11/12/2022 Coach Walk - Windermere via Ambleside

December

8:00 Start with 16:30 (5:30pm) Return

Please Note

The coach will be parking in Ambleside, usually in the car park on the right hand side just past Hays Garden Centre as you head into Ambleside, or failing that, at Waterhead, which is at the head of the lake and a bit further out. The coach will leave Ambleside at 4:30pm. Arrival time should be circa 10:30 with a clear run.

A Walk - Winter Warmer with John Parkinson

9.8 miles (15.8km) with 3350ft (1028m) Total Ascent

Leaving Ambleside opposite the Golden Rule we walk past the University of Cumbria´s local campus, the only university campus in the U.K. located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching Nook End Farm we start the ascent to Low Pike and then onto High Pike on the right hand side of the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Continuing on the ridge and before Dove Cragg we head off the horseshoe over Bakestones Moss and Black Brow down to the Scandale Pass. From there we take the short, steep ascent to the cairn at Red Screes before starting our descent through Raven Cragg and Snarker Pike back to Ambleside. 

B+ Walk - Troutbeck Meander with Val Walmsley

9.6miles (15.4km) with 1166ft (355m) Total Ascent

Starting in Windermere take A591 for short way to pick up path to The Common. From here we walk on field paths to Near Orrest & Moorhowe Road than onto Dubbs Road for a 2mile stretch to Limefitt Park.

At Troutbeck we cross the A592 & join a path to Nanny Lane. We leave by the Wansfell Pike path to take one down to search for a waterfall & once found use Hundred Ends Road to Robin Lane. Following this lane all way back to Ambleside passing High Skelghyll & Skelghyll Wood, sunlit all the way!!

B Walk - Winderemere to Ambleside with Barbara & Alan Gilbert

We start from Windermere Station (toilets inside Booths) making our way up Orrest Head with spectacular views over Lake Windermere. This is where Alfred Wainwright had his epiphany after coming from a smokey mill town.

We then descend towards Causeway Farm and onto Far Orrest below Allen Crag before reaching the village of Troutbeck.

We make our way up Robin Lane to High Skelghyll Farm before entering Skellghyll Wood. If there is time we may climb up to Jenkin Crag and finally descending into Ambleside hopefully in time for some refreshments.

C Walk - Rydal Water & The Coffin Trail with Dorothy Dobson

We leave the coach in Ambleside to make our way across the park to the footbridge over the River Rothay. We follow the road by the river all the way to Pelters Bridge. From here we go to Rydal Water and take a footpath round the lake to reach the car park by A591 road. We cross this road to take a short but steep climb to join the Coffin route (Path from Grasmere to Rydal).

We follow the path in a southerly direction to reach Rydal Hall where we take the footpath through Rydal Park to Scandale Bridge to rejoin the A591 which leads us back to Ambleside.

If the conditions underfoot are unfavourable we will take the same route omitting Ryal Water, cross the main road at Pelters Bridge, climb the hill to Rydal Hall and continue as before. Apart from one steep hill the climbing is minimal.

08/12/2022 Thursday Car - Silverdale

B Walk - Eaves Wood with Stuart & Judith

7½ miles (12km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent

Meet at Eaves Wood, Silverdale (Sat Nav: LA5 0UQ. Grid Ref:SD471759), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will walk through the wood initially to the “Pepperpot„ then down to the sea front with a view of the cave and the expanse of Morecambe bay and across the green into Silverdale.

We will leave the village and head to Woodwell then past Lindeth tower and on to Jack Scout and the Giant´s chair for a coffee break. With the ocean on our right we pass round Jenny Brown´s point past Heald Brow and to the road leading us to Silverdale railway station and across the golf course. On our way back to the start we pass through Silverdale Green and pass by Hagg Wood.

07/12/2022 Stroller - Christmas Lunch

Christmas Lunch at The Farmers Arms

No walk this month.

Christmas meal at The Farmers Arms, Wham Ln, Whitestake, Preston (Sat Nav: PR4 4JS).

Meet 12:15am for 12:30pm.

16/11/2022 Stroller - Mere Sands

Mere Sands woodland wander with Trudy Kirkham

2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

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

Meet on Car Park at Hesketh Arms (toilets will be open), 81 Liverpool Rd, Rufford (Sat Nav:L40 1SB), then afterwards at Hesketh Arms.

The walk involves road, footpaths, then woodland track around the woods and back to the Hesketh Arms.

13/11/2022 Coach - Haworth via Hebden Bridge

November

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

A Walk - Black Hameldon & High Withins (Return to Dick Delf Hill) with Dave Colbert

13½ miles (22km) with 2,300ft (700m) Total Ascent

On our last visit to Haworth in January 2015, debate raged in ‘Footprints’ as to just who Dick Delf was to have a hill named after him. Why this was so remained unresolved, but a recent investigation by Professor Bewaldeth from the University of Snittlegarth suggests that Dick Delf was a pseudonym used by Bog Myrtle, an 11th century Yorkshire herbalist from Heckmondwike who wrote a seminal paper on the frustrations of searching for moorland flora and fauna in the West Riding under the title ‘Withering Lows’. Whether this is just another example of ‘Fake News’ is anyone’s guess, and as before, by the end of this hike you will still be none the wiser.

We start just over the border in Cornholme and traverse Black Hameldon, at 479m/1,573ft the highest part of today’s walk, eventually reaching the Pennine Bridleway near the dramatic Gorple Stones. This takes us eastwards past Widdop Reservoir to Clough Foot where we join the Pennine Way proper and chase the ‘B+’ Party over the moors all the way to Haworth!

B+ Walk - Out on the Wiley, Windy Moors with Sue Banister

10 miles (16km) with 1328ft (405m) Total Ascent

We get off the coach at Pecket Well, a mile north of Hebden Bridge, and head west on a downhill stretch of bridleway to New Bridge from where we follow Hebden Water through Hebden Dale to Hardcastle Crags and Walshaw Wood.

