11/08/2019 Sunday Car - Arnside / Wrea Green

B Walk - Arnside Coast, Dallam Park and Fairy Steps with Judith Kirby

8 miles (12.9km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent

Meet behind the railway station (Sat Nav: LA5 0HG), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will park behind the railway station (Grid reference 462788). This area is accessed on the approach road from Milnthorpe. Before you go under the railway bridge and 50metres after the 30mph sign there is a rough track on the RHS which leads to this parking area.

The walk will initially take us along the sea shore then through Sandside via the old railway line which we will pick up again to lead us to Milnthorpe bridge and Dallam Park. Passing through Haverbrack we climb through the woods to the Fairy Steps and then down to Hazelslack. Dropping down to Arnside Moss we will return back to the sea shore and return to the start.

This is a lovely walk with uninterrupted views across the estuary to the Cumbria fells. The sea bird life along the coast is both plentiful and varied. Dallam Park should surprise you with its breeding herd of fallow deer and then what might we find at the Fairy steps and who will climb without touching the sides?

C Walk - Wrea Green with Bill Manning & Bob Tognarelli

4½ miles (7.25km) with little climbing

Meet on the village green in the opposite corner to the ‘The Grapes Pub’ with on street parking (Sat Nav PR4 2PH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

This is a gentle walk for a warm summer day through the pleasant countryside around Wrea Green.

We initially follow the road to St Annes before joining a hedged lane signed as a public path, walking down the lane into fields which lead us to Brying Hall Lane. Turning left in the lane we follow the lane for ½ mile to Brying. Crossing the road to we pick up a country lane leading to Green Valley Farm and then Prospect Farm and lunch. We now cross fields to take us to Hill farm and the lane alongside Ribby Hall Village. The last of the walk is on the main road back leading to village centre, passing rows of attractive gardened terraces and thatched cottages on the way.

08/08/2019 Thursday Car - Downham

B Walk - Downham with Sheila Marsh

7½ miles (12km) Undulating

Meet car park at the bottom of the hill (Sat Nav: BB7 4BS), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk goes through four lovely villages in the Ribble Valley.

Starting from Downham we head uphill to the church and Assheton Arms before taking a left path to pastureland. At this point we have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. We walk across more fields, cross the A59 and follow a tree lined path which passes the remains of Sawley Abbey as we descend into Sawley itself. We cross the river Ribble and continue along the road for a while before taking a track to Hill House Barn then head to Grindleton. We cross the river again to climb a steep slope as we approach Chatburn. We then go along more leafy paths, cross A59 again to climb a steep limestone escarpment before reaching Downham.

28/07/2019 Coach Walk - Broughton In Furness

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Great Burney and Blawith Fells with Graham Hogg

13¼ miles (21.5km) with 2650ft (800m) Total Ascent

We alight the coach on the A5092 Kirkby Moor road (at the entrance to the Burlington Slate Quarry). Heading north across open moorland we make for our first (and highest) summit of the day – Great Burney (298m).

From here, we visit Little Burney (215m) and Subberthwaite Common before ascending Blawith Knott (248m). We follow a northeast heading for a while until reaching the tranquil setting of Beacon Tarn before climbing again to reach the summit of the Beacon itself (255m). Definitely time for a brew and photos on top – the dramatic views suddenly open up and we´ll enjoy a grand vista down the full length of Coniston Water.

Turning west now our next top is Yew Bank from where we descend to Haveriggholme and Troughton Hall. The last main climb of the day will be up Cat Bank before following paths through the forestry plantation to Hawk Bridge.

From here we head to Wallenrigg and Moss Side Farm before linking up with the disused railway line path which takes us all the way back into Broughton in Furness and some well deserved refreshments! 

B+ Walk - Furness Feet Warmer with Val Walmsley

12 miles (19km) with 550ft (167m)+ Total Ascent

Leaving Gawthwaite we join the Cumbria Way going south to Broughton Beck and Newbiggin. From here we head north to Kirkby Slate Road going round Blade Moss in a westerly direction to the Stone Circle. We now approach Kirkby-in-Furness via Beck Side and Sand Side. Here we join the Cumbria Coastal Way on our way back looking westwards to Duddon Sands.

An extra climb can be added over High Moor or Gunson Hill - time permitting.

B Walk - The two rivers or two valleys walk with Judith & Stuart

9 miles (15km) with 950ft (290m) Total Ascent

We recced this walk one way round which left a hilly bit at the end of the walk. We will now try backwards way round so that the long descent is at the end of the walk. Please excuse any leadership errors.

