One of the views from the Hunter's Hill Quarry Nature Reserve.
One of the many Buttercup meadows seen on the walk today.
A delightful little valley with masses of Bluebells on both sides of the stream.
Two of the Mallard ducklings seen on the Leeds - Liverpool Canal.
A section of the River Douglas.
The final crossing of the Leeds - Liverpool Canal.
The small waterfall in the Fairy Glen.
Walk stats: Distance: 14.2 miles. Climb: 800'.
Time: 7 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Celia.
This was a perfect day for walking, blue skies plenty of warm sunshine and only the occasional breeze. In fact it could have been a one shirt, one hanky day, but as usual I did change my shirt for lunch!
This walk was the last of our Bluebell wood walks, and the route today didn't disappoint. It seemed as though we were accompanied by Bluebells on most of the walk, along the hedgerows as well as in the woods that we went through. There were plenty of other flowers too that were in bloom. These included: Gorse, Creeping buttercup, Meadow buttercup, Dandelion, Lesser stitchwort, Greater stitchwort, Red campion, Common mouse ear, Wood anemone, Garlic mustard, Wood sorrel, Herb robert, White dead nettle, Field forget me not, Greater plantain and Daisy.
There were quite a few butterflies flitting around to, but most didn't stay still long enough to photograph or identify. However they include: Peacock, Small white, Large white, Orange tip and Meadow brown.
Chiffchaff and Willow warblers were singing on many areas on the walk, but today we didn't see any birds of prey. Birds seen or heard today included: Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Common blackbird, Greenfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Mallard, Grey heron, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Grey heron, Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Herring gull. Jackdaw, Carrion crow, House sparrow, Oystercatcher, Barn swallow, Common swift, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, Black-billed magpie, European robin and Lapwing.
The sections around the canal and in the Fairy Glen were very popular, but it's good to see people, especially family groups enjoying the countryside, even if it means that it isn't as quiet and peaceful as we would like it to be.
The walk ended up a little longer than expected as Mike decided that he would like to explore the area around Anderton Mill, rather than taking the shorter route westward around Harrock Hil to Lower Barn. The last couple of miles along the minor roads was done at pace as we were nearly in danger of having the car locked in at the Hunter's Hill Nature Reserve, but thankfully we got back with twenty minutes to spare!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Netherton Hall in Frodsham, where Lees MPA bitter and Drayman's Promise both went down well to quench the thirst of two leg-weary walkers!
Overall a superb walk, and one that will be repeated, with one or two minor changes!
Overall a superb walk, and one that will be repeated, with one or two minor changes!
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