Circular Walk

We rang the bells today for the second time since March. Our ringing was better than last week.  

We had decided yesterday that we would go out for a walk but we hadn't decided where just that we wanted to stay local. After ringing we headed, with our books, to the coffee shop to look for a suitable walk. We decided on an easy 5 mile walk based not too far away at Lymm.

We parked in a lane close to the Bridgewater canal at Oughtrington where we crossed the bridge to the other side of the canal. Those brave souls who have followed this journal for a long time may recall that the Bridgewater canal made many appearances as my "One Street".

On the other side of the canal at this point are the buildings which made up the horse hospital where injured horses which towed the barges were treated. Although on a previous ramble the gentleman who lived on the neighbouring cottage dismissed the idea that the buildings had ever been used for this purpose.

We continued uphill, crossed a couple of fields and through a lovely wood before emerging close to St Peter's church. The church was built by wealthy local cotton merchant Gerald Dewhurst. One of his other claims to fame was that he was an amateur footballer who won an England cap. It seems after he started the building of the church there was a bit of a slump in the cotton trade so he had to downgrade some of the materials used to finish.

We crossed some fields and at this, the highest point of the walk, we had great views all round. It was a beautiful clear day.

We continued to Lymm. The next point of interest was the coverted water tower which was now part of a beautiful home. It had featured many years ago in one of those television programmes which document such conversions.

Then it was on to Lymm Dam, where this picture of St Mary's was taken. We stopped at this point to listen to the bells chime the half hour. The bells sound beautiful. The tenor, the heaviest bell in the tower, weighs in at a touch just under 30 cwt. That's big. I have rung here once, but not the tenor.

Down into the village and the lower dam. As we approached we heard the buzzing of engines as a group of Vespa riders, in their parkas, came through. I was just too far away to photograph them as they came down the hill.

We turned right at the ancient Cross and village stocks and headed back towards the canal and the parked car.