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.