My companions on all but one of these walks on this page have included some or all of Brian, Mike, Alison, Lee and perhaps most important (I hope the others don't mind) Francis, usually the selector of routes, always the organiser of accommodation when necessary and an (almost) infallible map reader.
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| Francis and Alison in the Brecon Beacons, 2006 |
The Northern and Welsh walks referred to above were pre-blog (and many pre-digital camera), so this post covers:
The Stone Circle, The Cowpat Walks, The Annual Fish and Chip Walks, Miscellaneous Walks
but it starts with Francis' best idea...
The South West Odyssey (English Branch)
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| The South West Odyssey (English Branch) |
Walking three days a year for 12 years (2008-19) we walked a not entirely direct route from The Cardingmill Valley in the Long Mynd, Shropshire to the South Devon Coast.
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Post |
Date dd/mm/yy |
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23/05/08 |
A brief resumé of previous walks; Go West (Stafford to Barmouth on the Welsh Coast) Go North (Stafford to Hadrian's Wall) South West Odyssey (Welsh Branch) which left the 'Go West' route near Shrewsbury, headed south to the Long Mynd then west into Wales and across the Brecon Beacons National Park |
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1-3 |
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31/05/08 |
Day
1 Descend Cardingmill Valley. Cross Stretton Gap, over Caer Caradoc.
Longueville (beer at Longueville Arms). To Wenlock Edge then Brocton.
Overnight Much Wenlock. Day 2, Brocton to Skimblescott and Gt Oxenbold, and
Burwater (Beer at Boyne Arms). Disused railway and to Cleobury Mortimer. Day
3. Cross River Rea, meadows and skylarks past Clows Top. Enter
Worcestershire. Addersley Estate and clock tower, A443 to Great Whitley. |
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4-6 |
Great Whitley to Upton-on-Severn via the Malvern Ridge
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30/05/09 |
Day
4.Field paths to Woodbury Hill (view
of Malverns). To River Teme, Round Berrow Hill then back to Teme. On to
Knightwick and Alfrick. Day 5 Through Orchards to End Hill. Beauchamp
Fountain. Ascend Table Hill, descend to West Malvern. Climb Worcestershire
Beacon. along Ridge to Wyche Cutting. Day 6 Wyche Cutting then ridge to south
of Herefordshire Beacon. Descend west and cross Severn Valley to
Upton-on-Severn. |
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7-9 |
|
05/06/10 |
Cross
River Severn at Upton. Cross M6 and (Stratford) Avon to Eckington. Beer in
The Bell. Climb Bredon Hill. Descent to Conderton. Day 8 Conderton to
Beckford. Enter Gloucestershire. Over Alderton Hill then Langley Hill.
Descend to Winchcombe. Day 9. Winchcombe to Postlip Valley then up Cleeve
Hill. Long descent to Brockhampton (beer pause), then on to Sevenhampton and
Andoversford. |
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10 |
| 03/06/11 |
South
from Andoversford, through Thorndale. Skirt Withington and climb to
Withington Woods. Through the woods to disused airfield (model aircraft
fliers). Descend to Chedworth Church and The Three Tuns for a beer. Following
the Macmillan and then Monarch's Way. Through Conigree Wood to the River
Churn and turn left along it to Perrott's Brook. |
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11 |
Perrott's Brook to the Round Elm Crossroads
|
04/06/11 |
To
Bagendon, then past Daglingworth Quarry to Duntisbourne Rouse. Pinbury Park
to Sapperton and the Severn-Thames Canal, beer at the Daneway Inn, Oldhill
Woods to Eastcombe, into and out of the Toadsmoor Valley |
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12 |
Around Stroud on the Cotswold Scarp
|
05/06/11 |
Swift's
Hill across Slad Brook to Slad (Laurie Lee, Cider with Rosie), Juniper Hill,
Painswick Valley, Scottsquar Hill (orchids), Maitlands Wood to Harefield
Beacon (view over Severn Valley), Standish Woods, beer at The Vine, Randwick,
descend to Ryeford (Stroud). |
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13 |
|
07/06/12 |
Leave
Ryeford in the rain to Stanley Mills and Leonard Stanley. Cotswold Way to
Middleyard, climb through woods to Nympsfield Long Barrow. Uley Bury Hill
Fort, descend to Uley, Beer in the Old Crown, Climb into woods along Cotswold
scarp. Down Breakheart Hill to North Nibley |
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14 |
|
08/06/12 |
Tyndale
Monument, Across Nibley Knoll to Westridge Wood. Descend to
Wotton-under-Edge. Up Blackquarries Hill, down to Wortley then ro Alderley
and Hillsley (pub closed). Somerset Monument to Hawkesbury Upton, beer at the