We then have a short sharp climb out of the dale and up to the beautiful Walshaw Lodge. From here the climb becomes more gradual over Wadsworth Moor then down to Walshaw Dean Middle Reservoir.

We now join the Pennine Way and follow it over Dick Delf Hill, and on past Withins and Scar Hill. Shortly after Upper Heights we leave the Pennine Way and drop down to the Bronte waterfalls.

We then follow the Brontë Way to Haworth via Penistone Hill Country Park.

B Walk - Brontë Way with Dorothy Dobson

7½ miles (12km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent

Except for better paths, I guess little has changed on the moors since the Brontë sisters walked over them almost two hundred years ago.

We start the walk from the Parsonage and with Penistone Hill on our left, we soon reach the Brontë Way. The path is good most of the time, but is a bit tricky as we approach the waterfall. As we leave the fall the path levels out and is good walking for the rest of the way. Our highest point is Top Withins (reputedly the inspiration for Wuthering Heights) and from here we turn northwest to join the Pennine Way for two miles and leave it before reaching the moorland village of Stanbury. Going on past Lower Laithe reservoir we have a gradual climb back to Haworth.

C Walk - The Railway Children Walk with Tony Ingham

5½ miles (8.8km) with 550ft (168m) Total Ascent

This walk takes in a number of buildings and places featured in the 1970 film.

Starting from the town centre we head north to Oakworth Station which is the station used for the film. After passing Perks´s cottage we turn to come south to reach Haworth Station and I will point out various other points of interest from the film on the way, although some have been affected by new housing. We will have lunch either on the platform or in the waiting room at the station.

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway volunteer on duty when I reccied the walk said that would be OK. We then continue south on tracks and through fields before crossing the railway and climbing steeply up to the house where the railway children lived. We then start to go north again passing the hamlet of Hole and coming out into Haworth churchyard. Going through the church grounds brings us into the town centre with its gift shops, cafes and pubs.

10/11/2022 Thursday Car - Lytham

B Walk - Lytham with Sheila & Norah

7½ miles (12km) with easy walking.

Meet at Lytham Wind Mill (Sat Nav: FY8 5LD), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk takes you along the Promenade and then after a little road walking out along the embankment from where you overlook the Ribble Marshes. The return is made across pastures and along quiet lanes and back to Lytham.

30/10/2022 Sunday Car - Hoghton & Samlesbury Bottoms

B Walk - Hoghton & Samlesbury Bottoms with Dorothy Dobson

Park far end Chapel Lane immediately after Boars Head, Hoghton (Sat Nav: PR5 0RX), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We take a track to Bolton Hall, then through fields to walk by River Darren to reach Samlesbury Bottoms. After a short steep climb we reach the Nabs Head. We then go down Further Lane before heading south passing Woodfield Hall, again through fields to an old track. We descend into a wood where another steep climb leads us to the Witton Weavers Way at Close Farm, to arrive at Hoghton Bottoms. Another steep hill and back to Chapel Lane.

19/10/2022 Stroller - Cottam

Cottam with Bob Tognarelli

Nearly 3 miles with no Climbing but a few gates to negotiate.

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

Meet on the car park of the Ancient Oak Pub, (Sat Nav: PR4 0NZ) on Merrytrees Lane, Cottam, off Tom Benson Way, then afterwards at the Ancient Oak Pub.

The Pub does not open until 11am so we may not have toilets available at start of walk. Crossing a footbridge we pick up the path through the green spaces, leading down to the to the canal and the Whistle Stop Cafe. We continue along the path next to the canal up to the new housing estates. Here we turn away from the canal to follow the many meandering paths back to Merrytrees Lane. Now to find and follow the Guild wheel for a short distance before turning left along a tree line path which takes us back to the start.

Refreshments will be in the Ancient Oak Pub.

16/10/2022 Coach - Coniston via Tover

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man with Graham Hogg

11 miles (17.5km) with 3400ft (1030m) Total Ascent

Today affords us the opportunity for a fine high level ridge walk across the Coniston Fells (provided we are fortunate enough to avoid an encounter with prevailing south westerly gale force winds on Dow Crag - some of you may remember this experience from a previous A walk with this club!).

From Torver we will climb to join the Walna Scar Road and follow this to Brown Pike and Buck Pike before reaching the summit of Dow Crag (778m).

From here a quick descent to Goats Hawse is followed by an immediate climb up to Coniston Old Man at 803m. Weather permitting, we will walk the ridge north to Swirl How, descend the Prison Band and return to Coniston via Levers Water and the Coppermines Valley. 

B+ Walk - Blawith Fells with Meriel Nutter

11 miles (17.7km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent

Leave the coach at Torver. Take a minor road south westerly for about 2 miles to Haveriggholme at the road end. The terrain is now a mixture of good paths and rough, potentially boggy areas. Continue south on a track taking the left fork onto a bridleway to DryHaw Wood. Just after fording a small stream go left onto a path south east for a short distance continuing right onto another bridleway.

Just before another ford take a path cut through the bracken ascending to the col between Coulter Stone and Wool Knott then descending to Beacon Tarn, watch out for wild swimmers! Turn North alongside the tarn onto the Cumbria way which we follow all the way to the lake and into Coniston.

B Walk - Walna Scar Road with Stuart Arnold

8 miles (12.9km) with 1150ft (362m) Total Ascent

From the car park in Coniston we make a slow leisurely ascent up Church Beck towards Crowberry Haws. We then take the path between Stubthwaite Crag and the Bell to Walna Scar Road, which we follow for about a mile.

