walks We like going for walks together at Whitley WI. Here are a few of our recent ones: Marbury Country Park and Anderton Boat Lift The walk started in the Marbury Country Park car park, off Marbury Lane near Anderton. We took the path past the rangers' hut and followed the signs for 'The Mere' and 'Big Wood'. Through the woods to the Trent and Mersey Canal, continuing along the path until reaching a lane, turning left leading to a bridge over the canal. Crossing the bridge we went down onto the towpath towards the Anderton Boatlift. At the boatlift we crossed the canal over the footbridge, left onto Old Road, then left onto New Road, first turning on the right up a grassy path, then over various stiles across fields to Cogshall Lane. We take the path on the right passing through Kennel Wood, crossing a footbridge over the Cogshall Brook, then up to the Marbury Road. Turning right we make our way back to the car park where we started.It was a bit muddy in places but nevertheless the walk was enjoyed by the four of us Weather - Cool, Distance - 3 ½ miles Enjoyable lunch at the Spinner and Bergomot Delamere Forest - Blakemere Trail. The walk started at Linmere Lodge following the red waymarkers, passing the Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure course then following the path down to the Blakemere Moss, a wetland, the largest of any sites in Delamere forest. Ice on the water and frost on the trees make a remarkable sight with Pam, Carol and Jean The River Weaver at Frodsham Bridge From Frodsham Bridge, the walk takes you beside the River Weaver before turning inland across field paths to join a cross-country lane which gradually climbs to the hamlet of Bradley. A gentle descent back to the bridge is along paths and tracks - from where there are long views across the Weaver valley. Weather - sunny, distance - 4 ¼ miles Crossing Frodsham Bridge we turned left to cross a tarmac drive then straight ahead to a gate through a small spinney. The path runs parallel with the river, which is 20 yards away, over to the left. Emerging from the trees the path is closer to the waters edge. We continue along the path passing a redundant lock on the way. We eventually turn away from the riverside along paths through fields and make our way to Bradley. We arrived at a Lane and turned right and carried on along it passing the entrance to the Catton Hall Shooting Ground. On the way we came across some Llama's in a field popping their heads over the hedge. They became centre of attraction for a short while! We all decided it was a lovely walk - good company - good weather. Lunch at the Bears Paw in Frodsham was enjoyed by all Delamere Forest Circular This walk takes you past three meres (lakes), one of which (Flaxmere) is so far through its natural development that there is rarely any water visible. The walk takes you out of the forest and across farmland with views towards the forest. Weather - dry, distance approx 4 miles time allowed 2 hours This was a lovely walk taking in forest, fields and plenty of water birds to see on Blakemere Lunch at The Carriers Inn - Very nice must go again Wigg Island Community Park Situated on the southern banks of the River Mersey several hundred metres east of Runcorn-Widnes Jubilee bridge, affording stunning views across the Upper Mersey estuary. Weather - Rainy - Distance approx 1 ¾ miles time allowed 1 hour. Lovely walk with plenty of observation points across the estuary. Ducks and swans in the water along the canal spur (former Runcorn-Latchford Canal). Several picnic areas around the park. Lunch at The Brindley - very nice Moore Nature Reserve Nature reserve situated between the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. Weather - Cool but dry - Distance approx 4 miles time allowed 2 hours. This was my first walk in charge as leader taking over from Sarah. Lunch at Red Lion in Moore Tatton Park Tatton Park on a cold but lovely sunny day. 13 of us walked (led by Rita Carter), probably around 5 miles and afterwards we went to the Antrobus Arms for lunch. The day was greatly enjoyed by us all. Dunham Massey Park We went walking in Dunham Massey Park today (11 of us) led by Pam Straw and Jean Leicester. After rain storms in the morning, our walk was blessed by sunshine and it wasn't too cold, even saw the deer on the way round. Had very tasty food in the restaurant after the walk to end off the trip.

Llamas in Frodsham Delamere Forest Tatton Park Dunham Massey