Beaufort Arms. Back onto scarp, above Horton Court, descend to Little
Sodbury, field paths to Old Sodbury. |
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15 |
|
09/06/12 |
Old
Sodbury to Combe End, Across James (Vacuum cleaner) Dyson's Dodington Park to
Tormarton. Over M4 then Cotswold Way to Dyrham Park (National Trust). Across
flat land to Doynton, beer at the Cross House. Up and down Freezing Hill,
then Hanging Hill (Battle of Lansdown), across Lansdown Golf Course and
descend to North Stoke, briefly entering Somerset before finishing at
Swineford, back in Gloucestershire. |
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16 |
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04/05/13 |
Along
the (Bristol) Avon to Keynsham. Cross Avon at its confluence with the Chew
and re-enter Somerset. Follow the river, leaving it to climb through Park Copse
and descend to Woollard. Re-join river to pass Publow and then to Pensford.
Beer in the Rising Sun. Under Pensford Viaduct then continue by river. Leave
river to climb through Curl Wood and over Moorledge before descending to Chew
Lake. End at Bishop's Sutton beside lake. |
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17 |
|
05/05/13 |
Blagdon
and Rock of Ages. From Bishop's Sutton up Burledge Hill. A look at the
northern slopes of the Mendips, down to Hinton Blewitt, up Stoneyard Lane to
Wooten Hall. On to Monarch's Way and across flat top of Mendips. Across
Priddy Mineries then steep descent to Wookey Hole. Beer in the Wookey Inn.
Round Underwood quarry to Wells. The Cathedral and dinner in Crown Inn. |
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18 |
Wells to Glastonbury 'The Mountain Route'
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06/05/13 |
Leaving
Wells. Cross the River Sheppey, ascend Worminster Down, across grassy summit
and descend through woods. To North Wootton, ascend Pilton Hill then descend
on same side (?!) Through cider orchards and the Summerland Meadows to
Pennard Hill. Climb Hill with views over Glastonbury Festival Site. Along
ridge, descend to West Pennard, beer in the Sun Inn. On to Glastonbury, climb
Tor and descend into outskirts of town. Over Wearyall Hill and descend to
finish near Pomparles Bridge |
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19 |
|
03/05/14 |
Over
the River Brue, follow Old Ryne and field paths to Butleigh. Gentle climb
then descend Combe Hollow to Compton Dundon. Castlebrook Inn closed so no
beer. Round Compton Hill to Dundon and up Lollover Hill. View over Somerset
Levels. Descend and follow farm track to River Cary. Follow river to Pitney
Steart Bridge. Cross river and follow Underhill Lane then climb Culver Hill
to Pict Hill and follow Drove Road to Huish Episcopi. Walk beside River
Parrett to finish at Langport. |
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20 |
Along the Parrett and over the Tone
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04/05/14 |
Follow
River Parrett out of Langport above low-lying Aller Moor. Cross river and
Follow the East Deane Way over railway to Woodhill. Round Stoke St Gregory and
follow ridge to Moredon. Descent to North Curry, beer at the Bird in Hand,
road walking to Knapp then Bird Farm and descend to River Tone. Cross river
at Ham then cross Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Ascend to Creechwood
Terrace then over M5. Mike rescues a magpie on the way to B&B in West
Monkton |
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21 |
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05/05/14 & 21/09/14 |
I dropped out here with blisters. Most of the contemporary post was written by Francis. I added more when walking the stage later. |
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I
dropped out of 2014's final day with blisters and returned with Francis to do
the walk in September. The blogpost is an amalgam of the two days. West
Monkton then West Deane Way towards Hestercombe House. Gadd's Bottom to
Kingston St Mary then to Tetton House and Ball Lane to the top of Cothelstone
Hill. Descend to Twenty Acre Plantation then ascend Lydeard Hill. Descend to
West Bagborough. |
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22 |
|
08/04/15 |
Contouring
West Bagborough to Triscombe, Climb onto Quantock Ridge. Along the Ridge,
Descent to Vinny Combe and West Quantoxhead, beer at the Windmill Inn, field
paths to Williton, Steam Trains on the West Somerset Railway, field paths to
Watchet, the Ancient Mariner and the Spice Merchant. |
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23 |
Watchet,
Dunster and Dunkery Hill
|
09/04/15 |
From
Watchet along coastal path to Blue Anchor. Along seafront then shingle beach.
