. 3 walkers headed for the nearby bus stop, but the other 13 continued up to Tunstead farm onto a little used field path to Cadster House and farm (Brian Allerton’s mother was born here in 1909).
Then it was down to the Whaley Bridge outskirts and the bus home. By common consent, an attractive 7½ mile walk on new countryside, and the use of bus passes a useful tool for the future.
NEXT WALKS
AUGUST 27 Don Heap's walk in August will be 4½- 5 miles in the Grindleford/Padley area with some hills. Meet at 9.30 am with a packed lunch.
SEPTEMBER 24 Sam Chappell - About 5 miles in Marple Ridge/Strines/Brookbottom area (Possible shorter/easier variation). Meet at 10.00 am.
Two alternatives for food - either pre-order sandwiches the day before from the Fox Inn @ £2.80/£3 - 0161 427 1634, or bring packed lunch, and just buy a drink at the Fox on the day.
OCTOBER 29 Louanne Collins
NOVEMBER 26 Dave/Ruth Smith
DECEMBER 17* Steve Reynolds
* NB walks not on last Wednesday
Visit – Alderley Edge Copper Mine – Paul Stubbs, Derbyshire Caving Club
Walter Mason
than 4 miles, and should be walkable by all – could be a couple of
inclines and occasional mud though! There will be somewhere for
a meal or light refreshments.
Report on the Walk
Bright sunshine brought 34 curious walkers for Walter’s mystery walk This led them from Wyevale garden centre up through the woods to the site of Marple Hall, home of the Bradshaw family from 1658, but demolished in 1960 to make way for Marple Hall School. Our party passed through the estate to the semi - mansions of Dale Road, and descended past the canoe centre to the wooded valley of the River Goyt.
Several
herons entertained us by Lower Dale farm, but we walked on to the weir
and ford opposite Chadkirk. This is the spot where Sustrans want to
build a cycle bridge, recently featured on TV. Good for the cyclists,
perhaps less good for nature lovers, in that the cyclists would have to
appropriate some public footpaths, and would make a currently peaceful
area much less so. Recent storms had breached the weir, and left their
mark with one or two fallen trees. 
Finally our group climbed up through the woods and down again to Otter’s Pool, and the pleasant surroundings of Wyevale conservatory restaurant, who just about coped with our numbers and our varied demands. It had been an easy walk with only the odd patch of mud, and although the large group held together well, on a route with stiles or sterner ground, we could have been straggling and scattered.
It was great to see a record turnout, but it did raise the possibility of logistical problems for the future, if we frequently have such numbers!
FEBRUARY 27 David Lloyd will take us for a 5 mile walk in the area of Styal and
the woods by the river Bollin. Meet at 10am and bring packed lunch.
The walk is fairly flat, but there will be several sets of steps.
Report on the Walk
Once again we were very fortunate with the weather, and 24 turned up for the February walk.
Starting from Twinnies Bridge, between Wilmslow and Styal we meandered along the "apprentice" path to Greg's Mill and a coffee stop. The walk continued down river, but not all downhill, as there were a couple of areas where the river bank has to be negotiated up and down lengths of steps.
The River Bollin had to be crossed and recrossed several times, and after the last bridge there was a suitable picnic spot, with lots of fallen logs to sit upon. The sun came out and it was very pleasant.
On leaving the river, we negotiated a number of field paths, wooded glens and boardwalks, bringing the group to the final river crossing and the car park. Most people enjoyed the walk, although one or two might have found it a little long.
Thanks to David Lloyd for leading the walk, and for providing the report.
MARCH 26 Meet at 9.30am for an intermediate 4 mile walk in the Strines area.
There is a steady climb of about 400 feet part way round the walk
and some of the tracks, which are rough and uneven, become very
muddy after prolonged rain. There is the opportunity to have lunch
at the Sportsman after the walk. Leaders Barbara & John McCartney.
Report on the Walk
In
March, 22 of us joined John McCartney. We walked past the millpond and
distinctive dovecote of the former printworks, past Strines Hall, and
up the long muddy incline to Brookbottom hamlet. Rumour does tell
of Morris dancing at the Fox Inn, but not on this drizzly day. A
gentle contour with sweeping views over the valley of the river Goyt
led us to 
Mellor golf course, where we turned down Linnet Clough past
wide swathes of ramsons (often incorrectly called wild garlic ). The
chopped and cooked leaves of ramsons (allium ursinum) have been used to
flavour dishes and sauces, but are rated inferior to cultivated garlic
(allium sativum). 
Bottoms Hall,
Roman Lakes and the Roman Bridge took us quickly back to the Sportsman
for enjoyable and substantial meals. Thanks 
to John for his very
pleasant walk.APRIL 30 Led by Rae and Ray. Meet High Lane 10.00am with packed lunch, for directions to the start, for a promised lovely 5 miles mainly flat walk at Swettenham, dry and safe to walk on! There will be a possible opportunity after the walk, either to visit Quinta arboretum (£2 donation - but free to RHS members), or for a drink in the pub (if well dressed, and still open!).
Report on the Walk
Ray
and Rae took 23 of us to Swettenham for a very pleasant walk in the
well kept Cheshire countryside. We left the Swettenham Arms (a
former nunnery, reputably with a secret tunnel through to the nearby
church), and walked quiet lanes and the attractive bridle path across the fast flowing River Dane through to Brereton Heath Country Park.
