Congleton circular 5.5 miles (9/8/21)

Attendees; P Cotterill, A Walton, C Nurrish, M Simmonds, H Jones, R Jones, A Sear, M Farkas, R Steele, J Hickling, A Beckett, K Maguire, P Bridges, D McDonnell, J Jones and 2 non members.

17 of us alighted at Congleton, just after midday. Excellent to have 2 new walkers, Richard Hopkins and Adam`s girlfriend Veronica. Surprised to find the very start of the walk was diverted due to closure of the station footbridge. Diverted past the pub where we`d be later. A bit of canal and old railway line walking took us to Congleton park where we dined amongst attractive flower beds. The first of a few short showers interrupted the last mouthfulls. Waterproofs went on and off as we followed the river Dane. A second PNB in Astbury Mere country park. Then paths and canal back to the Queens Head pub, next to Congleton station. A bit of upset here as the promised substantial chips with haggis had been replaced by salad! Paul bridges had a disastrous journey back to New St, arriving over 3.5 hours late!