On leaving Walna Scar Road we make a gradual descent alongside Torver Beck via some disused quarries to Crook. After crossing the A593 we walk towards Brackenbarrow Farm and then through Torver Common Wood to Hoathwaite Landing to join the Cumbria way and make our way back to Coniston along the side of the lake.

C Walk - Torver and Back with Judith Kirby

Starting from Coniston we make our way to Haws Bank on the A593. From this point we break off south west and follow well marked tracks that take us gradually up hill towards Torver Beck. During this part of the walk we are afforded fine views of Coniston water. In due course we arrive at Torver Beck having completed all our climbing for the day. We now commence our descent, initially along the side of Torver Beck eventually moving away from the Beck to emerge once again on the A593 at Little Arrow.

A short walk along the disused railway takes us to the path that leads through Torver Common Wood and down to Coniston Water. Our walk continues alongside the lake, eventually returning to the finish at Coniston.

13/10/2022 Thursday Car - Dolphinholme

B Walk - Dolphinholme with Dorothy Dobson

7½ miles (11km) with minimal climbing.

Meet at Village Hall, Dolphinholme (Sat Nav: LA2 9AJ), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

From the car park we walk down to the village before taking a wooded path to Corless Mill. We cross the River Wyre and continue along the road for a while to pass through the tiny hamlet of Street.

Climbing a tad we pass Bracken Lea and Lane Head. Soon we hope to have good views of Morecambe Bay, Black Combe and beyond. After reaching Swainshead Hall we descend to the river to pick up the Wyre Way to walk through fields to arrive back in Dolphinholme.

02/10/2022 Sunday Car - Bilsborrow / Crook of Lune

B Walk - Bilsborrow with Sheila Marsh & Norah Boyle

7½ miles (12km) with no climbing

Meet at Guys Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow (Sat Nav: PR3 0RS), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Park near to the cricket pitches (away from the buildings).

This walk is on the canal towpath and farm fields, but it can be muddy!

C Walk - Crook of Lune with Roy Smith

5½ miles (8.9km) with Minimal Ascent

Meet at the car park at the Crook of Lune, Low Road, Halton (Sat Nav: LA2 9HU), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Starting our walk from the car park we follow the disused railway line towards Caton. Beyond Ellers Farm we leave the disused line and follow farm track and field track along the side of the River Lune until we get to the Waterworks bridge, which we cross to make our way through woodland, towards Halton Green. We now follow again the River Lune, passing the hydroelectricity pumping station, until we reach Halton. At Halton we cross back over the River Lune and follow the track of the disused railway, the Lune Valley Ramble, back to our starting point.

22/08/2022 Stroller - Squire Andertons Wood

Squire Andertons Wood with Bill & Marie

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

Meet at car park behind Anderton Arms (Tesco), Longsands Lane, Fulwood, Preston (Sat Nav: PR2 9PS), then afterwards at the Anderton Arms.

18/09/2022 Coach Walk - Keswick & Braithwaite

September

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

A Walk - Grisdale Pike & Crag Hill with Dave Colbert

9½ miles (15km) with 4,130ft (1,260m) Total Ascent

Two steep-sided, parallel ridges extend westward from the Newlands valley to Lorton Vale, Grisedale Pike lying towards the eastern end of the northern and Crag Hill towards the western end of the southern. Joined at the broad col of Coledale Hause, they surround the glacial valley of Coledale Beck to the south-west of Braithwaite, the high level circuit of which is one of the classic hikes in the Lake District. On all previous occasions, we have walked the route clockwise, so just for something completely different, today we will walk it anti-clockwise!

Starting from Braithwaite, a lengthy climb by way of Kinn and Sleet How takes us up to Grisedale Pike (791m/2,595ft), from where we traverse the undulating ridge to Hopegill Head (770m/2,525ft), arguably the finest ‘Wainwright’ on this walk and certainly the sharpest. It´s then down to Coledale Hause over the minor top of Sand Hill and up again to Crag Hill, at 839m/2,753ft our highest fell of the day. A narrow and exposed traverse to Sail precedes a long descent to High Moss, from where we will ascend Outerside (568m/1,863ft) before descending back to Braithwaite from the minor top of Stile End (not a ‘Wainwright’).

Please note that weather conditions (strong winds and/or heavy rain) on the day may necessitate an alternative, lower level hike. 

B+ Walk - Cat Bells with Dave Thornton

9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent

Cat Bells has been climbed many times over the years by members of the club. It offers some excellent views of the Lake District.

Starting from Braithwaite we follow Newlands Beck south to Ghyll Bank, then passing Skelgill on to Hawes End from where we start the main climbing of the day. From here we ascend Skelgill Bank (1148ft / 350m), where we level out for a while before ascending Cat Bells at (1476ft / 450m). From here we can see the length of Derwent Water to Keswick and beyond, with Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw in the background.

We descend from Cat Bells down Hause Gate to Manesty Park at the southern end of Derwent Water. Turning North, we join the Allerdale Ramble track (Cumbria Way) which follows Derwent Water back to Hawes End, through Fawe Park to Portinscale. From here we will turn east into Keswick where we will be picked up by the coaches.

B Walk - Cumbria Way & Blease Fell with Dorothy Dobson

8½ miles (13.6km) with 1100ft (335m) Total Ascent

I led this walk a few years ago and I think it merits a return visit as the scenery is slmply breathtaking.

We leave the coach on the A66 road at Threlkeld and walk in a westward direction, passing through the hamlet of Wescoe before heading north through fields to the Blencathra Centre. Here we join a good wide path walking along a valley between Lonsdale Fell And Blease Fell, before reaching the Cumbria Way. We now turn south on yet another good path on its undulating route into Keswick for refreshments before returning to the coach.

