Friday 3 July 2026 - A Bollin Valley Stroll

Today was supposed to be GM Ringway Stage 11, but we are in a period of travel disruption and we didn't fancy the replacement bus service to Littleborough.

So Sue and I met Paul, Jeanette and Sue W at 11am at Altrincham Interchange, for a short walk in the Cheshire countryside. We didn't really start until after a bacon buttie and coffee stop at the Two Brothers Café in Altrincham, after which suburban streets led to a ginnel beside a collapsing graveyard in Bowdon (above).

Our route passed across a small area of parkland to the side of Al and Hazel's allotment, avoiding the public footpath that Sue can be seen on that has been allowed to get completely overgrown.

Soon we were passing The Priory on paths leading to a familiar bridge over the River Bollin. No children playing there today, and the whole area looks different from usual thanks to the crops that are growing here.

Beyond the bridge, more crops, and an attempt by Sue to achieve an artistic portrayal of them.

Pineappleweed dominated the verges.

Welsh Poppies and Oxeye Daisies were abundant as we pressed on towards Ashley after crossing a footbridge over the M56 motorway.

The path near Stock Farm to Ashley cricket ground had not been preserved by the farmer, whose crop we could have trampled, but we were kind, and followed tractor tracks that led roughly to where we wanted to be.

That was ... to a sheltered spot under a tree next to the cricket ground, where refreshments were offered to those of us (me and Sue) who were travelling light. I think we all managed to enjoy a coffee (thanks P+J) and some delicious cherries (thanks Sue W).

Continuing past Ashley Hall, Hogweed now took centre stage in the verges.

We passed Brit Fest entrances. This appears to be a fairly major event.

Beyond that, a pleasant path beside the River Bollin, which we crossed again at Ashley Heath before making our way through Rosehill to Paul and Jeanette's house in Hale for chocolate biscuits and iced coffee in their garden on the warm, sunny afternoon.

Here's our route - 11.5km with very little ascent, taking 4 hours including a long break in Hale, before Sue W and Sue and I returned home via Altrincham Interchange. A lovely little excursion.