12/05/2024 Coach Walk - Conwy (North Wales)

8:30 start with 16:30 return

A Walk - Tal-y-Fan with Graham Hogg

12½ miles / 20km with 2,650ft / 800m Total Ascent

From Conwy, we head out of town to join the Cambrian Way footpath and enjoy the splendid vistas afforded from the Mynydd y Dref over to Llandudno, Y Gogarth and Ynys Môn.

Upon reaching the disused slate quarry, this marks the line for our steep ascent onto the long, rocky and undulating Tal-y-Fan ridge before reaching the summit itself at 610m. On a clear day, the views are extensive in all directions and we could see out to Holyhead Mountain or even the Isle of Man, if lucky.

To avoid the rocky return traverse of the ridge we´ll descend north for a short way to pick up a lower contour path that provides easier ground.

At Tyddyn- grasod we´ll re-join the Cambrian Way for a short stretch before heading towards Cogwrn and Crows Nest Hall. From here, we follow paths to Mount Pleasant and join the Sychnant Pass Road for the last section of the walk back into Conwy. Enjoy!

B+ Walk - Coast and Estuary with Val Walmsley

10 miles / 16km with 830ft / 253 Total Ascent.

Join North West Coastal Path at Rhos-on-Sea & follow round Penrhyn Bay to climb Little Orme (short

ascent). Descend thro ́woods to Llandudno sea front & pick up path passing Bodafon Hall Farm. Skirt round Coed Gaer & Coed y Gell to Bryniau. Move on by Maesdu Golf Course to reach Coast path at Deganwy & follow round Conwy estuary & cross bridge to arrive at Conway destination.

B Walk - Conwy Mountain with Stuart Arnold

8 miles / 12.9km with 1300ft / 396m Total Ascent

As we leave Conwy heading north watch out for arrows or boiling oil from the castle. Following the river we pass the smallest house in Wales and heading west we cross the A547 and join the North Wales path over the Conwy mountains.

After a gradual ascent we can look back and see Conwy Castle in the distance and looking north we should have magnificent views of Conwy Bay. As we follow the ridge we pass the Iron Age hill fort of Castell Carr Seion.

We then descend to the Sychnant Pass then on to Llechwedd and after crossing the Bry-Seir road we arrive back in Conwy.

C Walk - Henryd with Joe Brennand

5 miles / 8km with 500ft / 152m Total Ascent.

Starting from the castle we head south through woodlands, climbing we head to Bryn Seiri road and then on to Bryn Gwylan. Skirting round the caravan park we then head towards the mast before going back to conwy for tea and cake.

There are a few stiles on route, but trust me the climb is worth it when you see the views.

28/04/2024 Sunday Car Walk - Rivington

Meet at Great House Tea Room (Sat Nav: BL6 7SB), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

B Walk - Rivington with Alan & Barbara Gilbert
7 miles / 11.2km with ft / m Total Ascent

This is a pleasant, easy walk roaming around Rivington´s historic reservoirs, Upper, Yarrow and Anglezarke.

17/04/2024 Stroller Walk - Yarrow Valley

Meet at car park off Birkacre Road, Chorley (Sat Nav: PR7 3QL) for 10:30am start.

Yarrow Valley with Bill & Marie
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing 

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a venue for drinks, snacks or meals etc.

14/04/2024 Coach Walk- Ladybower & Hathersage

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Return drop off Leyland first

A Walk - Froggatt Edge and White Edge with Katie Clenshaw

13.3 miles / 21.4km with 1900ft / 580m Total Ascent

We start off by heading south from Hathersage towards the River Derwent. After a short distance following the river, we turn left, past Kettle House and through Rough Wood. We continue past Grindleford Station and the entrance to the Totley Tunnel to Nether Padley where we ascend through Hay Wood to the A625. From here we walk along three of the many millstone grit edges in this area, firstly Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge (look out for adders), then northwards along White Edge to White Edge Moor (plenty of peat bog to enjoy here!). Apparently we may see Red Deer on the moors.

