09/02/2017 Thursday Car - Martin Mere

B Walk - Martin Mere Revisited with Peter Cobb 

9 miles (14.5km) with no climbing.

Meet at Martin Mere Car Park (Sat Nav: L40 0TA), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

This is the same walk as last year, only with the addition of a short diversion to the Mere Sands Wood Visitor Centre.

Leaving the car park we make our way to Meresands Wood. From Meresands we follow field paths until we reach the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool canal and walk to Burscough, stopping for lunch on the way. After lunch we continue on the canal until we reach the swing bridge at the Farmers Arms Pub. We then take the road to New Lane Junction Railway Crossing and from there follow Mars Moss Lane back to Martin Mere.

03/02/2017 Annual Club Meal

Club Meal at Ferraris, Chipping Road, Thornley, near Longridge. 

Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm. (Sat Nav: PR3 7PR)

3 course meal and coffee. Price: £17 per person, payable on the night.

Bookings to: Tony Ingham (see programme for contact details).

29/01/2017 Sunday Car - Witton Park, Blackburn / Penwortham

B Walk - Witton Park, Blackburn with Chris Cook 

8 miles (12.9km) with minimal climbing

Meet at Crematorium Entrance (Tower Road) Off A674, Witton Park (Sat Nav BB2 2TP) ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

From the car park we take a path through Crow Wood to climb to the highest point of the walk today, Billinge Hill. Turning West we take the Witton Weaver’s Way through fields to Hoghton Bottoms. We walk by the River Darwen via the viaduct, through woods to Feniscowles. Here we join the canal tow path for one and a half miles back to Witton Park. HAPPY DAYS!

C Walk -  Ribble Way & Guild Wheel with Bob Tognarelli 

5 miles (8km) with minimal climbing

Meet at Hurst Grange Car Park on Hill Road, Penwortham (Sat Nav: PR1 9XH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

This walk will be like visiting an old friend as I am sure most have walked the Ribble Way, Guild Wheel and nearby paths many times, but it still will be a pleasant walk of around 5 miles. There is a short easy descent from the car park down to the Ribble. Since it is January the walk will be on good paths following the south side of the Ribble, before turning onto the old tram way which will take us to the path leading to the A6. Crossing the A6 we pick up with the Guild Wheel for a short distance to connect with the Ribble Way. We follow the Ribble Way until it again connects with the Guild Wheel which we then follow back to the parks and onwards to cross back over the Ribble at the old Penwortham Bridge. Now all that remains is the short climb back to the Hill Road car park.

18/01/2017 Stroller - Meal

Meal
No Walk

No walk this month but a meal at Lakeside Coffee House, Charnock Farm, Wigan Road, Leyland (Sat Nav: PR25 5DA). 12.15pm for 12.30pm.

15/01/2017 Coach Walk - Malham

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Malham Mysteries with Dave Colbert

11 miles (18km) with 1900ft (580m) Total Ascent

Way back in the mists of time (well in 1992 anyway), the pages of ‘Footprints’ reverberated to furious academic debate regarding the disappearance from Cumbria of the Horvhet or Lakeland Pygmies, a theory first put forward by the late Professor TSK Fullalore and researched in depth by a Dr Bente Kanin-Vakmester from Tromso University. More recently, others have alleged that this disappearance was the responsibility of the ‘Ogri’, a race of carnivorous standing stones said to inhabit the area around Malham Tarn, but despite extensive investigations by Celtic stravaiger Evad Trebloc, no hard evidence has yet come to light. Maybe today some will, or maybe not, but we can certainly try on this clockwise circuit of the Tarn from Malham by way of Grizedales (553m/1,815ft), Great Close Hill (465m/1,526ft) and Watlowes Valley.

B+ Walk - Tarn Tantaliser with Merriel Nutter

9 miles (14.5km) with 1300ft (396m) Total Ascent

This walk may be 'tweaked' depending on recce and weather.

We leave the coach at Airton and follow the Pennine Way towards Kirkby Malham, at Hanlith Hall road head north easterly  through Hanlith to Windy Pike Lane and Weets Top. Down north, then north east to Smearbottoms Lane, not literally I hope!

Westerly on Hawthornes Lane to Gordale Bridge. Following a path west to the road at Malham Rakes, there may be time to have a look at Janets Foss? Continue north east over the road, past Sheriff Hill and the field system at Trougate towards Malham Tarn. If time allows continue to Lings Plantation and return on the Pennine Way for teas etc in Malham.