C Walk - Braithwaite to Keswick with Sylvia Rymer & Barbara Malloy

6½ miles (10.4km) with 263ft (80m) Total Ascent

Leaving Braithwaite in a SE direction towards Little Braithwaite we join the riverside footpath by Newlands Beck which leads us to Stair. We continue down to Rowling End Farm and cross over the beck towards Ghyll Bank. We follow the footpath to Skelgill and then walk by the side of Cat Bells to join the Cumbria Way.

The Cumbria Way takes us up to Keswick but we will make a detour to Lingholm and Nichol End.

08/09/2022 Thursday Car - Rivington

B Walk - Rivington with Dave Thornton

8½ miles (13.6km) with negligible Ascent

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

Heading westwards towards Rivington we walk up the eastern side of upper Rivington reservoir and on reaching the top of Anglezarke reservoir we follow the western side until we reach Horobin Lane where we take the footpath to Liverpool castle and then its about a mile back to the car park.

04/09/2022 - Sunday Car - Wheelton

C Walk - A circular walk from Wheelton with Jean Gabbatt

6 to 7 miles (9.7 to 11km) with minimal climbing.

Meet at Wheelton village centre by the war memorial (Sat Nav: PR6 8EY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Leaving the village via Victoria Street we will cross the A674 and walk halfway up Briers Brow to cut off along a footpath and over a series of fields to Logwood Mill Farm. From there we will take an access road and drop down to a path by a stream which we will follow to reach White Coppice.

Skirting the cricket pitch we will then walk towards the centre of the hamlet and take a footbridge which passes a chain of ponds well-loved by anglers. Emerging onto a country lane we will cross it and follow a second field track to a railway bridge before veering left, across open land and woodland, to the A674. Crossing this road, we will head for the canal tow path climbing Johnson's Hillock with its seven locks.

This will takes us to Top Lock Inn where there are two routes back to Wheelton. The shortest of these follows the road to the war memorial. The second option takes the tow path to the next bridge and up a track to a higher road leading into the village centre.

21/08/2022 Coach Walk - Bakewell

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Monsal Trail, Cressbrook Dale & Longstone Moor with Dave Colbert

13½ miles (22km) with 1800ft (550m) Total Ascent

A meandering hike across the White Peak including a couple of sections of the Monsal Trail, unfrequented dales and a moorland high point.

We start from Lees Bottom mid-way between Taddington and Ashford in the Water and climb up above Monsal Dale before descending to the viaduct at Monsal Head. Here we join the Monsal Trail and head north-westward along the track bed of the former Midland Railway line through Cressbrook Tunnel (471yds) and Litton Tunnel (516yds) before dropping down into Millers Dale at Litton Mill.

A gradual climb through Tideswell Dale takes us close to the small settlement of Litton and a short descent through Tansley Dale into Cressbrook Dale. Almost immediately we climb out to the village of Wardlow and then around to Longstone Moor, at 395m/1,296ft one of the highest points hereabouts. It´s then south by way of Little Longstone to re-join the Monsal Trail east of Monsal Head; this will take us all the way to Bakewell with no further climbing! 

B+ Walk - Stanton Moor with Sue Banister

11 miles (17.5km) with 1083ft (330m) Total Ascent

Todays walk is a little longer than the B+ guidelines but isn´t too strenuous in the way of climbing.

The start of the walk takes us across the A6, up past the cemetery and south to Conksbury Bridge. We then follow the River Lathkill to the beautiful little village of Alport. From here we cross fields and drop down to the B5056 which we unfortunately have to walk along for half a mile.

We then begin a climb up to Birchover and onwards to the top of Stanton Moor (1060ft, 323m) with hopefully some good views of the Derbyshire countryside. We pass the Cork Stone, which can be climbed if anyone fancies it! and will have a look at the Nine Ladies Bronze Age Stone Circle.

From here we head down to the village of Stanton in Peak then north to Haddon Hall. After a short stretch along the A6 we follow paths along the River Wye back to Bakewell.

B Walk - Derwent Heritage Trail with Chris Cook

9 miles (15km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

We leave Bakewell to begin a short, steep climb up Castle Hill, crossing the golf course, passing Black cross Farm and on to Edensor Forest. Leaving the forest we have beautiful views of golden wheat fields and anlmals grazing in the luscious green fields. We then reach the superb vlllage of Edensor (I will tell the tale of Edensor on the day), from there we have magnificent views of Chatsworth House and grounds.

It is from here we pick up the Derwent Heritage Trail where we walk by the river to Carlton Lees, through fields and paths to Rowsley Still. On good paths we head west towards Bouns Corner, Bowling Green Farm and Haddon Hall Park, eventually following the river Wye and back to the coach.

HAPPY DAYS.

C Walk - Bakewell Circular with Sylvia Rymer & Barbara Malloy

6½ miles (10.5km) with 266ft (81m) Total Ascent

We make our way out of Bakewell passing the Parish church. Turning off by St Anselm´s School we walk down through Endcliff wood to meet the A6. We cross over the A6 to join a path following the River Wye towards Ashford in the Water. There will be time to look around this very attractive village and stop for lunch (Toilets available in the village).

We go a short distance up the B6465, with care as there is no pavement, before joining a path up to the Monsal Trail. We walk easterly along the trail towards Hassop Station. Just before the station, we turn off the trail and make our way south down towards Bakewell on an undulating path. A short walk by the river brings us back to the car park.

17/08/2022 Stroller - Clitheroe

Clitheroe with Roy Smith

2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

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

Due to limited opportunities for toilet facilities, it may be an idea for people to use the Clitheroe Open Market facilities (park in Booths car park), before driving on to the start of the walk, opposite the cemetery, on Waddington Road (BB7 2JD), then afterwards at Maxwells Café Bar opposite the station.

Walk distance: 3 miles with around 150 feet of ascent.

