Pup Obi Travels

Follow my adventures explore Britain and further a field. Finding historic places and other sites.

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  • London Trip 2

    London Trip 2

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    Out second visit to London to visit the second museum in London I wanted to the Natural History Museum. This icon building which was also fetched in a favourite film of mine, holds another fascination of my, dinosaurs.

    As we have come down for 2 nights, our first evening in London like the last time in January, we took a walk along the river Thames again. Much similar area explored, but being March did mean that it was brighter if not overcast during our evening walk. As we were also down early, we did tube journey to Canary Wharf.

    Always a reason why we go to places. Reason for Canary Wharf, is a old show on BBC called Bugs was filmed around the area and 12 years or so on from the series, Canary Wharf of course has changed a lot, but still wanted to visit. We also went on the docklands light railway to in order to get back to the hotel. Didn’t take as many pictures as I should have of Canary Wharf.

    The next day we visited the Natural History Museum. From where we were we could easy walk to the museum through Kensington Park. To my surprise our walk was witness to Ring Tailed Parakeets flying over. A none native species that is prospering in London. Our walk also took us past Albert Hall and the Victoria and Albert Statue which is pictured below.

    The Natural History Museum is a stunning building. The design inside and out is amazing. Old architecture always outshines moden buildings in design and features. There was plenty to see and again if you click on the link at the top of the page you can see all the photos from our second visit to London.

    Beyond dinosaur there was also a range of animals, industrial and features do explore. It was a great museum to visit and glad we went down to visit London again. The list of sites to see in London is huge, but we will have to come again in the future to explore more. This second visit has been great and key being the museum visit.

  • Out Walk : Middlewood Way

    Out Walk : Middlewood Way

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    Middlewood Way is part of an old railway line that runs from Marple down towards Macclesfield.  The Outwalk in March was to track part of the route down and come back via the canal which runs close to the railway line.  Two lines of transport used to transport goods and people during Victorian times.

    The first leg of the journey crossed some fields before down a woodland strip to the rail-line.

    Former railway line through Middlewood.

    The one benefit of such walking routes is that they are often flat and easy to walk, giving most people a chance to chat and meander together without climbing stiles and hills. But of course finding suitable lunch stops is never easy even along these pathways and with being wet and muddy we just have to take advantage of any spots we find.

    Not sure what the structure is to the right of the path as we look over.  It is an impressive stone structure whatever it is.  Below however is the remains of one of the stations along the line which would have originally serviced the local community.  Only the platform remains of a forgotten past.

    Station Platform

    I am writing this post sometime after the event if I am honest and much of the route I have forgotten about sadly. Can only apologise for that. The photos give me and yourself an idea of where we went. Sadly I wish I could remember more about the route.

  • Mow Cop

    Mow Cop

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    Set up a hillside above Alsager in Cheshire likes the folly Mow Cop.  From a distance it looks like an impressive remains of what could have been a castle protecting the lands of Stoke. But ha ho, it’s only a folly, in fact it a summer house built by Randle Wilbraham in 1754. It a lovely spot to visit, we caught it in early March and the site has a different feel in the gloomy early Spring days. Bathed in sunlight it be different take again.

    The views from Mow Cop are impressive as they span across Staffordshire and Cheshire Plains. Again on a clearer day the views would be so different, but the casting grim clouds create something different as they roll over the sky.  Cheshire and Staffordshire lay ahead of us from our lofty position. The tower beyond looking down upon us.

    Further beyond Mow Cop stands the ‘Old Man of Mow’ a standing stone formation which is said to stand on the site of a former cairn which was lost due to the quarrying in the area. From certain angles the stone formation does look like an old man.  The cairn that was here is said to be linked to Bridstones Burial Chamber which we went to a few months back when we visited The Cloud.

  • Out Walk : MBB Canal Part 2

    Out Walk : MBB Canal Part 2

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    The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal. This is one place I loved to walk through my teens and early twenties.  I have cycled it, walked it and took the dog down here many a time.  I did my dissertation of this for university as a habitat for wildlife and it’s purpose for nature.
    The section the group walked is the area around Radcliffe my home town and where I grow up for 28 years of my life.  We pass my old high school, retrace the steps of a many a horse towed boat along the canal in years gone by and just enjoy a February walk.

