Summer along the Dane Valley Way: Congleton to Holmes Chapel
14 people attending
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Join OutdoorLads for a summer hike along the Dane Valley Way, through the countryside and nature reserves of Cheshire.
Points of interest on the route:
The Dane Valley Way: This 77km long distance footpath follows the River Dane from Buxton to Northwich. We'll be walking along the section between Congleton and Holmes Chapel; hiking through a mix of farmland, woodland and wetland along the way.
Astbury Mere Country Park: Formally a sand quarry, the country park was opened in 1991, and is now home to an impressive mere, where wetland birds and mammals live. The mere is also a large water sports and outdoor education facility, making it an import asset for locals.
Brereton Heath Nature Reserve: The reserve consists of mainly silver birch and oak woodland surrounding a large lake, as well as areas of heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas. Many bird species live in the reserve, including great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreepers, kingfisher, heron, great crested grebe and goldfinch. This will also be our lunch stop, with a farm shop onsite run by the local dairy farmers, selling homemade milkshakes and ice cream.
Swettenham Village: This lovely little village was founded in the 12th century, and also has an impressive 13th century church, St Peter's. Next to the village is the Lovel Quinta Arboretum, with a huge collection of trees and plants, some of which we'll be able to see as we walk around the village.
Holmes Chapel: This is where we'll end the walk. The village has another interesting old church, St Luke's, a grade 1 listed building dating to the 15th century. We'll also pass the impressive Hermitage Viaduct as we walk into the village. There a several pubs we can go to for post walk drinks.
Other Information:
Dog Suitability:
Dogs are always welcome on my walks, though their behaviour and safety is their owner's responsibility. This includes cleaning up after them, controlling their behaviour around other animals or people, and assisting them over any stiles or streams we may cross.
New Members
Please feel free to sign up as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
If the event is fully booked, please join the waiting list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event, meaning you're likely to get a place on the walk.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Image/photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse
What to bring
Water: bring plenty of water (~2 Litres)
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Footware: ideally designed for hiking, sturdy trail runners are OK too.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproofs: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. We'll pass by a farm shop halfway through the walk which has food and drink available. After the walk, there'll be the opportunity to visit the local pub for refreshments.