Forest Footprints – Sunday May 10th

18 miles – easy. Walk

Leader – John Bullen, deputising for Norman Thomas

The first thing to say on this particular walk is “we must put it on again!” It is excellent and we couldn’t have asked for better weather nor better company. Originally this was Norman ’s walk but sadly he got himself double booked so John stood in. Well he can feel proud of putting this walk forward for the programme. We knew the numbers would be low with Norman ’s sponsored walk on the same day and an intrepid little party off doing the Furness Way . As it was at the stroke of nine we had but four of us – Barbara Shelton, Ann Oliver, Bob James and John Bullen. However as we set off we discovered Paul Allen and John Watson in the other railway car park. “Forest Footprints” is a walk of contrasts with a bracing opening stretch along the River Weaver (much in use on Sunday by canoeists and oarsmen), into the Cheshire countryside and the lovely village of Kingsley, across to the maze that is Delamere Forest and finishing with the breathtaking walk back to Frodsham along the Sandstone Trail. Hundreds of people were about in Delamere Forest cheering on all the plucky ladies who were raising money in the “Race for Life” appeal. An afternoon treat for us at Manley Common was a pot of tea, scones and jam for four, apple pie and ice cream for two at the superb Whendies Café, much recommended for any of you who fancy a little trip into Cheshire . Of course the finale was a pint in the rather impressive Bear’s Paw!

Watch out for this walk being put on again and don’t be put off by it being in Frodsham. We were all there in less than an hour.

John Bullen

Mine’s a Double – Tuesday May 12th – first evening stroll of the summer

5 miles starting at Over Hulton Conservative Club.

34 people plus numerous dogs!!!

It was a rather windy evening but with plenty of sunshine. The title of the walk came from there being two mining concerns on the route – the modern day Cutacre opencast mine just off the A6 and a touching memorial to the Pretoria pit disaster of 1910 which is at the end of Broadway off Newbrook Road . We traipsed from Salford Road along the new footpaths to Breeze Hill Road , across to Broadway and, again on new laid footpaths, alongside Hag Fold towards North Road , turning right just before up through farmer’s fields to Manchester Road at Chequerbent. It was so good to see so many new faces on the walk and everyone appeared to enjoy it, especially those who stayed for a pint in the Conservative Club.

(I’m told that a lady and gentleman had to drop out of the walk very early on. If anyone can shed any light on this and let me know if they are OK I would appreciate it – John Bullen 01942 874719)