BROKEN CROSS WALKERS Macclesfield

BROKEN CROSS WALKERS Macclesfield

A Summary of our walks in 2017

Last updated 15/01/2018

Walk No	Date	Area	Walk details	Weather	Miles	Ft Ascent	Walkers
154	02/01/17	Cheshire	Macclesfield Forest and Forest Chapel	Sunny	7	1162	16
155	15/01/17	Cheshire	Prestbury and Mottram Hall	Rain	6	394	6
156	29/01/17	Cheshire	Redesmere and Capesthorn Hall	Overcast	8	451	9
157	12/02/17	Cheshire	Danebridge and Hamerton Knowle	Snow showers, cold wind	5	899	5
158	12/03/17	Cheshire	Higher Hurdsfield and Rainow.	Sunny periods	6	1224	14
159	26/03/17	Peak District	Monsal Head and Millers Dale	Sunny	6	1562	15
160	09/04/17	Cheshire	Danebridge and Gradbach	Sunny periods	9	1841	16
161	23/04/17	Cheshire	Lindow Common and Styal Mill	Sunny periods	8	693	5
162	07/05/17	Cheshire	Prestbury and Butley Town	Sunny periods	7	439	15
163	04/06/17	Cheshire	Disley and Marple Ridge	Sunny periods & showers	7	758	12
164	18/06/17	Cheshire	Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley	Sunny	7		8
165	02/07/17	Cheshire	Shakerley Mere and Lower Peover	Sunny periods	7	139	8
166	16/07/17	Cheshire	Rainow Scarecrow Walk from Bollington	Sunny periods	7	1520	7
167	13/08/17	Cheshire	Over Peover, Ollerton Hall and Peover Hall	Sunny periods	7	106	11
168	27/08/17	Cheshire	Whaley Bridge and Whaley Moor	Sunny periods	7	879	12
169	10/09/17	Cheshire	Adlington and Wood Lanes	Overcast	7	313	5
170	24/09/17	Peak District	Whaley Bridge and Taxal	Sunny periods	7	665	5
171	08/10/17	Peak District	Ashford in the Water and Monsal Head	Sunny periods	7	1125	11
172	22/10/17	Cheshire	Ashley, Mobberley and the HS2	Drizzle at first then overcast	8	442	3
173	19/11/17	Cheshire	Rainow and Lamaload	Sunny periods	7		7
174	17/12/17	Peak District	Castleton and Hope with Broken Cross Walkers	Mostly drizzle	8	770	3
175	31/12/17	Cheshire	Macclesfield Forest and Forest Chapel	Sunny periods	7	1308	10

Walk 154 - 02/01/17 Macclesfield Forest and Forest Chapel with Broken Cross Walkers

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Macclesfield Forest and Forest Chapel with Broken Cross Walkers	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Leathers Smithy, Langley	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Leathers Smithy, Nessit Hill - Standing Stone - Forest Chapel - Charity Lane - Leathers Smithy

Sixteen of us set off from Leathers Smithy, Langley on a lovely sunny day. We walked around Ridgegate Reservoir and then up through the forest to Nessit Hill where we stopped for a coffee break. Fine views across Macclesfield and the Cheshire Plain. We continued along the track to Standing Stone and then along the lane to Forest Chapel where we stopped for lunch. Afterwards the walk up an icy Charity Lane caused a few problems and then it was into the forest and down the track and out onto the lane which took us back to the Leathers Smithy. Our group consisted of Kati, Pat G, Dave G, Wendy, Hans, Ruth, Ray, Rob, Alec, Christine J, Maureen, Derek, Karen, Alison, Christine and myself. An enjoyable walk on a nice sunny day.

On Nessit Hill on our first walk of 2017, from the left myself, Pat G, Dave G, Alec, Christine A, Ray, Alison, Derek, Maureen, Christine J, Ruth, Wendy, Hans, Kati, Karen and Derek

Following the track through Macclesfield Forest

Looking out from the Forest over Langley

Shutlingsloe in the distance

Walk 155 - 15/01/17 Prestbury and Mottram Hall with Broken Cross Walkers

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Prestbury and Mottram Hall with Broken Cross Walkers	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Prestbury	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Rain	Distance	5.80 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Prestbury -Bollin Valley Way - Mottram Hall - Hunters Pool - Legh Hall - Spittle House - Prestbury

Six of us set off from Prestbury on a rather wet day, we followed the Bollin Valley Way north as far as Mottram Hall and then across the fields to Hunters Pool and Legh Hall. The rain showed no signs of easing off so we shortened the walk by returning back across the fields to Spittle House and then back into Prestbury. Thanks to Christine, Kati, Maureen, Derek and Chris R for joining me on this rather wet day.

