PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAIL IN THIS POSTING, PARTICULARLY ABOUT LUNCH.
Walk name and date: Weaverham & Acton Bridge: Friday 6th February 2026
Description: This is a varied easy-moderate 6.4 mile walk of 2 halves - a road and woodland walk round the village of Weaverham, and a longer section taking in a second village, Acton Bridge, with views over the Weaver valley.
Starting from The Hanging Gate, 1 Sandy Lane, Weaverham CW8 3HG, there is ample parking space at the pub, which is 13 miles, 25 minutes from Holmes Chapel. 
Leaving the pub, we head down the High Street, pass the the parish church and take a succession of roads which feature shops and further churches and pubs, a woodland riverside walk, and the cricket club. Leaving the village, we drop down to the A49, crossing to enter fields, which take us to the B5153 in Acton Bridge. We pass Milton Baptist Church , cross the railway line and pass the tennis and bowls club to join a footpath leading to a field. After a hedged green lane  we follow a path downhill with views over the Weaver valley, to join the A49. Following the pavement, we turn onto the B5144, which takes us back to the pub.
Estimated walk time: 3 - 3.25 hours.
Distance: 6.4 miles. 
Terrain: A few inclines and a moderate stepped ascent and descent.  Field paths, tracks, riverside path, woodland. Minor and major road walking. Can be muddy in places, particularly in Owley Wood.
Stiles: 7.
Meeting Point: Park at the pub. Meet at 09:45 latest. The walk will start from the pub car park at 10.00am latest.
I will assume that everyone will meet at the pub unless I hear otherwise. 
Equipment: The usual walking boots; waterproof coat and trousers/gaiters if wet.
Walking pole(s) strongly recommended. Drink and a snack. 
Lunch: I have booked a table, initially for 6, at The Hanging Gate. If we have 8 or more eating we will need to pre-order. 
Please find below a link to the food menu. Note: Prices may be out of date!
Main_Menu_Jan_Apr_2025_Final1a
Please let the walk leader whether or not you are staying for lunch, and if you are eating, let me have a menu choice by Wednesday 4th February latest, and earlier if possible, in case we have to pre-order.
Walk Leader contact details: 07968 727756; peterdshields@hotmail.com