B Walk - Malham & See The Dales with Chris Cook

8 miles (12.9km) with 1495ft (455m) Total Ascent

We head south to the Pennine Way to Airton, Calton and onto Hanlith where we turn and head for Weets Top. Leaving Weets Top we walk ¾ of a mile on a quiet road (passing the way to Gordale Scar) and onto Janet’s Cave where The Queen of all the fairies lives. She showers underneath the water fall at 12 noon every Sunday. Let’s hope we are there at the right time! Then its back to the Pennine Way and Malham. HAPPY DAYS!

C Walk - Becks Scars & Coves with Pete Stevens

5¼miles (8.4km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent

Today's walk is quite an interesting walk. We will take in Janet's Foss famous for fairies, its waterfall which was used as the location of the fictional Molkham Falls as featured in the 2006 independent British film, WATERFALL. Filming took place there in May 2006. Gordale Scar with its two waterfalls and overhanging limestone cliffs over 100 metres high and finally Malham Cove, an ancient waterfall now dry which has left a huge curved amphitheatre shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. Scenes for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows were filmed here.

We start today's walk from the visitor centre car park where toilets are available. Following Gordale Beck we make our way to Janet's Foss following good paths. From here we continue our walk to Gordale Bridge, where a short walk on Gordale Lane leads us to a path that takes us into Gordale Scar. Retracing our steps back to Gordale Bridge, we start a gentle ascent over the next mile or so where we slowly gain height as we cross fields and follow footpaths which will bring us out at the top of Malham Cove on the limestone pavement.

From the top of the cove we descent the 420 steps (never counted them to be sure!) to the foot of the horse shoe cliff which was an impressive waterfall before the river found an easier route through the porous limestone. We are now on the homeward stretch and follow a minor road back towards the village where refreshments and the coach awaits.

12/01/2017 Thursday Car - Scorton

B Walk - Scorton with Chris Cook 

8 miles (12.9km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent

Meet at Scorton Picnic Site (Sat Nav: PR3 1BU), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Leaving the picnic site we bear left over the motorway to Foxhouses. We walk through the woods and then pass the Fishing Lakes following The Wyre Way to Dolphinholme. From here we make our way to Harris End Fell, then down to Sykes Farm and on to Clifton's. We follow the road back to the picnic site. HAPPY DAYS!

18/12/2016 Coach - Hawkshead via Ambleside

December

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

Loughrigg & Black Fell with Graham Hogg

11 miles (18km) with 2362ft (720m) Total Ascent.

From Ambleside Rugby Club (A5075) we cross the River Rothay and head on a quiet lane to Brow Head Farm before making towards the summit of Loughrigg Fell 1099ft (335m). From the summit we'll descend to Loughrigg Tarn and then head on back roads to Skelwith Bridge to pick up the Cumbria Way footpath, following this until reaching Stang End. Heading south towards Hodge Close there is a little known but interesting diversion that we can take into Parrock Quarry. Taking a careful line of descent down to the quarry floor we are suddenly confronted by two huge openings in the quarry face ahead of us. These lead through into the neighbouring Hodge Close quarry and present us with the opportunity to explore the industrial archaeology and the grandeur of Hodge Close from a different perspective than usual. From the quarry its off over High Oxen Fell to the A593 and then to the summit of Black Crag 1059ft (323m). Our descent is towards Borwick Lodge and then quiet lanes to Hawkshead and the coach.

Latterbarrow and Lake Windermere with Dave Thornton
9.4miles (15.2km) with 1000ft (304m) Total Ascent.

We first head eastwards across fields to Colthouse and then start a gentle climb over a bridleway to Claife Heights. Heading north we reach the summit of Latterbarrow, a possible lunch stop. This hill, on the side of Windermere affords wonderful views of the water and the surrounding mountains. We leave Latterbarrow and head north east and then south east towards Long Heights and then descend to the lake shore at Belle Grange Bay. Heading northwards along the lake side we reach Wray Castle and then head back to Hawkshead via Blelham Tarn and Outgate.

Remember folks this is mid-December so the walk may need revising on the day.

There should be time to explore Hawkshead and have a look around the shops and possibly enjoy some liquid refreshment.

Blelham Tarn and Wray Castle with Chris Cook
8 miles (12.9km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent.

We leave the car park at Hawkshead and head for Croft Head. We continue northward via Cragg Wood to Hole House. Passing Blelham Tarn we follow a path to Wray Castle. We then follow a path west of Blelham Tarn to Spicka Coppice to reach Outgate where we go to Knipe Fold. Across fields to Skinner Lane and back to Hawkshead. Happy days.

Goosey Foot Tarn with Tony Ingham
5 miles (8.1km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent.

Although the total climbing on this walk is a bit above the guidelines, I hope that is compensated for by a total lack of stiles.

