Tarporley & District

Completed Midway walks

DateDistance/typeStart pointLeader(s)Number walking

Date – Thursday, 15th February, 2024

Leader – Kim Richmond-Flynn - Tarporley/Eaton walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 5 miles

This is a mainly flat walk with several stiles around Tarporley and Eaton. It may be muddy in places if it has been raining.

Location – Meet outside the RISING SUN, High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DX

Date – Thursday, 8th February, 2024

Leader - Kim Harding - Hartford walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10 am

Distance – This is a lovely 5 1/2 mile walk around Hartford.

Starting from Hartford Hall, we cross over the A556 and into a field that may have some horses in it. We go down a short, steep hill, so would suggest poles, before heading back up a short incline, into the wood. We do a loop around, taking us through Vale Royal Golf course, before we join the River Weaver towpath and walk across the locks and down one side of the river before coming back on the other side and heading back to Hartford Hall for refreshments. It can be muddy in places, if it has been raining.

Please note, Participants on walks are responsible for their own Health and Safety, and the safe keeping of their equipment, clothing and belongings.

Location – Park at Hartford Hall, 81 School Ln, Hartford, Northwich CW8 1PW. The landlord is happy for us to park in the car park, as long as we are using their facilities. There is street parking close by if you are not stopping for a drink.

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Date – Thursday, 1st February, 2024

Leader - Kim Harding - Christleton walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 5 mile walk

This is a walk around Christleton and surrounding villages, on good walking surfaces, down quiet lanes, along the canal and various footpaths. It may be muddy in parts if it has been raining. We do have to cross one busy main road. Poles not necessary.

Location: Parking, Ring O'Bells pub, Village Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 7AS - if not staying for a drink/lunch please park on the road outside, close to the pub.

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Date – Thursday, 25th January, 2024

U3A Monthly Meeting – NO WALK

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Date – Thursday, 18th January, 2024

Leader - Ken Wood

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 5 mile walk

Further details will be sent out by email, by Ken

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Date – Thursday, 21st December, 2023

Leader - Ken Wood - Tarporley Walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance - 5 mile walk

Ken will be taking you on a wander around Tarporley. The exact route is not yet finalised, but will be about 5 miles starting at the Car Park at the TCC. It will finish at either Rising Sun, where you may have a cheeky Xmas drink, or back at the TCC if we are soaking or very dirty.

Location: Rising Sun, Tarporley or the Tarporley Community Centre. Remember that parking is timed at 3 hours in the car park. Don't be slow to book on and don't be late on the day.

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CANCELLED Date – Monday, 4th December, 2023

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Date – Thursday, 7th December, 2023

SOCIAL - CHRISTMAS PARTY

FESTIVE LUNCH MENU AT THE COAST, TARPORLEY

3 courses £25 inclusive of a glass of wine, beer or soft drink

Duck Liver Parfait

Tomato chutney, toasted sourdough

Calamari

Classic fried squid, garlic mayonnaise, lemon

Baked Camembert (v)

studded with Rosemary & Garlic

Toasted focaccia, celery red onion jam

Prawn & Avocado Cocktail

Marie Rose, Cucumber ribbons, Balsamic pearls

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Turkey Roulade

Served with all the trimmings

Chicken Carbonara

Spaghetti, Chicken, Pancetta, egg, parmesan & cream

Fillet of Sea Bass

Potato gnocchi, gremolata dressing & pea puree

Sweet Potato Bake (v)

Baked sweet potato, spinach, pulses & chickpeas, tomato & cumin ragu, and a beetroot, avocado, hazelnut &} {rocket salad (v)

Chicken Milanaise

Flattened Chicken Breast in a parmesan & rosemary breadcrumb, spaghetti Pomodoro

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Lemon Tart

With Chantilly cream

Classic Tiramisu

With a coffee mascarpone cream

Trio of Ice Cream

Vanilla, chocolate & salted caramel

Vanilla & Raspberry Crème Brule

With a fruit compote

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Leader - Kim Harding - Petty Pool Woods/Whitegate Way

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 5.5-6 miles, mainly flat walk. Walking around Petty Pool Woods and on the Whitegate Way. Generally good surfaces for walking if bad weather however it may be muddy in places if it has been raining heavy.

