Nine Ramblers from seven different groups met near the aqueduct on Old Knutsford Road, all attracted by the promise of a demanding walk. Coming from as far afield as Leicester and Stockport it shows there is a demand for longer walks.

Having crossed the fields to Scholar Green, crossing the canal over the swing bridge was a novelty enjoyed by all. Having to yank up the chain from the bottom of the canal, then pull across the bridge was great fun, even though the chain itself was covered in weed.

We climbed up to the Castle and were able to bask in the sunshine while taking a break and enjoying the views. To the one side the Roaches were in sunshine, while looking across the Cheshire Plain the weather was mixed. A couple of distinct places could be seen where rain was obviously falling, but the skyscrapers of Manchester were clearly visible.The distinctive profile of Beeston and Peckforton Castles could be made out.

We dropped into Staffordshire, picking up the disused railway line at Knypersley and following it north for a mile before climbing west again up onto the ridge. Then along the Staffordshire Way back towards the castle. This time the pockets of rain were on our left, with an intense but localised patch of rain visible over Chatterly Whitfield. By the time we reached the Old Man of Mow we were at the half way point and stopped for a well earned lunch break, again looking over towards Liverpool.

With the climbing of the day behind us, the remaining 8 miles back to the cars was straightforward, and surprisingly we avoided the rain completely.