Gradbach, Lud's Church & Danebridge

 

 The LOTSW team were out for a jaunt around the Gradbach & Danebridge area - a 7.6 mile route taking in Lud's Church and the Ship Inn at Wincle (where a very pleasant lunch was taken). As it is harvest time there was a wonderful 'Harvest Loaf' on display at the pub.

The team consisted of Andrew, David, Neil & Tony W - Tony B was only there at lunch due to a knee injury and Julian had to drop out due to a poorly fridge and poorly child.

Lud's Church is formed within the thick bed of coarse sandstone known locally as the Roaches Grit. It is believed that the chasm was considered by early Pagans to be a sacred place most likely due to the phenomenon that occurs on midsummer's day where the sun's light penetrates deep into the chasm. Lud is a major Celtic deity associated with many parts of Britain. A number of climbing routes have been pioneered during the 20th century but this is now discouraged to protect the lower plants that have colonised the damp rock-faces.

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The next LOTSW event is planned for December to celebrate Andrew's 'big birthday'.

Thanks for a great day out - yet again we avoided the rain!

Neil

Errwood Reservoir & The Beehive Inn at Combs

A good turnout on yet another sunny (and windy) day saw the LOTSW group (Andrew, David, Neil, Tony & Tony) meet up for coffee/biscuits at Tony W's and then a short drive to Errwood Reservoir. The walk was 7 mile route with a couple of hills (luckily the wind was behind us on the way up the hills). Some good views and the rain stayed off and we arrived in good time at the Beehive Inn for a pint of Copper Dragon and good food (and yes, fish and chips was on the menu).

The walk after lunch (with a hill straight away) was a bit slower but we were rewarded with good views again.

The end of the walk was along the side of Fernilee Reservoir. We were back at the cars by about three and then enjoyed a cup of tea at Tony W's before saying goodbye.

The next LOTSW is planned for September 2011 (probably in Derbyshire again) and the the highlight of the year, Andrew's 60th bash, is planned for December.

The Wirral

The LOTSW group were down to a 'gang of 4' (NG/ARW/AJS/DM) for the walk on the Wirral devised by David. A complex car operation was executed (Tony's car left at Neil's house, Neil's car left at David's house ...) and we all met at the pub at 10.00 for the obligatory coffee before heading off. Once again we were lucky with the weather and managed to avoid any rain (it did rain slightly while we were having lunch).


We all had a very pleasant walk along country lanes, old disused railway lines, the coastline of the Dee (tide was out) - we hardly saw a soul on the beach. We did see a wonderful display of 'swarming' from some birds that we think may have been terns (answers on a postcard please). David provided us with endless nostalgic stories as the whole walk was on his old stomping ground (ask him about after the rugby matches).

The walk, as usual, was rounded off with a fine pint of ale and a bite to eat (and yes, fish and chips were on the menu).


The next walk has been suggested for end May 2011 and a 'Doodle Poll' will be sent out for possible dates.


Thanks to David for a great walk.

Andrew's Knob & Whiteley Green

The LOTSW group met near the old Cheshire Hunt pub for the first walk of 2011. As usual we were very lucky with the weather - cold and very sunny (Tony W and Andrew S glasses were dark most of the day).

Coffee and biscuits were provided by various members and so, fully nourished, we set off for the initial ascent of Andrew's Knob. There were several cries of "are we there yet" and "is it all uphill" but eventually the 'summit' (1145 feet above sea level) was reached with great views across to Kerridge Ridge and Alderley Edge.

We continued down towards Wood Lane marina and then along the canal to Whiteley Green where once again the world's haddock stocks were put under pressure by several team members.

A couple of beers, some strong coffee and an hour of 'putting the world to rights' soon passed and then we were back on our feet for the walk back to the starting point.

The next LOTSW walk will be in March/April time and 'hosted' by David - more details to follow when a date is finalised.

Alderley Edge and The Wizard

The November LOTSW walk started from Radnor car-park and took in the paths and trails around Alderley Edge. The day began with a strong cup of coffee and some very tasy biscuits thanks to Tony B.

For various reasons the team were depleted and attendees this time were Andrew, Neil, Tony B & Tony W. Hopefully the first 2011 LOTSW will be a full squad. After appalling weather the day before we were very lucky with calm and pleasant conditions - in fact  a perfect walking day!

The rain over the previous days had done wonders for the muddy sections and so Andrew "I have all the right kit" Smith was very smug and dry. The rest of us tip-toed around to avoid wet feet with limited success.

The Wizard did well and we had a good table by the fire - the food and beer were excellent (although fish and chips were absent from the menu).

Andrew, Tony W, Tony B & Neil

Tony W agreed to plan the next LOTSW which will be held in Jan/Feb 2011 - planning is already underway.

 

A very happy Christmas to all the Blog readers.

12th November .. next LOTSW Walk

The next walk will be on Friday 12th November starting at 10h00 from Radnor Car Park (AstraZeneca, Alderley Edge).

Coffee will be provided by Mr Baxter.


The route takes in various tracks and paths around the Edge and lunch will be at The Wizard.

More details from Mr Baxter

Wincle and Danebridge - Ship Inn

The September LOTSW walk was organised/funded by Julian & Andrew (although Julian and Neil did meet over an FEB* to discuss route options (*FEB = Full English Breakfast)).

The intrepid heroes met about 10h15 at the Ship Inn (Wincle) car park. We walked about 4 miles (including part of the Gritstone Trail - the attached map shows the area where we walked and the original walk plan .. we actually extended this slightly to arrive at the pub for 12h00).

Lunch was taken at the Ship Inn where fish and chips were consumed by Andrew, Julian, Tony & Tony. David did his best to reduce salmon stocks in the UK. Neil ate a traditional pie (who ate all the pies?).

And finally ... there is extra beer at the next event with the best entry for the 'Caption Competition' to the following picture ...