Turn inland along Sea Lane then Jubilee Path by stream to Dunster. Beer
accompanied by bells. Up Grabbist Hill to ridge with views of Minehead, Along
ridge to Wootton Common. Descend to Wootton Courtney. Minor road to Brockwell
then long, hard ascent of Dunkery Hill finishing at car park below the summit |
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24 |
|
10/04/15 |
Complete
ascent to Dunkery Beacon. Descend gently to path on edge of moorland then
sunken lane to Exford. Follow River Exe then Exe Valley Way round Southcott
Hill and ascend Road Hill. Onto Room Hill and follow steeply descending field
paths to Withypool. Cream tea by bridge over River Barle then home. |
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25 |
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12/04/16 |
Alison was unavailable this year, but made up the stages before the 2017 walk. |
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From
Withycombe, over Barle Bridge and onto the moor. Across moor past Tudball's
Splatts and Porchester Post. Cross Dane's Brook, entering Devon. Reassess route at White Post. Follow
minor road to Triss Combe, Descend Combe (Exmoor ponies). Leave Exmoor, field
paths to Molland. Beer at the London Inn. Climb from Molland, descend through
Bear Wood then ascend again. 4km of flat road walking then south on Two Moors
Way. Descend to Owlaborough, then to Knowstone, turn east to B&B at
Bowden Farm. |
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26 |
Knowstone
to Black Dog on the Two Moors Way
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13/04/16 |
Bowden
farm to Knowstone Inner Moor. I return to Bowden to reclaim my glasses while
others wait. Under A361 to Canworthy Common, then a pleasant green lane.
Minor roads on the Two Moors Way past Creacomber Cross, Crowdhole Cross,
Bradford Barton. Leave road at Bradford Mill and walk between the plantation
and the Little Dart. Through Yeo Copse to Witheridge, beer at The Mitre.
Steep up and down up to Washford Pyne. More ups and downs to Little Black
Dog, yet more to B&B at Lower Brownstone. |
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27 |
Morchard
Bishop to Copplestone
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14/04/16 |
Two
Moors way from Lower Brownstone to Morchard Bishop. South on more gentle
undulations then normal in Devon (some very muddy) to Shobroke Bridge on the ‘Tarka’
railway line. Follow railway cutting, cross Knathorne Brook and then via
Chaffcombe Manor to Copplestone. |
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25/04/17 & 26/02/18 |
I was injured in 2017. Most of the contemporary posts were written by Francis. I added more when walking the stages later. |
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With slightly different starting
point the routes crossed with our 2016 route after a km or two. To Clannaborough Barton then up and down to
ridge above Okehampton railway. Over railway p to ridge and 4km road walking
to Hittisleigh Barton. More up and own via day’s highest point (225m) then
down to Veet Mill Farm and long, steep ascent to finish |
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29 |
Drewsteignton
to Bennett's Cross
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26/04/17 & 03/11/18 |
I was injured in 2017. Most of the contemporary posts were
written by Francis. I added more when walking the stages later. |
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Descend
then climb to ridge below Castle Drogo. At end of ridge gentle descent to
River Teign. Follow river to Chagford Bridge then road walking to Teigncombe
and onto Dartmoor. Kestor Rocks. Long drag round Fenworthy Wood via Grey
Wethers Stone Circle to road by Bennet’s Cross. A pleasant walk in the sun in
April, a long drag into the teeth of a rain laden southern wind in November. |
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30 |
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27/04/17 & 04/11/18 |
I was injured in 2017. Most of the contemporary posts were
written by Francis. I added more when walking the stages later. |
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Another
warm, sunny April day, and a wet, miserable November day. From Bennet’s Cross
over Hookney Tor to Grimspound. To Natsworthy Manor then track to Jay’s Grave.
