Committee meetings are held on Mondays 7:00pm-9:00pm and all members are welcome.
We meet at the Over 60s Club, Priory Lane, Penwortham, Preston PR1 0AR.
We are based in Lancashire in the North West of England but our walks take us round the UK's National Parks & National Landscapes, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District & North Wales. *** To view the next walk - Please scroll to the bottom ***
27/10/2024 Sunday car - Hoghton / Brindle
Hoghton to Brindle Circular with Stuart Arnold
6½ Miles / 10.5km with 200ft / 61m Total AscentMeet at Chapel Lane, Hoghton (Sat Nav: PR5 0RY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.
We will start the walk from the bottom of Chapel Lane close as possible to the main road.
We will walk up the main road and into Houghton Tower. Half way up we will turn right and cross fields to come out by the Royal Oak at Riley Green. Crossing the road we will go through the wood yard and down to the canal which we will walk along for about 1mile.
We will then walk up the fields to the village of Brindle. Crossing the main road we will then use field paths and minor roads to make our way back to the start.
17/10/2024 Thursday Car - Whitbarrow
8 Miles / 13km with 1,200ft / 370m Total Ascent
Meet at lay-by opposite the Lyth Valley Country House on the A5074 (Sat Nav: LA8 8DB ), ready for the usual start time 10:30am.
The Lyth Valley Country House is the large white house on the right hand side of the road about 1/4 mile beyond the turn off for Row.
As this is further away than usual for a car walk I am organising lifts. Please let me know on the coach to Shap if you would like a lift.
Alternatively contact me by phone or email. My contact details can be obtained by emailing Barbara on secretary@pdwc.org.
Whitbarrow is a 4 mile ridge of limestone about 6 miles southwest of Kendal, The ridge runs north-south with steep cliffs on the south and western sides. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has both national and local nature reserves. The summit ridge in particular, which has exposed scars and limestone pavement, interesting plants and fabulous views, makes lovely walking.
We start the walk by taking the path just past the lay-by towards the village of Row, then follow the byway/path that goes around the north end of Whitbarrow and eventually climbs steeply up to Township Allotment. We continue climbing to reach Flodder Allotment by the corner of Horse Pasture Wood. From here we climb to Lord's Seat (706ft, 215m) then continue southwards along the summit ridge. We descend towards Rawsons, and follow the path through the woods northwards back to Row.
16/10/2024 Stroller - Croston
Croston with Lean Gabbatt
2.9 miles – flat road/track walk exploring the heart of the village and the farmland beyond.
2.9 miles – flat road/track walk exploring the heart of the village and the farmland beyond.
Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a walk and venue for drinks / snacks or meal and starts at 10:30am
Meet outside the main door of St Michael´s and All Angels CE Church on Church St (PR26 9HA), then meal at Leyland Garden Centre, Southport Rd, Leyland (PR26 8LQ).
There are various options for parking on Out Lane (PR26 9HJ) with spaces both adjacent to the village green and on the Village Surgery car park. Also, the landlord at The Lord Nelson is allowing us to use to the pub's car park.
13/10/2024 Coach - Shap (Lake District)
8:00 start with 17:30 return
Dedicated to the memory of Ken Brooks WCFA, who devised and led this walk long ago on a very misty day in November 1992. Swindale is a Lakeland gem, one of the most unspoilt dales in the National Park and the focus of an ongoing rewilding programme led by the RSPB to restore lost habitats. Selside Pike’s only claim to fame is that it is the most easterly of the 214 ‘Wainwright’ tops.
The hike starts on the A6 about a mile or so south of Shap village and follows various roads and tracks up Wet Sleddale, eventually descending to cross Mosedale Beck at the foot of Brunt Tongue. It’s then uphill to the cairn on Nabs Moor, from where we make a rising traverse around the hanging valley of Hobgrumble Gill to the rather curiously named Captain Whelter Bog. Just who the Captain was and why he comes to have a bog named after him has been the subject of research by Dr Bente Kanin-Vakmester from the University of Snittlegarth, but neither he nor anyone else is any the wiser. The grassy mound of Swinside Pike at 655m/2,150ft is the high point of the day with views across Haweswater to the High Street range. We descend by its north-east ridge to the Old Corpse Road for the drop down into Swindale. Our route to Shap then takes us from Truss Gap below Trussgap Brow and across Dog Hill to the small settlement of Keld and a visit to the ‘Goggleby’ Stone.
