Walks Restarting - Manchester and Salford Ramblers
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MANCHESTER AND Manchester and Salford
SALFORD Local Group
(M & S Ramblers)
Newsletter and Walks
No 49 March 2021
Walks Restarting
If the road map stays on track we will be able to restart group walks from Monday 12th April. For updates check website
Campaigns and Consultations
Consultations: We have responded to two recent consultations on development frameworks for North Manchester
Health Campus and Ardwick Green. In both cases we supported better provision for walking and also pointed out that the
Manchester Green Trail was a feature of both areas. We also followed up our previous submission to the Chorlton
Walking and Cycle route consultation. Full details are on our web site, just select Campaigns in the News drop down
menu. Or follow this link.
Manchester is also now at the second stage of the consultation on the Northern & Eastern
Gateway walking and cycling route. We made a detailed submission to the first stage, follow this
link for that, and will be following up this stage with further comments. Click here for details of
the consultation.
Salford City Council is consulting on the latest version of its local plan and we have supported the
City Council’s approach to protecting green spaces, recreational routes and have called for stronger
protection of rights of way from the development of industrial and sporting facilities.
Our Rivers, Our City: Manchester City Council has launched a project to develop a long-term
vision and set of actions to re-energise the City’s main river valleys– the Irk, the Medlock
and the Mersey. We have made a submission to the initial survey and participate in a number
of workshops, stressing our interest in greater public access to the river banks. There will be a
further consultation on draft Action Plans, probably in May.
Further information on the stakeholder engagement report and a summary are available on
the Our Rivers Our City Website.
Work is underway: on a number of projects that we
are interested in. Initial clearance is now well
underway for Mayfield Park and drone footage has
shown great new views of the River Medlock. In
Salford work has begun on the Swinton Greenway that
will provide an attractive, safe and direct route between Swinton and Monton.
Elections: It has been confirmed that, despite the uncertainties about the
pandemic, there will be local Government elections on 5 May this year. That means
that will be an election for the Greater Manchester Mayor and elections for local
councillors in Manchester and Salford. The Area will be coordinating work around
the Mayoral elections to raise issues of concern to Ramblers and with support from
Ramblers nationally, we will shortly be circulating information to members on
getting involved in the local campaigns. Alan Manning.
1
Carers Walks with Stepping Out -Volunteers needed. Carers who have mainly been even more limited than most by the
Coronavirus restrictions over the last year are desperate to get out walking again. We have been awarded a GM Mental
Wellbeing Grant for walks up to June. This with other funds from a national Stepping Out fundraiser and some we have
left from previous years should mean we can run walks up until autumn once group walks can restart. For the first few
walks we will hold separate ones for Manchester, Salford and Bury carers groups in their local areas. Hopefully by June
we can have joint ones starting with a special day out to Dunham Massey. We have a good team of regular volunteers but
could do with a few more. If you are interested please contact me for more information. Margaret Manning.
After the November lockdown we managed to squeeze in one last carers walk in December. We had a wander round
Manchester City Centre to view the beautiful Christmas lights and some of the 50 Windows of Creativity. On the way
round Mags gave interesting information about some of the many lovely historic buildings in the city centre. Much
appreciated. Some of the carers would not see many others over the festive season, so it was timely to be able to have a
socially distanced walk, a lovely hot chocolate and a chat.
Walking Elsewhere. The Cleveland Way Part One
Quite a few years ago we decided to try to walk the Cleveland Way in a series of day walks and weekend trips. We set off
in late spring and with the help of the Moors Bus service got to the market town of Helmsley, in the southern part of the
North Yorks Moors to walk the first section to the impressive escarpment of Sutton Bank on the very western edge of the
moors. It was however two years before we got round to continuing the walk! But we completed the rest of the Way in
four weekends and a day walk spread over just four months. In this first of two articles I describe the first half of our walk.
The second stage took us up the western edge of the moors, in hazy sunshine and with fine views across Lake Gormire
and the Vale of York. We heard the call of the curlew and the song of the larks above the moorland as we finally dropped
down into the little village of Osmotherley to spend the night at the Hostel.
