25/03/2012 Training Walk #9 - Sandstone, Castles and a Rope Swing?

One of the many sandstone outcrops on the trail

We had agreed to meet up at the Pheasant Inn at Burwardsley at 8.30am. This prompted an early start given that Mark and Lee were a good 50minutes away and with the clocks going forward this perhaps wasn't the best of ideas. Given the weather forecast, we had decided it was definitely shorts weather though we were somewhat taken aback to see the car's thermometer read 4 degrees as we drove through Nantwich.
 
Amazingly we all managed to get to the pub on time though sadly they weren't open yet so we'd have to go training instead.


Our first hill of the day was Willow Hill though it probably ranks at 'molehill' compared to some we've been up recently. Descending and crossing a field full of cows (yes, these had udders - we checked) and passing a house with several ferocious sounding dogs, we started the gradual ascent to the top of Raw Head part of Bickerton Hill.

Lee and Martin looking imposing at Raw Head

This was a relatively gentle gradient to the summit which having touched the trig point noted the sign which informed us that at 227m, this is the highest point on the Sandstone Trail - useful to know given this trail will feature heavily in our training.

As we continued along the top and onto the gradual descent we noted the steep sided gorge disappearing away to our right and ideas of a night walk up here were soon put to bed.

Leslie Wheeldon's wife Kitty

We were soon ascending Bickerton Hill (Part 2), an area of land acquired for the National Trust with the help of funding from a Mr. Leslie Wheeldon in memory of his wife Kitty so that everyone could enjoy it.The stone has poems written about her on each side. Quite something.

A view of Raw Head from Bickerton Hill

Descending the hill we passed a point marked 'Mad Allen's Hole'. Unfortunately there was no sign of 'Mad Allen' or his 'Hole' so we pressed on towards Park Wood, another molehill before crossing back on our 'figure of eight' and ascending Bulkeley Hill which is a bit more than a molehill.

The Old Tramway

As we reached the top of Bulkeley Hill there were a lot more people about enjoying the views and one of the points of interest is the old tramway. On top of Bulkeley Hill is a covered reservoir used to store water abstracted from the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer. 

Apparently the old tramway dates back to before the Second World War and it was used to carry construction materials for the reservoir and the 27 inch aqueduct linking it to Audley. 

Lads the GPS definitely says this way

The old tramway now seems to be used as a makeshift set of steps for ambitious runners. Rising 100m over a 250m length with the last section rising 60m over 90m it clearly would present a challenge to any nutcase wishing to attempt it. It was at this point that Lee decided this tramway would feature in a future training walk. Its always nice when he shares his ideas - even if they are going to inevitably result in pain. 

Pleased with himself, Lee decided to enjoy a nearby rope swing after the team joined in with other passers by, traversing a fallen tree - well we are supposed to be having fun after all.

After the brief respite we descended the hill and crossed through the Peckforton estate and then skirted Peckforton Castle a beautiful and popular wedding venue which has re-opened following a devastating fire caused by disgruntled groom. Not the best way to start your marriage with a 6 year prison sentence.

Beeston Castle

Continuing round the edge of Peckforton Castle, the stunning hilltop of Beeston Castle came into view.

The castle is looked after by English Heritage and no doubt will form part of a future training walk.

A quick hill climb later and we dropped down to the Pheasant and the waiting pint of liquid refreshment.

The stats for this training walk are here.