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16 of us set off from Maghull today and made the very short journey to the outskirts of Leigh where we started  our walk around Pennington Flash Country Park. This 200 hectare country park is located between Leigh and Lowton in Greater Manchester, but we could have been miles away from the urban conurbations. The 70 hectare lake at the centre of the park was formed as a result of mining subsidence and flooding. This has now created a haven for wildlife and is known as one of the UK’s premier sites for bird watching, which might be of interest to the bird watching group. There are many bird hides located throughout the park, which apparently attract over 6000 birdwatchers annually. Continue reading →

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Seven members of the walking group set out today to do the last long walk of the year. Led by Dave Cadwallader we joined the Wirral Way at Hooton to walk the full length back to West Kirby, detailed to be 12 miles although in fact was nearer to 13!. Starting off in drizzly rain we concentrated on keeping our footing on the muddy paths, an indication that after the glorious summer, the weather has turned distinctly autumnal. Although the route is a well known path for walkers, cyclists and dog walkers, apart from the seven of us there were very few people in evidence today, especially at the early part of the walk.
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10 of us set out this morning to undertake a 6.5 mile hike ( according to Phil) in the village of Mow Cop. This is an isolated village which straddles the Cheshire–Staffordshire border, and is divided between the North West and West Midlands regions of England. Atop the hill is a folly, which was the subject of a bitter dispute between two rival land owners several hundred years ago. From the NT car park we followed part of the Gritstone trail, and sampled some of the finest walking in Cheshire. Had it been a clear day we would have had stunning views in all directions from the gritstone ridges abutting the Cheshire plain. Sadly the heat haze obscured many distant landmarks but we were able to see the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank very clearly. Continue reading →

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14 members of the walking group, and Shelby the dog, set off from Chester Station to begin a walk around the Duke of Westminster’s Estate. Walking along the ancient city walls, and along the edge of the Shropshire Union canal, we approached the Roodee, the site of Chester  Racecourse. Just a short stride from here we walked into the tree lined paths of the Dukes Estate and enjoyed a little welcome relief from the hot June sun. Continue reading →

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13 members of the walking group had a great walk today, completing 10.5 miles along the banks of the Cheshire canal, the Weaver Navigation and the Trent and Mersey Canal. Setting off from the Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich we walked along canal banks and across meadows and were lucky as it was an ideal day for walking.

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21 members of the walking group set off from St Michaels station this morning in beautiful Spring sunshine. Given the awful weather over the last few days we were delighted to see the clear blue sky and feel warm sunshine giving us a welcome dose of vitamin D. During the course of the walk the layers came off, with many of the group finishing the walk in short sleeves! Following the path from the station we walked up the very cosmopolitan Lark Lane with its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, and made our way to Princes Park.  Continue reading →

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12 members of the walking group took on the challenge of “the beast from the East” and tackled a 7 mile walk from Maghull to Aughton today.Using the canal paths and byways, the first part of the walk was actually quite pleasant, walking alongside the Leeds Liverpool Canal, watching skating ducks and enjoying the brief glimpses of weak sunlight. Leaving the canal we headed across open farmland in Lydiate when the wind really started to blow. Continue reading →

The next walk will take place on Thursday 1st March. The short walk has been changed slightly because of the conditions underfoot. The walk will still be 5 miles but will now be a walk in the Ormskirk area, rather than Aughton. Please meet at Ormskirk railway station at 10am. Suggested transport is 9:40 bus from Maghull Square or 9:45 train from Maghull. Lunch can be taken at the Royal Oak pub, Aughton after the walk.

The long walk will be approx. 7 miles. Those wanting to do the longer route meet at Maghull Square at 9:30 . We will walk along the canal to the Weld Blundell in Lydiate. Anyone wishing to join the walk there should be at this point at 10am.  (The 31 bus leaves opposite the Square at 9:40). We will walk onwards over Clieves Hill and will end at the Royal Oak in Aughton for an optional meal. Both walks may be muddy so please wear appropriate footwear. Also due to the predicted low temperatures next week wear plenty of layers and walkers may wish to bring a flask for a warm drink enroute.