Between Hound’s Tor and Greator Rocks to Becka Brook. Over Black Hill to Car
Park on Trendlebere Down. Finish there in November, precipitous descent to
Lustleigh in April. |
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31 |
Southwest
Across the Moor from Lustleigh
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24/04/18 |
From Car Park on Trendlebere Down climb
Black Hill. Across moor (Dartmoor Ponies and long disused tramway) round
Haytor Rocks and Saddle Tor to B-road and Hemsworthy Gate. Give up on
Blackslade Mire in the mist, road walking then green lane west to Buckland in
the Moor. Descend on road to cross River Webburn at Buckland Bridge, near
confluence with the Dart. Follow Dart to New Bridge. Long climb to Holne, painful
descent to Scorriton. Further descent to River Mardle then long stiff climb
to road by Lud Gate. |
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32 |
| 15/04/18 |
Onto
Dartmoor at Lud Gate. Over Hickerton Hill and down to Western Wella Brook. Wheal
Vor tin mine, Cross Western Wella and continue up the (Devon) Avon. Cross
river on clapper bridge then over Western White Barrow and descend through
hailstorm to Redlake Tramway. Follow tramway to Ugborough Beacon, then round
Beacon and descend from moor through Wrangaton Golf Course. To Bittaford,
beer in the Horse and Groom. Descend to Lud Brook then up and over ridge to
Ugborough |
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33 |
|
26/04/18 |
Drive
from our B&B at the top of the hill down to Ugborough, then walk back up.
Descend into Modbury. Climb out of Modbury, roadwalking to Hunts Cross then
Seven Stones Cross. South towards Kington. Field paths round Kington then on
Renton Lane to Marwell and south to Ringmore in sight of the sea. Beer or
cake at the appropriately named Journey's End then the long trip home. |
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34 |
Around
the Avon Estuary to Hope Cove
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30/04/19 |
Slapton
Sands and Exercise Tiger. From Ringmore inland to Bigbury then down to Avon estuary
and tidal road to Aveton Gifford. East side of estuary, Siddicombe Creek and
Wood (wild garlic). Bantham and beer at Sloop Inn, to Bantham Creek then up
and over to Thirlstone. Along Thirlstone Sands then up and over the headland
to Hope. |
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35 |
|
01/05/19 |
Along
the cliffs from Bolt Tail. Birdwatching. Up and down at Soar Mill Cove. Turn
north avoiding Bolt Head, down to Starehole Bottom, up to Sharp Tor. Long
descent and road into Salcombe. Beer at the Ferry Inn, Ferry over Kingsbridge
Estuary, Portlemouth to Mill Bay then climb to Gara Rock. Rugged Coastal Path
via Pig's Nose, Ham Stone and Gammon Head. Final climb onto Prawle Point
(Most southerly point of Devon) and inland to car park. |
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36 |
Prawle
Point to Start Bay: The End
|
02/05/19 |
West
Just above the tide line and over Woodcombe Point. Coffee on Lannacombe
Beach, Up to Start Point, turn north along Start Bay. The Lost village of
Hallsands, then Beesands and Torpoint. Cream Tea, THE END |
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04/06/19 |
A
round up of the entire 660 km, 12-year journey |
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| Me, Francis, Alison, Mike & Brian, at start 2008 |
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| The same people at the end in 2019 |
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Clapper Bridge over the (Devon) Avon, Dartmoor, Day 32 (photo: Alison) |
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Along the Malvern Ridge, Day 6 |
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| A misty Quantocks morning, Day 22 |
The Stone Circle
More locally, before the blog we had walked the Staffordshire Way, then a circular walk on a 15 mile radius around Stafford, and the same round Swynnerton, after that came the 60km Stone Circle Challenge (around the town of Stone, not a megalithic monument).
