Wimboldsley And The Middlewich Branch Canal

Introduction

The forecast heavy thundery showers never materialised, so my late change from upland to lowland route wasn’t really essential.

It was actually quite sunny for most of my walk today.

This is an 8.5 mile walk over flat lanes and green fields highlighted by a lovely stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal, Middlewich Branch. It took 3 hours 30 minutes plus a 20 minute lunch.

With the new smart section of the M56 finally open, it’s a 35 minute drive to Wimboldsley, just south of Middlewich.

It’s not a great walk for dogs as there are lots of tricky stiles, quite a few road sections, and lots of pasture that was empty today, but won’t always be so.

I parked by Wimboldsley Community School, easy in the school holidays! The school postcode is CW10 0LN.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 267.

Wimboldsley To The Canal

Opposite the primary school, on the main road was and attractive row of 1892 semi-detached houses. I like those little dormer windows, and very smart chimney stacks.

Leaving them behind, the first mile or so was on minor roads, which were fairly quiet, and had some nice views.

Reaching Occleston Green, I turned right and made my way through a farmyard to The Old Hough Coarse Fishery. An oystercatcher was enjoying the sun, but flew off before I could snap it.

The next couple of miles was hard going on wet pasture, slightly slippery underfoot. The only interest was regular fenced off mechanical sites which seemed to be part of the massive underground gas storage operation in this area.

Eventually, I reached an interesting path with hedges and undergrowth. I waited awhile, watching a tuneful chiffchaff in the bushes.

I crossed the west coast main line – not too busy today.

At Moat Farm I joined the A530 for about 100 yards. It was busy, and not fun.

Much more pleasant was crossing the stream on the way to Cross Lane.

And then, I had made it to the canal at a house called Minshull Wharf.

The Middlewich Branch Canal

The back garden of the house was very attractively laid out with avenues of daffodils.

This is a quiet and attractive stretch of canal. I saw several barges, but no pedestrians at all as I walked towards Middlewich.

Here are some of the boats!

The trees are all bursting into blossom, like this willow and hawthorn.

The railway crosses over the canal, transporting people and goods at a faster pace.

The River Weaver and Winsford flashes are to the left, with small streams flowing in wooded valleys under the canal and down to the river.

After leaving the canal, the last mile was back over fields to those attractive houses from which I’d departed.

I’d definitely recommend a serene stroll along the canal, but, to be honest, much of the rest of this route isn’t really very exciting!

And Finally….

Tomorrow night, we are off to see 80s stars Big Country. They will perform the classic album The Crossing, 2023 being its 40th anniversary. Here is the classic Fields of Fire.