Initially we will walk through the Broughton Tower estate across to Manor Farm, here we will cross our first valley that of the river Lickle then up to Lower Bleansley, Middle Bleansley and then back across the valley to the Hagg and then on Lower Hawthwaite. In our recces this farm was described as the dirty farm by one lady and shit house corner by another. The walk then leads across to a sheepfold and on to the old school house now converted into a very desirable residence. From here we pass through Moss Side Farm past Brookside and into Burntstead wood. We then cross the 2nd valley bottom that of Galloper Pool across to Ringhouse farm and up to Thornthwaite and Woodland Hall. We then descend via Thornthwaite Latter Rigg recrossing the valley of Kirkby Pool across to west End farm and our return into Broughton in Furness. The views on this walk across to the Irish sea are fantastic and we might even see some deer. We saw five on our recce.

C Walk - Hot Stuff in Furness with Alison & Lesley

6 miles (9.65km) with 260ft (80m) Total Ascent

We start our walk in Broughton in Furness (toilets available) and as our walk name suggests, we are hoping for hot weather. Heading North East, across the fields, we bypass Wall End and continue through the wood, turning left along the road. Rejoining the path on our right, we cross the moss to Thornthwaite Latter Rigg. Taking the lower path between Thornthwaite Latter Rigg and Latter Rigg, we will hopefully enjoy the view across the valley. A gradual climb towards Ringhouse Farm leads us to a small path North East into Row Ridding Wood.

After a pleasant walk through the wood, we walk along the road in the direction of Rosthwaite and on through Buttstead Wood. Continuing South East along the road for a short while, we join the old railway line which we then follow back into Broughton in Furness.

17/07/2019 Stroller - Astley Park

Astley Park with Roy

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 Astley Hall car park on Hall Gate Road(off Chancery Road) Chorley (Sat Nav: PR7 1XA), then afterwards at Cafe Ambio in the grounds of Astley Hall.

14/07/2019 Sunday Car - Pendleton

B Walk - Pendleton, near Clitheroe with Stuart Arnold

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

Meet at Pendleton Village (Sat Nav: BB7 1PX), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk will start from the car park next to the Swan with Two Necks pub in Pendleton. This is a free car park but donations are expected for its upkeep by the villagers.

We will walk past the pub bearing in mind that we will return here later in the day. We will walk up the road and past Pendleton Hall carrying on along the track towards Mearley Hall. Here we will head onto the lower reaches of Pendle hill passing Howcroft Barn before reaching the road for a short distance past the ski slope and going back onto the fell by the Well Springs pub. The track then leads us back onto the road at the Nick of Pendle. Down the road towards Sabden for 200yds we reach a bridleway on the RHS which leads us past Parsley Barn and Wilkins Hey to a point where we head to Jeppe’s Grave the resting place of a highwayman, on the site of a Bronze Age burial site, who was beheaded in 1327 for his sins. We then go back across the fell to the Nick of Pendle were we start our descent back to the start via Wymondhouses.

11/07/2019 Thursday Car - Whitewell

B Walk - Whitewell with Stuart Arnold

7½ miles (12km) with 800ft (244m) Total Ascent

Meet at the Inn, Whitewell (Sat Nav: BB7 3AT), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk will start from the Whitewell Inn where we will have to park on the side of the road. We will start on the road opposite the Whitewell Inn just after the Whitewell Social Hall and then climb steadily via Seed Hill, Raven Scar Plantation on to Crimpton. After reaching the chimneys of the Spire we head through the fields to Browsholme farm. A short distance on the road leads us to the path carrying us across farmland to Mickelhurst, Kinder Barn and eventually Lees House. Down the track we join the road which leads us past Middle Lees and across the fields to Lower Lees. We then walk down to the banks of the river Hodder before crossing the road again and through fields past a disused quarry back to the start.

06/07/2019 - Map & Compass

Free Event held at The Over 60's Club.

Starts 10:00am until 04:00pm.

Includes morning map reading workshop & Afternoon Practical.

Tea & Coffee will be provided by the club, but please bring your own lunch.

This is your chance to learn or brush up on your Map & Compass skills. It is an all day event with the morning spent learning (or brushing up) how to use a map & compass.

After lunch, It's time to try out your newly learned skills. Members will be split into teams and then compete to design a ‘Walk’ using a map & given bearings. This will be carried out in the comfort of the he Over 60s Club, but don't worry, each team will have an experienced leader to offer help if needed.

Meet at the Over 60s Club, Priory Lane, Penwortham, Preston PR1 0AR.

If you would like to attend this great day out, please give your name to Chris Cook or Dorothy Dobson.

Please Note: If you attended this event last year, please bring your course work folder with you.