    Radcliffe Wharf

    Our walk started at the metrolink station in Radcliffe life, cutting past Coney Green High School and onto the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal. From here we headed west towards Bolton. Radcliffe Wharf which first feature we come across would have been a busy space when the canal was in use, but now the area has wildlife congregating around the waters age not barges.

    Nickerhole Bridge

    The canal runs virtually flat as it leaves Radcliffe out towards Little Lever. As you walk along this area you can look out towards Outwood and the river Irwell. This stretch I often frequented in my teenage years cycling and walking the dog, so know if well and a favourite place to visit and just sit on the canal side and enjoy nature.

    Continuing the walk we pass under Sion Bridge and then above Mount Sion works. The factory still remains, but the site would have been bigger and a hall once stood beyond the wall to the left of the picture above, long since gone. Mount Sion Crane was used to take good to and from the barges to the works below.

    Mount Sion Crane
    St Saviours Church, Ringley

    Check out the other picture in the link at the top of the posting to see more of the route, but from Mount Sion we walked below the village of a Little Lever, the informace breach of 1936 and down to Nob End. Yes, correct Nob End. The area in the mid 19th century was used to dump soda ash. Over the years nature has reclaimed this land and the area has become a SSSI.   Beyond here we turn south towards Manchester, over Prestolee Aqueduct and onto the village do Ringley. The canal disappears at this point as much of the area has been developed in different ways, the canal has been either buried or lost completely. As we pass behind St Saviours Church you can see the edging stones for the canal.

    Just before we leave Ringley, as the canal continues we are diverting off and heading up into Ringley Woods to begin our circle back towards the start in Radcliffe via the former railway line.

    The final leg of our walk is a easy trek back along the former rail line from Clifton to Radcliffe, long since gone in the 1960s. Now the route of the rail line is a footpath, cycle and horseway for people to traverse. The thought trains would barrel down this stretch would have been an impressive site to see. But now trees line the sides and the odd snippet of history can be seen in the undergrowth like the station platform at Outwood, the bridge over the Irwell, which both features we saw on our return back to Radcliffe. Again this stretch of track I have walked and cycled many times in the youth and early twenties. Memories. The full photo album is at the top of the page.

  • London Trip 1

    London Trip 1

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    So pup likes do explore. Might have mentioned that in a previous post. If not I tell you know, I love to travel. Explore and visit new places. Always have done. So here’s a well new place never visited London. Yep, 30 years old and finally visit the big city of London. One goal was to visit the British Museum which we did the following day. A two night trip for a museum. But this allowed us to see other sites in London.

    We went down by train so we had the evening to do some exploring. So we walked along the river Thames passing St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate, Millennium Bridge and the varying view of city buildings along the river. Having never been to the city before, everything is new and different and of course lots of photo opportunities. See the main gallery in the link at the top to see all the pictures taken.

    Further exploring along the river of course took us to Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. We did walk some distance that evening seeing some key sites along the route. Sadly my camera was not the best at taking pictures at night so some of the photos did not turn out as good as I had hoped. But they allow pup the memories to look back on and remember being to these places.

    The day after we went to the British Museum. They and an exhibition of Egyptian items and historical artifacts. I do love me Egypt and its fascinating history and stories of gods. Maybe why I like Stargate. I did enjoy the museum for its history. Which comes from my dad who was always interested in history. He has a large collection of books on varying history.

    The museum offered a while range of other history and other artifacts beyond Egyptian history. You likely could spend the whole day wondering the museum learning all kinds of things. For me. We did have a good explore and the photo gallery shows you a lot of what we saw on our visit.

    Once we had finished at the museum we went over to St Pancreas station and wandered around the station before returning to the hotel and at the end of our brief visit to London.

  • Out Walk : Ashley Civil Parish

    Out Walk : Ashley Civil Parish

    Google Photo Gallery

    It’s 2008 and a new year meaning new walks, so today’s Sunday walk with the group is around Ashley, a small village not far from Manchester Airport but surrounded by countryside.