Location – Parking on the top car park - Go through the barrier and turn left, follow the road round and you'll see the car park, Blakemere Village, Chester Rd, Northwich, CW8 2EB.

Date – Thursday, 16th November, 2023

Leader - Kim Harding - Acton Bridge Walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 4.5-5 miles, mainly flat walk. Walking at the side of fields and some quiet roads and then along the towpath, following the river for a mile and a half, passing through a series of gates. Generally good surfaces for walking if bad weather however it may be muddy in places if it has been raining heavy.

Location – Parking, Leigh Arms pub, Warrington Rd, Northwich CW8 4QT. If you intend to stay for a drink or lunch then you can park in the pub car park, otherwise, park just outside the car park please.

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Date – Monday 6th November, 2023

Leader – Charles Hobson - Higher Burwardsley/Raw Head walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am from The Pheasant Inn car park.

Distance – 5 to 5.5 miles. Total ascent 740 ft. Includes a short steep flight of 42 steps.

Walking from Higher Burwardsley around Raw Head and back. Generally good surfaces for walking but it may be muddy in places if it has been raining the previous weekend.

Location –The Pheasant Inn, Higher Burwardsley,Tattenhall, Cheshire, CH3 9PF

If you intend to stay for a drink or lunch then you can park in the pub car park. Alternative parking is available at the Sandstone Trail car park, about 100 metres from the Pheasant, up Barracks Lane.

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Date – Thursday, 19th October, 2023

Leader - Lesley Rimington - Heswall walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10.15am - PLEASE NOTE THE START TIME

Distance - 4+ miles

It's an easy walk along the coastal path and then up Heswall Dales and back through Heswall. Goods views (weather permitting) across the Dee estuary. Yot Cafe is lovely for coffee or lunch.

Location – Please park in the car park opposite the Yot Cafe, Banks Road, Heswall CH60 9JS. Use this postcode in your SAT NAV or you will get lost. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the start point

Date – Monday, 2nd October, 2023

Leader - Andy Barson - Nantwich Explorer

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 6 mile walk

This is a walk with a difference ! Combining paths, roads, canals, parkland, fields and Nantwich town itself, you will learn 12 fascinating facts along the way. It is a fairly flat walk with a few stiles and possibly some mud and wet grass if it has been raining. We can drive to a local pub after the walk for refreshments and/or lunch if anybody wants to.

Location – Park in the free car park opposite Acton Church, postcode CW5 8LF ( What3words: ///manifests.cushy.fluid ). From Tarporley, take the A51 at Four Lane Ends towards Nantwich. Continue all the way down, past Snugburys Ice Cream Farm on the right to the traffic lights where the A51 goes left. Here, continue straight across on the B3541 towards Acton. Drive past Acton Church on the right and there is a public car park very close on the left.

Date – Thursday, 21st September, 2023

Leader - Kim Harding - Christleton walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 5 mile walk

This is a walk around Christleton and surrounding villages, on good walking surfaces, down quiet lanes, along the canal and various footpaths. We do have to cross one busy main road. Poles not necessary.

Location: Ring O'Bells pub, Village Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 7AS - if not staying for a drink/lunch please park in the 'Toast Rack' on Village Road, close to the pub.

Date – Monday, 4th September, 2023

Leader - Linda Downton - Farndon walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 6 1/2 mile walk

The walk crosses fields to Churton and continues through woodland to the River Dee. The remainder of the walk is mostly by the winding river back to the attractive village of Farndon. Some of the paths can be very muddy after heavy rain, and quite overgrown in places, so poles might be useful. A few kissing gates and stiles.