This former heathland was extensively quarried for its high grade silica sand to be used locally in glass making and in the
Midlands for iron foundry casting. The quarry has now become a
lake surrounded by pleasant birchwoods and open glades, and as is
nowadays common in country parks, with an occasional wood carving.
While
the rest of the country was suffering heavy downpours, we were blessed
with fine weather for walking, and for eating our packed lunches.
The walk was not overlong, but one or two did get up sufficient
thirst for a jar or two in the Swettenham Arms. Many thanks to
Ray and Rae for their walk.
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MAY 21* The May walk will be on MAY 21ST (a week earlier than usual). Richard and Susan Clark will lead a fairly easy 4½ mile walk with some slopes, with a pub lunch afterwards at Mottram St. Andrew. Meet at High Lane at 9.30am.
If going directly to the start, the pub is the Bulls Head/Osteria Mauro restaurant, Mottram Cross, Mottram St. Andrew - grid ref SJ 881784 - park in the rear car park.
Report on the Walk
Eighteen
of us (including a visitor from Liverpool) enjoyed the walk led by
Richard and Susan Clark. They took us to the pleasantly
undulating meadows and woods between Mottram St Andrew, Hare Hill and
the ridge of Alderley Edge. Late bluebells sprinkled the
undergrowth, fishing ponds were all around, and there were lovely views
of the distant Cheshire plain and the nearby hills of Lyme and Sponds.In one field were cattle with calves, of a breed we couldn’t identify, but they tolerated our passage. Other walking groups passed to and fro, one had some old University friends of our Chairman John, and there was even a group from Formby. Occasional rough ground and an awkward stile or two were the only blemishes on a very pleasant walk with a very pleasant meal to follow at Osteria Mauros (formerly the Bull’s Head). Many thanks to Richard and Susan.
JUNE 25 Brian/Alison Allerton – meet 1000am High Lane, with packed lunch for a 6 miles fairly hilly walk, which starts on the Long Hill road out of Whaley Bridge, at a lay by on the right soon after leaving the traffic lights.
Report on the Walk
Brian and Alison took 14 of us on an interesting walk in the Taxal, Windgather, Fernilee area. The walk climbed up to the beautifully situated St. James Church in Taxal, and past the former Chimes of Taxal restaurant (remember it?) which is now a private house, before finding a lovely concession path ascending Taxal Edge and further to Windgather Rocks.
Very mixed weather had kept us on our toes, but the clear views and fresh countryside gave us a worthwhile walk, hillier than most, but a good warm-up for those going on the Grasmere weekend.
Many thanks, Brian and Alison.
JULY 13/15, SUN/MON/TUES. WALKING WEEKEND
Based at Glenthorne, Easedale Road, Grasmere.
JULY 30 Walter Mason – bring bus passes and packed lunch, and meet at 9.45am for a choice of 5 or 7 mile walks. We will catch the 9.59am 199 Buxton/Skyline bus as far as Dove Holes, and return by 199 bus either from the Hanging Gate at Combs, or the Jodrell Arms at Whaley Bridge. One longish hill at the start, but then a lot of downhill on good roads/paths, with just one stretch which is fairly rough, possibly muddy. If going straight to Dove Holes, aim to be there for 1036am.
Report on the Walk
A leaden sky and occasional drizzle greeted the 16 walkers, who boarded the 199 bus to Doveholes. Doveholes is not the prettiest village, but a climb past the grey houses surprised our group with close views of the sharp ridges of Lady How and Castle Naze, and a panorama across to Chapel-en-le Frith, Kinder and Rushup.
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After a coffee stop, Walter led us down past the modernised buildings of Ridge Farm, and
through the beech trees to Chapel-en-le-Frith
station (Walter’s grandfather had been stationmaster there circa
1910 to 1930, and the family lived in the Station House, now a
restaurant).After sandwiches, now in warm sunshine, we followed railway paths to Combs, to link up with the waterside path round Combs reservoir. 3 walkers headed for the nearby bus stop, but the other 13 continued up to Tunstead farm onto a little used field path to Cadster House and farm (Brian Allerton’s mother was born here in 1909).
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Then it was down to the Whaley Bridge outskirts and the bus home. By common consent, an attractive 7½ mile walk on new countryside, and the use of bus passes a useful tool for the future.
NEXT WALKS
AUGUST 27 Don Heap's walk in August will be 4½- 5 miles in the Grindleford/Padley area with some hills. Meet at 9.30 am with a packed lunch.
SEPTEMBER 24 Sam Chappell - About 5 miles in Marple Ridge/Strines/Brookbottom area (Possible shorter/easier variation). Meet at 10.00 am.
Two alternatives for food - either pre-order sandwiches the day before from the Fox Inn @ £2.80/£3 - 0161 427 1634, or bring packed lunch, and just buy a drink at the Fox on the day.
OCTOBER 29 Louanne Collins
NOVEMBER 26 Dave/Ruth Smith
DECEMBER 17* Steve Reynolds
* NB walks not on last Wednesday
Visit – Alderley Edge Copper Mine – Paul Stubbs, Derbyshire Caving Club
Walter Mason