The River Bollin was rather swollen with all the recent rain

We are on the Bollin Valley Way

Walk 156 - 29/01/17 Redesmere and Capesthorne Hall with Broken Cross Walkers

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Redesmere and Capesthorne Hall with Broken Cross Walkers	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Redesmere	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Overcast	Distance	7.92 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Redesmere - Heskey Moss Wood - Northwood Farm - Siddington - Capesthorne - Redesmere

Nine of us set off from Redesmere across the fields to Henshaw Farm and then through Heskey Wood to Moss Wood. Next it was through Northwood Farm and across the A34 and then north through Siddington to Capesthorne Hall, once past the hall we crossed the A34 again and walked alongside Redesmere and back to the car park.. Our group consisted of myself David, Christine, Kati, Hans, Ray, Sue P, Chris R and Maureen and Derek. Special thanks to Maureen and Derek for leading us on this delightful walk which we managed to complete before the rain arrived.

One of the many stiles on the fields near Capesthorne

A muddy track through Heskey Wood

In the grounds of Capesthorne Hall

Walk 157 - 12/02/17 Dane Bridge and Wild Boar Inn

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Dane Bridge and Wild Boar Inn	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Dane Bridge	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Snow showers, cold wind and the occasional blue sky	Distance	5 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Danebridge - Allmeadows - Hammerton Knowle Farm - Wild Boar Inn - Hamerton Farm - Danebridge

Five hardy walkers set off from Danebridge and headed across the fields towards Allmeadows. There was a bitter wind and light snow blowing off the fields giving an unreal situation of snow flurries and blue skies. After Allmeadows we followed the lane and headed up to Hammerston Knowle Farm. At this point on the windswept hillside we decided to head back by a shorter route and once we had passed the Wild Boar Inn we followed the track across to Hammerton Farm at Wincle and then back across the fields and down to Danebridge. Even the Fish Farm was closed due to the conditions.

Thanks to Christine. Kati, Maureen and Derek for joining me on this windblown expedition.

Heading for Allmeadows, blowing snow in the air not visible on the photo

Sheep above us on the hillside

A sheltered wood

An early lunch in a sheltered spot near Allmeadows

Walk 158 - 12/03/17 Higher Hurdsfield and Rainow

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Higher Hurdsfield and Rainow	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Higher Hurdsfield	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	6 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Higher Hurdsfield - Cliff Hill - Marsh Farm - Brink Farm - Walker Barn - Gulshaw Hollow - Tower Hill - Kerridge End - Higher Hurdsfield

Fourteen of us set off from Higher Hurdsfield and walked across Cliff Hill and up to Marsh Farm, after crossing the fields we followed the lane up to Buxton Road and then a rather muddy path took us past the forest and onto firmer ground. A pleasant track took us along the hillside through Brink Farm and down to Walker Barn. Across the road another track took us down to Gulshaw Hollow where we stopped for lunch in a sunny and sheltered spot. The track took us towards Rainow and we crossed the road near Tower Hill and across onto Kerridge Hill with more mud to negotiate. We eventually arrived at Kerridge End and an easy walk took us along the road and back to our start point at Higher Hurdsfield. Thanks to Christine, Kati, Pat G, Dave G, Maureen, Derek, Sue P, Ros, Sheila, Chris R, Wendy, Hans, and Chris J for joining me on this walk. My apologies for the mud.

Heading along the trackway towards Brink Farm

Great views over to White Nancy

Lunch break in Gulshaw Hollow

Walk 159 - 26/03/17 Monsal Head and Millers Dale

Area	Peak District	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Monsal Head and Millers Dale	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Ravenstor near Litton Mill	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny	Distance	6 miles
Map	OS White Peak OL24	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route Ravenstor - Litton Mill - Cressbrook Mill - Monsal Head - Monsal Trail - Ravenstor.