Next we head past Longshaw Lodge to Burbage Bridge. There are a few options for crossing Hathersage Moor depending on time and conditions. The easiest is probably via Winyards Nick, but we could go past Mother Cap and Over Owler Tor. Whichever we do, we will pick up the Mitchell Field, Scraperlow path at some point to return to Hathersage.

B+ Walk - Eyam Moor with Stuart Arnold

10 miles / 16km with 1,400ft / 427m Total Ascent

Leaving Hathersage we cross the river Derwent at Leadmill and the begin our ascent of Eyam Moor. From here we drop down into the plague village of Eyam. Here in 1665 the bubonic plague (Black Death) arrived in cloth from London carried by fleas. The villagers kept themselves in quarantine until the plague ended in 1666 having killed 260 out of 350 villagers.

As we pass through the village watch out for rats as it is on their blood that the fleas feed. Leaving the village we pass a small enclosure named the “Riley Graves” where victims of the plague were buried, from here we descend to the river Derwent which we follow back to Hathersage.

B Walk - Derwent Valley with Margaret Oliver

8 miles / 12.9km with 1100ft / 335m Total Ascent

There is mud - quite a bit of it ... and puddles - but the views in every direction are stunning.

We leave the coach heading down to Leadmill Bridge and after a few yards of riverside walking the climb begins towards Mount Pleasant, then up through Callow Wood to Callow Farm. A further short steep climb brings us to a gravel track taking us to the beautiful Grade II listed Tudor Manor House Offerton Hall.

A steep descent then further undulations on the gravel track take us to the hamlet of Shatton and the A618 which we cross. Going under the railway line and further footpaths lead to the A6013 which we cross and walk beside a very short way before the second steep climb of the day up Saltergate Lane and Hurstclough Lane.

Descending down Coggers Lane a short way, a footpath on the left leads through fields to Birley Lane and further on, Bronte Cottage. Going south, footpaths lead to Baulk Lane where we can divert to St Michael & All Angel´s Church to visit the grave of Little John - one of Robin Hood´s Merry Men who was reputed to have originated from Hathersage. From the church it is a short walk to the main street and refreshments.

C Walk - Hathersage Circular with Dorothy Dobson

6 miles / 9.7km with 500ft / 152m Total Ascent

This is a linear walk today, starting from Ladybower Reservoir and finlshing at Hathersage. We leave the coach at the south end of the reservoir (Toilets here) and cross the dam to join the paved Derwent Valley Trail which gradually descends to Bamford.

We leave the Trail to climb Saltergate Lane, which is quite steep, to reach the path across the golf club, eventually reaching Thorpe Farm. We then turn south down Coggers Lane and Bank Top where we have more paths to take us to St Michael´s Church. Here we will see the grave where Little John of Robin fame is buried. From here it is a short walk to Hathersage for refreshments and the coach.

12/04/2024 A Grand Night Out

The Longton VM Sports & Social Club, School Lane, Longton, Preston PR4 5ZA

Madness and mayhem as Peter Stevens and Stephen Watson host yet another Grand Night Out. The evening kicks off with a slide show of photographs taken by club walkers from the previous year followed by a fun quiz and raffle.

Hotpot supper and a choice of deserts included with a vegetarian option at the time of ordering tickets. Tea, coffee and alcohol can be purchased on the night.

Tickets are £10 and are available from committee members on the outings or by contacting the secretary via email (see contact tab for address).

11/04/2024 Thursday Car - Scorton

Meet at The Barn car park, Scorton (Sat Nav: PR3 1AU), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

B Walk - Round about Nicky Nook with Barbara & Alan Gilbert
6 miles / 9.7km with ft / m Total Ascent

This is an easy - moderate walk mainly on quiet lanes but with some climbing involved.

20/03/2024 Stroller - Astley Park, Chorley

Meet at the car park off Hallgate (Sat Nav: PR7 1XA), then afterwards at the Astley Village Inn public house (Sat Nav: PR7 1XA).

