Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Dag Griffiths Distance: 12 miles
The first part of today’s walk is on a section of the 34 mile long Sandstone Trail which links Frodsham and Whitchurch. Our section begins close to Higher Burwardsley from where we head south through the Peckforton Hills gaining some height at Bulkeley Hill before reaching the highest point of the Sandstone Trail, Rawhead 227m (746ft). Weather permitting, from the trail we should get good views over the Cheshire countryside to North Wales on one side and to the Peak District to the east. We leave the trail just south of Chiflik Farm and make our way to Beeston and it’s castle via the village of Bulkeley on a combination of paths, fields, and lanes past the other side of the Peckforton Hills from where we should catch a glimpse of Jodrell Bank. As we near Beeston we skirt Peckforton Mere with more good views of Peckforton Castle (a 19th century fake!) and Beeston Castle (early 13th century). At Beeston Castle we rejoin the Sandstone Trail and head south back to Higher Burwardsley. Although there is no great height in this walk, the ground underfoot can be quite heavy going and tiring in places.
Moderate Leader: Sue Daniels Distance: 8.2 miles
Peckforton and Bulkeley Hills. From the Cheshire Workshops the route takes a narrow lane past the Pheasant Inn (where we will hopefully be able to sample a drink or two at the end of the walk) before heading along field tracks towards Peckforton Castle and on to Beeston Moss. We then take a short walk on more lanes heading towards Higher Burwardsley. We follow more field paths and then climb over one of the gaps in the hill to a high level route reaching the top of Bulkeley Hill with goods views as far as the Shropshire Hills. We then carry on down more lanes and tracks and head back towards the workshops.
Leisurely Leader: Derek Lee Distance : 7 miles
We start with a loop round wooded Bulkeley Hill, rewarded with fine views from the top after a 300 ft climb. Then a long descent to the bottom of the hill on field paths and roads, and on to Beeston village and castle before climbing back 350 ft through the woods on the Sandstone Trail to the Candle Factory.
Easy Leader: Bernie Platts & Denise Holden Distance: 5 miles
The route we are taking is the Rawhead Circular Walk and is approx. 5 miles, which will include some of the Sandstone Trail. There will be some climbing, but it is worth it for the spectacular views of the Cheshire Plains. It was quite muddy when we did the reccy, but hopefully if won’t be as bad today.