Frodsham to Helsby and Back

Attendees: Dave Shotton, Iain McCallum, Dave Wylie, Emily Thompson, Jared Kitchen, Kate Harvey, Al Metelko.

Quite a good turnout considering the weather was pretty rubbish. In fact, my wipers were full on as I was heading into Chorlton and didn’t stop until we passed over the M6.

The walk took us past the Ring’o’Bells and the eastern side golf course and re-joined the Sandstone Trail half way between Frodsham and Helsby hills. We followed a pleasant valley down to a road and from here we used a number of field paths to Harmers Wood where we had our lunch stop. From here we had a short distance to the top of Helsby Hill and as there were some climbers in the party we decided to take a look at the crag. I’d forgotten how step and slippery the descent path is from the trig point but we all eventually got there. Not surprisingly, after all the rain, it was pretty green, quite striking really, but I always find this place impressive. We continued down on the steep climbers track to re-join the main path and headed north east towards Woodhouse Hill. Half way between Woodhouse Hill and Frodsham Hill is an easy scramble known as Jacob’s Ladder and most of the team opted to go up it, luckily wet sandstone still has a fair amount of friction. We reached the top of Frodsham Hill around 2pm where we had a break to admire the views before heading down into Frodsham. Somehow whilst contemplating going int the Ring’o’Bells for some refreshment, Iain managed to pass me and we didn’t catch him until we practically back at the car park, so my plan of finishing the Sandstone Trail into the centre of Frodsham was missed out. The good thing is we all dived into the café at the art centre for tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.

Another good thing is it started raining on the way home! Thank you to all who came.

This is a 8.5 mile ramble through woodland and over hill, taking in parts of the sandstone trail. The route lends itself well to being shortened or lengthened depending on conditions.

Parking: Castle Park car park, Frodsham. Its off the A56 direction Helsby, first left after the low (railway) bridge.

Meet Time: 9:30 for a 9:45am start.

Route: Helsby Hill, Frodsham Hill.

Difficulty: Easy.

Optional equipment: Helmet for those of a a nervous disposition around golf courses.

Please check the website nearer the time for the latest information.