Astley Park with Jan & 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.

Astley Park refreshments will be held across the car park (from where the Stroll will start and finish) at the Astley Village Inn public house.

17/03/2024 Coach Walk - Coniston via Ambleside

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Wetherlam to The Old Man with Dave Colbert

8.5 miles / 14km with 3,450ft / 1,050m Total Ascent

The Coniston Fells form a distinct and separate group, being almost entirely severed from adjacent ranges by the Duddon and Brathay valleys, with the Wrynose Pass providing the only link with other fells. These fells are characteristically Lakeland with lofty ridges, steep and craggy declivities, waterfalls and tarns.

We start from Shepherd´s Bridge in Yewdale, following the minor road northwards to the parking area at Tilberthwaite before climbing through Tilberthwaite Gill to emerge at Dry Cove Bottom, which can typically be very wet! If conditions are fair, our route to Wetherlam (763m/2,502ft) will be by the little known Steel Edge, a steep but easy scramble onto the Lad Stones ridge, or alternatively, we will continue to Birk Fell Hause and up Wetherlam Edge. We then head down to Swirl Hause and up Prison Band to Swirl How (802m/2,633ft, although some now think it might be higher than the Old Man), continuing along the ridge to Brim Fell and the Old Man, at 803m/2,635ft the highest point in real Lancashire. It´s then steeply down to Low Water, from where we head to Coniston via Crowberry Haws and Miners Bridge.

Note that in the event of bad weather (heavy rain / strong winds etc) or if the fells are in full winter condition requiring ice axe and crampons, we will do a linear hike from Skelwith Bridge to Coniston taking in Black Fell, Tarn Hows and Holme Fell. 

B+ Walk - Cumbria Way & Tarn Hows with Val Walmsley

9.5 miles / 15.3km with 1,200ft / 366m Ascent.

Starting from Skelwith Bridge follow Cumbria Way through Elterwater to Quarry Hotel & take left to travel south west to Little Langdale. East to Stang End & South to Hodge Close from where path via Oxen Fell rejoins Cumbria Way.

Follow Cumbria Way via Tarn How´s passing Tom Heights, Tarn Hows Wood, Low Yewdale & High Guards wood into Coniston at Sheperds Brodge.

Happy Days.

B Walk - Walma Scar with Stuart Arnold

8 miles / 12.9km with 1,150ft / 350m Total Ascent

From the car park we make a slow leisurely ascent up Church Beck towards Crowberry Haws. We will take our time as this is most of the climbing and we have plenty of time to take in all the magnificent views.

We then take the path between Stubthwaite Crag and the Bell to Walna Scar road. We follow the track westward to a lovely bridge across torver beck which we follow downstream passing some very impressive disused quarries down 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 - Coniston Circular with Barbara Gilbert & Jan Atkins

5 to 6 miles / 8 to 9.7km with negligible height gain

We leave the car park and walk away from the village heading up towards what was once the railway line. We then head south towards Torver for the 1st section of the walk before crossing the road and taking a path which will then takes us to a bridge at which point we turn left our return journey to reach the shoreline of Coniston Water (taking in the views).

It was here in 1967 that Donald Campbell attempted to break the water speed record going at 300mph in his vessel Bluebird K7, unfortunately a disaster occurred and he was killed. From here we follow a path all the way back to Coniston.

07/03/2024 Thursday Car - Brock Bottom

Meet at Brock Valley Picnic Site, Brock Mill Lane, Caughton on Brock. (Sat Nav: PR3 0PD), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

B Walk - Brock Bottom with Stuart Arnold
7 miles / 11km with 970ft / 295m Total Ascent

We start our walk by climbing out of Brock valley through fields to Middle Lickhurst and on across more fields towards Heatherways Farm complex. Just before we reach the farm we turn south and head to the top of Beacon Fell for the lovely views across Bleasdale as far as the Lakeland hills.

