Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Sunday, 4 November 2018

Sunday 4 November 2018 – Wincle in Fog

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I’ve volunteered to check the draft text for some of the routes in Jen Darling’s third edition of ‘Pub Walks in Cheshire’ a book that I know a number of my readers possess. The book was first published in 1990, so there have been some changes. I won’t be describing the routes in detail here – you can buy the book in due course for that – but I will provide some pictorial journeys, including maps of the routes.

This morning it was bright and almost sunny in Timperley, so I was hopeful of some striking autumn colours in the Dane Valley. Sadly, that was not to be, as an autumn fog hung over the Peak District.

Parking just beyond the Ship Inn, I strolled down to the bridge and brewery.

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Beyond a trout pool and farm; lush meadows with happy cows.

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The mill race signifies time to leave the meadows by the River Dane.

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Looking back from the far edge of the second meadow – the cows were in the first meadow.

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A pleasant path leads steadily uphill.

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The route touches on the Gritstone Trail before passing this ruined byre.

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A line of trees leads towards Nettlebeds Farm.

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Glamping pods at Nettlebeds are supposed to have stunning views…

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… but today the views are somewhat obscured by fog.

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After Nettlebeds I kept too far to the left and had to return to this point to take the path to the right of a rickety fence.

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After crossing a minor road, field paths led to a muddy interlude.

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Soon I emerged at the sadly closed Wild Boar Inn, in fog.

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More field paths led past this distressed tree.

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Beyond All Meadows Cottage, sheep were resting as I gazed across the mist laden Dane Valley.

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Heading towards Danebridge, thanks to the Peaks & Northern Footpath Society’s sign number 428, dating from 2012, there was no doubt about the way ahead.

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Views across the valley to the distinctive Hanging Stone revealed that today that landmark was engulfed in fog.

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Towards the end of the walk, Hog Clough is negotiated by way of this footbridge.

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On exiting the woodland, good paths lead back to a minor road, and the fleshpot known as The Ship Inn.

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Shown below, two versions of the route – 10 km (6 miles) with about 250 metres of ascent.

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An excellent way to spend a November Sunday morning, and I have a few notes to pass on to Jen.

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