From our start point we make our way through the southern part of the Sculpture Trail before crossing the road bridge over the River Ribble. We now make our way through the Waddow Hall estate, until we reach a minor road leading to Waddington. We make our way along this road to Waddington itself. We then walk through the village of Waddington, over the Waddington Brook, and through fields until we reach the school on the West Bradford road. From the school we walk south through fields until we reach Waddington Road, where we have a short road walk back to our start point.

11/08/2022 Thursday Car - Goosnargh

B Walk - Goosnargh with Tony Ingham

7 miles (11km) with very little climbing

Meet at Goosnargh Village Hall, Church Lane (Sat Nav: PR3 2BH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Please park on the car park at the back of the Hall, not the one at the front, as there is a function on in the afternoon.

Most of the walk will be on bridleways, quiet minor roads and public footpaths over farmland to the north of Goosnargh. Part of it will cross the disused Goosnargh Golf Course and pass Goosnargh Mill, Goosnargh Lodge and Middleton Hall. Only towards the end of the walk will we venture to the south of the village and there we will pass Chingle Hall and Whittingham Hall.

07/08/2022 Sunday Car - Beacon Fell

B Walk - Beacon Fell & Bleasdale with Stuart & Judith

7½ miles (12km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

Meet at car park on top of Beacon Fell (Sat Nav: PR3 2NL), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will start from the car park on the top of the fell.

We will walk up to the top and hope for a clear day, where there are lovely views of the beautiful Bowland countryside and the Fylde coast.

We will walk down to Wood Acre and across to Lower Core and up to Blindhurst. We then cross to Higher Fairsnape and approaching Holme House we turn right to pass Admarsh Barn Farm, Vicarage Farm and down past Bleasdale school to Higher Brock Mill. From here we walk through Hatherways and back up onto Beacon Fell and our return to the car park.

24/07/2022 Coach - Caldbeck

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Back o´ Skidda with John Parkinson

12.34 miles (19.86km) with 2363ft (720m) Total Ascent

Today´s gentle route takes us on a round of the green and undulating Northern Fells.

Taking the Cumbria Way out of the tourist metropole that is Caldbeck, we head onto Caldbeck Common where mineral mining started in the 13th century. From the top of High Pike we wind down past the Lingy Hut bothy before squelching up Knott and over Great Sca Fell onto the final peak of Brae Fell. From there the decent takes us past that favourite of adolescent boys, Willy Knott and over Dale Beck before beginning the long walk-in to Caldeck where a refreshing cup of tea, cooling ice cream or foaming beer awaits. 

B+ Walk - High Pike with Sue Banister

9½ miles (15km) with 1903ft (580m) Total Ascent

We will leave the coach at Caldbeck and head south through fields to Townhead, Crook Bank and Potts Gill, then start the long steady climb to the summit of High Pike at 2159ft (658m).

We will hopefully have good views of the Solway Firth and Scottish Border hills to the north and to the south the Lakeland hills of Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Our descent takes us past the disused mine at Birket then down to Wood Hall and Hesket Newmarket.

From here we drop down to a footbridge over Cald Beck and follow the Cumbria Way back to Caldbeck village.

B Walk - Caldbeck & The Cumbria Way with Dorothy Dobson

8 miles (12.9km) with 1100ft (335m) Total Ascent

Caldbeck is a picturesque village and the churchyard is the burial place of the famous John Peel.

From the church we join the Cumbria Way, and after a short climb, descend to a woodland path for a while before reaching the village of Hesket Newmarket. Passing through fields, which include two natural meadows, full of wild flowers, (a sight to behold!) we reach Wood Hall. Here we change direction and climbing open hillside, we traverse westwards to rejoin the Cumbria Way, through Nether Row to Caldbeck.

C Walk - Caldbeck circular with Bill Manning

5½ miles (8.8km) with 328ft (100m) Total Ascent

Starting our walk from Caldbeck, we make our way to the main streets or the toilet stop. Continuing, we head for Welpo Beck to follow the tree lined path to the Howk Bobbin Mill. Leaving here by the way of two sets of steps we continue along field paths to the Hamlet of Welpo.

After crossing the road bridge we turn right before passing through a farm yard. We now climb up grassy paths before joining a short walk the road. We now reach further field paths taking us to Moorhouse and Little Fellside to reach the Cumbrian Way, leading to Potts Hill, Crook Bank, Nether Row, we carry on through fields and tracks to Street head, Town Head back to Caldbeck for the cafe and shops, John Peels grave and the Priests Mill.

20/07/2022 - Stroller - Haslam Park

Haslam Park with Barbara

2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

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

Meet at the car park Bristow Avenue, Ashton, Preston. (Sat Nav: PR2 1JE), then afterwards to be advised.

14/07/2022 - Thursday Car - Ribchester

B Walk - Walk of the Angels with Stuart & Judith

7 miles (11km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent

The starting point has been changed to the main car park in Ribchester (Sat Nav: PR3 3YH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We start by walking through Parsonage Farm and then onto Lord´s Farm. Now we will cross over the B6245 road at the corner by the Angel´s restaurant. We then follow the minor track to Spring´s Farm. We cross Green Moor Lane and then Stoneygate Lane before descending through Davies Gate Wood and into Duddle Wood via Duddle Hill. We then drop down to Gallows Lane and return to the start via Little Stydd wood to come out by the Ribchester Arms and our return through Ribchester to the car park.

10/07/2022 Sunday Car - Calder Vale

B Walk - Calder Vale with Stuart & Judith

7½ miles (12km) and not too strenuous with about 400ft (122m) of climbing.

Meet at Calder Vale (Sat Nav: PR3 1SD - Nearest Post Code), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will start our walk in Calder Vale. Parking may be limited in the bottom and we might have to park on the roadside.

This is a very pleasant walk in a beautiful area of Bowland with lots of long views to the coast with the fells of Parlick, Fairsnape and Bleasdale as our backdrop.

