Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Today myself and Angela enjoyed a 6.7 mile circular walk taking in Dunham Massey and the Bridgewater canal. Angela had done the recce for the walk and thought that I might enjoy it – I did!

It was supposed to be a sunny day, but as we drove to the start of the walk it started to rain. Black clouds loomed overhead. We took a chance and carried on – the shower was short lived and the sun came out 😊.

The walk initially took us through The Devisdale, an open suburban parkland where we saw a few dog walkers and then on through Denzell Gardens. I am sure that in summer the gardens would look splendid but not in January.

Crossing the busy A56 we entered Dunham Forest Golf and Country Club following the footpath through the golf course. No golfers were to be seen.

After crossing the golf course we entered farm land and the paths took us to the Bridgewater canal.

At the start of January the Bridgewater canal suffered a catastrophic breach on a high embankment close to Dunham Massey following heavy rain. The whole saga was brilliantly captured by Josh Taylor, a Youtuber ,whose boat ‘Olive’, was caught in the emptying of the canal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWE8KH-PqA8&list=PLxMjv85EMilmBnSr8xsEPsLERSufySVj_&index=6

This section has been closed off and coffer dams built to contain the leak. Myself and Angela used to enjoy walking this section of the canal so we are shocked at the damage that has been done. The good news is that Josh’s boat has been re-floated and his views and subscriptions have sky-rocketed.

While the canal was dry some sections of the towpath have collapsed. Water is being reintroduced now that the breach section has been isolated.

Leaving the canal we headed for the National Trust’s Dunham Massey where we could grab a coffee. A tree lined muddy path brought us into the park where we passed the old mill and the beautiful cobbled stone yard by the stable block.

The café was very busy but we were happy to sit outside, where it was cooler, and enjoy our coffees.

We resumed our walk going around the park. It was quiet which we both appreciated (they were all in the coffee shop!).

There are some lovely footpaths around the park which has deer, lakes and many trees. We were enjoying the solitude and views as we walked along quiet paths.

Soon we were out of the park, across the golf course and headed through The Devisdale to reach the car.

It had proven a nice walk, one that we will no doubt do again in the future.

Happy Walking 😊🚶