We got a good licking at Wheelock, but weren't defeated. Perhaps the cows were just pleased to see us and our thorough washing was a welcome. The high spot of this walk though is the birds - widgeon, shellduck, red shank, ruff, merlin, curlew, great tit, tree sparrow, heron, mallards and teal. And especially our favourite the lapwing. With its jaunty crest and playful tumbling flight this bird seems to rejoice in spring. You don't have to be a twitcher to appreciate Elton Flashes, but a pair of binoculars will certainly add to the enjoyment.
LOCATION: Sandbach
START: Turn off A533 down Abbey Rd, one mile west of Sandbach, and keep straight on at roundabout. Elton Road leads under the railway, then you turn left down Clay Lane and park by Elton Flashes
Grid ref: SJ724595 Postcode: CW113QY
DISTANCE: 6.5 miles
GRADE: Easy
TIME: 3.5 hours
MAP: Explorer - two maps, Crewe & Nantwich and Northwich & Delamere Landranger 118
REFRESHMENTS: Wheelock
EN ROUTE: Watch Lane Flash, Ettiley Heath, Trent and Mersey Canal
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News