Wednesday 3rd July, Walton Wander….The Truth

The true story can now be told.
You may recall that last week there was A Walk Recce for an East Lancs LDWA walk – well today we walked the real thing. No safety harnesses, no safety nets….and no escape routes. Pure unadulterated danger. But the pub at the end actually had decent ale on tap.
I collected Alan (of Blog on the Landscape fame) from Timperley Tram station and we went of to collect the rest of the Jovial Crew – including Long Suffering Rick, the walk leader.

Rick, holding a small selection of his camera collection, posing in front of the group. Norman 2nd R…he’s the one with the unlicensed knees.

A total of 18 walkers + Norman gathered outside the Walton Arms at the appointed hour and once Rick had completed his David Bailey impersonation act we headed off down the Bridgewater Canal towpath towards Daresbury (pr: Daarsbury), famous for Alice in Wonderland.
Norman had on agreed to attend because we convinced him the Cheshire had a hill and that, on a clear day, you could see Lancashire….if you looked REALLY hard. Anyroadup, Norman believed us. But he IS gullible.
Speeding westwards through Moore (famous for there not being enough of it) the party of 18 + Norman had spread out. Try as we might- it was impossible to lose any of the group. They’re a canny lot, the East Lancs. This part of the walk was notable for not stopping at the ice-cream shop in Moore….but I suppose it was a little early.

Norman tactfully pointing out to John Bullen that The Ramblers are recruiting

Toiling up the ascent that is Keckwick Hill, further fruitless attempts were made to lose some of the group. Well, just one of the group actually.
The first tea stop of the day was at Daaaarsbury’s All Saints church – the one with Lewis Carroll stuff in. Some had a cuppa and perhaps a butty too. Pieces of Rick’s rather delicious flap-jack were distributed to members of the group. This undoubtedly led to more points being awarded.
Before continuing on our mission, some went into the church to look for the Cheshire Cat and other characters.

Fred the Frog trying to hitch a ride.  

What the well-dressed walker is wearing this season

Wandering through last year’s Creamfields site in hot sunshine

Much of today’s route followed the Mersey Valley Timberland Trail:

Lunch was taken at Hill Cliffe, a very well-kept graveyard that afforded excellent views over the grave-stones to Warrington and even as far as Lancashire’s Winter Hill. Points were awarded for this latter view.

Tea bread was distributed as a supplement to everyone’s butties….more points may have been awarded.
A stretch of tarmac through a housing estate took us across the A49 to The Dingle, a wooded valley-type thingy. And very pleasant it was too.

 Bimbling down The Dingle

Leaving the houses behind and entering Grappenhall Woods, John spotted one of his mates:

Laughing Boy John and friend 

Once out of the wood, a bit more tarmac was needed to get back onto the Bridgewater Canal….not before the final coffee break of the day:

Pedant’s Corner

 Afternoon Tea’s at The Rams Head

 Back on the canal and on final approach into Walton

Norman offered the chance of extra points if a Blackshaw ‘Little Loop’ could be added on to the walk. It’s difficult to turn down such an offer and so a detour around Walton Park was included. As it happens this little loop was a worthy addition to the route, the park was a real oasis of tranquility:

It was only a short distance back to the cars and a quick re-hydrate in The Walton Arms – where the Golden Hen was on top form:

Apres-walk refreshments

A good day out in good company, and thanks to a visit to Rick’s with the map I now know where we actually went. Rick had worked hard to put the route together and it earned a well-deserved 10/10.

14.8 miles and around 800’ of uppity stuff.

More photos here.