Maelor Way - Overton to Whitchurch (Day 2)

Friday 11th July 2025

Walking Diary (All Walks) Long Distance Walks Offa's Dyke to the Pennine Way Link Path 2025

Maelor Way Day 2 - Overton to Whitchurch

We started the day back at Overton, we had not been able to stay anywhere around here as there was a distinct lack of B&B's and pubs - so we had to do something that we don't normally do which was to book 2 nights in Whitchurch and arrange for taxi's to and from Overton. Not ideal, but Whitchurch was good for a couple of nights out.

Certainly a pleasant start, but after some gentle walking we were soon back to negotiating difficult and overgrown paths. In one instance we fought our way through the undergrowth to get into a field where we got attacked by the occupants - a herd of cows - we didn’t hang around to check whether they were bullocks or young dairy cows, it was serious, they weren’t just inquisitive - our defence was two large sticks and shouts whilst we retreated across the field back to the entrance. Following a detour through other fields and hedgerows we were back on the Maelor Way, a little further along, we entered what looked like an empty field with just a few sheep - however there were large gaps in the adjacent hedgerow - we had been spotted by another herd of cows with one particular angry cow leading the charge, another desperate and defensive journey to an exit - this is not fun at all !

Having survived two attacks we were understandably cautious, two separate landowners we met did warn us about plenty more livestock in the local fields ahead and relayed tales of the various fatalities that had befallen walkers in the past. This spooked us indeed. So much so that we started detouring countryside that was populated with livestock by following country lanes. Not what we wanted, but at least we would survive the walk.

Another very long and hard day and one that wasn't overly enjoyable to be honest.

Our impression of the Maelor way was poor - Un-maintained, allowed to go into disrepair, farmers not keeping rights of way clear and making no provision for walkers, especially with livestock - overgrown, little signage apparent. This is one that we won't be doing again, that's for sure. Very rare that I'm critical of a 'Way' but this one was extremely disappointing.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 19.5 miles
Duration: 7:45 hours
Ascent: 2267 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Accompanied By: Davy
Weather: Very Hot & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

Setting off from Overton - clear skies, suns out and already scorching at 10am. We're going to roast today! sun cream applied, so lets hope for a better day on the Maelor Way today.

Tranquil and isolated - We didn't see another walker all day, in fact we didn't see another walker until Day 5 on this LDW.

Looking at those lovely oak trees we note the build up of cattle in distant fields. Hope that's not going to be a problem.

Down a bank, into the copse, limbo under the fallen trees, wade through the nettles, fight back the bramble thorns and waft away the insects - then into a field where the occupants take exception to you being there!

In the field behind these trees we had to ward off a herd of cows whilst retreating back the way we had come - they were very aggressive - large sticks were needed to keep them back. A detour was then necessary around adjacent fields. This isn't normal, why are we getting spooked by cattle? they don't seem inquisitive - just very aggressive, is it because they are not used to walkers in this area?

Where your safety is concerned it's best to keep out of their way. We will persevere on the path for now, but we can't keep on having these events.

The safety of a country lane.

I tried to follow the path over this 'bridge' (near cross mill farm) the nettles and thorns were that bad that I had to put on my waterproof over-trousers to protect my already sore and itchy legs. There was no way through on the other side - However Dav managed to find an alternative route which got us to the other side of the brook. In periods of heavy rain, I'm not sure if this would be passable.

Damage assessment - who has the most bites, scratches and cuts.

After another scary cattle incident, we decided to do some detours by following country lanes.

Really !!

Even we couldn't get through this - There's just no maintenance on these paths, one man with a strimmer could sort this - maybe there's no desire to have country walks in Shropshire.

Arriving at Hanmer.

Church of St Chad, Hanmer Mere.

Hanmer church is first mentioned in 1110. The present church was begun c1490, after damage by fire in 1463. Its rebuilding saw the creation of a substantial parish church with tower.

The church was badly damaged by fire in 1889 but restored a few years later

A relaxing stop by the Mere - We took our boots off and enjoyed a cold can of pop which we were pleased to get from the small post office.

We pondered the way ahead and agreed that the South Cheshire Way tomorrow may indeed be much better than the very disappointing Maelor Way.

The water looked so inviting, we would have loved to have joined the swimmers enjoying a dip on this red hot day.

Easy to follow path for once.

As we approach Bronington, we do notice the increasing number of corn fields that we pass through - hopefully these will gradually replace the cattle farming as we head eastwards into England.

Some lovely country houses around here.

Near Whitewell - and a signpost !

Looks like we are into a corn field again.

Wolvesacre farm and yet more cattle conflicts! Another detour on the cards.

As we approach Grindley Brook we enter Shropshire - Which was a bit puzzling as I thought we were already there.

Just down the lane from here we reached a main road (A41) and made a navigational mistake. We turned right and should have gone left.

There looks to be two Grindley Brook locks, a quarter of a mile apart - We went to the wrong one and couldn't find the end of the Maelor Way and the start of the South Cheshire Way which were both located at the other lock.

We were tired and in no way were we heading back towards the other lock, so we classed our lock as the end of the Maelor Way and had to walk to our hotel by the side of the busy road - not a great end to a poor walk.

Grindley Brook lock

Fortunately, ice creams were available at the cafe on the lock - possibly the highlight of the day!

A good end to the day - A dip in the swimming pool and relax in the sauna, very enjoyable, even if we were surrounded by golfers.

Now for our second night out in Whitchurch.