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12/03/11 |
From Swynnerton, Millennium Topograph, north to Beach, across the M6, to Tittensor, over the Trent to Barlaston, Trent and Mersey Canal to Downs Bank, then up to Oulton, beer in the Wheatsheaf, up to Moddershall, through Idlerocks Defile to Stallington Heath and on to Fulford. |
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09/04/11 |
From Sandon south through farms and undulating fields and past Blackthorn blossom to Millwich. From Gayton we diverged from the official route to Weston (strangely signed paths) and beer at the Saracen’s Head. Back to the Trent & Mersey, then across the Trent to Salt and up to Hopton Heath. Gentle descent to minor road then steepish ascent to Sandford Bank. |
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21/05/11 |
From Sandon Bank field paths to Marston. Over the A34 and more field paths to Whitgreave and Isaac Walton’s House at Shallowford. 3km of road walking then through fields to bridges over the Meece Brook and the railway. More field paths to Yarnfield, beer in the Labour in Vain. Wooded path north from Yarnfield then across Swynnerton Park to our starting place back in March |
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A Deer on the skyline, Idlerocks |
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| Blackthorn covered in snowy-white blossom |
The Cowpat Walks
After the Stone Circle came a series of circular walk centred on points near or on the earlier wheels. They were supposed to work round clockwise from the south, but the progression became a touch ragged with time. Because of their shape and distribution these became known as the Cowpat Walks.
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1 |
|
05/11/11 |
From Little
Wenlock at foot of the Wrekin. Over Braggers Hill with view of the now
demolished power station. Descent to River Severn on replacement for
Telford’s Bridge. Road past Buildwas Abbey, left into wooded hills. Turn
north and cross farmland to Wyke and Benthall Edge. Descend across
scarp of the gorge to the river. Upstream to Ironbridge and across. Beer and
sandwich in The Tontine. Through Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale. Back into
country along the Rope Walk. Return to Little Wenlock. |
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2 |
| 28/01/12 |
From
Eccleshall Church round Village to Johnson Hall, then field paths to
Ellenhall. Gentle descent to A519, cross to Cash Lane and on to Copmere End.
Lunch at the Star. Round Cop Mere, Sugnall estate and along the edge of the
floodplain of the Sow. Eccleshall Castle. Over the Sow into Eccleshall,
water meadows back to the church. |
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3 |
|
10/03/12 |
Swynnerton
to Beach then to Hanchurch Hills. Descend for detour through the Trentham
Estate. Return to hills via Hanchurch pools. Along Hills and descend bridleway
and permissive path to the road into Whitmore. Lunch at the Mainwearing Arms.
Road walking to Shelton-under-Harley, then farm tracks to the Hatton Pumping
Station. Field paths back to Swynnerton. |
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4 |
Biddulph,
The Cloud and Rushton Spencer
|
12/05/12 |
Biddulph
Country Park to Mill House then west to Staffordshire Way on disused railway.
