All posts by Gillian

Trip reports

CHESTER – SATURDAY HIKERS WALK – FRODSHAM TO DELAMERE

The Hikers group followed the Sandstone way starting from the bustling town of Frodsham. We were soon climbing above the town wending our way up a dry path making the ascent easier. We paused at the war memorial at the top where the views over the Mersey Estuary were spectacular. Much of this section of the Sandstone way meanders around outcrops of sandstone through birch and oak woodland. We followed the waymarks along the edge of the hill pausing to look for the lettering carved into the rocks many thought to have been written by Edwardian women. The path dropped into Jacobs Ladder, a steep staircase carved into the rock. Today there is a much safer route down Baker’s dozen named after Jack Baker who was instrumental in devising the trail. The trail followed the edge of the woodland on Alvanley Cliff. Several quarries are nearby, including one which produced particularly fine sandstone used to rebuild Chester Castle and Eaton Hall. After a short walk along the road, we stopped for lunch at Stonebridge Farm. The food was delicious and very good value with picnic benches set out in the field for our use. We now entered the Delamere Forest, a remnant of the ancient hunting forest of Mara and Mondrum used for hunting by the Earls of Chester and later the King. We reached the visitors centre where a number of hikers stopped for further refreshments whilst the others made their way to  Delamere train station. We finished our day feeling very fortunate in enjoying such a varied walk in glorious sunshine.

Hilary (photos by Ida and Stuart)

Trip reports

CHESTER WEEKEND – FRIDAY – ARRIVAL AND CITY WALK

Twenty one Polys travelled to Chester from London to join the 20 who had preceded them on Thursday. After settling into the accommodation at Chester University and visiting the nearby Aldi for provisions, we met up for the tour of the city. We were able to admire the ancient walls built by the Romans and later fortified by the Saxons to defend the city. We passed numerous black and white timbered buildings dating back to medieval times and other more recent ones built during the Victorian Revival period. The Rows which are covered walkways above the shops, unique to Chester, were fascinating. We commented on the quirky mixture of buildings from different eras. We ascended onto a small section of the walls where 3 members tested the legend running up and down the Wishing Steps holding their breath while expressing a wish.

After strolling along the Groves by the River Dee we passed the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre which was the largest in Britain. We finished our walk at the Information Centre from where we could see the Victorian Gothic Town Hall and the Cathedral with its heavily restored Victorian exterior. We then dispersed in groups to find somewhere for dinner before returning to our rooms.

Susan (photos by Stuart)

 

Walk reports

JOHN RAY WALK – BRAINTREE TO WITHAM ESSEX – 21 AUGUST

John Ray played a significant role in the field of botany, and he is now widely regarded as the father of British Natural History. The John Ray Walk was devised to celebrate his life and achievements and passes through the Brain Valley, the birthplace and home of John Ray. After meandering through Braintree’s new housing estates and leaving the noise of the busy A120, we crossed newly harvested fields and reached the church of St Peter and St Paul in Black Notley where John Ray is buried. Continue reading JOHN RAY WALK – BRAINTREE TO WITHAM ESSEX – 21 AUGUST →

Walk reports

HITCHIN OUTER LOOP – 22 AUGUST

A small band of sisters and one brother met on Sunday – gathering at Hitchin library which is more or less where this walk starts. The ‘HOOP’, seemingly named after a 70s rock band, is apparently part of a group of walks, including the ‘STOOP’ (around Stevenage) and the ‘LOOP’ (around Luton). As it was my first attempt at co- leading a walk perhaps it was a good thing it was a small and forgiving group of veterans. The weather was pretty good for walking on the whole although sharp but heavy showers along the way resulted in much putting on and taking off of macs and the occasional waterproof trousers. Walking from the library out into the countryside in unremarkable suburbia, it is a relief to suddenly find the road opens up into a wide panorama over the the Chiltern hills, where Hitchin stands on the edge. Our emergence into open fields was punctuated by an overhead buzzard which it turns out are fairly common in the Chilterns along with the red kites. We made our way from here through open meadows – no breathtaking views but very still and peaceful – we met few others apart from occasional dog walkers. Continue reading HITCHIN OUTER LOOP – 22 AUGUST →

Walk reports

WIMBLEDON to RICHMOND (LINEAR): 14 AUGUST

Twenty one Polyramblers arrived at Wimbledon Park Station despite the problems on several tube lines. After a short walk up hill we were in Wimbledon Park and went past a water feature in the children’s play area and past the pond. There were lots of ducks and geese here.

After leaving the park we walked through a residential area on our way to Wimbledon Common. Jennifer and I had seen a friendly lady when we did the recce and we were again greeted by the same lady, Farida. She was originally  from Indonesia, a winner of several gold and silver medals and now based in UK. She was keen to find out more about the Polyramblers and we hope to see her on a walk.

At the end of Queensmere Road, we crossed the road in to Wimbledon Common.  We walked along a  pleasant path through trees leading to open space and on to the Windmill. Here many  Polyramblers took advantage of the café and toilets. Sandra peeled off here.

After a little detour, Jennifer and I were able to lead the group to Richmond Park. As it was a nice sunny day  the park was busy. We saw two large groups of deer. We had picnic at Pen Ponds with several ducks. After, that we made our way to Petersham Gate after taking in the views from Pembroke Lodge.

We made our way to Richmond Station along the river. Many thanks to everyone for making it a great day

Sunita  (photos by Ida and Gillian)