Refreshments are available at several places in the village at the end of the walk.

Location – Park in the picnic area/car park by the 14th-century bridge over the River Dee (not a huge area-might want to car share if possible!) - Farndon Bridge, Farndon, LL13 9JH

Date – Thursday, 17th August, 2023

Leader - Vicki Sewell and Margaret Barnton - Tarporley walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 6 mile walk

This walk starts from Tarporley Community Centre, heading towards the canal via Birch Heath Road and then over the fields. Once at the canal we walk along the towpath to Tiverton, then a short walk along the A49 before turning off to return to Tarporley over the fields (different fields!). It is a low-level walk, no climbs and takes about two and a half hours. There are a few stiles and a bit muddy in places so poles are recommended.

There are some lovely views!

Location – Parking is available at Tarporley & District Community Centre, High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0AY but there is a 3 hour time limit. Parking is also available on the roads around the Community Centre.

Date – Monday, 7th August, 2023

Leader - Carolyn Starkey - Lower Peover walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – 6 mile walk

This is an easy 6 mile walk over flat lush Cheshire countryside, complete with cowpats! There are some stiles and we will cross the busy A50 twice and walk down it for approx. 150 yards.
If you want to stay for lunch at the Bells of Peover, which is next door, I suggest booking, as it gets quite busy. Plenty of room to eat outside.

Location – Please park in the field on the left hand side of The Cobbles (i.e. just before the pub car park.) St Oswald’s Church, The Cobbles, Crown Lane, Lower Peover WA16 9PY

Summer Walks

Date - Monday, 25th September, 2023

Leader – Kim Harding - Tarporley/Eaton walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – Shorter walk this week, 4.5-5 miles

This is a mainly flat walk with several stiles around Tarporley and Eaton. It may be muddy in places if it has been raining.

Location – Meet outside the RISING SUN, High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DX

Date - Monday, 18th September, 2023

Leader - Kim Harding - Hartford walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10 am

Distance – This is a lovely 5 - 5 1/2 mile walk around Hartford.

This walk starts at Hartford Hall on School Lane.

Starting from Hartford Hall, we head into Hartford before turning off into Marshall's Arm Local Nature Reserve. At the bottom of the wooded area, we join the River Weaver towpath and walk across the bridge and down the other side of the river until we get to Vale Royal Locks. We head back to Hartford, walking up 2 short hills, before crossing a field and road, back to Hartford Hall for refreshments.

Location – Park at Hartford Hall, 81 School Ln, Hartford, Northwich CW8 1PW. The landlord is happy for us to park in the car park, as long as we are using their facilities. There is street parking close by if you are not stopping for a drink.

Date - Monday, 21st August, 2023

Leader - Dave Ryder ably assisted by Kim Harding - Norley walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – This is a lovely 4.5 mile walk around Norley.

In the Great War, 87 Norley men went to war but only 77 returned - one, Christopher Fletcher was so badly injured that he died some years later. Norley has no public war memorial as such, there is a beautiful stained glass window and brass plaques in St John the Evangelist but very few now know anything about these men. The walk is intended to take these names and put them back into the community where they in the words of Lt Col McCrae in his poem “In Flanders Fields “... lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow loved and were loved... Two of the men are buried in St John’s churchyard where the walk starts.
A further 11 memorial plaques are sited around the village, often close to where they lived. Plaques in season are surrounded by wildflowers, red poppies in remembrance and other flowers they would have seen as they walked about the village all those years ago. This walk will pass some of these plaques.

It is a lovely walk over fields and in woods, mainly flat with just a very short uphill climb. Some road walking and stiles and can be a bit muddy in some parts if it has been raining. Poles recommended.

Location – Park at Tigers Head pub, Pytchleys Hollow, Norley, Frodsham WA6 8NT or just to the side of the pub, if not using their facilities.