    Starting in Hale, which was a few miles from Bowden where we did the Dunham Walk, this route would take us south from here into the countryside. We passed a few big houses and the Altrincham United Reform Church, a red brick tower of a building. Prefer the small parish church of St Elizabeth’s in Ashley, more interesting building and likely a lot more history to it. Each to there own.

    We didn’t actually go into Ashley village, we circled around it. Crossing lanes and fields. Picture below shows us crossing one field which some curious horses.

    Some lane walked was done as well in varying parts which did mean at least it was dry underfoot  The field walking wasn’t so much.

    The route, after a while going south, turned east passing under the railway line which carries the train from Manchester to Chester, through the Cheshire countryside. Despite being an industrial picture being a bridge, find bridges interesting features.

    Heading East also meant we were heading towards the airport, so as we walked across the fields we saw a few planes fly over head. So not a peaceful walk like if we were in Wales or the Yorkshire Dales.

    I liked this route, but the fields were rather muddy in places.

    The tree above was found along the river Bollin which we reached following our route back towards Hale. We tracked the Bollin back and then back I think Hale to return to our start point by the railway station.

    Despite the mud and the damp conditions of a January walk, the blue sky and walking a new place was nice to do.

  • Out Walk : Alderley Edge

    Out Walk : Alderley Edge

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    Alderley Edge is one of those places heard about like Dunham but again never been to. With autumn in full swing, a walk round the famous Alderley Edge might be worth an Out walk.

    The autumn colours looked amazing from the start. We began in the town of Alderley Edge, making a good point for walks to meet and then explore the Edge and woodland. Trees covered in yellow and orange leaves really made the walk beautiful and good weather was an added bonus.

    Some walks I would scout out before hand. But some like the Dunham one had to sort of make up using a map.  Alderley Edge was pieced together from a brief visit and maps and worked out fine. Think one path I was rather confused on, but any walk down here is never a wrong one as the place is so nice to explore.

    As we ascended up through the woodland, we got some, great views north over this part of Cheshire. Which cron The Edge where everyone gathered again views east can be gained. Not as impressive as some places been to over the years, as though I am sure they would have been, but despite it being a glorious sunny day, there was an autumn haze which limited the view.

    Our route took meandering through the woodland that covers this hillside, admiring the varying colours in the trees and made for some atmospheric and interesting photos.

    It’s no wonder there are so many stories and legends surrounding Alderley Edge. The whole walk felt intriguing as we walked around through the landscape. The varying rocks, cracks in the grounds hidden nooks. All kinds of stories could be created over the years as man lived and worked this landscape.

    The last leg of the walk took us away from Alderley Edge back to the town, following some of the lanes and fields to the West of the Edge. I really enjoyed the walk as did those who came along too. Some people had visited the Edge before and knew it well and stories about it. For me, a new place for pup to visit and certainly will come back again.

  • Out Walk : Whitworth

    Out Walk : Whitworth

    Google Photo Album

    Today’s walk with the walking group was at Whitworth in the Rossendale Valley. Having worked in the valley for a good few years in the walks for health project, I had explored varying footpaths and routes and created this walk from two walks in the area, bulked out to make a lengthier walk for the group.

    The first leg of the walk tools us over Waingap, an area of moorland above Whitworth town itself which is part of Whitworth moorland. I included this stretch giving nice views over the valley and circled to Waingap which was a newly planted woodland by Groundwork. The trees were still young, years to come be interesting to return and see how they have grown.  The route then took us to St Bartholomew’s Church.

    St Bartholomew’s Church, Whitworth.

    The church itself dates back to around 1850, but after a fire in the 1980s, the building size was reduced. The tower still remains, but the width of the building has reduced and length. The gravesite is snuggled around the church above Whitworth and gargoyle waterspouts are visible on the roof if you look carefully enough.

    Cowm Reservoir.

    Cowm Reservoir, built in 1868, like so many reservoirs of course was built in a valley changing the landscape forever. Varying farms steads stood around the valley and over time these declined and eventually fell into ruin. The quarrying which had been the bulk work in the area also began to wain in time.

    Cow Clough Lane.

    The walk circled the reservoir to the top end of the reservoir before following the course of Cow Clough Lane. The remains of the farm steads and walls for outbuildings can be found along the lane as we now headed south.

