From snow to water and mud

Weather, jobs, people to visit, illness or simple laziness has meant we've not got out for a walk for several weeks now, so we decided we needed to put this right today and get out into the fresh air.

We'd committed to this big effort by enlisting Carole's Mum and Dad for some extra encouragement, so even though we woke up to a blanket of snow, we couldn't let them down.


Our destination was Sale Water Park, where a network of paths wind their way around a large lake and through surrounding woods, returning along the banks of a young and fast flowing River Mersey. The leaflet suggested there's plenty of wildlife around here, but on a cold February afternoon there was little evidence to be seen, even though the snow had by now gone.

The paths here are well trodden - a number are marked as the Trans-Pennine Trail, but this means that at this time of year they are muddy - very muddy! Fortunately we had our boots on but there were plenty of others out for a stroll who didn't have suitable footwear for the conditions.

On the way back to the visitor centre, we passed this colourful murel illustrating how pleasant the park will be in summertime. Perhaps we'll come back then for another look.