This month we walk part of the Longster Trail and visit an interesting isolated church west of Delamere Forest.
10.7 km (6.6 miles), total ascent 57 m.
After quitting the village of Great Barrow near its school, we turn right by Greysfield and start out along the ridge of Barrow Hill. A half kilometre later, we descend the hill obliquely and pass between Ferma Wood and Ardmore into low-lying land before Holme Farm is reached.
Soon after leaving the farm, we cross the Chester - Northwich railway line, beyond which lies the hamlet of Plemstall with its isolated church. The graveyard here is worth a short detour to see the macabre decoration on one of the chest tombs. Just to the west of the church lies St. Plegmund's Well, dedicated to an obscure 9th century hermit who was to become Archbishop of Canterbury.
The path now leads north-eastwards and crosses several of the many small watercourses in this area before joining Wildmoor Lane, which terminates at a junction with the B5132 at Little Barrow. We turn left here, pass over the Barrow Brook and then take a quiet lane on the right, known as Long Green.
After passing Rose, Middlehurst and Long Green farms, we take a track leading through fields to a junction with the Longster Trail, a hiking route linking Chester and Helsby. We turn south on the trail and traverse the railway again shortly before Swinfordmill Farm.
We follow the Longster Trail past Brook Farm and across Hollowmoor Heath and then, instead of following it directly back into Great Barrow, we take a more interesting route back to the start point, which passes Park Hall and Barrow Mill. Three-quarters of a kilometre later we find ourselves at St Bartholomew's Church and our parking spot.
Click this link for an image showing the walk route on OS mapping: Great Barrow & Plemstall
Roadside parking area on Barrow Lane, Great Barrow, CH3 7HS
OS Grid Ref: SJ 46912 68461
Google Maps Ref: 53.210550, -2.796375
what3words Ref: ///indicates.movie.spurted
Plus Code: 9C5V6663+6F
Use the map below to get directions to the start point in Google Maps:
Anyone in need of help in arranging transport to the walk please contact the walk leader.
Food will be available at the Stamford Bridge Inn after the walk. This is located a very short drive southwards from Great Barrow, along the B5132. Click here for the Stamford Bridge Inn menus. Those wishing to take lunch at the pub please let me know by FRIDAY 16TH MAY, with a MENU CHOICE, in case we need to pre-order.
Please note that the start point for the walk is in Great Barrow, so please do not use the Stamford Bridge Inn’s car park (until after the walk if staying for lunch).
Holmes Chapel Meet-Up for Car Shares: 09:00 at Holmes Chapel Community Centre car park
Walk Start Meet-Up: 09:40 for 09:50
Walk Finish: 13:15
Lunch Booking: 13:30
| Group Status : | Vacancies |
| Venue : | Venue to be Advised by Group Leader, |
| Date of Event : | Wednesday 21st May 2025 |
| Applications to join can be made from Friday 2nd May 2025 | |
| The Closing Date for Applications is Wednesday 21st May 2025 | |
| Time of Session : | 09:50 to 13:15 |