We will walk up the valley to the church and then across the fields to Stang Yule. Here we will follow the track past Bleasdale Tower where we will turn right and cross fields to High Moor farm, Huds Brook farm and Butt Hill farm before turning up the track to Cobble Hey and Landskill farms before dropping back down into Calder Vale.

26/06/2022 Coach Walk - Loggerheads & Rhuthun

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Moel Arthur & Moel Famau with Stuart Drysdale

13¼ miles (21.3km) with 2900ft (884m) Total Ascent

We leave Loggerheads following the River Alyn north, and then head for Cilcain. Taking field paths we head north-west past Tre-lan to Firwood Farm, from where we head south-west to Moel Arthur, the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Here we pick up the Offa´s Dyke Path to the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau. Building began on the tower in 1812 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of George III, but it was never completed and was destroyed by a storm in 1862. We then head down north-east, then over Ffrith Mountain to Loggerheads for refreshments and the coach home. 

B+ Walk - A Traverse Of Moel Famau with Dave Colbert

10½ miles (17km) with 2000ft (620m) Total Ascent

This walk takes in the highest summit in Bryniau Clwyd and a section of the Offa´s Dyke National Trail (Llwybr Clawdd Offa).

From Loggerheads, we follow the Afon Alun northward for a short distance before crossing it to contour round the slopes of Ffrith Mountain. There is then a short descent to Cae Newydd before a lengthy but gradual climb takes us to a col on the ridge of Bryniau Clwyd, where we meet the Offa´s Dyke National Trail. Here we turn south, following the ridge for some distance over Moel Dywyll before reaching the summit of Moel Famau, at 555m/1,820ft the high point of Bryniau Clwyd with views extending from Snowdonia across to the Pennines on a clear day. We then descend gradually to Bwlch Penbarra, where we leave the Offa´s Dyke National Trail to continue down to Rhuthun (Ruthin) by way of Teiran and field tracks and paths. Mwynhau!!

B Walk - Loggerheads and Maeshafn with Barbara & Alan

7¾ miles (12.75km) with 1000ft (304.8m) Total Ascent

From Loggerheads car park we turn left on to the A494 for a few yards then crossing the road we turn right towards Cholomendy Outdoor Centre (this was used by children from inner cities such as Liverpool) to experience the outdoors. We then enter woods and continue for approx ½ mile emerging onto a lane where we turn left towards the edge of Maeshafn. We then turn sharp right signed posted Pentre Cerrig and follow this into woods.

Further on we reach Maeshafyn where we find the Miners Arms. Following the road to a junction we turn left here to enter on our right Moel Findeg Nature Reserve which then takes us to the summit of Moel Findeg which has extensive views considering the modest hill.

We then make our way downhill and after passing quarries and several fields we reach the road at Gwernymynydd, crossing the road we follow a track for little over ½ mile. We then emerge on to the road again and crossing to the opposite side to find “Deborahs Well” where there is a plaque engraved. Deborah lived nearby and when Cholera came to the area she arranged for those affected to move to higher ground but did not understand that Cholera was a water born disease. A hospital was built and all was well until the cholera spread and Deborah was accused of cursing those affected and thus was sentenced to burning by the villagers and so the hospital with all those inside including Deborah were killed when the building was set on fire. We then carry on further through woods where we follow a footpath back to a T junction and here turn left to retrace our steps back to the road and a short walk back to the car park.

Alternatively we could turn right and continue down some steep steps back to the tea garden.

C Walk - Ruthin Circular with Sylvia Rymer & Barbara Malloy

7 miles (11.2km) with 164ft (50m) Total Ascent

The walk starts from Ruthin Craft Centre/Coach Park. Toilets are available.

After leaving Ruthin, we climb to Ty´n y ceau and then down to the River Clywedog. Alongside the river is a footpath known as Lady Bagot´s Drive which leads us to the head of the gorge. Then we follow an upper path to Rhewl village and return to Ruthin by fields and the River Clwyd. 

15/06/2022 Stroller - Glasson Dock

Glasson Dock with Trudy Kirkham

2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

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

Meet at Conder Green picnic site (Sat Nav: LA2 0AN), then afterwards Stork hotel, Carricks Lane, Conder green (LA2 0AN).

Turn left coming from Preston at the Stork hotel down a single track road to get to the picnic site carpark.

A circular walk, fairly level, with no stiles on tracks and grass, with a small amount on the road., Plus a chance to visit the smokehouse at Glasson. There are free toilets at Conder Green, but a parking charge of £1 a day, paid by card at the machine. There are more loos at Glasson they are 20p. We finish with lunch at the Stork hotel carricks lane Conder green LA2 0AN.

09/06/2022 Thursday Car - Newton Easington Fell circular

B Walk - Newton Easington Fell circular with Susan Douglass 

7 miles (11km) with 790ft (232m) Total Ascent

Meet at Newton in Bowland Car Park (on the left as you leave the village on the road to Slaidburn) (Sat Nav: Nearest BB7 3EB), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

No details available.

29/05/2022 Coach Walk - Pateley Bridge

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Nidderdale Way with Stuart Drysdale

13½ miles (22km) with 1700ft (518m) Total Ascent

From the coach we follow the Nidderdale Way past the old lead mines at Ashfold Side Beck and on though Heathfield down to Gouthwaite Reservoir. Unfortunately we have a long road walk alongside the reservoir to Ramsgill, from where we head to Longside Farm to we pick up the Nidderdale Way again all the way back to Pateley Bridge for refreshments and the coach home. 

B+ Walk - Nidderdale Way with Val Walmsley

10.4 miles (16.5km) with 676ft (205m) Total Ascent

Join Nidderdale Way west uphill passing Eagle Hall, Riggs House to cross disused quarry to Moss Bottom. North to Heathfield then alongside Gouthwaite Reservoir for about 2 miles to Ramsgill. Here cross Nidd bridge to Bouthwaite & rejoin way on east side of reservoir passing Coville House Farm thro´ Spring Wood to Old Norse village of Wath & returning alongside the river Nidd to Pateley Bridge to view its attractions.

