Sandstone

Monday: Cheshire, walking part of the Sandstone Trail on a fine day (the weather’s much better than forecast). A particular feature of interest, at the start of the walk, is the disused 2′ gauge railway incline up the steep slope below Bulkeley Hill. It was rope-worked – had to be, the gradient is exceptionally steep – reckoned to be around 1 in 1 at its steepest. The concrete sleepers are like well-placed steps, but at over 300′ /100m, it’s quite a staircase. It’s a quick way up, but hard work!

The woodland at the top is a perfect place for a break and lunch (we’ve earned it), before setting out along a route which encircles the hill to the south, takes in Raw Head, the highest point, and provides extensive views in all directions (though not all at the same time…). The south Pennine moorlands beyond Stoke provide an eastern horizon; to the north-west is Merseyside, where we can pick out the Pierhead buildings and the cathedrals. To our west are the Welsh border hills, with Moel Famau prominent – and to the south, the Shropshire hills. All that from a path that’s a delight. What an interesting outing!

Wikipedia – Bulkeley Hill Narrow Gauge Railway