Walk leaders : Cliff B. & Colin P.
Walk details : This is a 6 mile walk that takes us from Astbury Mere on the outskirts of Congleton (know to locals as ‘Beartown’) into the surrounding countryside. The walk route is mainly along enclosed tracks and the Macclesfield Canal. After a pleasant walk beside the canal, where we will take our refreshment stop, we continue along footpaths to a quiet country lane which eventually brings us to the attractive village of Astbury. Here we will visit the Egerton Arms for a welcome drink. We will also have time to visit the imposing and splendid late-medieval Astbury church before returning to Astbury Mere.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out on 16 April 2022. A summary of identified risks is below:-
Accessibility – there is a flight of seep uneven steps as we leave the Mere. On leaving the canal towpath, there is a short stretch of uneven, difficult steps.
Terrain – there are good paths around the Mere. As we leave the Mere, the paths are uneven in places with exposed tree roots, the canal towpath path is also fairly rough and uneven. There is a stretch of farm field walking.
Roads – there is a short stretch road walking, along a country lane. Walkers are asked to walk on the right, facing oncoming traffic.
The walk leaders will remind walkers of any additional risk which may be encountered at appropriate points on the walk.
Start time and meeting point : Astbury Mere Country Park car park, Sandy Ln, Congleton. CW12 4FP at 12:30. Parking: There is ample parking which costs £1 for the day. There are free toilets and a small cafe for hot or cold drinks and, perhaps, ice cream at the end of the walk.
Directions to the start : Take A34 towards Congelton. Stay on this road until you reach the outskirts of Congelton. Continue to follow A34, sign posted ‘Through Routes’ then ‘Newcastle’. At a roundabout (T-junction) take 2nd exit A34 (turning right). Shortly afterwards you will see a brown sign on the left for Astbury Mere Country Park. The Park is next left.