We then walk down to the visitors center we´re the cafe and toilets may be welcome. Further downhill we reach Crombleholme Farm and on down to church road in Whitechapel. We pass the Cross Keys pub the venue for our annual dinner but we will not be stopping for beer.

We then pass Great Plane Tree Farm and on to Lower Trotter Hill Farm before joining a minor road at Trostle Nest.

Negotiating a tricky downhill path we reach the river own and back to our starting point.

03/03/2024 Coach Walk - Ravenstonedale (Pennines & Dales)

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Green Bell and Kensgriff with Graham Hogg

10½ miles / 17km with 2,362ft / 720m Total Ascent

Today we have the opportunity to visit some of the less frequented north eastern Howgill fells.

From the village of Ravenstonedale, we head in a south westerly direction following the course of Wyegarth Gill before ascending Knott (465m) on route to the summit of Knoutberry (529m). A further short steep climb brings us the summit of Green Bell (605m). On a clear day, the views from the top are fairly extensive – Ingleborough, Skiddaw, Blencathra and Cross Fell, to name a few, are all visible.

We continue by descending slightly to Spengill Head (568m). At this point, if the conditions and weather are favourable, we will head for Kensgriff (574m). Kensgriff is a rather shapely fell situated between two of the higher tops in the area, Yarlside and Randygill Top. It is possible on a longer summers day to descend from Kensgriff to the connecting saddle and climb Yarlside but the ascent is nothing short of brutal and the return descent back to the saddle requires strong nerves, good knees and great deal of care!

Instead, today we´ll only view Yarlside and after a break on Kensgriff, we´ll retrace our steps for a short distance before climbing steeply to reach the summit of Randygill Top (624m).

From Randygill Top our route descends north to ensure we reach the high and narrow saddle of Leathgill Bridge. From here, there is a final steep climb to reach the un-named point at 586m before a straight forward path takes us to Hooksey and a descent off the fells to Cow Bank at Weasdale. Return to Ravenstonedale is made via minor roads and field paths. 

B+ Walk - Smartdale Circuit with Meriel Nutter

10.5 miles / 16.9km with 100ft / 305m Ascent.

North out of Ravenstonedale taking a path to Smardale bridge. Climb north easterly over the flanks of Smardale Fell descending north to Smardale Bridge. West onto Beck Lane then north on a path to Smardale Mill and west into Crosby Garrett.

South now onto a path contouring round Beacon Hill and Begin Hill to join the path south westerly on the dismantled railway. Leave it at Badger Badger Hill, crossing the A685 near Newbiggin taking the field path to a minor road and the footpath alongside the main road into Ravenstonedale

B Walk - Nettle Hill without the nettles with Stuart Arnold

9 miles / 15km with 1,100ft / 335m Total Ascent

We depart the coach at Newbiggin and cross the A 685 to reach the Hamlet of Browner. After walking through a few fields we head for the hills. First of all we walk onto Ewe Fell and start our climb over Crosby Garret Fell. After 2 miles skirting Nettle Hill we drop down to the lovely village of Crosby Garret.

Here we take a minor road South East to access the disused railway line which leads us to the very impressive Smardale viaduct. We then take a lower path down Smardale Gill which gives us superb views of the viaduct. When we reach Smardale Bridge we follow Scandal Beck back down into Ravenstonedale.

The scenery and the wild flowers on a nice day are beautiful.

C Walk - Brownber but no bears with Judith Kirby

5 miles / 8km with 120ft / 37m Total Ascent

We leave the coach in Ravenstonedale and after a very short walk on the road we head across fields to Greenside then Higher Greenside and eventually Newbiggin on Lune. Here we have to cross the A685 to meet a track leading into Brownber and up to the hall where we turn east to join the disused railway line which leads us to the quarries.

We walk back a little way to the railway bridge where we follow the path down to Smardale bridge. We climb through fields via Todwray, Hawking Scar past Park House Farm back into Ravenstonedale.