Leigh to Stockton Heath and Delamere Way.
Distance today: 29.3 miles.
Total distance: 740.2 miles.
Accommodation: campsite.
I woke up definitely still feeling the effects of yesterday’s long walk and the bad news was I had a similar distance to do today. No prizes for guessing that the lack of handy campsites was entirely responsible. The best I could find (barely) within range meant going all the way to Delamere. Hey ho. The faster I do these middle sections, the faster I get to the more interesting stuff. Before I could think about Delamere, I had Warrington to navigate to and through. I think it was about 7 miles there and most of that was on pavements next to busy roads. Efficient but dull – the route, not me obviously. Didn’t spend too much time in Warrington – enough to get some more dehydrated food from Millets and to have a quick cup of tea. Next stop Stockton Heath. It looked like quite a trendy little place with a bit of money about it. Again, I didn’t stop long, just treating myself to a flat white because you never know when you’re going to find another one.
What better way to get to Delamere than along the Delamere Way. My 16th section. Take the first road on the right after the Bridgewater Canal bridge and just follow the signs. If only. In spite of the occasional unintended detour it was a pleasant country stroll – certainly nicer than the leg to Warrington. Lots of fields which looked like they were ready to be harvested, and even the occasional interesting bridge – including Dutton Horse Bridge and Dutton Railway Viaduct. I did find it odd that just before Acton Bridge, the path ran right by the railway line for about a mile. Why would you design a trail to do that?
When planning the trip, I saw I would be walking close to the village of Norley. I wish I had given myself more time to visit because as one of the places where I had lived growing up, I associate it with some of my earliest memories. Maybe they are just memories of memories now. I was only 5 or 6 at the time. I remember the outbreak of foot-and-mouth meant that I had to walk through some kind of trough with liquid in it in order to disinfect my wellington boots. I also remember some big gates slamming against my finger. Ah, those were the days.
I finally reached the Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club site at around 8.30. Like yesterday, I’d rang ahead to warn them I’d be arriving late and again, they were very accommodating. Although no free beer this time. Food, shower, bed.
