Frodsham Frolics 26th Nov 2021

This was one of Martin’s Friday walks, around 10km of easy walking, taking in part of the sandstone edges between Frodsham & Helsby Hill.

I nudged Judith who didn’t need much of an excuse to book the day off work, and at the appointed hour the party of Martin, Graeme, Judith and me trundled off from the almost hidden car park by Beacon Hill, above Frodsham.

After a short stretch of tarmac we were soon on a proper footpath, part of the Delamere Way. 

We’d only been going for 20 minutes when we were treated to a rainbow to the north of us, over Liverpool.

We headed by Snidley Moor Wood, cared for by the Woodland Trust, but soon found our way blocked by what initially appeared to be fallen tree branches. I’m not so sure. Whatever, the road was certainly blocked to traffic.

A lovely scone / coffee / fudge brownie (words chosed carefully here) sit down at a very conveniently situated picnic table. Where it rained. And I needed to pull my wet-legs on. And the un-jammable zip jammed. Again. 

No photos of the feast, I was too busy eating.

Sometimes it’s just easier to put up with the wet.

Then came Helsby Hill:

On top of Helsby Hill

Looking west: Weather

I’ve not been up Helsby Hill for over a year, when I ran (Ho-ho!) all around the Sandstone Edges with Tally-Ho! at the beginning of the much shortened 2020 / 21 season.

We had views over the estuary to Liverpool, but not too much beyond, rain and murk saw to that.

Downhill then uphill to cross Tarvin Road, then uphill to join a bit of the North Cheshire Way.

Being good boys and girl - using the stile

A diversion followed when we were marched downhill to Netherton, just because we could – then, like the Grand Old Duke of York (or maybe not) we were marched back up again retracing our steps, to rejoin the path towards Beacon Hill and the car park.

It was a pleasant little wander in good company, thanks to Martin for organising, leading, and supplying the fudge brownies. I really should go on more of Martin’s walks.

What REALLY happened on the walk can be read here, you don’t want to believe anything I said.

It didn’t end there, Judith and I drove down to Frodsham and ventured into the very excellent Helter-Skelter where we didn’t have very much beer at all – on account of us both driving. We did, however, share a whole packet of crisps between us. Decadent eh?

Then we both went home and had cauliflower cheese for tea. Separately.

Next time Judith and I meet in Frodsham we’re going to travel by train, the Helter-Skelter is too much of a good pub to just have a  swift half each. And a packet of crisps between two.

Where we went:

Just under 7 miles with around 1000’ ascent….which I find hard to believe.

The walk was chosen by Martin, obv, and was taken from this book, a copy of which Martin has kindly given me:

Best Pub Walks in Cheshire, by Jen Darling. ISBN 978-1-902512-32-7

Having a bit more than a passing interest in pubs it's a book that I'll be putting to good use!