The next day started wet and stayed that way as we set out to tackle the magnificent
Cleveland Hills. These form the northern escarpment of the North York Moors
National Park and we were in and out of cloud as we traversed the route. The final
section is impressive as we clambered up through the sandstone blocks which form
the Wainstones and over the open moorland of Hasty Bank. We dropped down to the
road over Clay Bank and waited for a bus that would take us to Middlesbrough for the
train back to Manchester.
We returned a few weeks later and drove up to Clay Bank to start a weekend’s walking. It was a little overcast but dry and
we could see across the vale the conical hill of Roseberry Topping and the Monument to Captain Cook on Easby Moor,
both of which would feature in our walks. We walked up onto Urra Moor and the highest point of the North Yorks Moors
and eventually down onto the Hamlet of Kildale where the tea rooms provided a welcome break. We climbed up through
woodland to the mist hung moor top and the monument to Captain Cook, before dropping down into the village of Great
Ayton and our B&B for the evening.
We had sunshine the next day for a glorious section up to the summit of Roseberry
Topping, the Matterhorn of Middlesbrough and Margaret’s favourite hill, with views
across the moors, out to sea and over Teeside. We walked through woodland and up
onto Highcliff Nab before coming down into the attractive little town of Guisborough
with time for coffee and a toasted tea cake, before getting the Moors Bus back up to
Clay Bank for the car back to Manchester. Alan Manning.
Socials
Despite no face to face get togethers we managed a few online ones starting with the traditional Xmas quiz, hosted as
always by Chris Quinn. A fun, festive and not too competitive time was had by all 25 of us.
A fantastic evening with actor Adrian Palmer reading A
Christmas Carol was truly mesmerising. There were 33
people on the Zoom and it raised £503 for the Ramblers.
Thanks to all the hard work of Ramblers members Pauline
Brooke and Adrian Palmer
With seemingly no end to lockdown in sight we had another
Quiz about the UK, in February with 16 of us having a fun
time. Run by Chris with additional questions on the Salford
and Manchester Green Trails set by Mags and Salle. Of
course we all got 100% on those!
Another story telling was held in February with Adrian Palmer reading To Build
a Fire by Jack London. The tension was palpable as we were transported to the
wilds of winter in the Yukon. The event raised over £650 for Kinder Mountain
Rescue Team who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The story telling can
now be seen on You Tube https://youtu.be/x1tdqh1OxyA with chance to still
donate to the wonderful KMRT volunteers who we hope we never have to call
on but are so glad they are there, and who have helped so many over 50 years.
click here
M&S Walks Winter 2020 -21 The winter of mud, mud and more mud. Then floods with new lakes and ponds appearing.
However we managed to have a few good walks in December whilst groups walks were still possible.
Stretford, Priory Gardens, Sale & Chorlton Water Parks. Great walk started with rain but brightened up, & plenty of mud.
Heaton Park and Blackley Forest. Despite heavy rain, an invigorating walk. We admired the beauty of Heaton Park Hall
and observatory enjoying the winter landscape. Amused by the Lightopia event figures and thoughts of having our next
social event in the Treetop Trail! Our spirits remained high despite the weather.
Blackley Forest was new to many of us and much enjoyed. The River Irk was exceptionally high and fast flowing which
brought added drama to the setting. In parts we waded through deep mud but our intrepid spirit prevailed! We proudly
noted the prevalence of Green Trail stickers on the route as indicated in the photos. Returning through Heaton Park we
visited the Somme Memorial and felt it worthy of better signposting. Thanks to Salle for leading the walk.
Great walk round Boggart Hole Clough. Green post box near the Alliance pub on Rochdale Rd. Thanks John for leading
Another successful Tandle Hill Festive walk, the wettest yet, but still enjoyable. Mags
sorted us out into two groups at the start and going opposite ways round we arrived at
the same time to meet on top. Mulled wine and mince pies cheered us up. Thanks Chris
Quinn for getting them in even though you couldn't do the walk. Sang a few carols then
a (quick!) trek to the station....where the train was cancelled! All part of the fun of being
a Rambler!
East Didsbury to Heaton Mersey village. A wonderful walk through interesting built and green areas and the weather was
mostly dry! We set off from East Didsbury tram stop and walked through Heaton Mersey village, a conservation area with
fine houses and churches. Through Heaton Park and Mersey Vale Nature Park we enjoyed good paths, woodland and
views across the River Mersey. Thanks to Maggie for a great circular route and for the history and additional information
that adds so much to the walk.
