Malpas - Overton Hall - Shocklach - Malpas

Philip Ingram

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The walk runs though classic Cheshire countryside with great views across the Dee Valley to Wales. In spring, the hedgerows will be brilliant with flowers and in autumn there will be brambles, sloes and wild plums for those prepared to hunt. On your way out, you should be able to see Moel Famau and the Clwydian Hills ahead with the hills above Llangollen on your left and the Berwyn ridge left of them. The Bull at Shocklach http://www.thebullshocklach.com/ is a welcome halfway stop with good food, real beer and sensibly priced coffee. The return route rises so gently you hardly notice it, eventually bringing you within sight of St Oswald's Church. This is well worth a visit, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Oswald%27s_Church,_Malpas for more information.

This is mainly dairy country, so many fields will have cattle in them. Geologically it is on glacial terraces with lots of sticky clay (Shocklach apparently means 'sticky mud'). In consequence, choose dry conditions to enjoy this walk at its best. A clear, cold winter day after some days of hard frost will also be good.

England - North England - Cheshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife

8/2/2018 - Philip Ingram

Thank you, Joyce, for taking the time to comment. I understand why you had a problem and have amended the instructions for WP06 in the hope of making the route easier to follow. When I can get to Malpas, I will rephotograph that section and create a waypoint at the junction where you had a problem. It is unfortunate that you have not been able to follow this route as it is very attractive. The last time I was walking in the Shocklach area, I saw hares in the field as noted in the text. Happy Walking!

7/27/2018 - Joyce Pentland

May 2018, we've attempted this walk several times but got a little lost. No matter as using the map & various waymarked we managed a good walk around the countryside. However, not be be defeated we walked route 8012, perfect instructions and easily followed the correct route. However we discovered our mistake for route 5127, at way mark 6 walk past the first weeping willow, brick house and Bishop Bennett way marker as there is a second set just down the road. Both walks excellent and would recommend both. Joyce Pentland

7/16/2013 - Philip Ingram

In early July 2013 the field between 33 and 34 is under maize. The walk instructions describe the legally correct route. As the farmer has left a good headland round the crop, those who are not militant rights-of-way. Enthusiasts may prefer to use the headland along the boundary to the right.

7/2/2013 - Philip Ingram

The Bull at Shocklach has reopened. http://www.thebullatshocklach.co.uk/about-us/# I have eaten there since it reopened and thoroughly enjoyed it.

5/3/2013 - Philip Ingram

On 2nd May 2013, most of the stiles were reasonably clear, even that mentioned at point 32. As with many walks in less frequented areas, a pair of secateurs can be helpful! The Bull at Shocklach is closed for refurbishing but the landlord promised me it would be open on 17th May and that walkers and cyclists would be sought as customers. The recent dry spell makes this a good time to walk this route as the area around Shocklach is often wet.

8/8/2012 - Frank Thompson

Completed the walk today 8/8/2012. From waymark 30 to 35 the farmer responsible for the stiles has done his best to leave them concealed. At waymark 32 the stile is now completely hidden and the gap in the hedge had to be cleared of nettles and other hedgerow weeds to allow passage.