Friday 14 May 2021 - Around Little Budworth (2)

This was another 'recce' walk for Jen Darling - the Little Budworth Walk number 17 in her 'Walks in West Cheshire and Wirral' book. Very few amendment to her route description etc since the 2007 edition are needed.

Sue and I met Graeme, Paul, Jeanette, and Rufus the dog, at Budworth Pool, after we'd parked further on and waited with this view into the Cheshire countryside from Mill Lane.

Budworth Pool, on a cloudy morning, was brightened by a couple of swans, sadly omitted from the next picture.

Very pleasant woodland drew us through a common to the glorious avenue of trees through which Coach Lane passes.

A short stretch along Park Road took us to Oulton Mill Pool. At this point I realised I'd been here before, and on getting home I note that I walked an almost identical route, from Jen's 'More Pub Walks in Cheshire and Wirral', on 9 August 2019, accompanied by the two Pauls. One of those has now moved to Totnes, the other was present this morning.

A little further on, we walked through a field of sweetcorn that, judging by a photo from the 2019 visit, will have grown substantially by August.

The Victorian pillar box outside Pillar Box Farm is no longer embraced by rampant ivy.

Before reaching Kings Lane, we admired a freshly ploughed field, then we paused for elevenses in a quiet corner where Rufus could not be distracted by the presence of cows. (See header picture.)

Tasty morsels provided by Jeanette went down well.

Then a relic from the Oulton Park estate, the substantial wall around the motor racing circuit, thankfully quiet during their lunch break, took us to a left turn and a tramp through a series of fields, with the church tower steadily drawing closer.

A field of cows presented an opportunity for our resident cow whisperer to shepherd Rufus through the melee.

Soon we were back in the village, admiring the church, and noting activity around the Red Lion in anticipation of further imminent relaxation of Lockdown.

The verges have been trimmed here, leaving at least some flowers for the insects and birds to enjoy.

Back at Budworth Pool, you're ahead of me if you can spot the swans!

Here's the route - 9.5 km with no significant hills. It took us a little over two and a half hours.

Next walks, no 'Rule of Six' so all are welcome:

 

Friday 28 May, 10.00am start - Primrosehill Wood - A 9 km circuit from Stoney Lane, Delamere, SJ 553 683.

Take the A556 south to just beyond Delamere, turning left down Stoney Lane, just before the A54 is met. There should be a lay-by on your left.

Friday 18 June, 10.00am start - A 14 km circuit from Rose Hill, Marple. Park by the Middlewood Way trail at Rose Hill station, SJ 949 887. Bring a sandwich.