During the Christmas Holidays (even this strange version of them) people are often looking for new dog walks to try. Having recently moved house, I have been exploring the local area and finding some little gems for you to try. As always, I was accompanied by my faithful companions – Rico and Maisy.
Location: Wrenbury CW5 8HG We parked in some waste land just before you reach the Dusty Miller pub and the Wrenbury Lift Bridge (No.20) which was free. The Dusty Miller when open was dog friendly – so when covid restrictions allow, you may want to park there and start/finish your walk with a warm drink.
Footwear needed? I wore hiking boots but to be honest you need wellies or walking boots as a minimum at the moment! You may even want waders…..
On / Off lead? off lead at this time of year as there are no cattle in the fields.
Distractions level: Easy! At the time I did the walk the canal bridge was being repaired, meaning the road through to Wrenbury Village from the Cholmondely Arms pub was closed. Other than one doddery old black labrador and his very helpful and polite owner we didn’t see any one!
If you live in the North West then I imagine much like us, you can’t remember the last time you had a dry dog walk?!.
The Wrenbury Canal Walk was no exception. To begin with the opening tow path really was just a complete mud bath. As you can see from the photos Rico and more so, Maisy, were not overly impressed!
From where we parked we took the tow path to the right, walking away from the Dusty Miller pub and looping behind a caravan site
Rico walking along in the mud and leaves by the Canal.
Maisy walking behind Rico towards a white canal bridge
We headed along the tow path for about 5 minutes, with Maisy making full use of the dog poo bins along the way…. until we came to the white canal bridge. At this point the dogs had a short play with the lovely old labrador we met and I chatted to his very friendly owner. She was very helpful and advised that if we crossed over the bridge to the left, we could follow a series of styles through much drier fields!
After wading our way through the start of the walk, this seemed like a very sensible idea, so we did exactly that. Taking the entrance into the field as shown in the photo below:
image shows a gate and style
This is the only downside to the walk. The gate itself is tied shut with barbed wire, so although my two dogs squeezed under it, it does limit how accessible the walk is. You must use the style to access the field which I know for some of my clients wouldn’t be possible.
If you aren’t able to use the style, cross back over the bridge and instead of carrying on the tow path go straight on. The footh path goes across the field into the back of the graveyard (it isn’t that spooky!) doesn’t require you to use a style and actually forms a nice loop back to where you have parked your car.
If you are able to use the style you an now carry on for 6 fields going along the left hand side of each field. There are more styles and gates to navigate but at least you’re not wading through mud. The dogs can be off lead, and run around having zoomies like my pair did! Alternatively it is peaceful and quiet so a great place to practice your recall on a long line.
Keep following the footpath signs and you will hit the road. Turn left down the road and follow the road back to Canal Bridge 20. It forms a perfect loop and you should be able to see your car when you reach the first bridge again!
Do let me know if you try this walk out – hopefully in 2021 I will be able to do some group walks with you all but for now, stay socially distanced and safe! Oh and if you do try this walk DO remember your wellies…. you’ve been warned:
photo shows Rico and Maisy queuing up to avoid the mud!