From Hawkshead we make our way north west to Hawkshead Hill on the Tarn Hows path. After a mile we leave this and turn south to ascend to Grizedale Forest where we eventually reach Goosey Foot Tarn, which is really a disused reservoir but it looks so natural. This is a peaceful spot for lunch. We continue further south into the forest before following a bridleway eastwards to Moor Top, passing Juniper Tarn on the way. We cross a road and continue east to High Barn. From there we descend to the Newby Bridge to Hawkshead Road and walk along that northwards for a short distance to Howe Farm and proceed from there, still heading north, through Roger Ground back into Hawkshead.

23/10/2016 Coach - Grasmere

 

October

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

Fairfield & Seat Sandal with Dave Colbert
9 miles (15km) with 3600ft (1100m ) Total Ascent.

Starting from Rydal we head for Fairfield (873m/2863ft) along the western arm of the classic Fairfield ‘Horseshoe’ walk, initially climbing Nab Scar before traversing the broad ridge from Heron Pike along Rydal Fell and over Great Rigg.  Following the steep plunge to Grisedale Hause, an easy scramble leads to the flat-topped summit of Seat Sandal (737m/2417ft), from where we descend by way of its south-west ridge and Little Tongue Gill to Mill Bridge and the road to Grasmere.

Great Rigg & Heron Pike with Colin Manning
8.8 miles (14.2km) with 2450ft (747m) Total Ascent.

A good high level B+ walk today taking in part of the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Starting from Grasmere we head through the village and across the A591 to head up to Stone Arthur and on to Great Rigg (2513ft/766m). From here we descend for a short while before a gentle climb back up to Heron Pike (2008ft/612m). From here it's all down hill all the way to Rydal via the scenic Wainwright viewing point of Nab Scar (1476ft/450m). Once down at Rydal Hall we cross back over the A591 for a nice easy walk along the water side path around Rydal Water under Loughrigg Fell and on past Grasmere 'Lake' all the way back in to Grasmere Village and the coach.

Silver How with Barry Mather
7 miles (11.4km) with 1700ft (518m) Total Ascent.

As we leave Grasmere we pass the 13th century church of St Oswald, named after a 7th century king of Northumberland. We then follow the driveway to Allan  Bank, home of William Wordsworth in 1808 for two years. From here we start the ascent to the summit of Silver How. With most of the serious climbing out of the way we drop down over Dow Bank to Loughrigg Terrace. We then walk round Rydal Water passing the man made Rydal Cave where slate was quarried for roof tiles, then passing Dora's Field by St Mary's church Rydal.  We go by Rydal Mount, another of Wordsworth's homes from 1830 until his death in 1850. We then follow the coffin route, probably Wordsworth's last journey, then passing the most famous of Wordsworth's home Dove Cottage. He must have been a big fan of Homes Under The Hammer, arriving back at Grasmere.

Ambleside to Grasmere via Glen Rothay with Bill Manning
5 miles (8km) with 394ft (120m) Total Ascent.

We start from the main car park at Ambleside (toilets) and take the lane at the mini roundabout leading to Low Sweden Bridge. Shortly we join the track up to Rydal Hall. Leaving here, we make our way down to the A591 where we cross over by the Badger Hotel. Passing through Steps End Woodland and Jobson Close by the side of Rydal water, we have a short climb on to Loughrigg Terrace and Redbank wood to meet the lane at the Wyke leading to Grasmere. From here you can join me on an extra walk around Grasmere village if you like.

03/07/2016 Coach - Pateley Bridge via Grassington

July

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

Pateley Challenge with Sandra Robinson
Miles / km with ft / m Total Ascent

No details available.

Nidderdale Way & Brimham Rocks with Val Walmsley
9 miles (14.5km) with 825ft (250m) Ascent.

The walk today, for a B+ is relatively easy, but a look round Brimham Rocks with its fantastic prehistoric rock formations are worthy of spending a little time absorbing them.

The walk, which starts and ends in Pateley Bridge (toilets available), follows the river Nidd westerly for approximately 2½ miles, before leaving it to climb north east passing Knox Hall to Smelthouses, and then passed High Wood Farm to reach Brimham Rocks. This is one of the highest points in the area (978ft – 301mtr) and affords an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. A Café and Museum about the history of the rocks should be open, so we can spend a little time here before turning west and heading back. Leaving the rocks, we head north for a short while before joining the Nidderdale Way which we follow back to Pateley Bridge and the waiting coaches.

The Nidd & Nidderdale Way with Peter Stevens
7miles (11.25km) with 948ft (289m) Total Ascent

Todays walk starts and ends in Pateley Bridge (toilets available), with quite varied walking from moorland to river walking to almost tropical woodland passing small hamlets on the way. The climbing is mainly gradual and is spread over a distance.

