Today's section of our Sandstone Trail walk started at Bickerton Hill, an area of wild heathland, and it is the last elevated section of the walk. Although we hadn't gone very far we tarried a while and foraged for wild bilberries that grow in this area. They are similar, but distinct from, their larger American cousins the blueberry. As I type NM is in the kitchen working her alchemy to turn them into a bilberry tart.

There is a wonderful view point at the top of Bickerton hill at Kitty's stone. The land at Bickerton Hill was acquired by the National Trust with financial help from Leslie Weedon in memory of his wife Kitty " so that others may enjoy these Cheshire hills as much as she did". We certainly have these last few days.

From there we continued to Maiden Castle an ancient iron age hill fort constructed circa 600 BC and occupied until the Roman conquest of Britain.

At Maiden castle we started the descent to the plain below. We crossed a few fields and towards Manor House racing stables. These are owned by the former footballer Michael Owen and it is a very impressive set up. Above the administration block and lads' hostel is the owners' lounge with views of the stable block and out over the gallops. The trail takes you across the gallops and round the back of the yard where the vet centre and pools are. They can house up to 130 horses at the stables.

From here it was a bit of a slog across fairly uninteresting fields to the end of this section.

Only one section of about 5.5 miles left to do. We will probably do that on Saturday.