Mystical grey outlines replace fine views
MOW Cop Castle folly is a landmark dominating the Staffordshire skyline for miles around.
The folly, built 260 years ago and now belonging to the National Trust, was the location of the first stop of the day on a recent 12-mile walk by eight members of the East Cheshire Ramblers, led by Colin Park.
The Ramblers set off from Little Moreton Hall along the South Cheshire Way.
Soon after crossing the Macclesfield Canal the group ascended towards the Old Man of Mow.
The summit however was just within the cloud base, and so on this occasion, only the grey outlines of both the Old Man and nearby Mow Cop Castle loomed out of the mist as mystical grey outlines, and there were sadly no views from these high vantage points.
A descent was followed via a maze of lanes through Mow Cop Village, which is famed for the birthplace of the Primitive Methodist movement.
On the edge of Kidsgrove, the group then followed a section of the Trent and Mersey Canal to reach its lunch stop in the church yard at Church Lawton. The church, which stands on a mound has been a religious site for near on 1,000 years.
The present church was built after a fire in 1798.
One hundred and forty six years earlier the church was struck by lightning, killing 11 people inside.
Rejoining the canal towpath again the group crossed Snape’s Aqueduct to reach Thurlwood.
Here it was time for another brief break before setting off along field paths in bright afternoon sunshine, following once more the South Cheshire Way for much of the way back towards Little Moreton Hall.
For more information about East Cheshire Ramblers’ current walking programme, visit www. ramblerseastcheshire. co.uk . ●● DOG trainer Vic Barlow, aka The Dogfather, runs training sessions for pets and their owners.
This week he explains how dogs show love... I’VE learned an awful lot about life from dogs.
In a typical week I work with about 50 different dogs and everyone tells a story.
Unlike humans, dogs are incapable of deceit, they tell you exactly how they feel and never hold grudges, which is why two dogs can have a fight and lay down next to each other five minutes later.
Dogs are incredibly pragmatic, which can be a shock to over-indulgent owners. They don’t fret over the past or worry about the future, they live entirely in the moment.
It’s a great way to live and we should endeavour to do likewise.
They show love by practical assistance not (as we would like to believe) by a show of emotion.
Watch a good bitch nurturing and preparing her pups for the real world.
She doesn’t hang onto them but takes her leave for longer periods encouraging them to become independent.
Dogs assist pack members by warning off intruders, finding and sharing food, water and shelter.
Confident dogs will help weaker pack members by taking the lead and showing confidence.
Contrary to popular opinion, dogs don’t pine.
The change of routine and order may confuse them for a while but they soon adjust providing we allow them to do so.
Dogs are extremely sensitive to mood and owners often prevent bereaved dogs from adjusting by constantly projecting sadness. The best way to show love to your dog is help him/her become a well-adjusted sociable individual.
It isn’t natural for dogs to be anti-social.
They know it’s wrong (no anti-social dog would ever be allowed to join a pack) they just don’t know how to get back into balance.
Show them the way and they always follow.
Help your dog to live a natural, balanced sociable life.
That’s the way of a true leader and how to show true LOVE.
For more help go to www.vicbarlow.com or text Vic on 07590 560012