Date – Monday, 14th August, 2023

Leader - Janet Murray - Tarvin walk

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – Just under 6 miles.

It's a flat walk, maybe some sheep, a few stiles and a little bit of road walking. A lovely walk.

Location – Stamford Bridge Pub Car Park - CH3 8EL. Please use the postcode I have included here rather than the pub one because pub postcode, in a SATNAV, won't take you to the pub. Pub happy for us to park there on the understanding we have a drink or lunch in the pub after the walk.

Date – Monday, 31st July, 2023

Leader - Dave Ryder

Time – The walk will start promptly at 10am

Distance – This is a walk that Dave has done before but hasn’t had chance to recce recently.

The walk is approx. 6 1/2 miles, crossing some fields to Churton, and from there the walk continues through woodland to the River Dee. The remainder of the walk is mostly by the winding river back to the attractive village of Farndon. Some of the paths can be very muddy after heavy rain, and quite overgrown in places, so poles might be useful. A few kissing gates and stiles.

Refreshments are available at several places in the village at the end of the walk.

Location – Park in the picnic area/car park by the 14th-century bridge over the River Dee (not a huge area-might want to car share if possible!) - Farndon Bridge, Farndon, LL13 9JH

March 20165.9milesThe Yew Tree in Spurstow.Liz & David Carter13
April 20166.1milesCock O'Budworth, Great BudworthJane Lewis7
May 20166.5milesShady Oak, TivertonPat Tyson Jones7
June 20164.9milesTarvin Playing FieldNicola Doubt8
July 20165.5milesRoyal Oak, KelsallStephen Doubt15
August 20166milesActon Church, NantwichCathy Peel7
September 20165.5milesLeigh Arms, Little LeighAlan and Marilyn Walton8
October 20164.54 milesThe Boat House, ParkgateBev Wellings10
November 20165 milesThe Church Green, LymmCathy Peel12
December 20165.9 milesThe Plough, WhitegateEdward Baskerville17
January 20175.2 milesThe Tollemache Arms, AlprahamSue Watson & Jim Spence
February 20176 milesThe Carriers Inn, HatchmerePat Tyson-Jones10
March 20175.7 milesThe Lord Combermere, AudlemChris Brown & Ros Chesher11
April 20175.8mThe Tollemache Arms, AlprahamSue Watson & Jim Spence13
May 20175.5mThe Plough, WhitegateRoger Boultbee13
June 20175.5 milesThe Leigh Arms, Little LeighJane Lewis12
July 20174.8mRoyal Oak Kelsall Mo Waddington12
August 20175 milesThe Church Green, LymmCathy Peel13
September 2017Cancelled due to wet weather0
October 20175 milesWilleymoor Lock InnLiz and David Carter17
November 20174.5 milesBickerton and Cholmondeley ArmsPeter Rimmer15
December 20175.6 milesActon, Nantwich and The Farmers Arms RavensmoorChris Brown19
January 2018Cancelled due to poor weather forecast0
February 20185milesChester and The Architect pubJohn Smith14
March 20184.8 milesHelsby Hill from The White Lion AlvanleyEdward Baskerville15
April 20185.5 milesMarbury Country ParkMike Walker22
May 20185.5 milesThe Lord Bunning, KelsallCathy Peel14
June 20185.7 milesWhitegate and The PloughDesmond & Doreen Dooley13
July 20185.8 milesChurch Minshull & The Badger InnJudy Popley11
August 2018Willington from The Boot InnBeatriz Roel & Linda Downton17
September 2018Blakemere Craft Centre circuit inc WhitegateCarolyn Starkey13
October 2018c5mRed Lion - Little BudworthJim Spence20
November 20185.4 milesWirswall from Willeymoor Lock TavernMike Hare15

