8 members of the rambling group took an 8.5 mile ramble along the Sandstone trail In Cheshire yesterday. Starting from Coppermines Lane where there are still remnants of the old copper works, we walked past the strangely named Chiflik farm part of the huge Bolesworth estate and having negotiated a very precarious and steep set of uneven stone steps we came upon an area named Muskets Hole. Treading very carefully around the edge, as the cliff face to the side of us led to a sheer drop we reached Raw Head, the highest point on the Sandstone trail. At 745 feet high we should have had a great view across the Cheshire Plains from the trig point. Sadly for us the trees have now grown to such a height that nothing is visible apart from the green canopy.
The Sandstone Trail is a 34 mile route from Frodsham to Whitchurch, and along the portion of the route we took the huge sandstone slabs were visible as either rock formations or slabs paving the way underfoot. The screen of trees along the route meant that glimpses of open countryside were few and far between but we were treated to acres of green pasture in between the shade of the trees. From Raw Hill we walked along a mixture of roads, fields and quiet lanes towards Burwardsley village. Rather than taking the circular route back to our start we extended the walk down Pennsylvania Lane and past the Pheasant inn. As the day was sunny and relatively warm, diners were taking advantage of the glimpse of summer and were dining al fresco in the pretty courtyard. Regrettably it was a sandwich lunch for us which we took in an adjoining field where the grass was lush and very comfortable! Suitable fed and watered we continued across lovely green meadows on land belonging to the Peckforton estate passing Outlanes farm, Pennsylvania cottage, and Oak Cottage, all of which bore the distinctive livery of the Peckforton Estate. Even though we were relatively near, Peckforton castle was not to be seen, although we did manage a vey fleeting glimpse of Beeston Castle on a distant hilltop. Picking up the waymarked Sandstone trail again we continued through the woods in the direction of Higher Burwardsley where we encountered a very large herd of very curious young cows who decide we were worth a look. Our marked footpath would have taken us through the field but thankfully there was an alternative route just to the side, separated from the cows by an electric fence so we opted for that route instead! This took us through another veritable jungle of brambles, weeds and grass which had been a regular feature on the walk although many of the highest and thickest were dealt a hefty blow by Ann wielding her secateurs! Of course no ramble would live up to its name without the inevitable mud which meant that once again boot cleaning would be a necessity once home. Passing the now derelict Cheshire workshops, once a great place to try your hand at candle making, we continued along the quiet lanes to reach Bulkeley Hill and having walked along the sandstone outcrop returned down Coppermines Lane and back to our start point. Muddy boots changed we took a quick drive to the Bickerton arms for a welcome drink in the beer garden before leaving Cheshire behind and heading for home. So another lovely ramble completed, fresh air, picturesque countryside, and of course great company with a group of firm friends. Thanks to Ann and Peter for leading the walk .