    Rossendale, holds a lot of history that has long since gone. Like the Calderdale Valley, mills, cottages, farms, some which remain and converted to housing or flats but echo the long forgotten history these places once had during the industrial and Victorian eras of our past.

    Former railway line.

    Leaving Cowm Reservoir we returned to the valley floor and followed the course of the former rail-line which ran from Rochdale up through this part of the valley, through Whitworth and into Bacup. The line, axed under Beechings, saw the Rossendale Valley loose virtually all of its railway lines. In the picture above you can see the remains of Broadley Station which lay south of Whitworth.  The route makes for a lovely walk through Whitworth, but again a piece of history long since gone.

    Healey Dell.

    Healey Dell, is a fascinating spot below Broadley Station. The Viaduct which carried the rail-line from Rochdale to Bacup crosses through the Dell adding to the atmospheric feel of this spot.  Cascading waterfalls, small and special work there way through the area and make homes for a while host of wildlife.

    Check out the rest of the photos at the link at the top. Whitworth, is a lovely spot in Rossendale and fond memories of walking here remain.

  • Out Walk : Dunham Massey

    Out Walk : Dunham Massey

    Google Photo Album

    On the edge of Altrincham is Dunham Massey. Have heard about it, know about it, never been to it. Well pup has no photos recorded so not sure if ever been before. But for the out walkers, I thought a new wall at Dunham might be worth a try.

    We started the walk near the war memorial in Bowden and did a criss cross walk over the golf course into Dunham Massey grounds. Sort made up the walk, so could be a success or not so good lol

    There are more photos in the album if you click on the link above which show your full walk route we did through pictures. The grounds were nice and open, a few feet about but at a distance which was a shame. Don’t get to see much deer when you live in Radcliffe. So moving to Cheshire, already seeing new things like deer by doing this walk on the edge of Greater Manchester.

    The hall was interesting, though we didn’t go into it on the walk. Just skirted round to as the walk intended took us the Bridgewater Canal and walk along that to make the walk circled and different than walking around just the ground of Dunham.

    The Bridgewater Canal which runs out from Salford Quays and is part of the Cheshire ring, is again full of history. The crane and blocks are old and used if there ever is a breach on the canal wall to stop the water flushing away. Didn’t see many barges on the canal on the walk sadly. But the easy towpath allowed is good access round the Dunham Estate back to Durban. village. The MBB canal which back up Radcliffe where I am from is a none navigable canal and lots of the route are just footpaths, not as easy accessible at the Bridgewater.

    The last leg of the walk took us through part of Dunham Village and a few streets of Bowden back to the start. Generally the walk was okay. Having never done it before wasn’t sure what to expect, so might not do this one again. Have lots of other routes coming up and as never explored Cheshire yet, a whole county to explore.

  • Manchester Pride 2007

    Manchester Pride 2007

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    2007 was pups first gay pride. FIRST! I know, 30 years old and never been to a gay pride. Has to be a first time for everything, so yes, 2007 me and my fella decided to go to the Pride parade. Be on the watch for semi naked men. I am a gay man after all, pup likes a good nosy. Woof.

    Having never been to a pride parade I was not quite sure what to expect or quite what I would see. The parade was started with the police force which was nice to see. Yes I do like a man in uniform, but that’s besides the point in this case. Just pleased seeing the police force supporting gay pride.

    A whole range of floats, people, groups, charities all took part. Business, individuals, varying social and sports groups all took part in some form or another.

    Okay okay, you likely spotted pup had a theme going adding these pictures. Well come on I am a gay man after all. What else was I going to take pictures off. Castles and countryside. Er… Well not today. That’s for other blogs spots, have to track them down if you want to look at things like that. This was the pride parade of half naked men who are going to show off their bodies and wear tight underpants it’s their own fault. Besides what else was a gay pup to do.

    Well it would be rude not to snap a dedone pic of them.

    Well on in all it was a good day. We started on Deansgate at first and then moved down to Princess Street where friends of ours were walking the parade so we joined them for a while. A pink tank, right seen everything now.

    For my first pride parade I really enjoyed it. May have to come again and see another parade and what visual delights take part next year.

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