Friday 26 March 2021 - Wilmslow and Alderley Edge

Graeme and I started in rain today, on this third weekly stroll from his house in Wilmslow.

The rain soon eased and stopped, with a blue sky and fluffy clouds eventually taking over.

Near the top of Alderley Edge we passed this small trough, as we have done many times before. We wondered as to its provenance.

There was a clear view towards Manchester from the top of the edge. As usual you need to click on the image for a better version/slideshow.

Beyond these green fields are the M62 motorway and the cloud smothered summits of the South Pennines.

We made our way down Artists Lane and Welsh Row, where huge beech trees appear to be rooted to a small cliff edge.

There are many happy borders full of nodding daffodils. Graeme stopped to photograph this one, so I did likewise, but there were many more similar opportunities.

We finished in bright sunshine after a most pleasant morning's walk, refreshed by the warmth of spring and the beauty of the English countryside. There are worst places to have been Locked Down.

Here's today's 14 km route. It took us three and a half hours. The selection of paths from Graeme's house is almost a match for those from Bowland Climber's house in Longridge.

Covid restrictions are due to be relaxed next week, with groups of six being allowed outdoors, and travel a little way from home being acceptable. I've therefore produced a provisional programme of walks on which a very limited number of people (up to six) will be welcome. Do let me know if you fancy joining me on any of these outings. Details (and information about any changes) will appear here shortly.

All walks start at 10 am.
Thursday 1 April - 11 km around Thurstaston in the Wirral. Meet at the Wirral Way car park - SJ 239 834. Take a sandwich.

Friday 9 April - 10 km in Delamere Forest. Meet at Barnbridge Gates car park - SJ 542 716.

Friday 16 April - more Wirral walks - in the morning, an 8 km circuit from Burton. Meet by the Dee estuary in Burton - SJ 301 747. Then lunch. Then a 5 km walk around Thornton Hough, starting from Brimstage Hall Craft Centre - SJ 304 827.

Friday 23 April - 14 km based on a 'JJ' route - Park Moor and Spond Hill from Nelson Pit Car Park, Higher Poynton - SJ 945 834.

Friday 30 April - Around Longridge - a 12 km or so walk subject to BC's approval. Parking may be possible at SD 603 374 (watch this space).