Great Budworth, Park Moss Wood Nature Reserve and Antrobus

Introduction

This summer’s weather so far has been decidedly average in northwest England – not too wet, but not too warm either! This morning was cloudy, 17 degC, and typical of the season. However, it did warm up by lunchtime, and a lovely, warm afternoon followed.

I fancied a flat walk today, not too strenuous, with a golfing day planned for tomorrow. So I chose the mid-Cheshire countryside, an area I know well from my 12 years working at Weaver Vale Housing Trust. Yet, none of these paths and minor roads were familiar to me!

It’s just a half hour’s drive to Great Budworth from Cheadle Hulme.

This walk is about 8.5 miles, though shorter if I’d not elected to walk around Park Moss Nature Reserve. It took 3.5 hours to complete, plus 15 minutes for lunch.

There is lots of farmland, much of which is arable, but also a couple of fields of cattle, plus some very minor road walking so probably not ideal for dogs who need to run off the lead.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 267.

I parked on the roadside in Great Budworth. It probably can be busy at the weekend. Use the George & Dragon’s postcode, CW9 6HF.

Great Budworth To Park Moss Wood

From Westage Lane, the route follows the North Cheshire Way northwards,. This is the rich and fertile Cheshire Plain, good farming country.

It’s easy walking on the concrete track from Hilltop Farm.

Eventually I found relief from from the monotony of the concrete track at a small copse and stream.

And it’s not just cattle that are kept in these fields. Horses are big business too.

Soon, I reached Arley Hall and Home Farm, which I, like many, recall visiting with my family when children were young.

The roadside verges were attractive with summer flowers, as I progressed along Arley Road. I believe this to be rosebay willowherb.

Park Moss Wood

Owned by the Woodland Trust, this is a delightful place. I spent 45 minutes exploring along the circular path, enjoying plants, insects (butterflies and damselflies), and birds (blackbirds, robins, great tits, song thrushes, chiffchaffs and blackcaps).

Park Moss Wood To Antrobus

The rea is dotted with impressive, isolated houses, or tiny hamlets, often hidden behind trees and/or ponds.

The farming themes continued here. I think this is barley, and it’s delightful to run your hand through the fine bristles as the path cuts through the field.

The paths jump across fields, connecting the minor roads, and there is an occasional leafy farm track too.

There is something of a trend for alpaca farming in the area too. This farm specialises in them, with a few goats too.

Antrobus To Deakin Yard

Deakin Yard is just south of Antrobus, and is now thickly overgrown. It is a fox covert (small wood) planted around marl pits.

Deakin Yard To Great Budworth

I also came across an amazing field of daisies!

And this stylish weather vane!

On the edge of the Belmont Hall estate, now home to posh Cransley School, is this house with a fine chimney, and its date of construction built into the gable brickwork. It’s not easy to see, a bit like one of those colour blindness tests!

The unmistakeable landmark of Great Budworth Parish Church came into view as I headed across the last couple of fields . Though I had to negotiate my way past some more cows before I got there.

It’s a fine building, and huge for the size of village.

The sun was blazing now, so just time to pop into the George and Dragon for a quick pint!

This was a really enjoyable, easy summer walk, Park Moss Wood being a real highlight!

And Finally…..

I do like a bit of reggae. This is the title track from a new album, Happy Hour by Hollie Cook.