17/12/2017 Coach - Windermere & Ambleside

 

December

8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

Fairfield with Sandra Robinson
12½ miles (20km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent

We will do the fairfield horseshoe.

Hundreds and Thousands with Meriel Nutter
9 miles (15km) with 1800ft (549m) Total Ascent

This walk is similar to the B walk, so Tony suggests we move off first to avoid mix ups.

Leaving the coach at Windermere, we take the path to Ellery Bank & Orrest Head, before descending to Causeway Farm, Near Orrest and Far Orrest (Dirty bog! Gaiters recommended). Skirting Allen Knott, we turn right onto Moorhowe Road and then left onto Longmire Lane which leads us to Limefitt Park. We now follow the A592 right to the church before taking a track to Troutbeck where we will have lunch around here.

Walking through Troutbeck to Nanny Lane, we now climb up Wansfell taking a right fork to The Hundreds. Crossing a wall we now continue diagonally onto the ridgeline, then left along the ridge (clean bog) to Wansfell summit 482 metres (If you really want thousands you have to do it twice). Sorry but it´s a steep and stony descent to Ambleside, if it is very icy we will take Robin Lane and a minor road to a track leading to Stockghyll Force before returning to Ambleside.

Orrest Head and Troutbeck with Tony Ingham
9 miles (14.5km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent

This is a linear walk starting from Windermere.

Immediately after leaving the coach we ascend 410 feet to the Orrest Head Viewpoint , which stands at 784 feet above sea level. We descend in a northerly direction to Causeway Farm and follow a minor road eastwards, past Near Orrest Farm, to reach Moorhowe Road. We soon turn off there to proceed north along a Byway for 1.5 miles before dropping down to Limefitt House Holiday Park and Troutbeck. Here we pick up Robin Lane (another track) and this climbs steadily for a mile to High Skelghyll where it drops down through Skelghyll Wood, past Jenkin Crag, to Waterhead. The rest of the walk takes us along the road to the coach in Ambleside for the journey home.

Ambling in Ambleside with Alison & Lesley
6.45 miles (10.1km) with 262ft (80m) Total Ascent

Today´s walk is a circular, starting from Ambleside.

We begin by heading North to Rothay Park where we turn West and make our way to the footbridge over the River Rothay. Keeping the river on our right we follow the road to Pelter Bridge. If the weather allows, we hope to take the lower path through a small wood and along the edge of Rydal Water. Approaching Loughrigg Terrace we turn North through another small wood, then cross the bridge and continue to the Banner Rigg car park. Next we cross the A591, and begin to slowly climb (180ft) North West until we reach the path to Rydal. Here we turn East. If the weather is good, we will have a lovely the view of Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell to our right, before reaching Rydal Hall and continuing down through Rydal Park.

Finally we follow the road back into Ambleside where there should be time for a refreshments and/or Christmas shopping. This is a moderately easy walk with good paths. Alison and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

14/12/2017 Thursday Car - Rivington

 

December

10:30am Start

Rivington Pike and Winter Hill with Dave Thornton
8½ miles (13.5km) with 1035ft (315m) Total Ascent

Meet at Rivington Hall Barn Car Park (Sat Nav: BL6 7SB. Map Ref: 633145), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk starts using stony tracks to ascend through Lever Park and includes Lord Leverhulme's ornamental gardens. After following a zig-zag route we head northwards to the western slopes of Rivington Moor which we climb in an easterly direction to reach the summit which should afford stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After passing the TV mast we follow the summit road to Pike cottage and return to the car park via the tower on Rivington Pike.

If there is low cloud I have an alternative walk planned which will include the tower and Rivington reservoirs. The title for this walk is ‘the road to nowhere, destination unknown´ .

Hopefully we should be back for Christmas.

06/12/2017 Stroller - Christmas Meal

 

December

Meet 12:15pm for 12:30pm

No walk this month.

Christmas meal at The Ley Inn, Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods (Sat Nav: PR6 7EU).

Meet 12:15am for 12:30pm.

To book contact Roy Smith (Telephone number on Programme of email: strollerspdwc@gmail.com).