North into Cheshire and approach The Cloud from Cheshire side. Descend to Raven’s
Clough then to River Dane and disused railway to Rushton Spencer. Lunch in
The Knott Inn. West to the Chapel in the Wilderness, up past Oxhay Farm and
descend past Troughstone Farm back to Biddulph. |
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5 |
|
14/09/12 |
The
Hanging Gate to the Macclesfield Forest. Up onto Piggford Moor. Up and down
Shutlingsloe. Into Wildboarclough. The Valley of the River Dane. Back to the Hanging
Gate via Hammerton Farm |
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6 |
|
06/03/13 |
Fawfieldhead
to Hollinsclough via Shining Ford and Hardings Booth. Across Dove Valley
towards Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. Cross river. Up Hitters Hill to Earl
Sterndale. Back into valley. Lunch at the Packhorse, Crowdecote. Re-cross the
Dove and ascend to Edge Top. Across the Manifold Valley back to Fawfieldhead. |
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7 |
Scaling
the Mighty Weaver Hills
|
27/08/13 |
Up the
Weaver Hills from Wootton. Towards Wardlow Quarry. Main road to Hofton Cross,
Down to Cotton, Cotton College, St Wilfrids (Pugin) and some Catholic
history. Lunch at Ye Olde Star, Cotton, Wootton Deer Park. Into the grounds
of Wootton Lodge. More deer. Through “Woodlands back to Wootton |
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8 |
|
30/11/13 |
From
Mount Road, Leek, to the north end of the Mixon Morridge Anticline. Along the
ridge and descend to Onecote. Lunch in Jervis Arms. Obliquely back across the
flank of the ridge to Mount Road |
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9 |
|
09/09/15 |
Leave
Codsall on the Monarchs way. Right down Lime Kiln Lane behind the Chillington
Estate. Chillington Hall. Chillington Street. South to Codsall. Lunch at
Codsall Railway Station. Horsiculture. Husphins Bridge to Wood Hall Farm and
Pendrell Hall. |
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10 |
|
08/09/16 |
Up and
then along the Roaches. Escaped Wallabies. Back Forest. Lud's Church, Sir
Gawain & the Green Knight. River Dane. The Ship at Danebridge. Field
paths back to the Roaches. |
 |
| The Iron Bridge, Ironbridge |
 |
| Across Piggford Moor to Shutlingsloe |
 |
| The descent to Hollinsclough |
 |
| Descent to a nameless stream, nr Leek |
 |
| Along the Roaches Ridge |
The Annual Fish & Chip Walks
Instituted in the dim and distant past by three teachers seeking a breath of fresh air between the end of the Christmas term and the outbreak of hostilities festivities, the walk always takes place on Cannock Chase and includes a lunchtime stop for fish and chips. I started blogging them in 2010, which was definitely the Nth walk, and have done so every year since (except 2022 when there was no walk). Participants have changed but Francis had been on all of them until 2023 and Lee has missed only two of the thirteen blogged walks. Cannock Chase is not large, so there is much repetition in the routes, but there is something different to say every year.
|
Walk N |
20/12/10 7 Walkers |
Very cold day.
From Milford onto Heart of England Way to Katyn Memorial. Into and out
Sherbrook Valley. Coffee at Bird Feeding centre. Down Marquis to Hednesford
Road then up to car park on stile Cop. Drive to Longdon. Drive to Seven
Springs. Return to Milford via Abraham’s Valley. |
Swan with Two
Necks, Longdon | |
|
Walk N + 1 |
20/12/11 5 Walkers |
Coppice Hill Car
Park to Katyn Memorial then German Military cemetery. Across Brindley Heath.
Then to Marquis Drive. Down and Up to Stile Cop. Across road descend to Horsepasture
Pool and to car park in Upper Longdon. Drive to Longdon. Drive to Seven
Springs. Direct return to Coppice Hill via Stepping Stones |
Swan with Two
Necks, Longdon | |
|
Walk N + 2 |
22/12/12 |
Punch Bowl,
round Hart Hill to but not across the Stepping Stones. Up Sherbrook Valley.
