Ince Blundell

Monday 1st April (yes, April Fools Day!)

 This is us in the pub car park as we readied ourselves for the coming exertion.







We left the car park, turning left, and walked up Lady Green Lane, past the Garden Centre. We continued until we reached Carr House Lane, where we turned left again. We carried along here for 500 metres until we reached Carr Houses, and turned right into Hall Lane.

A little way along here we saw some baby chicks! (Aaaahhhh)

The lane is lined with Poplar Trees, which are entirely denuded of leaves at this time of the year (Spring in the UK!!). A good opportunity for a couple of photographs....








Trees, trees and more trees!













Then we turned left along the track to Keepers Wood, past the very pretty Keepers Cottage on the right. Sadly the dogs in the house didn't sound as though they were very pleased to see us!

Then out across the open fields, where the cold wind reminded us of the season....

A couple passed us and asked if we would like a group photograph.....(don't you just love the hats?)

Across more fields in the full blast of the Easterly winds...

And some more (older) chickens

 A very large, and posh looking, farmhouse at Carr Side Farm

 With another long, tree lined drive








And we were off the open countryside and onto Park Wall Road where we turned right and head back towards the village. Part way along we came across the gates to the North Lodge, with their ornate pillars and toppers.

We turned off the main road at the dirt track called Barn Lane, and half way down there we turned right to walk along a path over open fields and past a wood to rejoin the road  and the village.

A little further we past the village cross, which looks like it has been there for quite some time, but is surrounded by a new 'executive' estate!

 Then we just kept following the road (trying unsuccessfully to resist the lure of Lady Green Garden Centre Cafe) and then back to the car.

Took us just a shade over and hour and a half, and Map-o-Meter claims it to be 3.36 miles! (see the link below.

Follow this link for the map of the walk.
http://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_2945200.html

     What a disappointment.

We were all set to start the epic walk, but the weather closed in, and we decided to cancel at the last minute.


Below freezing temperatures, gale force winds and a threatening sky forced the making of a decision late on the Friday night, but in the end we had a consensus who agreed that we ought to postpone until more clement times are with us.

But onward and upward, the walk shall be completed, just a little later than planned. You will all have received email communication from John, asking for alternative dates to see if we can do it all before the end of June, but this seems to be a problem for quite a number, so instead another possible date, September 14th, has been proposed.

Hopefully we will be able to resolve the matter soon, and put our best feet forward for Gambia.

Ready for Action?

Hi all

Well, it is almost time for the first part of the Charity Walk in aid of the school in the Gambia. I hope that you are all limbered up ready for the exertion ahead.

I hope that we have all been busy trying to raise as much as we can for the school. I don't want to be the instigator of a competition, but I am hopeful of reaching my own  personal 'Target for the First Walk' of £50 by Saturday.

Lets hope that I will come bottom of the league!!!



Mr Wilson has made arrangements for two cars (and wouldn't it be nice if they looked like the one below!!!) to go from Gresty's Waste to Frodsham with the following passengers:

Car 1   

Pam, Phil ,Phill, Michael

Car 2   

Jane, Jane, Wendy, Will and John

As we know, there is a cafe part way along the route, but maybe slipping a bag of crisps and a sandwich in our pockets to nibble on might not be a bad idea.

It is anticipated that we ought to be back at Gresty's Waste around 3, where we will ferry each other back to Frodsham for a well earned sit down and bite to eat.

Here are a couple of reminders of who we are doing it for:

Looking forward to seeing you all!

Will

Information regarding walking the Sandstone Trail

Sunday 24th February 2013

Dear All,

The dates for the next four walks are as follows.

Saturday 23^rd March

Saturday 20^th April

Saturday 22^nd June

Saturday 31^st August

No walk in May or July.

These dates are going to be dedicated to raising money for the School in Gambia and Jane Coates is going to put together a sponsorship form and some information about the school so that we might try and get sponsors to sponsor our Sandstone Trail extravaganza. The walk is 34 miles in length and will be tackled in four walks on the dates listed above. I will do my best to get information on the walk and the sponsorship forms to you before the first walk in March with more details on starting points and finishing points, I will also organise cars to be in the right places so that we can be mobile at the start and at the finish.

·        If we can all get as many sponsors as possible that would be wonderful.

·        If you just want to do some of the Sandstone Trail Walk and not get sponsors that would also be wonderful.

·        If you don’t want to do all of the walks but still feel able to get some sponsorship money for those who are walking that would be remarkable and much appreciated.

·        The main thing is to enjoy each other’s company and friendship so please don’t feel under any obligation to do anything apart from enjoy yourselves.

Take care and each day to the full.

Loads of love and hugs,

Gresty to Delamere (February 23rd 2013)

And a good time was had by all!

12 of met at Gresty's Waste Car Park on the A56 near Kelsall

Pam (the Honorary Member)

It was a cold but dry day, and we gathered at 11.30.

Jane and Jane
Wendy
Grete
Margo and Kay
Phil and Phill
Michael
John and Will

and Pam, our new honorary member







We crossed the road and headed north towards Delamere forest.

The path led us through Nettleford Wood up to the peak of Pale heights where there is panoramic views over 8 (old) counties from the modern stone circle and platform.  Apparently Nearby are the impressive ramparts and inturned gateways of Eddisbury hillfort, and the last traces of Watling Street, the old Roman road between Chester and Manchester' but I missed them in my hurry to get down the hill!!!

From there we descended to the cafe and visitor centre at Linmere where we stopped for drinks and nibbles.

Following this break we headed along part the Delamere Circular Walk which led us back to the A56 avoiding the very steep climb back up the hill.

We got to the car park about 1.45 p.m. having had a very pleasant and sociable walk.

From here we all got into our cars and headed for the Abbey Arms where Phil had organised a table for us to lunch together.

The food was good and the company superlative! A good time was had by all, and many thanks to all involved for making it such a fun occasion.

And finally, the return home.....

Here is the walk tracked by Map-o-Meter
Of course, this one is approximate as we didn't follow roads and the paths are not marked!