In 2022, Sandbach Woodland and Wildlife Group (SWWG) successfully restored Footpath FP23 along the northern bank of the Trent and Mersey Canal opposite Wheelock Wharf to the south eastern corner of the Zan Industrial Estate – Phase 1.
The geocaching community made a significant input into this project at my previous CITO.
Phase 2 of the project aims to improve and make safe FP23 footpath from the end point of phase 1 to Dancing Bridge, where it intercepts the Wheelock Rail Trail.
This section of footpath FP23 is well used and over the course of the last twenty years, has become dangerously slippery. It has eroded at several points and is becoming increasingly difficult to negotiate, especially after wet weather. The 65 metres downstream of Dancing Bridge has become increasingly difficult to negotiate particularly following wet weather. This has led to walkers widening the walking area to the extent that the footpath is falling into Arclid Brook and resulting erosion requires urgent action to prevent the footpath from becoming impassable.
SWWG aim to upgrade the footpath at either end where the path is most degraded so that it is safe, level and stable. Once completed, this footpath will complete the link from Wheelock into the network of footpaths following Arclid Brook and leading to the Wheelock Rail Trail, successfully completed by Cheshire East Council several years ago.
I have been volunteering with SWWG and working on their footpath improvement projects. There has been significant progress made already on the phase 2 project, but there is still plenty to do.
The fantastic news is that SWWG have agreed to accept another offer of help from the Geocaching community.
This session is exclusively for geocachers attending this CITO only. We will be clearing, levelling and widening a section of the existing path. Depending on numbers, we may have a delivery of stone to accept and move to make up the finished surface of a section of the path.
If you fancy attending this CITO to help progress this project, all we would ask of you is:
1. Please only confirm your attendance if you can definitely make it. "Hoping to be there" doesn't really work for this.
2. Please can you bring some tools with you for your use if you have some. Spades, shovels, rakes and the like will all be needed. If you are able to transport a wheelbarrow with you then please do so. Use of a mattock has been particularly effective in levelling and widening the existing path, so please bring one if you have access to it.
3. Any children must be accompanied by their responsible adult at all times.
There will be a short H&S briefing at the start of the event which will be conducted at the rear of the Zan estate which you must attend and sign up to if you want to participate. See the location coordinates in the additional waypoints
You don't need to be built like Geoff Capes to be involved in this CITO. All ages, fitness levels and abilities are welcome.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if something in this listing doesn't make sense or if you have any suggestions or good ideas to make the event a success.
WARNING!
DO NOT PARK ON THE AREA BETWEEN THE CHESHIRE CHEESE PUB AND BARCHETTA RESTAURANT UNLESS YOU USE "TAP 2 PAY" TO PAY FOR YOUR PARKING (£2.50 FOR 3 HOURS, £5.00 PER DAY).
THIS IS PRIVATE LAND AND HAS MAGIC EYE CAMERAS. THESE WILL RECORD YOUR ENTRY/EXIT AND WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEND YOU AN EXPENSIVE PARKING CHARGE NOTICE IF YOU DON'T PAY FOR YOUR PARKING.