Starting from the car park, we follow the river Nidd westerly for approximately 2½ miles to Smelthouses, where we join the Nidderdale Way. We now climb north east through a quite densely wooded area to Mill House. From here we turn north west and continue to follow the Nidderdale way back to Pateley Bridge. On this section we will pass through some beautiful little hamlets with water wheels, retro signs, Llamas and panoramic views of the valley below.

Yorkshire Mix with Alison & Lesley
6miles (9.7km) with 574ft (175m) Total Ascent

The majority of this walk is on good paths, mainly small lanes and tracks. The climbing is very gradual and there are very few stiles.

Leaving Pateley Bridge we walk north through the park on the West side of the river Nidd. Veering left towards Brigg House we continue across small fields to a road. After a quick pause to view the water wheel we begin to walk along Grange Lane. Taking the first footpath on our left we follow Ashfold Side Beck and begin a gentle climb up through the caravan parks, with pleasant views behind us.

Joining the Nidderdale Way, the path leads us up to the mines, where we weave our way through a couple of small spoil heaps. Still following the path as it begins to turn southeast at Providence House, we begin our slow descent, if it’s a clear day there should be good views across the valley. Passing Ladies Riggs, before reaching Eagle Hall we turn left and cut across the fields into Bridgehouse Gate and back once again to Pateley Bridge.

10/04/2016 Coach - Keswick & Borrowdale

April

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

Dale Head & Hindscarth with Dave Colbert

11miles (18km) with 3600ft (1100m) Total Ascent

We start from Grange in Borrowdale and immediately head for High Spy (653m/2,143ft) by way of a breach in its crags known as High White Rake. Note that if the clag is down we will follow an alternative route to Dalehead Tarn past Castle Crags. From Dalehead Tarn, a steep ascent above Dalehead Crags leads to Dale Head, at 753m/2470ft the highest point of the walk and for those interested in geology the boundary between the Skiddaw Slates to the north and the volcanic rocks of the central Lake District to the south. Our route then continues westward along the narrow Hindscarth Edge before veering northward to the summit of Hindscarth itself (727m/2,385ft). A lengthy descent along the narrow ridge from High Crags to Scope End leads down into the Newlands Valley where hopefully the bridge across Newlands Beck at the Goldscope mines survived the recent deluge. We head to Keswick via Skelgill, Overside Wood and Stormwater Bridge at Portinscale, which I am reliably informed is still there!

High Spy & Cat Bells with Dave Thornton
9¼ miles (15km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

This is a linear walk starting at Seatoller and finishing in Keswick. Most of the climbing is at the start and we then follow a ridge which weather permitting will give us excellent views of the Borrowdale valley and Derwent Water.

We start off on the Allerdale Ramble heading northwards and then follow Tongue Gill past Rigghead Quarries and then on to High Spy (653m) the highest point of the walk. We continue on the ridge to Maiden Moor and Cat Bells. We descend on Skellgill Bank and enter a wooded area, Fawe Park and then pass through Portinscale and on to Keswick.

Ashness Bridge & Walla Crag with Tony Ingham
7½miles (12km) with 1200ft (365m) Total Ascent

The intention was to do a nice flat walk at Applethwaite, as specified in the programme, but the loss of footbridges in the winter floods around Keswick has meant this has not been possible. So we will have to climb a bit instead.

Departing from Keswick town centre, we head south alongside Derwentwater to Great Wood in Borrowdale. From here we continue south to Ashness Bridge and it is from this point that the climbing begins. We rise to the top of Walla Crag at 1245ft. We have then bagged a Wainwright and the views from up there are superb (on a clear day!). We then descend to Rakefoot. From this point we should have gone back via Castlerigg, but the path that way is closed due to the destruction of yet another footbridge. Fortunately we can divert to miss this one and proceed along quiet residential roads back into Keswick.

Cumbria Way: Grange to Keswick with Joyce Bradbury
6 miles (9.7km) with 300ft (91m) Total Ascent

Recced on a wet and windy Maundy Thursday. Not many signs of the disastrous floods until after Portinscale. An undulating walk with no stiles and little mud. Some road walking but mainly gritty forest tracks.

We leave the coach at Grange Bridge to cross into Grange where there are toilets. We make for the Cumbria Way and passing through Manesty Park and Brandelhow Park, we reach Hawse End. From here we go through Overside Wood and skirt Fawe Park to arrive at Nichol End. This may still be closed although they seemed to be on top of the flood damage. Now we go into Portinscale to see how the other half live before crossing the footbridge onto the path through the devastated fields to Keswick, the coaches and refreshments.