Across the valley and up the |
Chetwynd Arms,
Brocton | |
|
Walk N + 3 |
11/01/14 |
Bad December
weather caused the walk to be postponed until January. From the ‘Sister Dora’
car park through The Cutting. Into the Sherbrook Valley, over Stepping Stone
towards Seven Springs. Up Abraham’s Valley. Left towards Rifle Range Corner
then to Katyn Memorial, Anson’s Bank etc to Chetwynd Arms. Round the back of
Brocton, Up to Coppice Hill then back down The Cutting to finish. |
Chetwynd Arms, Brocton | |
|
Walk N + 4 |
20/12/14 |
From Punch Bowl
to the Sherbrook. Up the Valley. Swing right from the top of the Valley to
the German and then Commonwealth cemeteries. Then to Katyn Memorial, Anson’s
bank etc to Chetwynd Arms. Round the back of Brocton, Up Tar Hill to Coppice
Hill to Mere Pool and back to Punch Bowl. |
Chetwynd Arms,
Brocton | |
|
Walk N + 5 |
12/12/15 |
From Cuttings
Car Park in the rain, through the Cutting and along edge of Sherbrook Valley
to the Glacial Boulder. Into the valley and up to Marquis Drive. Descend to
Fairoak Pools. Coffee in the rain. Over the Stony Brook stepping stones, down
to the Hednesford Road and up Miflins Valley to Stile Cop car park. Drive to
Upper Longdon. Drive to Seven Springs looking at mist and windscreen wipers. Decide
not to get out of the car. Nobody wanted an afternoon walk in this weather. |
Swan with Two Necks, Longdon | |
|
Walk N + 6 |
19/12/16 |
A very similar
route to last year from the Cuttings Car Park to Stile Cop, though involving
Rifle Range Corner rather than Marquis Drive as a route to Fairoak Pools.
With much pleasanter weather the afternoon walk from Seven Springs back to
the Cutting was accomplished before the sun set, |
Swan with Two Necks, Longdon | |
|
Walk N + 7 |
13/01/18 |
A second January
walk, his time because Francis had been in Australia in December. From the
Glacial Boulder car park across the Sherbrook Valley and to Marquis Drive by
way of Flint Corner. Own to the road, up to Stile Cop and over. Descend to
Horsepasture Pools then up to Upper Longdon. Return to Horsepasture Pools
then a somewhat off-piste wander to the Car Park on Stile Cop. |
Chetwynd Arms, Upper Longdon | |
|
Walk N + 8 |
15/12/18 |
From Chase Road
Corner Car Park a very similar route to Upper Longdon. A short afternoon
along the sunken lane north of the Chase, then field paths to the Stile Cop Cemetery and Lee’s car. |
Chetwynd Arms,
Upper Longdon | |
|
Walk N + 9 |
21/12/19 |
Cutting Car Park. Along top of Sherbrook Valley to Katyn Memorial. Down into valley. Back
along the brook to the Stepping Stone. Up to the Coppice Hill Car Park
crossing our original route. Past Freda’s Grave and into the Oldacre Valley
and down to Brocton. A long twisting morning’s walk before a late lunch. No
afternoon Walk. |
Chetwynd Arms, Brocton | |
|
Walk N + 10 |
18/12/20
|
The Cutting Car Park. Following the Tackeroo, Sparrowhawk. Down to the Sher Brook for coffee
break. Up to Rifle Range Corner. Along the ridge between Abraham’s Valley and
the Sherbrook Valley. Raven. Down Cherrytree Slade to Stepping Stones and
back to car park. Takeaway Fish & Chips from the Fitz in the evening. |
All Pubs Closed | |
|
Walk N + 11 |
18/12/21 6 Walkers |
The Cutting and into the Sherbrook Valley. The Stepping Stones. Remarkable Tussocks in the stream. Out of the Sherbrook and into the Oldacre Valley. Mosses & lichens. The Chase in WW 1. Brocton, Mere Valley, Mere Pool. Back to Brocton for a late lunch. |
Chetwynd Arms, Brocton | |
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Walk N + 12 |
12/12/23 6 Walkers |
Rifle Range Corner. The sad story of Francis, Along the rim, then into the Sherbrook Valley. Walk upstream, then turn back east, Flints Corner, Marquis Drive and off to Slitting Mill, The Mill and the watercourses. Lunch at the The Horns. Retrace steps then turn off towards Fairoak Pools, up Fairoak Lodge and back to Rifle Range Corner at sunset. |
The Horns, Slitting Mill |
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| Hoar frost, Cannock Chase, 2010 |
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| 2102 when paths became streams |
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| The Stepping Stones, Jan 2014 |
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| Fairoak Pool 2016 |
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| Freda's Grave, Cannock Chase, 2019 |
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| Socially distanced coffee, 2020 |
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| Lunch at The Horns, Slitting Mill 2023 |
Miscellaneous Walks
I have also blogged seven other walks which fit into none of the above categories - though mostly involving much the same people.