Fifteen of us set off on a nice sunny day from the roadside parking area beneath Ravenstor, we passed through Litton Mill and down the path alongside the River Wye. After several muddy and flooded parts we arrived at Cressbrook Mill and then followed the lane alongside the river and up to Monsal Head where we stopped for lunch. Afterwards we descended down to the Monsal Trail and walked across the Viaduct and followed the Trail as far as the first tunnel where we took to the hillside path which climbs high above the river. Some great views down to the river below with several tricky parts which required careful walking on the steep hillside. Once back on the Trail we followed this for several miles and then descended down across the river and back to the cars along the lane. Thanks to Christine, Anita, Kati, Doreen, Ray, Maureen, Derek, Ros, Mike, Alec, Christine J, Chris R, Wendy and Alan for joining me on this walk

Looking down on the Monsal Viaduct

Looking down on Litton Mill

One of the tricky parts where the river had flooded the path

The hillside path high above the river

Walk 160 - 09/04/17 Danebridge and Gradbach

Area	Cheshire/ Staffordshire	Walking time	4 hours	Average speed
Walk	Danebridge and Gradbach	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Danebridge	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	8.50 miles
Map	OS White Peak OL24	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route Danebridge - Gradbach - Heild End Farm - Blaze Farm - Allmeadows - Wincle - Danebridge

Sixteen of us set off from Danebridge and followed the Dane Valley Way to Gradbach, we climbed up out of the valley and across the Moor to Heild End Farm. Once across the A54 we descended into Wildboarclough calling into Blaze Farm for Ice Creams. Then it was along the lane past Allmeadows and back through Wincle to Danebridge. The walk ended with refreshments at Wincle Brewery and some of us purchased some trout from Daanebridge Fisheries. A longer walk than planned and thanks to Christine, Kati, Anita, Doreen, Carol, Pat G, Maureen, Derek, Wendy, Hans, Ros, Mike, Sheila, Chris R and Ray for joining me on this walk.

River Dane near Gradbach

River Dane at Danebridge

Some of our group as we set off after lunch

Walk 161 - 23/04/17 Lindow Moss and Styal Woods

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3½ hours	Average speed
Walk	Lindow Moss and Styal Woods	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Car Park Lindow Common	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periuods	Distance	7.95 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route Lindow Common - North Cheshire Way - Styal Woods - The Carrs - Lindow Common

Five of us set off from the car park and headed across Lindow Moss and onto the North Cheshire Way which we followed alongside the Airport Runway, after a bit of plane spotting we continued on along the path and through Styal Woods where we stopped for lunch by the River Bollin, the bluebells were out and there were some great views in the woods. Afterwards we continued along the North Cheshire Way to Styal Mill where we stopped for ice creams and then it was along the path to the Carrs and back up the lane to the car park. Thanks to Christine, Anita, Rob and Carolyn for joining me on this walk.

The massive tunnel carrying the River Bollin under the Manchester Airport Runway. The roadway can be used for emergency vehicles to access both side of the runway.

Bluebells in Styal Woods

A pool on Lindow Moss

The River Bollin in Styal Woods

Walk 162 - 07/05/17 Prestbury and Butley Town

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Prestbury and Butley Town	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Riverside Park Beech Lane Macclesfield	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Riverside Park - Bollin Valley Way - Prestbury - Butley Town - Dumbah Hollow - Middlewood Way - Riverside Park

Fifteen of us set off from the Riverside Park in Macclesfield, we followed the Bollin Valley Way to Prestbury and after passing through the village we followed the lane out of the village for a short and then it was across to Butley Town using the field paths, after lunch we carried on through some charming areas that we had not visited before then it was along Dumbah Hollow and onto the Middlewood Way and back to Macclesfield. Thanks to Anita, Doreen, Wendy, Chris R, Pat, Dave, Sue P, Alan, Sheila, Margeret, Ray, Maureen, Derek, and Susanna for joining me on this walk.

The bluebells are out

Walk 163 - 04/06/17 Disley and Marple Ridge

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3½ hours	Average speed
Walk	Disley and Marple Ridge	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Disley	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	785 ft
Weather	Sunny periods and showers	Distance	7 miles
Map	OS Dark Peak OL1	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Disley - Ladybrook Interest Trail - Macclesfield Canal - Windlehurst Hall - Marple Ridge - Peak Forest Canal - Disley

Twelve of us set off from Disley along the edge of Lyme Park to Elmerhurst Cottage and then down to the Ladybrook Interest Trail where a heavy shower forced us to take shelter, once that was past the weather brightened and we had good weather fore the rest of the walk. After walkingh along the trail we came to the Macclesfield Canal and then it was along the towpath to Windlehurst Hall where we stopped for lunch. Then it was across the fields and after losing the path we emerged onto Marple Ridge with some great views all around. We descended down the track to the Peak Forest Canal and then headed south east along the towpath back to Disley. An interesting walk and many thanks to Christine, Carol, Alec, Christine J, Maureen, Derek, Chris R, Sue P, Alan, Wendy and Ray for joining me on this walk

Our group on the Canal Bridge. Thanks to Chris Ratcliffe for the photo.

