Wednesday 2 October 2024 - Around Whitegate and the Valeroyal Cut

We parked on Vale Royal Drive, and today's walk for Sue and me started nearby from St Mary's Church in Whitegate and headed along a good path beside Pettypool Brook in the direction of Winsford.

After leaving the brook, narrow lanes took us to Mill Bank Farm.

At the farm we missed a left turn through a gate at SJ 646 684 and were told in no uncertain terms by the farmer to retrace our steps to the gate, beyond which an excellent narrow path led to a minor road and the dilapidated barn pictured below.

Pinned on the building was a plaque: 'Warning: CCTV system installed on these premises'. Looking through the window, at piles of discarded tyres, we had to wonder whether anyone in their right mind would have any inerest in the place. 

Just around the corner from that barn, the Weaver Navigation comes into view, with an information board about The Weaver Parkway Trail. Anyway, that's for another time, as we are at the red dot on the far left of the board, and we are heading along the Valeroyal Cut in the direction of Northwich.

The Weaver is crossed by two bridges like this one.

Looking back from the start of the Cut

I half expected a muddy path, but a well maintained bridleway led us all the way from the two bridges to the Valeroyal Locks.

Cormorants were drying out

The path was being well used by cyclists

A bench by the cut made for a fine elevenses stop

The Valeroyal Locks come into sight

I was here on 17 September, when there was much less water coming through. Today we joined the route I took on 17 September, as recorded here.

There's a main line railway viaduct nearby.

Birds were scavenging for harvested corn, as we looked back to the entrance of a huge field, before we crossed a strip of woodland, a golf course, passed new housing, and wandered onto Vale Royal Drive to return to our starting point.

Here's our route - 8km with 80 metres ascent, taking us 1 hour 50 minutes including a 20 minute stop.

A lovely way to spend a morning. We'll have to go back to explore the Parkway area, on foot or by bike.