B Walk - Brimham Rocks with Stuart Arnold

8½ miles (13.6km) with 985ft (300m) Total Ascent

We begin our walk today on the car park at Pateley Bridge. From here we cross the bridge and walk up the main street to take the panorama walk which is fairly steep at the beginning. We are now on the Nidderdale way which we follow for much of the way to Brimham rocks going through the nice little Hamlet of Blazefield.

After passing white houses we leave the Nidderdale way to walk near High North Pasture Farm. We follow a good path to the National Trust boundary notice and turn right to begin our walk through the wierdly shaped rocks which have been eroded by glaciation and weathering. If we get a move on on this first part of the walk we should be able to spend some time walking around the rocks to view the “Idol” the “Eagle” the “Lovers´ Leap” and many more. At the visitor centre we can purchase drinks and have a toilet stop. From here we drop down to the river Nidd which we will follow back to our starting point.

This is a beautiful walk in a lovely area of the countryside with the culmination of the spectacular rock formations which are truly impressive.

C Walk - Nidderdale Circular with Sylvia Rymer & Barbara Malloy

6 miles (9.7km) with 577ft (176m) Total Ascent

Most of the walk is on good paths, mainly small lanes and tracks. There is only one stone stile!

We climb steadily out of Pateley Bridge towards Eagle Hall where we join the Nidderdale Way. Walking westwards with panoramic views, we pass Riggs House and Hillend to Brandstone Dub Bridge. From there we follow the path up to the old lead mines and round the spoil heaps, down to the bridge over Ashford Side Beck. It´s all downhill from now on, along the beck and through caravan parks to Corn Close.

We return to Pateley Bridge alongside the River Nidd.

18/05/2022 Stroller - Stanley Park, Blackpool

Stanley Park with Roy Smith

2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

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

Meet at the car park West Park Drive, Blackpool (Sat Nav:FY3 9HU), then afterwards at the Art Deco Cafè on the park.

15/05/2022 Sunday Car - Brinscall

B Walk - Brinscall with Dorothy Dobson

7¾ miles (12.5km) with mainly flat walking.

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

Fingers crossed, I am hoping that the bluebells will be in bloom when I lead this walk.

From Brinscall we take a path for about a mile through a nature reserve to eventually cross the A675 north of Abbey Village. Staying straight ahead we then turn south to follow an undulating path through the wood and alongside the reservoir. We then pass over fields before reaching a lane to come out by Hare and Hounds. Here we take a good wide path to walk all the way round Roddlesworth reservoir, back by Abbey Village to retrace our steps to Brinscall.

Apart from two short inclines the walk is mainly flat and should be enjoyable.

12/05/2022 Thursday Car - Calder Vale

B Walk - Calder Vale with Dorothy Dobson

Meet at Garstang riverside car park (Sat Nav: PR3 1EB), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

I decided to lead this walk in May as, hopefully, the bluebells should be in bloom.

We follow a good path out of Garstang to head east, over the M6, through lanes and fields before descending steps in the woods to reach Calder Vale. On the return we again go through fields passing the remains of Greenhalgh castle and back to the car park.

A lovely walk!

01/05/2022 Coach Walk - Bassenthwaite

May

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

A Walk - Blencathra & the Back o´ Skiddaw with Graham Hogg

10½ miles (17km) with 2700ft (826m) Total Ascent

Today we have the opportunity for a splendid linear walk across Blencathra, Mungrisdale Common and the vast area often referred to as the “Back o´ Skiddaw” on route to Bassenthwaite village.

We depart the coach from the A66 Layby at Lowside. A slight back track along the A66 enables us to join a footpath that climbs steadily into Mousthwaite Comb and then steeply along the crest of Scales Fell to the summit of Blencathra, standing at 868m above sea level. From here we turn north to Atkinson Pike (845m) before striking off in a north westerly direction over Mungrisdale Common towards the Cloven Stone. The stone is a fascinating feature and as its name indicates it is roughly the shape of a large cloven hoof.

Heading downhill we soon join the Cumbria Way, passing Skiddaw House Youth Hostel before climbing again slightly to contour the flanks of Great and Little Calva.

It is a straightforward route downhill from the Whitewater Dash waterfall all the way to Bassenthwaite via Peter House Farm. 

B+ Walk - Cumbria Way & Whitewater Dash with Dave Thornton

10.4 miles (16.75km) with 1410ft (430m) Total Ascent

Starting in Great Crosthwaite on the outskirts of Keswick, we first head eastwards to Briar Rigg where we then start a gradual climb on the Cumbria Way around the base of Latrigg. For those with eyes in the back of their head there are superb views over Derwent Water and Cat Bells. We continue northwards along the Cumbria Way passing Skiddaw House and Whitewater Dash (waterfall). Passing between Cockup and Black Nettle Hause we begin our descent leaving the fells behind us and pass Peter House Farm and finish in Bassenthwaite for some well earned refreshments.

B Walk - Binsey with Judith & Stuart

8½ miles 13.4km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent

We leave Bassenthwaite and cross farmland to reach Kestrel Lodge. Here we join the Cumbria way as we pass through Whitefield Wood and on to Orthwaite where we turn north to Overwater Hall and the foot of Binsey.

Here we will climb the 600ft to the top where we will have wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Descending we will reach High Bewaldeth. A short walk on the road will then allow us to descend through Robin Hood Wood back into Bassenthwaite.

C Walk - Allerdale Ramble with Bill Manning

6 miles (9.7km) with 425ft (130m) Total Ascent.

