04/03/2011 - Martin and Simon do Re-Con for the night walk.....

While Mark and Lee were recovering from Saturday's effort, Veteran “Red Harrow”, Martin, and first reserve and support team member, Simon, undertook an impromptu reconnaissance walk on Sunday afternoon to survey the route of the first proposed Red Harrows night walk scheduled for March 14th along the Sandstone Trail between Frodsham and Delamere Forest.

Martin - master of all he surveys...Frodsham in this case

After a round-about route to the start line in Manley Common, the debate over whether to don the waterproofs or not was made for Simon by the sudden hail storm.

Martin, however, decided to stride forth with the minimum of gear - this was a back to basics hard-core trek without the backup of electronic witchery! A Paper map and a water bottle were all the support Martin needed! 

Setting off east up a muddy track we followed the Delamere Way and soon found ourselves skirting the edge of Delamere Forest before crossing farmland and avoiding the local livestock. A short section of road walking took us past Harrol Edge an down Dobbers Lane then more farmland tracks to the radio mast at Beacon Hill, making friends with the local wildlife along the way! 

The industrial side of Runcorn in the distance

The sheer cliffs of Frodsham Edge beckoned, but first we had to dodge the flying balls when crossing downwind, and down shot, of Frodsham Golf Course’s driving range! Passing the Belle Mount Hotel in Frodsham (looking a likely spot to begin, and end, the night walk from…) we continued through the wooded slopes of Frodsham Edge to the war memorial and magnificent views across Cheshire and the Mersey Estuary, including such highlights as Harrow Estates’ offices, Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, the M56 bridge across the River Weaver, the chemical works of Runcorn and in the distance the gleaming chimneys of Stanlow Oil Refinery……industrial Britain at its best and blessed with a certain majesty.

Martin was asked to look ‘intrepid’ for a photo – judge for yourself whether he succeeded or not!


Martin looking intrepid.

After a short water stop we continued and Simon noticed that Martin was leaking……unfortunately the top to Martin’s water bottle (old skool – no camelbaks here!) had come loose and filled the pocket of his jacket!

At least we know the fabric is waterproof, but the wet patch on Martin’s leg pointed to a small hole in the stitching!

The return leg of the walk picked up the Sandstone Trail and was initially a lot more downhill than expected. We must have been climbing significantly on the way to Frodsham without realising it. Passing the New Red Sandstone of the cliffs sparked Simon’s geological interest, and the dune cross bedding was particularly fine……! Alas the walk must continue and the sedimentary inspections must wait for another time. 

Stanlow Oil Refinery and the Mersey Estuary. Scenic!

Cutting back away from the cliffs the route took us through numerous gates, sparking a new game of ‘rate the gate’……yes the afternoon was dragging. The final leg was across more farmland and skirting the village of Manley before reaching the car back at Manley Common.

All-in we took 2hrs 50min and the total walk was about 15km and 240m of elevation change. Should easily be do-able for the night walk on the 14th!