Mike Hare November 2018 - Mike Hare took us from The Willeymoor Lock Tavern across the A49 to Wirswall and on a circuit towards Grindley Brook then back along the canal.
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A HOT walk in July near Church Minshull July 2018 - Judy Popley led 10 walkers around Church Minshull. There was one unavoidable busy road section, but with flags and HiViz's no one was lost! -----
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Whitegate with Desmond and Doreen June 2018 - Desmond and Doreen used one of The Ploughs set of 6 printed walks to take several of us into territories previously unexplored. A great day with good weather.
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May round Kelsall with Cathy May 2018 - Cathy led us from and to the recently renamed Morris Dancer in Kelsall. Many of us were surprised at just how big Kelsall is!
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Midways in Marbury Park in April April 2018 - Mike Walker walked us round, mainly just outside Marbury Park, but taking in canal and countryside. We then moved to the Spinner & Bergamot pub for lunch. (Spinner & Bergamot were two racehorses)
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Wet March walk on Helsby Hill March 2018 - A breezy day for climbing Helsby Hill. Good views from the top. The White Lion at Alvanley provided a good lunch.
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February in Chilly Chester February 2018 - John Smith led us from The Little Roodee Car Park around the outskirts of Chester, and back along the canal. Lunch was in the recently (5 years?) opened Architect gastro pub.
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In January 2018 we didn't like the look of the weather forecast so didn't walk.

December 2017 - Chris Brown led our Christmas walk from Acton Church into Nantwich and back, along the canal. We had a record turnouit - probably because of the promised Christmas lunch afterwards. The walk was well received, and althouh passing over parts of previous routes, was seen in a different season to previously. The lunch at The Farmer's Arms in Ravensmoor was not spectacular, and took quite a time despite pre-ordering.
Progressing around Nantwich By the waterside in Nantwich.
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June 2017 - Jane led us walking along the canal , via the Dutton locks and then returning to the Leigh Arms .

May 2017 - Roger says: The section along the river was particularly enjoyed as we saw cygnets, goslings, ducklings, chicks and, star of the show, a pair of brooding grebes

April 2017 - An excellent old favourite for many Strollers and Midways. Well done JIm & Sue.

March 2017 - Chris and Ros made a leading debut to take us on an interesting 5.7m Figure of 8 walk centred on Audlem, followed by lunch at the Lord Combermere. It was great to get a bit further from home and break new ground for many of us. The pub lunch is highly recommended.
Figure of 8 walk round Audlem. Setting out with a great Chesire vista. Audlem church .
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February 2017 - An interesting walk around Delamere Forest into the corner that people don't often reach. Just under 6 miles on a pleasant bright, mild day with temperature reaching 12c towards the end. This being our 12th walk completed our first year.

January 2017 - Our first 'paired walk'. Jim Spence kindly supported Sue Watson to lead her first Midway walk, taking in Alpraham village before crossing the A51 Southwards again, on to the Beeston Locks, along the canal and then north to cross the A51 again for an eastward walk back to the Tollemache where once again we had an excellent lunch.

December 2016 - Edward led our Christmas festive walk from the Plough at Whitegate.

November 2016 - A fairly flat 5 mile walk, but with several flights of steps at the start and end, and heavy wind and rain on and off, worsening throughout. We circled the dam, seeing cormorants, then walked via the church to the Bridgewater canal, and the back through the pretty (wet) town centre. We had an excellent lunch in the Church Green pub, during which the sun annoyingly appeared.
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A flight of cormorants at Lymm Dam
The rain soaked through several walkers
Wetter still by the church in Lymm
After the walk - out came the sun! .
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October 2016 - A slightly more distant walk on The Wirral at Parkgate. 10 attended and 6 lunched at the pub. Bev was brought up on The Wirral and showed us some historic points along the Dee such as the Slipway and Quay at Parkgate. The weather stayed fine and coats came off at a temperature of about 14c.
October 2016 on The Wirral Parkgate walk - halfway stop for a sip .
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September 2016 - Everyone was fine with the distance and we kept the pace to everyone's liking and ability. 4 of us had lunch, 2 stayed just for a drink. We saw several herons, a grebe, lots of mallards, moorhens, etc., a family of swans plus two additional adults and a real treat - a brown hare that ran right across the field just in front of us. I (Marilyn) was too mesmerised to get the phone out in time, but I've never had such a good view of one before.

