To borrow horse racing terminology, Van Evans’ walk on 20th November was a mixture of ‘Flat’ and ‘over the jumps’, the many stiles providing interruptions to progress along the flat 8 mile route as the 20 walkers negotiated the obstacles with varying degrees of elegance! Starting from the centre of Arddleen, the Canal towpath was accessed for the northward section to the Llandrinio road, from which Offa’s Dyke Path was followed south-easterly to the River Severn. A coffee stop was made on the bank of the River which presented its more placid nature in contrast to the floods that can prevail in that area. Minor footpaths and lanes were followed south-westerly, crossing the main road and the track-bed of the old Cambrian Railway, before regaining the Canal at Bridge 107, from where the short walk to The Wern and its several benches provided an ideal lunch stop. The remainder of the walk continued along the Canal, passing Burgedin Locks, before reaching Arddleen. The group was entertained to tea and a variety of home-made cakes, thanks to the hospitality of Van & David, thus providing a welcome conclusion to a good walk which, though lacking sun, had an atmospheric quality provided by light mist, enhancing the remnants of the autumnal colours.
There is an alteration to the published area of the walk for Sunday 4th December, when Vic Smith will lead a 7½ mile ‘moderate’ graded circular walk from the Stiperstones to Norbury.
Starting from the Nipstone Rock car park (OS Ref: SO 355 971) at 9.45 am, the route will follow tracks and footpaths to Linley Hill, thence to Norbury, returning by way of Norbury Hill and Cold Hill. The route includes some steep but fairly short ascents/descents with impressive views throughout. Meet 9 am at Church Street car park, Welshpool, where shared transport may be available, or at the start of the walk. For further information, please contact 01743 884930. All welcome but no dogs on the walk please.