 

30/06/2019 Coach Walk - Betws-Y-Coed

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Moel Siabod with Dave Colbert

11 miles (17.5km) with 3100ft (950m) Total Ascent

Bore Da! Moel Siabod rises as an isolated pyramid between the valleys of the Afon Llugwy and Afon Lledr to the west of Betws y Coed. The panorama from its summit is regarded as one of the best in Snowdonia, with all the major hills of Eryri from Cadair Idris in the south to Snowdon and Carnedd Llewelyn in the north in view, weather permitting of course!

The mountain presents its most impressive features to the south, so we will begin its ascent from the village of Dolwyddelan in the Lledr Valley, initially following the course of the Afon Ystumiau up to Llyn y Foel, hidden in an impressive hollow beneath Moel Siabod´s massive crags. An entertaining scramble up the airy Daear Ddu ridge (literally the ‘Black Earth’) takes us directly to the summit, at 872m/2,862ft the highest point on the walk. Following a lengthy descent of the north-east ridge to Pont Cyfyng in the valley of the Afon Llugwy, we head for Betws y Coed alongside said river, passing Ty-hyll and the famous Swallow Falls on the way. Mwynhau!! 

B+ Walk - Eastern Promise: Undulating countryside east of the Conwy. with Val Walmsley

10½ miles (16.9km) with 1300ft (396m) Total Ascent

Leaving Betws y Coed railway station we cross the Afon (river) Conwy and pick up a path which takes us to Coed-y-Celyn. From here we continue south, passing though Dinas Mawr and Penrhyddan Pella to Maes-y-Grnedd. Turning north past Capel Garmon with its neolithic burial chamber, we now head to Moel Treriw. Looping back south via Tany Foel to Pentre-bach, we then head easterly on paths and a road to cross the railway via a footbridge, before heading back to railway station and Betws y Coed.

B Walk - Forest Walk with Chris Cook

6½ miles (10.5km) with 1280ft (390m) Total Ascent

Forest Walk (some steep climbs) from Betwys-y-Coed (Betwys-y-Coed means Praying in the Park).

This is a forest walk with many indigenous trees. We leave the bus park and head for Pont y Pair and the Gwyndair Forest. This walk is a combination of forest trails and some steep narrow footpaths. It takes you high above Conwy Valley with beautiful views towards the town of Llanrwst. The return meanders along the bank of Llyn Parc a natural lake damned to power mining machinery in the Aberllyn Gorge. We then follow the signs back down to Betwys-y-Coed. (Time and energy allows this walk to be extended).

Walkers welcome at Glan Aber Hotel opposite the car park. Happy Daze.

C Walk - The Slate Trail with Lesley & Peter Stevens

6 miles (9.7km) with 397ft (121m) Total Ascent

Our walk today is a circular walk following the Afon (river) Llgwy down one side and back along the other side. There is some climbing in the first half but flat for the second half with good paths throughout.

The walk starts from the coach park in the centre of Betws Y Coed (toilets available ­ 20p). Heading west we walk along the main street to cross the river (Afon Llgwy) via a small road bridge. Turning left (west) we now follow the path along the side of the river until we reach the Miners Bridge. From here we start our main climb of the day; this is quite a steep climb (150ft / 45m) but we have loads of time so we can take our time on this ascent. At the top of the climb we join the Snowdonia Slate Trail which runs from Bangor on the coast to Bethesda near Snowdon for 83 miles. We now follow the Slate Trail for approx 1 mile before dropping down towards the river where we are afforded a wonderful view of the Swallow Falls. Leaving the falls we continue to make our descent to the river, which we now follow until we meet the main road at a bridge with the ‘Ugly House’ by its side.

This is the half way point of the walk, so we cross the river to head back on the far side heading east. Unfortunately for here we have approx 1¾ walk along the road, but on the good side it is a good footpath and downhill all the way until we leave the road to cross the Miners Bridge and head back to Betws Y Coed along our original river walk route.

19/06/2019 Stroller - Lytham

Lytham Wander with Bill and Marie

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 Lytham Railway Station (Sat Nav: FY8 4TQ), then afterwards at the Railway Café.

16/06/2019 Sunday Car - Bowgreave

B Walk - Bowgreave near Garstang with Tony Ingham

8½ miles (13.6km) with 250ft (76m) Total Ascent

Meet in the back car park at Bowgreave Rise Care Home, Bowgreave, on the B6430 Garstang Road to the south of Garstang, PR3 1YD (permission given to park there) for the usual start time of 10.30 am.

We initially cross a disused football field to join the Lancaster Canal where we head east before leaving it at the third bridge. We then go north across fields, cross the West Coast railway line and M6 motorway to Parkhead, Keeper's Lane and Higher Lane to reach Long Crossey Wood and Woodacre Great Wood (lunch). We continue into Scorton (pay toilets) and from there head south along the Wyre Way all the way back to the Lancaster Canal on the south side of Garstang. We then follow the towpath south and eastwards back to the start point.