Whitegate Way, Winsford

Introduction

After the heavy rain and strong winds of the past week, I decided that a lowland walk would be sensible this week. Where better, I thought, than my old work area, beautiful Vale Royal, and the Whitegate Way.

The Whitegate railway line carried salt for almost 100 years, from the mines along the west bank of the River Weaver up to Cuddington where it joined the Chester – Manchester line. It closed in 1966. Whitegate was the only station on the line.

Being back in this area, I contacted a couple of my ex-colleagues, and was delighted to be joined on my walk by Chris Perks, and his dog Dexter.

This is easy walking country, fairly flat, so 9 miles didn’t really feel so far! The walk was completed in 3 hours 20 minutes.

The forecast wasn’t great, but the showers kept away, the trees provided shelter from a cold wind, and the sun shone for much of the walk.

It’s a very dog friendly route; Dexter certainly enjoyed himself!

The free car park (with toilets) at the former Whitegate Station, CW7 2QE, is a 45 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 267.

Whitegate towards Nunsmere Hall

This is a classic disused railway line!

There were views across the pools at various points along the line.

Daleford To Foxwist Green

After leaving Whitegate Way, we made our way up to the Cheshire Kennels with associated farm cottages.

An area of open farmland led us to a pool.

Chris had warned me that Dexter liked a swim, and so it proved!

The path runs between the two unnamed pools at Newchurch Common. The pools wouldn’t be visible once the trees are in leaf.

It was nice to see this gorse bush blooming early – spring must be on the way!

We continued to enjoy the sunshine heading down the pretty lane at Foxwist Green.

Whitegate To Cat’s Clough

We crossed fields and a small brook to reach Whitegate.

We passed the owl tree sculpture and made our way down the Pettypool Brook valley.

At the point known locally as “Broken Bridge” we briefly headed east on the Whitegate Way.

Cat’s Clough is another pretty wooded valley.

Knights Grange To Whitegate Station

The municipal golf course at Knights Grange closed a few years ago. Remnants of the course remain visible. The site is earmarked as the preferred site for a proposed elite performance centre and centre of excellence for women’s and girls’ football.

From here it was a short stroll up Whitegate Way and back to the car.

This was a very enjoyable walk on level ground at low altitude, with good quality surfaces for almost the whole route. An ideal winter walk, and lovely to meet up with Chris….and Dexter!

And Finally……

I was at my son Jordan’s house this week, and from his growing vinyl collection, he was playing Wilson Pickett, Live in Japan. Some great tunes, including this version of the much-covered Creedence Clearwater Revival song, Proud Mary. I wonder what the Japanese made of this!