Lancashire - Haskayne

We have popped over the border today into Lancashire.
The walk takes in part of the" Trans pennine Trail "and the "Leeds and Liverpool canal".
Our guide book tells us we can park at the Ship Inn ,but there is a notice advising "parking for patrons only " so we decide against this and find suitable parking in the village just a short drive further .
It is a very flat route , so lots can be seen for miles ahead.
We walk through the village and head for the signs "Cheshire Lines " we now know that this is so named because the railway used to run here and it is now part of the Trans Pennine Trail.It is a lovely sunny day and the route is just nicely busy with walkers and cyclists.
The trail eventually leads us towards the Leeds and Liverpool canal, there are lots of canal boats moored up but not many passing us .
   

             Half way through our walk we come across a beautiful ruin of St Catherine`s Chapel

                                Next to the chapel ruins is a oldie worldly pub " The Scotch Piper"

We always take a picnic with us on our walks as you can never be too sure that there will be places to get food and drinks , but today we finish our 8 mile walk with a welcome break at the "Ship Inn"

                                                We will definitely do this gentle walk again :)

Messing about by the river......

Messing about by the river .... the river Weaver that is.
We start our walk today along the river Weaver at Hartford near Northwich.We parked at a large lay-by and picnic area.
The first woodland sight we came across was a carpet of bluebells stretching out before us with the air full of the onion smell of wood anemones, it was so tranquil.

                                                                        Bluebells

                                                                    wood anemones

Even though the weather has been dry of late ,Honey still managed to find a lovely wet muddy patch :)

After walking through the woodland we eventually meet the river Weaver where we cross a bridge which narrow boats travel under whilst navigating the Weaver.

We met all the usual wild birds along our walk, Swans ,Moorhens, Ducks and fantastic scenery

                                                So , we have yet again found an amazing walk :)

Flight of Locks

Well the weather wasn`t that brilliant for a May time of year , but if we wait for perfect timing we would never do anything, so boots on and waterproof coats and off we go , the wet weather certainly doesn`t worry Honey ....
We love to walk along side the canals and rivers ,something very relaxing about it, so we are heading towards Nantwich and a village called Audlem.
We cruised the Four Counties circular canal route 2 years ago and there are a flight of 15 locks one after the other just by the Shroppie Fly and Bridge public houses ,it took two and a half hours to navigate on the canal boat ,and about fifteen minutes to walk today on the canal towpath.
We started our walk from the car park in the centre of Audlem and then followed public footpaths across fields and eventually met up with the Shropshire Union canal which we then headed back towards our starting point.
The walk was about five miles and took about two and a half hours at a leisurely pace.

                                                               Beautiful Audlem Church

                                                       Pretty old fashioned coffee shop :)

                                                        Bridge on the Shropshire  Union Canal

                                                    Looking up the Audlem flight of locks

                                                               Reaching the bottom

                     well earned drink for the boaters at the bottom in the Shroppie Fly public house :)

One dog went to Mow .....

One dog went to Mow ..... Mow Cop that is ..... :)
Our walk today took us to Congleton , parking the car at the National Trust property Little Morton Hall which is just fantastic.

                                                             Little Morton Hall

We left the car park and joined a public footpath which lead us to the Macclesfield Canal.

We left the canal tow path and joined a part of the "Gritstone Trail" which too us through the village of Mow Cop and up to the folly land mark.

The views were definitely worth the climb, you certainly could see most of the Cheshire planes land marks.

Spring has Sprung

Well we didn`t get for our afternoon walk today,so for the first time since the clocks went forward and the evenings are lengthening we headed out after tea :)

It was a feast for the senses , the heady perfume of the daffodils blowing in the evening breeze, rabbits bobbing and jumping chasing each other with spring frolics, the calls of the pheasants as they disappear into the hedgerow ... at last spring seems to have arrived :)

                                                       one exhausted Honey .... Bless :)

Booster Vaccination

Well we haven`t done many walks far from home over the past few months ,but since taking on my voluntary job of "Footpath Warden " in the area we live we have walked our public footpaths and bridleways often.
Well today whilst out walking we passed by Honey`s veterinary surgery and the lights were on , so wondering if it would be possible to make an appointment for Honey to have her booster vaccination next week we called in, and much too our surprise were told "take a seat we could do it now if you like " .Well it saves going back another day ,and we had means to be able to pay , so that is what we did :)
So Honey is OK for another twelve months......... :)

City Walks

Not all walks have to be in the country side .....
Today we did a lovely walk on the city walls of Chester :)
Sometimes in the winter months when the weather isn`t at it`s best, alternative walks which are a bit dryer under foot can be a great choice.

So we parked in the centre of Chester and immediately were on the Chester wall walk.
As you look down you are surrounded by beautiful black and white buildings

The highlight of the walk was having our photo taken under the clock which straddles the bridge over the main shopping area

Where ever you choose to look out across the city the views are fantastic, none more so than the magnificent Chester Cathedral

The canal winds it`s way through the city and is a great place for boaters to moor up and enjoy the delights of the pubs and restaurants

And finally the hustle and bustle of the race calendar draws the crowds into the city centre to the famous Chester Race Course