03/12/2017 Sunday Car - Beacon Fell / Clitheroe

 

December

10:30am Start

Beacon Fell with Stuart Arnold
8 miles (12.9km) with 850ft (259m) Total Ascent

Meet at Barnsfold Outbarn (Sat Nav: PR3 2WH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will walk up via Woodfold onto the fell hoping to find the picture on front of the OS EXPLORER map OL41. We will then search for the dragonfly and the woodpecker before visiting the plaque honouring the Queen's diamond jubilee. We will then drop down off the fell via Middle Lickhurst and Lower Lickhurst to Brock Mill. We will then progress upstream, hopefully crossing the river, if water levels permit. We may then visit the memorial, erected by the club, to Cyril Spiby, a former member of the club. We will then pass through Waddacer scout camp on our way the Gill Barn Wood were we will leave the river and proceed to Wickens corner and eventually Sagar's farm, Broadhead and Rigg lane. We will then pass round the south side of the fell back to Woodfold. This will complete the full tour of the fell and we will then drop down to our starting point.

Clitheroe with Tony Ingham
6.7 miles (10.8km) with 300ft (61m) Total Ascent

Meet at the long stay car park next to the railway station (Sat Nav: BB7 2ED), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We start off on field paths leading down to the Ribble Way which we follow southwards, via Edisford Bridge (toilets), to Fishes and Peggy Hill Farm. Here we turn east to reach a Roman Road and from there through fields to Lower Standen. At this point we head west to follow a stream to Henthorne Road which leads back northwards for a mile to the car park through Clitheroe's southern suburbs.

19/11/2017 Coach - Ilkley

 

November

8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

On t´Moor wi´ t´At! with Dave Colbert
11 Miles / 18km with 1,840ft / 560m Total Ascent

Ah, but which Moor? Which ‘At?? The high ground separating Lower Wharfedale from Airedale goes under a variety of names, Ilkley Moor the most famous due to a certain song. If you wish to sing it, go on the B+! The highest point, which we will visit, is known as Rombalds Moor, 402m/1,320ft, but there are others.

From Ilkley, we follow the Dales Way Link / Ebor Way past the Cow and Calf rocks to Barks Crag on Burley Moor and the small settlement of Burley Woodhead. Various paths lead onto and over Hawksworth Moor to a road at White Flush, left for a long climb past Horncliffe Well and across Bingley Moor (see what I mean) to the Twelve Apostles stone circle and a level walk to the trig point atop Rombalds Moor.

We return to Ilkley down Keighley Road (a track) from Whetstone Gate.

Ilkla Moor Baht´ At with Dave Thornton
10 miles (16km) with 1132ft (345m) Total Ascent.

Starting in Ilkley we first go south along the Dales Way Link until we meet the Millennium Way which we follow westwards past the Swastika Stone, thought to be of Bronze Age origin.

Turning south on Long Ridge End, a part of Addingham High Moor, we walk to the edge of the forest and then turn south east along a 'not so dry' path to West Buck Stones. We continue to the Wireless Station at Whetstone Gate and then along a newly constructed path to the highest point on Ilkley Moor at 402m/1319ft.

We return to Ilkley via the 12 Apostles Stone Circle and the Cow and Calf rocks.

Ebor Way with Dorothy Dobson
7 miles (11km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

We take the road south from the town and immediately begin to climb up to Ilkley Moor, as far as White Wells, then head in a westerly direction along the Dales High Way/ Millennium Way, where we have outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.

We pass the Swastika Stone, believed to be from the Neolithic Age and after another mile leave the path to descend to Cragg House. We follow paths across fields before joining a minor road to Cocking End. Here, after carefully crossing the A65, we Join the Dalesway and back to Ilkley.

River Wharfe with Joyce Bradbury
6¼ miles (10.1km) with 247ft (65.3m) Total Ascent

We start our walk just past Chelker Reservoir on the A65; only al fresco toilets I´m afraid! We follow field paths, more or less on the level, before descending steeply (450ft / 137m) to Lobwood House where we join the Dales Way to Ilkley along the River Wharfe. This first section and the next mile or so has several stiles, all in good condition.

The way now is, for the most part, flat with three stepped rises to add interest! There are some lovely views but, for the recce, it was very wet under foot except for paved sections. Lots of shops, pubs and cafés in Ilkley

15/11/2017 Stroller - Boundary Mill

 

November

10:30am Start

Boundary Mill with Roy Smith
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a walk and venue for drinks / snacks or meal and starts at 10:30am

Meet at car park at Boundary Mill (Sat Nav: BB8 9NW), then afterwards at Boundary Mill café.

