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.

20/03/2022 Sunday Car - Hurst Green / Bilsborrow

B Walk - Hurst Green, Clitheroe with Alan & Barbara Gilbert

7 miles (11km) but fairly easy walking.

Meet at Community Car Park in Hurst Green(Sat Nav: BB7 9QB), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Starting from the war memorial.

With views over the ribble valley which eventually leads into woods and passing close to the river hodder we continue along the ribble to reach Lower Hodder Bridge. We then make our way to Winckley Hall. A further confluence with the river Calder close to Hacking Hall. The walk finishes in the village close to the Shireburn arms.

C Walk - Bilsborrow with Bob Tognarelli

6 miles (9.7km) with flat walking

Meet at Bilsborrow Village Hall, entrance on Church Lane (Sat Nav PR3 0RJ), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We leave the car park and look for the canal so we can follow it south to White Horse Lane. Crossing White Horse lane we take the track to Higher then lower Park head and rejoin the canal at Park Head Bridge. It´s a short stay on the canal before taking the track to towards Fence Foot.

At the cross roads we turn left to go the across fields to join Moss Lane at Hallidays Farm. Here we turn left to Lee Farm and then cross more fields to get to St Michael´s Road. From here we head to Myerscough College, taking care not to get run over where we have to use the road.

Once at Myerscough College we may take the opportunity to have refreshment at the Gardens Tea Room, before tracking down Myerscough Hall Drive back to the cars.

16/03/2022 Stroller - Longton

Longton Marsh 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 The Dolphin Inn, Marsh Lane (Sat Nav: PR4 5JY), then afterwards at The Dolphin Inn.

This is a level walk across fields and tracks, no stiles, just over 2mls.

We start at the Dolphin Inn and we can park in their car park, those wishing lunch, we order at the start, then 15mins before we get back I ring them and they will have it ready for us.

10/03/2022 Thursday Car - Turton and Wayho Reservoirs

B Walk - Turton and Wayho reservoirs with Susan Douglass

7 miles (11km) with 300ft (91m) Total Ascent

Meet at Entwistle Reservoir Car Park, Batridge Rd. Bolton (Sat Nav BL7 0LU), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

No Details Available.

06/03/2022 Coach Walk - Grasmere

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Seat Sandal and Fairfield with Dave Colbert

10 miles (16km) with 3500ft (1080m) Total Ascent

Starting from Grasmere, we head through the village to the A591 before taking the footpath from Winterseeds, which climbs alongside Tongue Gill to Grisedale Hause and a short but steep scrabble to the summit of Seat Sandal (737m/2,417ft). It´s then northwards down to the col west of Grisedale Tarn, which we circumvent to north and east before climbing again to Deepdale Hause. The next bit is best as we ascend the steep, rocky ridge to Cofa Pike, the traverse of which is quite airy. From Fairfield (873m/2,865ft), we return to Grasmere over Great Rigg and down the ridge to Stone Arthur.

Please note that weather and/or fell conditions on the day may necessitate an alternative, lower level hike. Various options available include a circuit of Greenburn Bottom over Steel Fell, Calf Crag and Helm Crag, and linear routes from Waterhead over Wansfell and Loughrigg Fell. 

B+ Walk - Silver Howe & Wordsworth Sites with Val Walmsley

8 to 9 miles (12.9 to 15km) with 1220ft (390m) Total Ascent

Leaving Grasmere take path up to Allan Bank, Wordsworth former home, from where commence ascent to Silver Howe, highest point & worthy of good views. Locate path descending through Wyke Plantation to reach Loughrigg Terrace from where pass above Rydal Water under the cave & carry on to Pelter Bridge over the River Rothay. Continue to pick up coffin trail north via Rydal Mount & eventually Dove Cottage, Wordsworth connections, arriving back at Grasmere.

B Walk - Tour of Loughrigg with Judith & Stuart

8½ miles (13.6km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

The walk starts in Grasmere.

From Grasmere we will head up Red Bank road and head for Loughrigg tarn. We will pass round the south side of Loughrigg Fell and Ivy Crag. Along the foothills of the fells we will proceed to Fox Ghyll and along the road parallel to the river Rothay to Rydal. From Rydal we will follow the coffin trail back into Grasmere.

C Walk - Grasmere Circular with Bill Manning & Bob Tognarelli

6 miles (9.7km) with 400ft (118m) Total Ascent

Starting from Grasmere (car park toilets) we make our way passed Dove Cottage on our way to the Coffin Trail, after a brief walk along the trail we leave at White Moss to take the trail down to the A591, crossing over we follow the riverside path to the footbridge on the edge of Grasmere water, crossing the bridge we continue along the water´s edge for some distance before a short climb takes us to Red Bank Road which leads back to Grasmere.

Once at Grasmere we turn left into Langdale Road then left down a track leading to Allan Bank, passing Allan Banks we follow the track to Low Scorecrag, and then downhill through fields to Goody Bridge. Turning left onto Easedale Road we pick up a stone track leading to Langrigg Woodland walk. From Woodland we take the road to Butharlyh Howe. Turning left through the wood and we continue to reach the A591. After crossing we take the lane at the side of the Swan Hotel which leads us to the grounds of Forest Side Hotel, from here its back to the A591. Crossing over we follow the field path leading back to the coach park.

Now it´s time to get a well deserved drink or two, with or without nibbles before going home.

There are cut off points for anyone wishing to shorten the second part of the walk.

20/02/2022 Sunday Car - Walton-Le-Dale and district

C Walk - Walton-Le-Dale with Bill Manning

6 miles (9.7km) with little climbing.

Meet at the footbridge off Hennel Lane, Lostock Hall (Sat Nav: PR5 4LE), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Starting by the footbridge off Hennel Lane we cross the bridge to make our way down to meet the old tram road. After climbing up on to the path by the bridge we turn left to make our way down to Duddle Lane and Station road. Continuing a road walk to school lane before turning left by the NHS centre.

We follow the track down to Higher Walton by the river Darwen to the footbridge. We now follow the roadside path to Chorley road corner and continue to Walton Green, leading us back to the start of the walk. We may call at Holland house garden centre and cafe on Higher Walton Road.