Walking past Windlehurst Hall

On the Macclesfield Canal Towpath

Walk 164 18/06/17 - Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	The Wizard, Alderley Edge	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Wizard - Finlow Hill - Haymans Farm - Hocker Lane - Jaymans Farm - Painters Eye - Yarwoods Farm - Nether Alderley Church - Wizard

Eight of us set off from the Wizard along the lane towards Finlow Hill and then using field paths we passed Haymans Farm and along Hocker Lane and past Jaymans farm and Painters Eye. After crossing the A34 we passed Yarwoods Farm and Heawood Farm and then to the beautiful St Marys Church at Nether Alderley. Our route then took us up Bradford Lane and back to the Wizard. Maureen, Derek, Wendy, Christine, Chris R, Anita and Pat G were on the walk and special thanks to Maureen and Derek for leading this excellent walk.

St Marys Church Nether Alderley

Walk 165 - 02/07/17 Shakerley Mere and Lower Peover with Broken Cross Walkers

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Shakerley Mere & Lower Peover with Broken Cross Walkers	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Shakerley Mere	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	139 ft
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map		Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Shakerley Mere - Hulme Farm - Lower Peover - Fox Covert - Dams Lane - Shakerley Mere

Eight of us set off from Shakerley Mere and after walking alongside the Mere headed up Hulme Hall Lane and then across the fields to Hulme Hall Farm and then onward to Lower Peover where we stopped for lunch in the Churchyard of St Oswalds Church which has a history dating back to 1269. Afterwards we headed south across the fields past and eventually onto Dams Lane and then back to the Mere where we enjoyed a refreshing ice cream. Many thanks to Christine, Carol, Ray, Wendy, Alan, Sue and Chris R for joining me on this walk.

The path around Shakerley Mere

Shakerley Mere

Lower Peover Church

Walk 166 -16/07/17 Rainow Scarecrow Walk from Bollington

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	4 hours	Average speed
Walk	Rainow Scarecrow Walk from Bollington	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Bollington	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	1520 ft
Weather	Sunny	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Bollington - Berristall Hall - Harrop Fold Farm - Rainowlow - Rainow - Kerridge Hill - White Nancy - Bollington

Seven of us set off from Bollington and followed the lane to the Gritstone Trail which we followed to Berristall Hall, a hillside path then took us along the valley side to Further Harrop Farm and then field paths took us across to a hillside track near Billinge Hill where we stopped for lunch. Afterwards we followed the path through Rainowlow into Rainow where we spent some time admiring the various Scarecrows in the Festival. The theme this year was occupations and there were many amusing Scarecrows. After we had viewed a considerable number we set off across the valley and climbed the very steep path up onto Kerridge Hill ridge and then it was along the ridge pausing to examine White Nancy in its new livery of the Manchester Bee which was in memory of the people who lost their lives in the recent Manchester bombing. A steep descent took us down through the woods and then across the fields and back into Bollington. Many thanks to Christine, Wendy, Chris R, Karen, Ray and Andrew for joining me on this walk

A blacksmith at work

"While shepherds watch there flock by night" and day as well

The Manchester Bee on White Nancy

A bench with a view, looking across to Billinge Hill

I like the snorkel and the wellie's

Heading towards Kerridge Hill, it's a steep climb up.

White Nancy

Walk 167 - 13/08/17 Over Peover , Ollerton Hall and Peover Hall

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3½ hours	Average speed
Walk	Over Peover , Ollerton Hall & Peover Hall	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Radbrooke Hall Layby A50	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map		Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Radbrooke Hall - Ollerton Hall - Bowden Bank Farm - Peover Hall - Radbrook Hall

Eleven of us set off from Radbrooke Hall and followed the tracks and field paths across to Ollerton Hall, after a coffee stop we carried on down the lane and past Bowden Bank Farm and then along the track where we stopped for lunch. Afterwards we took the field paths across to the beautiful Peover Hall, A Grade II listed Elizabethan family house dating from 1585. We then carried on along the track to the excellent Whipping Stocks Inn where we stopped for more refreshments before carrying on along the road back to the start. Thanks to Christine, Carol, Pat, Maureen, Derek, Ray, Chris R, Jo C, Mike and Ros for joining me on this lovely flat walk.