So many asked for the route that Maggie Walker has written directions. Worth
trying out when you get the chance.
A Heaton Mersey Walk route. From East Didsbury Metrolink continue along the
old railway track towards Stockport (Trans Pennine Trail), cross Meltham Road
and at next road (Station Road) turn left and cross Didsbury Road at lights, turning
right. Shortly on your left is the War Memorial and St John’s Church. Go around
the church and turn right on small lane at back which becomes a cobbled road.
(optional extra: turn left between the Primary School and the back of houses to
enter and do a circuit of Heaton Mersey Common and return - but this can be very
muddy). At the end of the cobbled street turn right (Mersey Road) to return to
Didsbury Road, passing the Congregational Church. Cross Didsbury Road to
continue along Vale Close which joins Park Row, both old workers’ cottages and
on the left enter Heaton Mersey Park. There is more Information on this area on
the Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group website (www.hmcvg.org.uk).
Keep right in Heaton Mersey Park to take a path that drops down to Craig Road
(views to the right of the Mersey Bowl which was the area where cloth was left
out on the fields to bleach). At the bottom there’s an optional detour up steps to a
fishing lodge. Across Craig Road enter Heaton Mersey Nature Reserve up steps. Go left along this muddy track until you
reach a community orchard with benches. Continuing a short distance beyond the orchard under pylons take a path
sharp right to reverse your direction and on another better surfaced railway track with noise from the nearby M60
continue to a riverside path. Along this well-used path are a number of information boards. When you reach the fencing
for Burnage Rugby Club on your right take a sharp right turn and at the end of the rugby fields take the public footpath to
the left beside the rugby field and passing the car park take the path to the left. At the end of this up steps go left to join
the road “Green Pastures”. Continuing in the same direction re-join the old railway track and go left on the Trans Pennine
Trail footpath back to East Didsbury Metrolink.
Richard led the Boxing Day walk from the Etihad stadium to Piccadilly, plus a short wander round Piccadilly Gardens and
Debenhams! Last group walk for quite a while.
Members own walks close to home in tiers 3, 4 and lockdown.
Still more mud about but also some ice and snow, lovely to look at, and
good to walk in for some of us. Local cafes gave many of us an extra
incentive to walk. There are also some lovely photos of bare winter
trees, snow & late winter afternoon sun. Finally we were moving into
more spring like weather and some sunny days. Thanks to all for your
photos, especially to our new contributors.
Congratulations to Sue Polshaw and family on 28th February.
“After 6 months, me and the family have completed the Salford
Trail. We've done it by car, so each section has involved a
circular walk (other bits made up by ourselves). We've been
plodding on throughout the winter, with many weekends
featuring a walk. Hubby was doing it with us too, but is the one
taking the photo!” Well done. The first family to have done it
we are sure!
Janice Kerrigan. Hollingworth lake, a bit windy and chilly, warmed up with hot chocolate. Daisy Nook Country Park.
Sunny, frosty then snowy. Heaton Park each week, seeing the regulars including a posing peacock, donkeys and a heron.
Phillips park, cemetery, Clayton and back along the Ashton canal. Another Canal walk with some interesting street names
along the way. Bowker Bank woods and Blackley forest. Plenty of snowdrops, ducks and mud.
Barry Windle. Bright day & partially frozen Chorlton Water Park. Pennington Flash. Fletcher Moss & Parsonage Gardens. Taru Vadera Cheadle Hulme. Longford Park, Chorlton woodlands, Sale Waterpark & Turn Moss. Kersal wetlands, saw loads of birds and some fabulous artwork. Rob Dean and Mags Metcalf Several walks from Clifton Country Park, including to Outwood Trail & Ringley, various sections of the Salford Trail. Others making use of the Looplines, Roe Green, Ellenbrook. Some from Monton to Barton Bridge, onto Peel Green Cemetery & Brookhouse, or via the Aqueduct along the Bridgewater Canal then passing through the outside of the Trafford Centre. One time the canal was frozen. Roe Green to Barton Bridge via Monton, where the Along the "Big Ditch" to the stadium and into Peel Green cemetery.