09/11/2017 Thursday Car - Garstang & Cabus Nook

 

November

10:30am Start

Garstang & Cabus Nook with Dave Tilleray
7 miles (11km) with no ascent

Meet at Riverside Pay and Display Car Park, Garstang (cost £3) (Sat Nav: PR3 1FU), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We leave the car park and walk briefly through Garstang to reach the canal. The walk continues through farms, fields and marshland and a small amount of road walking. We continue over fields to reach Cabus Nook Farm and from there we make our way back to the canal towpath. We walk along the canal back to Garstang and the Car Park.

05/11/2017 Sunday Car - Sollom & Bretherton / Galgate

 

November

10:30am Start

Sollom & Bretherton with Sheila Marsh
7½ miles (12km) with No Ascent

Meet Tarleton Village Centre car park (Sat Nav: PR4 6UJ), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Totally flat walk on lanes from Tarleton to Bretherton via Sollom and ending through grounds of Bank Hall.

Galgate with Margaret & Bob
5½ miles (8.8km) with little climbing

Meet on Oak Avenue, Galgate (Sat Nav: LA2 0NA), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Direction to meeting point; Approaching Galgate from the south, at the traffic light, turn left into Salford Road. Continue under the viaduct where the road becomes Highland Brow. Oak Avenue/Beech Avenue will soon appear on the left.

From Galgate we head to Condor Green, then along the old railway path to Glasson. We pass the marina which leads to the towpath of the Glasson Branch of the Lancaster canal leading us back to Galgate alongside the meandering River Condor.

22/10/2017 Coach - Keswick via Thirlmere

 

October

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

Skiddaw with Stuart Drysdale
11½miles (18.5km) with 3135ft (956m) Total Ascent

We leave the coach just past Threlkeld and make our way to Westcoe and the Blencathra Centre.

From here we follow the path above Glenderterra Beck to join the Cumbria Way to Skiddaw House, behind which we take the track over Sale How to join the tourist path to the summit of Skiddaw ( 3,053ft ).

Time and legs permitting we will go over Skiddaw Little Man ( 2,837ft ), an extra 190 ft, on our way down to Keswick for refreshments and the coach home.

Derwent Water with Colin Manning
10½ miles (16.9km) with 1300ft (396m) Total Ascent

Starting from Keswick we head along the road towards Castlerigg. From here we accent up a rocky path all the way up to Walla Crag for hopefully fantastic views of Derwent water (our highest point of the walk). From here we decent a little to Falcon crag and then all the way down to Ashness Bridge. Joining a quiet B road (I hope) we pass through Lodore woods on our way to join the B5289.. After a very short spell on this road we make our turn for home by joining field paths to reach the shore of Derwent Water.

The remainder of the walk is a low level walk that takes up all the way up the western shore of the Water, skirting Portinscale and back in to Keswick. I hold my hands up, I haven't managed to recce the whole walk but I have spent time planning it out, so the details I have given should be accurate and the walk promises to be a good one and something a bit different from the usual B+ hills.

High Rigg with Chris Cook ably assisted by Joe Brennan
8 miles (12.9km) with 1250ft (381m) Total Ascent

This walk begins at Legbuthwait on the A591. We start climbing immediately to Wren Cragg and onto Yew Cragg and from there on a fairly comfortable undulating path to High Rigg. We then take a nice grassy path down to the Youth Centre at St. Johns in the Vale. We then head west to Low Nest.

Time permitting we will visit the Stone Circle if not we'll go through the fields back to Keswick. Happy Days.

Derwent Dawdle with Alison & Lesley
5¼ miles (8.4km) with 394ft (120m) Total Ascent

Our walk begins today from the coach park in Keswick. Walking along the main street (brief stop for toilets), we take the footpath South East passing Castlehead Wood and continuing through Springs Wood. This is a gradual, slow climb and on a clear day there should good views of the valley. Turning South West we then enter Great Wood from which we descend to cross Borrowdale Road. This brings us to the shores of Derwent Water and from here we will follow the waters edge North West, passing The Ings, Friars Crag, and the Boat House.

From the Theatre we make our way back to Keswick and the coach park. This is a leisurely walk with beautiful scenery and the paths are good.

