17 members of the rambling group met today at Northwich for a yomp around the Cheshire Countryside. Unfortunately we got off to a bad start with two people being delayed on the M6 and another person giving up altogether as he was gridlocked in traffic. Thankfully the walk had been recced by two people so the group set off with Ralph in the lead, whilst Alan waited behind for the latecomers, who joined the walk part way through having found a shortcut!
Setting off from Northwich, a pretty Cheshire town which has thankfully recovered from the devastating floods earlier in the year, we reached the banks of the River Weaver, and walked along the tow path for several miles passing several flights of pretty locks, before veering to the left along the Weaver Navigation, until we rejoined the River Weaver further downstream. Passing though Vale Royal Locks to the junction of Pettypool Brook we then left the rivers behind and headed across open countryside. It was not long before the full group was reunited, and we continued along the side of Vale Royal Park then followed field tracks until we came to the lovely village of Davenham. From here we headed once again into open countryside, and having been warned of a very hazardous path through a bramble thicket several of the group decided to don extra layers to protect their bare legs. As can be seen from the photos the method of donning the extra layers was a very individual choice, much to the hilarity of the rest of the walkers. Alan appeared to be ready to wrestle the brambles donning what almost amounted to hazmat gear! Thankfully we navigated the obstacle unscathed, which is more than can be said for the next fence. Someone unfortunately lost his footing and having performed a very good pirouette landed in a hawthorn hedge and ripped his arm to shreds! Thankfully we had enough first aid supplies to patch him up, and continued on our way across fields and a couple of very steep hills, across two stiles before meeting the tributary of the River Dane and Gad Brook, before returning back to Northwich. A quick six mile car journey then took us to The Old Broken Cross pub where we enjoyed a hearty lunch and relaxed after our 10 mile yomp.
The next Ramble will be on Thursday 7th October and will be in the Darwin area, and will involve a considerable climb! Details to follow.