Beesley Green through the woods to Worsley. A sign not commonly seen in Salford. Ringley and Prestolee area. Lots of
canals and bridges including the "meccano bridge". Scarlet elf cups in profusion on the wooded slopes.
Carol Hibbert and Dave Lees made a return visit to Tandle Hill, this time in glorious sunshine.
Fungi by Rob Dean Mags Metcalf & Maggie Smith
There's light at the end of the Tunnel!
Walk Kearsley, Stoneclough and
Ringley. This is Slakey Brow tunnel
Graham Walker Many walks from Monton to Barton, Irlam and Chat Moss, the Bridgewater Canal, Boothstown Basin.
Walkden & Worsley.
Little Bolton to Weaste, then onto the Quays, over the Ship Canal and back through Trafford Park to Eccles Several other ‘Urban Beauty' walks from Monton to Manchester, to Winton, the Moss Margaret & Alan Manning had many walks on Turn Moss, Chorlton Ees & the Mersey with snow, ice and then the new lake district of Longford Park and Turn Moss. Followed by floods in Chorlton. Where the brook became a river, fields and parks are now lakes. When the river and brook levels were down still lots of standing water. Derek Antrobus Two walks from Silverdale with a majestic view of city centre from. Just 100 yards in from main road you are in secluded forestry. A neglected asset in so many ways with too few using the pathways compared to crowded looplines. It connects to River Irwell and the towpath of disused Manchester Bolton Bury Canal. A challenge to see how many public parks he could visit in a modest bike ride. Nine if you include public gardens around Town Hall where there was beautiful sunset.
Julia Jama and Margaret Manning Still ice and snow on Turn Moss Hope Deeney Chorlton Water Park
and at the weir on Stretford Ees
Kate Wilson Thank god there's a hill in Stretford, it even has snowy views, then onto South Manchester Ramblers new
favourite Riverbank Cafe. Welly walk to look at some of the flood effects around Chorlton and Sale Water Park
Ste and Deborah Borg made the most of winter weather. Middle Edge Moss, Monton and sunrise at Clifton Country Park.
Steve Saxton was at Heaton Mersey. Several Mersey strolls after the floods. At Davyhulme ParkRichard Cleverley Explored Eccles FP4; Heaton Park into the surrounding countryside of Rhodes Green, Bowlee and Simister; Kersal Moor, Prestwich Golf Course, Kersal Dale and wetlands. Pat Williamson was on the wide open spaces of Carrington. Bit muddy, but the Transpennine Trail was passable Then from Altrincham to Bowdon, later to Timperley, a frozen George V Pool. Winter at Dunham Joycee Crosthwaite Searched out varied parts of Stockport Kerttu Kepa Oinonen Kinsler Heaton Park & Prestwich Clough
Spring is here Heron nesting. Crocuses at Longford Park
Barry Windle Riverside Cafe doing a roaring trade today!
Will McGann & Rachel Dickson. (Two new members!) did part 9 + 10 of The Salford Trail over a weekend great ramble,
although beginning of part 9 needed a detour through some fields and over a drainage ditch, so beware if you fancy it!
You’re receiving this communication because we believe that it would be of interest to you as a member/supporter. If
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Committee Committee
Position, Name, e-mail Phone Position, Name, e-mail Phone
Chair: Salle Dare 07523871475 Footpath Officers
salle_e_dare@yahoo.co.uk Manchester R Cleverley 07593077422
rwcleverley@googlemail.com
Secretary: Janice Kerrigan 07519246020 Maggie Walker 07947 195875
secretary.mandsramblers@gmail.com maggiewalker101@gmail.com
Treasurer: Sean Dunne Salford David Yates
sean.a.dunne@btinternet.com david.yates22@gmail.com 789 5209
Publicity/Blogger: Mags Metcalf 07947864534 Website Alan Manning 07757902158
margaretmetcalf58@hotmail.com amanning@ntlworld.com
Walks Co-ordinator: Social Secretary :
Maggie Smith 794 3565 Chris Quinn 633 9167
maggie@maggiesmith.me.uk c20kew@googlemail.com
Membership Secretary:Bob Lenihan Newsletter: M Manning 07786786811
r.lenihan@ntlworld.com mmanning@ntlworld.comYou can also read