18/10/2017 Stroller - Crook O Lune

 

October

10:30am Start

Crook O Lune with Bill and Roy
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a walk and venue for drinks / snacks or meal and starts at 10:30am

Meet at main car park (Sat Nav: LA2 9HY), then afterwards at the Station Pub, Caton (half a mile along from the Crook O Lune on the A683).

12/10/2017 Thursday Car - Ribchester

 

October

10:30am Start

Ribchester with Dorothy Dobson
8½ miles (13.6km) with undulating ascent

Meet at village car park (Sat Nav: PR3 3ZH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Setting off from the car park we head north to Duddel Hill, Goodshaw House , Intack and east to Greenore and on to Hurst Green. We return to Ribchester by Lambing Clough and the Ribble Way.

08/10/2027 Sunday Car - Cockerham / Rake Brook Reservoirs

 

October

10:30am Start

Cockerham & Glasson with Chris Metcalfe
8 miles (12.7km) with no appreciable ascent.

Meet at Cockerham Village (Sat Nav: LA2 0EF), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Our walk will take us through farmland to Glasson Dock and along the coast using part of the Lancashire Coastal Way. This will be easy walking using a combination of footpaths, farm tracks and canal towpath. Along the way we will pass Thurnham Hall and Church, Glasson Dock basin and village and the remains of Cockersand Abbey. Toilets in Glasson and possibly at start & finish (depending on Village Hall events). Hope you can join me.

Rake Brook & Roddlesworth Reservoirs with Roy Smith
6 miles (9.7km) with 150ft (46m) Total Ascent

Meet at Brinscall Baths (Sat Nav: PR6 8QU), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Todays walk commences from Brinscall Baths. From the baths we make our way through the nature reserve area of Drinkwaters to the village of Withnell. From here we make our way along country and field tracks to Abbey Village. Our walk now takes us past Rake Brook Reservoir through picturesque woodland, then back along the side of Roddlesworth Reservoir to return to Abbey Village. From the village we make our way back to Brinscall along a disused railway, now a nature reserve. 

24/09/2017 Coach - Llangollen, North Wales

 

September

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

Eglwyseg: To the End Of The World with Leader Dave Colbert
13½ miles (22km) with 2850ft (870m) Total Ascent

Bore da! The magnificent limestone ramparts of Creigiau Eglwyseg dwarf anything the Yorkshire Dales has to offer and are the focal point of this walk which, although quite lengthy, is easily graded. Starting in Llangollen, we cross the Afon Dyfrdwy before storming the hill fort of Castell Dinas Bran. A short descent takes us to the Offa’s Dyke path, which here does not follow the exact line of the earthworks for reasons that will become apparent as we progress. We follow the ODP northwards for some distance, passing beneath Creigiau Eglwyseg and Craig Arthur to reach the appropriately named World´s End. Further climbing across moorland sees us gain the summit of Cyrn-y-Brain (565m/1,854ft) with, hopefully clear views westwards to Mynyddoedd Eryri.

We return to Llangollen by way of Plas yn Eglwyseg and Valle Crucis Abbey, the final part of the walk making use of the towpath of the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union canal. Mwynhau!!

Castle & Canal Path with Val Walmsley
13 miles (20.9km) with 1070ft (325m) Total Ascent

We leave Llangollen along the canal and by the River Dee as far as Valle Crucis abbey (Valley of the cross) near to Eliseg's Pillar, a 9th Century mediaeval cross. We then join the Clwydian Way southwards to Castle Dinas Bran. This mediaeval castle sits on the site of an Iron Age hill fort with great views from the mound.

Onwards to Offah's Dyke path in a south easterly direction on a panoramic walk through Trevor Hall Wood to Trevor where we cross the River Dee with a view of the aqueduct above and to the left. When we reach Froncysyllte we cross the canal and return on the dramatic aqueduct 1000 foot long and 126 feet above the River Dee. We join the LLangollen Canal tow path to return to our starting point to wander round town.

Castell Dinas Bran with Barry Mather
7½ miles (12km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent

Leaving Llangollen we cross the Llangollen canal then gradually climb to Castell Dinas Bran. This was a medieval castle built about 1200 AD, It is also the site of an Iron Age hillfort. With the the serious climbing out of the way we descend to the road and follow the Offa's Dyke Path. We then join the Clwydian Way with a slight ascent then branching off at Abbey Cottage descend to the Cistertian Monestry of Valle Crucis. We then make our way to the Llangollen canal which we follow back to Llangollen.

