View from Oban Bothy

View from Oban Bothy

Monday 30 May 2016

Steps

Since having to bail out of this year’s TGO Challenge (due to family health reasons and other stuff) I’ve been out walking most days – well mainly evenings actually. The walks have all been local and of between 5 and 10 miles at a reasonably brisk pace.

I’ve just totted up my mileage for these local walks; since returning from the Challenge (ten days ago) I’ve walked 77 miles = 125,714 steps….for those wot are interested.

The walks have been pleasant diversions to other stuff: Apart from unusually high levels of grief, PLUS family health issues etc, I’ve been working hard to make one of my flats habitable. Walks, as most walkers know, are great for straightening the head as well as good exercise.

The easiest way out of suburbia from here is via the Duke’s Cut where it’s possible to walk north into Manchester or south-west towards Warrington. This makes it my most frequently used escape route.

Yesterday evening’s little walk was augmented by Sue & Martin and Long Suffering Rick – who was taking a break from a hectic weekend of dance at Chester Folk Festival.

The idea was mine, the route was Rick’s. Much of it was over ground we’d covered before although there was some ground not at all familiar to me – surprising, considering how close it is to home.

Briefly, our route followed the canal towpath towards Dunham, a wander along the footpaths of Dunham’s golf course, some quiet paths and roads into and through Altrincham, across Alltrincham golf course (where the local yoof were taking full advantage of the lack of golfers….we were all 14 once. I think)

Here’s (approximately) where we went:

7.5 miles of absolute flatness:

Altrincham 7

This route may not be entirely accurate, I’m a little unclear as to how we crossed Dunham’s golf course.

Evenings at this time of year offer great levels of light for photography. I took some snaps of the old Linotype & Machinery factory in Broadheath.

These first two were taken with my soon to be replaced Lumix DMC-SZ3 on a cloudy evening last week:

P1060585

P1060586

 

The second two were taken yesterday evening using my Samsung S3 Mini camera-phone thingy:

20160529_205203

20160529_205252

It seems that the L&M factory, quite a local landmark and once the employer of thousands, is being redeveloped to provide yet more housing. How things change.

It’s going to create traffic mayem, there’s no sign of any improvement to the local infrastucture. Oh well. 

Anyroadup, we had a lovely little walk and managed to catch up with all the scandal etc. This evening I may take the bike out – just for a change. I need the exercise.

8 comments:

  1. It is good that you are getting out and putting a few miles in JJ. You certainly have some fascinating local history and architecture around you. Hopefully things will eventually improve for you. hang in there.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Dawn. I find old industrial sites are often quite ornate - and nearly always interesting.
      Things WILL improve, I know!

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  2. Sorry to hear you have hard things to bear at the moment - good to hear you were out with Martin and Sue - good friends are so valuable in difficult times.

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    Replies
    1. That's life I'm afraid Conrad - it will all work out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end!

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  3. A nice entry, JJ, I might steal your words! Good to see you, and Rick, and thanks for your timely phone call last night that rescued us from Top Gear. I've just got in from a 40 mile bike ride, so fear I won't be joining you on tonight's jaunt.

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    Replies
    1. Aye, that Top Gear got a slating in the press - although I've not ever watched it. I hope the bike ride went well!

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  4. Sorry to hear about your Challenge. Best wishes.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Robin, it was a bit of a bugger but there you go - there's always next year!

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