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The Long Mynd – A DIY Macmillan Mighty Hike
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02/07/21 with: Francis, Mike, Alison C, Anne S |
Preparations for
Peak District Macmillan Mighty Hike. Cancellation and DIY arrangements. Meet
at Carding Mill Valley, climb onto Long Mynd. Ponies, D of E Groups, Cross Britain
Way. Descend to Bridges for lunch. Shropshire Way beside Darnford Brook, climb
side of Ratlinghope Hill then to ridge of Betchcott Hills. Follow ridge,
steep descent to All Stretton |
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Up a Mountain Down Memory Lane, Taff’s Well, Pentyrch and Tongwynlais
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22/08/15 with: family |
A short circular
family walk through Lynne’s childhood a little north of Cardiff. From
Pentyrch up Mountain Road onto the Garth. Summit of the Garth and
return. Hugh Grant starred in the
‘Englishman who went up a Hill and Came down a Mountain’. The Garth is the
hill/mountain. Next day visit to Castell Coch. |
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25/06/15 with: Brian |
From A53 near
Flash to near source of the Dove. Follow river south through Hollinsclough,
Crowdecote and Pillsbury Castle to Hartington then through Beresford Dale and
end. |
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Aqualate Mere
and Norbury Junction
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01/01/12 with: Mike |
Sutton – Forton
- Mereton. Past Eastern end of Aqualate Mere. Along mere on the outside of
the esker. To Guild of Monks (?!) Beside Humesford Brook, then to Shropshire
Union Canal and Norbury Junction for Lunch. Norbury Manor, Norbury via a
Little of the A519. To Oulton and back to Sutton. |
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20/08/11 with: Brian |
Devil’s Bridge
Kirkby Lonsdale to High Biggins. Field paths then moorland to Hutton Roof.
Climb onto Hutton roof Crags and follow path round northern edge. Descend to
cross Holme Park Fell to Holme Park Farm, thence to Holme. Field paths to
Pye’s Bridge Lane, to lunch at the King’s Arm’s by A6. Climb Hale Fell, to
Slack Head, Whin Scar and Fairy Steps. To Hazelslack and across Arnside Moss
to pick up by level crossing. |
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A Republican
Ramble Round Ramshaw Rocks
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30/04/11 with: Brian, Lee, Francis |
Escaping the
Royal wedding in the Peak District. From Car park at foot of Roaches, climb
Roaches, traverse ridge, descend. Along Black Brook behind Roaches. Gib Tor.
To A53 and The Winking Man for lunch. Climb to Ramshaw Rocks along ridge
descend via gap between Hen Cloud and the Roaches. |
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17/10/10 and 04/12/10 |
The very first
walk on this blog, a two-day journey, the first in autumn sunshine, the
second in snow from Francis’ home in Baswich to mine in Swynnerton. Day 1,
Baswich, Staffs & Worcs canal, county showground, Hopton Pool, Sandon
Estate, Milwich. Day 2 Milwich-Hilderstone- Stone-towards Yarnfield and
across the Swynnerton Estate. |
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| Ascent onto the Long Mynd |
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| On the Garth |
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| Hartington in summer |
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| Norbury Junction |
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| The Ramshaw Rocks |
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| The Staffs and Worcs Canal |
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