Information on Wikipedia about Peover Hall

Peover Hall

Walk 168 - 27/08/17 Whaley Bridge and Whaley Moor

Area	Derbyshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Whaley Bridge and Whaley Moor	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Whaley Bridge	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	879 ft
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	Ordnance Survey OS OL1 Dark Peak area	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Whaley Bridge - Toddbrook Reservoir - Cliff - Moorside - Redmoor Farm - Furness Vale - Peak Forest Canal - Whaley Bridge

Twelve of us set off from Whaley Bridge and followed the lane up past Toddbrook Reservoir and then field tracks and paths took us up the hillside past Cliff until we reached the high point of the walk which was the old Moorside Hotel. Lunch was taken on the hillside with some great views over to the west with Manchester on our right and keen eyed ones amongst us managed to spot the Liverpool Cathedral on the skyline. After lunch we followed the field paths and tracks past Redmoor Farm and then down to Furness Vale where we joined the Peak Forest Canal for the walk back to Whaley Bridge. Thanks to Christine, Anita, Wendy, Chris J, Alec, Ray, Chris R, Alison, Ian, Karen and Kati for joining me on this walk.

Great views on this walk

Walk 169- 10/09/17 Adlington and Wood Lanes

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Adlington and Wood Lanes	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Adlington	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Adlington - Hope Green Hope Lane - Wood Lane - Macclesfield Canal - Bartons Clouigh - Harrop Green Farm - Adlington

Five of us set off from Adlington across the fields and past the Golf Centre to Hope Green. We crossed the main road and followed the tracks and paths across to the Macclesfield Canal where we stopped for lunch. Afterewards we followed the canal southwards and then through Bartons Clough and Harrop Green Farm and back to the start at Adlington. Thanks to Christine, Kati, Chris R and Anita for joining me on this walk.

Heading towards the canal

Walk 170 - 24/09/17 Peak District Whaley Bridge and Taxal

Area	Peak District	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Peak District Whaley Bridge and Taxal	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Whaley bridge	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	1125 ft
Weather	Overcast	Distance	6.65 miles
Map	OS The Peak District OL24	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S7 phone
Route - Whaley Bridge - Taxal - Midshires Way - Goyt Valley - Shallcross Wood - Whaley Bridge

Five of us set off from Whaley Bridge through the park and across the fields to Taxal we arrived at Taxal Church and then followed the Midshires Way along the hillside and eventually down to the dam at the end of Fernilee Reservoir. Once across the dam we followed the track down to the River Goyt stopping for lunch on the hillside. Afterwards we continued along the riverside path through Shallcross Woods and back into Whaley Bridge. Many thanks to Christine, Pat G, Kati and Chris R for joining me on this walk.

Walking alongside the River Goyt

Fernilee Reservoir

Autumn is here

Walk 171 - 08/10/17 Ashford in the Water and Maonsal Head

Area	Peak District	Walking time	4 hours	Average speed
Walk	Ashford in the Water and Monsal Head	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Ashford in the Water	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	1654 ft
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	OS White Peak OL24	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S4 phone
Route - Ashford - Monsal Head - Monsal Dale - White Lodge - Great Shacklow Wood - Ashford

Eleven of us set off from Ashford in the Water and followed the paths and tracks across to Monsal Head where we stopped for coffee, we then descended down to the Monsal Viaduct and then down to the River Wye. We then walked along Monsal Dale to White Lodge where we stopped for our lunch. Afterwards we walked through the magnificent Great Shacklow Wood and back alongside the River Wye and into Ashford in the Water. Tea and cakes were then enjoyed in the Cafe before we set off back for home. Thanks to Christine, Kati, Anita, Maureen, Derek, Ray, Wendy, Susanna, Chris R and Hans for joining me on this walk.