Starting from Bassenthwaite we leave by walking up the lane to join field paths taking us to Peter House Farm. Here, we continue down the lane to meet the track at Melbecks which passes through woodland by a disused pit. We then drop down to Hole House before our first climb takes us up to Barkbeth.

From here we will have fine views of Bassenthwaite Lake before we cross over the A591 where, passing through farm land, Mire Side and Scarness, we join the Allerdale Ramble itself. We leave this path to head up to Kilnhill to meet the lane back to Bassenthwaite. The Sun Inn will be open for food and drinks.

20/04/2022 Stroller - Yarrow Valley

Yarrow Valley with Barry Hayhurst

2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

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

Meet at Yarrow Valley Visitor Centre, off Birkacre Road, Chorley (Sat Nav: PR7 3QL), then afterwards , then at the Birkacre Garden Centre.

Starting from the Yarrow Valley car park we make our way around the Small lodge. Then heading through the woods, where the undergrowth should by now have a covering of Wild Garlic, to the Big lodge, keeping on the alert to try and spot the Great Crested Grebe and Mandarin ducks .

After passing the far end of the Big Lodge we follow the path along the River Yarrow to the Top lodge where there is a chance we may catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher and Reed Buntings. Continuing along the path following the river to the weir where we may also spot Dippers, Heron and Yellow Wagtails and you never know may see migrating trout scaling the fish ladder.

From here we go up a few steep steps to Spring Wood then circling the Meadow to see if any spring flora has sprung up and looking up to see if we can see any Buzzards gliding around. After leaving the meadow we cross the bridge over the river up a track then turn right up through the woods to a picnic area .

From here we make our way back down to the Big Lodge then to our starting point. Refreshments will be available at The Birkacre Garden Centre a short drive form Yarrow Valley Country Park. This Stroller could be shortened if the weather is not kind to us .

17/04/2022 Sunday Car - Rivington

B Walk - Rivington and the Wellington Crash Memorial with Roy Smith

5½ miles (8.9km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

Meet at the lower barn ie:- The Great House Barn, Rivington (Sat Nav BL6 7SB), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

From the lower barn we head northwards along the side of Lower Rivington Reservoir. At Rivington we enter field paths and make our way to, and walk along, the eastern side of Yarrow Reservoir. From the northern end of the reservoir we head uphill winding our way until we reach the War Memorial.

After a short break here we head northwest to Jepson´s Gate, where we meet a minor road and follow it downhill to a recognised viewpoint overlooking Anglezarke Reservoir. Some more road walking takes to woodland and country tracks, which lead us back to the village of Rivington. From here we retrace our steps back to our starting point.

14/04/2022 Thursday Car - Longton Brickcroft

B Walk - Longton Brickcroft with Allan Benson

7 miles (11km) with ?ft (?m) Total Ascent

Meet at Longton Brickcroft car park (Sat Nav:PR4 5YY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

No details available.

03/04/2022 Coach - Hayfield

April

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Walking History with John Parkinson

12 miles (19km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent

From the centre of Hayfield we walk along the river towards Kinder reservoir and the route of the famous Kinder Mass Trespass of 1932 when walkers seeking the right to roam confronted Gamekeepers leading to prison sentences before the law gradually changed to allow greater freedom to explore our land.

Skirting the reservoir we head up William Clough to join the Pennine Way. Following the Pennine Way through Kinder Scout Nature Reserve we turn at Edale Cross taking a route which picks up the Pennine Bridleway and leads us into Hayfield. 

B+ Walk - Decent Day - Kinder Scout with Merriel Nutter

10 miles (16km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent

From Hayfield north on Snake Path, east along White Brow, north up William Clough. Follow Pennine Way south easterly along the plateau edge to Kinder Downfall, then southerly over Kinder Low (trig point) passing Edale Rocks and turning west onto the path past Edale Cross joining a track at Oaken Clough to Coldwell Clough and joining the Pennine Bridleway into Hayfield.

 

Horrid Day - Pennine Bridleway with Merriel Nutter

10 miles (16km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent

From Hayfield south east on Highgate Road take track to Higher Hays Farm. Follow Pennine Bridleway south easterly to a road just after Tom Moor Plantation and the spot height 403m. Take a mixture of roads and paths first westerly passing Breck Edge, Slack Hall, Bowden Head and Wash. Turn northerly to pass Brekhead, Slack House, Dewsnaps and Andrews Farm. Re-join Pennine Bridleway to Highgate Road and Hayfield.

B Walk - A Lantern wander round Middle Moor with Chris Cook

7½ miles (12km) with 1500ft (475m) Total Ascent

There are toilets at the car park.

We leave the car park following the Sett Valley Trail to Birch Vale and then take the Penine Bridle Way to Lantern Pike. We head for Knarrs after which we cross the A624 and follow the path over Middle Moor to Shooting Cabin. Bearing right down Snake Path we head back to Hayfield.

HAPPY DAYS.

C Walk - Around New Mills then onto Hayfield with Bob Tognarelli

6 to 7 miles (9.7 to 11km) with 396ft (120m) Total Ascent

The coach will stop in New Mills, very soon after it turns off the A6 onto the A6015, Albion Road. From the drop off point we will make our way to High Peak Park and toilets, a 20 minute walk. Then it´s a walk around the park and onto station road to pick up the trail going down to the Torrs Riverside Park and lunch. From here we follow the Goyt River in a southerly direction to get to the Goyside Meadow Nature Reserve. Then it´s a short walk along the Canal to Victoria Road leading to Wirksmoor Road and back to Torrs Riverside Park for a last look.

We either pick up the Sett Valley Trail direct or divert through the town centre. It´s about a 3 mile walk to Hayfield, but there is the opportunity for a refreshment break at the half way point at the Sett Valley Cafe.

The Sett Valley Trail ends at car park where our coach will be waiting (toilets available at a price). After a quick change it´s on to the refreshments before taking the coach home.