August 2016 - Cathy Peel led the group around the back of Dorfold Hall on the Nantwich River Loop path. It was a revelation of paths and places that most of us had never seen before. We walked into the centre of Nantwich, alongside lakes that we didn't now were there, only to emerge on Welsh Row at The Cheshire Cat. We then walked out on that historic Row (which looks totally different to when you drive it!) to the traffic lights, where we climbed up to the canal, for the last leg back to the church. The Star Inn in Acton is closed, and so we then drove back to The Old Barbridge Inn for lunch.

Two views, same location. Horseplay on the August walk near Acton .
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July 2016 - Stephen Doubt followed Nicola's lead last month but not in her footsteps. Starting from the Royal Oak in Kelsall we proceeded towards Tarvin. We then crossed the A54 towards and through Ashton Village. The weather was perfect towards too hot! Only just over 20, but pretty humid. In the last mile 5 members shortcutted back towards the pub, while the rest continued. One member felt the heat and was driven the last half mile home. Large drinks for all back at the pub. A record turnout of 15.

July Record turnout for hot dry walk.
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June 2016 - Nicola Doubt led from the Tarvin Playing fields, around the edge of Tarvin on the excellent Grogan's Way path, then across via Hockenhull Platts and the pack horse bridges to Walk Mill where we enjoyed a coffee and cake break. The ground was a bit slippery in places due to recent heavy rain, and several stiles were surprisingly high and slippery - but we managed! The walk back was constantly overshadowed by very black clouds, but they held their water until some minutes after we had finished the walk and were in the cars.

Route - Tarvin - June 2016 High spirits on the Roman Bridge Happy walkers on Hockenhull Platts
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May 2016 - Pat Tyson Jones led. Starting at the Shady Oak 8 of us walked 6.5 miles with approx 650 ft of ascent. It was a lovely walk around Beeston and the Peckforton Hills, the only downside was 3 ploughed fields, ploughed since out recce, and one hadn't been harrowed and was almost impassable, we have complained!
Everyone said they enjoyed it and one was delighted as he'd never walked 6.5 miles before! The food at the Shady Oak was good.

April 2016 - Jane led a great walk which took in the beautiful village of Great Budworth, many stunning views over Budworth Mere, sight of many different birds both on land and on water. We walked the woodland paths in Marbury Park and saw a magnificent display of bluebells, Marsh Marigolds, Wood Anemones and many more wild flowers. We took in a coffee stop at the marina at Anderton, and then worked our way back to the pub for a later than planned lunch at about 1:45. Just a pity that more people didn't manage to walk with us today. It was glorious with temperatures up to 16 according to my car thermometer. Only 5 of us ate. Food was OK, but not exceptional.

Map - Cock O Great Budworth church The walk approaches Budworth Mere Bluebells at Great Budworth A BIG Sky on The Queen A watchful Heron by the Mere
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March 2016 - Our first walk, led by Liz and David Carter. A walk from the Yew Tree at Spurstow, taking in Bunbury Village, road and footpaths northwards to the canal at Tilstone Lock. We then split with half taking the high path and half taking the tow path to Bunbury Locks where the cafe was closed. We walked back through the lanes to the East, entering the bottom end of Bunbury again and cutting through the newly planted footpath back to the pub for an excellent lunch. The Yew Tree is very good, they had a second big group in but still served us in about 15 minutes without the need for pre-ordering.

Map - Spurstow, March 2016 Canal - Bunbury to Tilstone Locks Bunbury Locks A quiet putter along the canal The Yew Tree at Spurstow
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