Tales from the Canal Walk with Pete Stevens
6½ miles (10.5km) with 450ft (137m) Total Ascent

We start our walk today from Llangollen with its worldwide reputation as a centre of Welsh culture and music. Although this is not an easy walk as far as 'C' walks go, it is well worth the effort for the diversity of the scenery, and the fabulous views of the mountains and valley.

We start by following the picturesque Llangollen canal to Pentrefelin, where we then take a footpath that climbs gently uphill to overlook the remains of Valle Crucis Abbey. Following on, we join the Clwydian Way still gently climbing through woodland to Tan-y-fron, where we continue along country lanes with lovely views of the Eglwyseg and Ruabon Mountains on our left. Turning South, through open fields, we meet a country track which forms part of the Offa's Dike Path.

Heading back towards Llangollen along this path, we get stunning views of the remains of Castell Dinas Bran on the hill top in front of us. Skirting round the hill, we make our way back to Llangollen.

20/09/2017 Stroller - Brockholes Nature Reserve

 

September

10:30am Start

Brockholes Nature Reserve with Roy and Geoffrey
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a walk and venue for drinks / snacks or meal and starts at 10:30am

Meet at the reserve car park (Sat Nav: PR5 0AG) Please note that their is a car parking charge for Brockholes Nature Reserve of £5.
Entry to the site itself is free, then afterwards at the café on site.

14/09/2017 Thursday Car - Bleasdale Fells

 

September

10:30am Start

Bleasdale Fells with Stuart Arnold
7½ miles (12km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

Meet at St Eadmer's Church, Bleasale (Sat Nav: PR3 1UY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will walk through Bleasdale estate past Bleasdale tower on to Stang Yule. We will then walk onto Oakenclough Fell and on to Hazelhurst Fell and our final ascent is to Fiendsdale Head. We will then drop down off the fell close to Hazelhurst Farm and then across the fields to Admarsh Barn Farm and finally back down the track to our starting point. If we have time and enough interest we have permission to visit Bleasdale circle, the remains of a megalithic timber settlement.

10/09/2017 Sunday Car - Samlesbury

 

September

10:30am Start

Samlesbury with Nora & Christine
7½ miles (12km) with a little climbing.

Meet at Nabs Head car park (Sat Nav: PR5 OUQ), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Park on the road near to the Nabs Head.

Starting from the Nabs Head we walk down the lane to pass the Mill, from here we join the river Darwen to Samlesbury Bottoms then onto Houghton Bottoms where we will join the Witton Way crossing fields we pass Pleasington Hall, after crossing fields we reach Alum Scar House and from there we head back to the Nabs Head.

27/08/2017 Coach - Ribblehead & Hawes

 

August

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:50pm) Return

Over the Watershed with Sandra Robinson
14 miles (22.5km) with 2000ft (609m) Total Ascent

From Ribblehead we take the path towards Whernside and branch off towards Dent Head farm. Then we take a path to join the Ribble Way and onto the Pennine Way which we follow to Hawes.

Walk around Sleddale with Kevin Poole
10 miles (16.01km) with 1600ft (487m) Total Ascent

This is a circular walk starting from Hawes. We head up the Pennine Way to Dodd Fell and bask in the glorious sunshine as we partake of lunch and admire the view. Spiritually and physically restored we march down the Roman Road back to Hawes and refreshments if required.

Hawes via the Pennine Way with Dorothy Dobson
9 miles (14.5km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

This is a linear walk starting from Gearstones on the B6255 road. The first mile is part of the Dalesway and the remainder, which includes a Roman road, is on the Pennine Way. As we leave the coach we are already on a high level path, so with any luck we should have spectacular views all the way to Hawes.

Hawes to Hardraw with Bob Tognarelli
5 miles (8km) with 250ft (75m) Total Ascent

Hawes to Hardraw then on to Sedbusk, via Simonstone Hall.

The walk starts from Hawes. Leaving the coach park (toilets) we follow the Pennine Way along the valley to charming village of Hardraw. To view the Force Falls is an option extra at £2.50. From here we make a steep but short climb (since no rush we can stop when needed) to reach Simonstone Hall and views across the valley. Then we walk through lots fields, all with gates, to reach the hamlet of Sedbusk. From Sedbusk it is all downhill across fields to the Pennine Way and Hawes.

This walk is the same as Alison and Lesley's walk of 2014, but in the opposite direction.