Walking through Great Shacklow Wood

In Monsal Dale with the Monsal Viaduct behind

The River Wye at Ashford in the Water

Walk 172 - 22/10/17 - Ashley, Mobberley and the HS2

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3½ hours	Average speed
Walk	Ashley, Mobberley & the HS2	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Ashley	Altitude loss		Altitude gain	442 ft
Weather	Overcast, drizzle	Distance	8 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S4 phone
Route - Ashley - Arden House - Kell House Farm - Breach House Farm - Castle Hill Farm - Bollin Valley Way - Hale Golf Club - Tanyard Farm - Ashley

Just three of us braved the elements today but the the weather turned out to be reasonably OK with just the occasional drizzle with an overcast sky. We started off from the village and after passing the Church we headed alongside the cricket pitch and across to Arden House. Further on we passed Birtley Farm and Kell House Farm and then through New Mills and Mobberley where we stopped at the excellent Cafe Barnshaw Smithy on Pepper Street Mobberley for lunch. Afterwards we passed Castle Hill Farm and then down to the River Bollin at the point where HS2 high speed line will cross the river. The Bollin Valley Way then took us across Hale Golf Club and then we crossed the river and followed the lane back into Ashley. Thanks to Chris R and Hans for joining me on this rather damp day

Chris and Hans standing where the HS2 viaduct will be placed

Barnshaw Smithy

The cows were curious

The River Bollin at the HS2 crossing point

Walk 173 - 19/11/17 - Lamaload and Rainow

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 Hours	Average speed
Walk	Lamaload and Rainow	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Rainow	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S4 phone
Route - A circular route from Rainow and passing Lamaload Reservoir

A group of our walkers set off from Rainow on a pleasant walk around Lamaload Reservoir and back to Rainow. Many thanks to Ray for leading this walk.

Walk 174 - 17/12/17 Castleton and Hope from Treak Cliff Cavern

Area	Peak District	Walking time	3 Hours	Average speed
Walk	Castleton and Hope from Treak Cliff Cavern	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Treak Cliff Cavern near Castleton	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Drizzle most of the walk	Distance	8 miles
Map		Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S4 phone
Route - Treak Cliff - Odin Mine - Knowlegate Farm - Dunscar Farm - Losehill Hall - Spring House Farm - Killhill Bridge - Hope - Castleton - Treak Cliff

Just three of us braved forecasted poor weather as we donned our waterproofs and set off from the roadside near Treak Cliff Cavern. Once on the move we hardly noticed the drizzle and we passed the Odin Mine and then across the fields past Knowlegate Farm and Dunscar Farm and then tracks and lanes took us past Losehill Hall and Spring Bank Farm. A brief spell of dry weather and a glimpse of sunshine enabled us to have a coffee stop with good views across the valley. Then it was onward to Killhill Bridge and then along the riverside path where we encountered a large group of 19 walkers from the Wirral. We carried to Hope where we stopped for lunch in the porch of Hope Church. Afterwards we followed the riverside path back to Castleton. Tea and scones were enjoyed in the Cafe and then it was back up the lane to our cars at the Treak Cliff Cavern. Many thanks to Kati and Chris R for joining me on this walk which despite the weather we all enjoyed.

Walk 175 - 31/12/17 Macclesfield Forest and Forest Chapel

Area	Cheshire	Walking time	3 hours	Average speed
Walk	Macclesfield Forest and Forest Chapel	Minimum altitude		Maximum altitude
Start from	Langley	Altitude loss		Altitude gain
Weather	Sunny periods	Distance	7 miles
Map	Explorer 268	Information from Viewranger app on my Samsung S4 phone
Route Leathers Smithy - Ridgegate Reservoir - Nessit Hill - Ferriser - Forest Chapel - Macclesfield Forest - Leathers Smithy

This was the last walk of the year for Broken Cross Walkers and ten of us set off from Leathers Smithy near Langley after eventually finding parking places which proved to be rather more difficult than expected. We walked round the Ridgegate Reservoir and then after crossing the lane we entered the main forest and walked up to Nessit Hill where we stopped for coffee with some great views across the Cheshire Plain and over the Airport to Manchester and beyond. We then followed the track through the forest passing the derelict Ferriser Farm and onward to the Standing Stones Car Park. We then followed the lane for about ½mile to Forest Chapel where we stopped for lunch. A lovely place originally constructed in 1673. Afterwards we walked up Charity Lane, an ancient pack horse route and then into the forest and along the track which eventually brought us down to lane close to our start at the Leathers Smithy. Many thanks to everyone who came along on our last walk of the year. They were. David, Christine, Kati, Carolyn, Susanna, Maureen, Derek, Rob, Alec and Christine.

Macclesfield_Forest on Wikipedia

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