10 Miles / 16km with 900ft / 274m Total Ascent
Leaders beware some of the paths are extremely rough and wet, think wild Galloway bog, tussocks, rampant marsh grass and at lower levels shoulder high dry thistles. Notably the paths from White Crag over Cocklethwaite and Lingy Hill are awful the latter we gave up on after we’d all fallen off tussocks into bog. This is a revamped walk with the best bits of my original plan included. I may not be able to reccy it though.
From Shap path west by fire station (easy to miss) passing the Goggleby Stone, look for 2nd stone in field to right (NW).
Continue to junction, turn north to lane, west on lane briefly then north on walled track passing 3rd stone in wall on right after about 250 yards, 2nd stone visible too.
East on path at road junction passing the tumulus continue round Skellaw Hill to road near the Thunder Stone, no 4.
South on road then west on path alongside lane towards Shap Abbey. Take path north west to Rosgill, just before descent to Abbey. The Buck Stone, no 5, may be visible about halfway along to the left in the field across the River Lowther. We couldn’t spot it.
At Rosgill south west on road crossing River Lowther taking path south to Fairy Crag and Parish Bridge, a lovely little footbridge and a great place for lunch.
Continue south on path through Rayside to Tailbert. (Path is on a track wide ledge so it may be easier to go into field the other side of wall as there were cows and calves on this section which drops steeply on left. South west on path to Swindale Foot and lane to footbridge over Swindale Beck at Truss Gap. Descent is very steep, covered in thick tall bracken, hidden rock and holes, very tricky. It finishes with a stream crossing which was about 6 ft wide and at least a foot deep when we reccy’d on Oct 5th. Cross Swindale Beck on new footbridge and turn north east on path along Trussgap Brow to road near Tailbert. Start is very brambley, we cleared some!) Avoid descent and stream by turning east at Tailbert to take an out and back route to Trussgap Brow and if time another out and back to Blaze Hill. East then north east on road to Keld joining path along side road just after village. Path east just after 1st stile. Cross walled track continuing on field paths to 6th stone just behind the pub.
8½Miles / 13.6km with 800ft / 244m Total Ascent
Leaving Shap we make our way to the Hamlet of Keld where we can see the 16th century chapel. Then it's on to Shap Abbey. Leaving the Abbey we make our way to Rayside and then above Talbert Gill to Talbert and Talbert Head.
From here we descend into Swindale to Swindale Foot. There is now a climb up Bewbarrow Crag and then across Rosgill Moor with its wild ponies. Finally we descend to Rosgill and head back passing above Shap Abbey back to the coach in Shap village.
6Miles / 9.7km with 550ft / 167m Total Ascent
Today Shap is a quiet and peaceful village, situated on A6 road, but before the M6 opened in 1958 there were 9000 vehicles passing through each day.
Setting off from the center of Shap (toilets here), we go along a field path passing the Goggleby Stone, a 10 ton monolith and over 3500 years old. Walking along stone walled paths we eventually reach the road that descends to Shap Abbey. The Abbey which was founded in the late 12th century lies in a secluded valley by the River Lowther.
After looking around the grounds we head in a north westerly direction along a path through the fields to Rosgill. This path is undulating but we will take our time and enjoy the scenery. On reaching Rosgill we take the Coast to Coast road, crossing a very old Pack Horse bridge and on to Rayside. Here we will return, by a different path, to the valley by the Abbey to retrace our steps to Shap.
A lovely walk with great views of the Lake District hills!
30/09/2024 Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting
Open to all members.
Start at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm.
Start at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm.
Tea, Coffee and Biscuits provided.
We meet at the Over 60s Club, Priory Lane, Penwortham. Preston PR1 0AR.
29/09/2024 Coach - Buxton via Cat & Fiddle
8:00 start with 17:30 return
12.6Miles / 20.4km with 2050ft / 625m Total Ascent
We leave the coach at Walker Barn on the A537 Cat and Fiddle road (or a kilometer up the road if we are running late).
From Walker Barn, we start by heading east north east across the fields towards Lamaload Reservoir, then around the southern end of the reservoir before turning left to take the road along the eastern side. Next we turn right to take the path to Shining Tor via Andrew's Edge. From Shining Tor we head north along the ridge over Cats Tor and Oldgate Nick. This section has extensive views all around on a clear day, although you do have to watch your step on the paved path.
On reaching "The Street", we turn right to descend via Foxlow Edge to Shooter's Clough Bridge. We go alongside the reservoir, over the dam, round Bunsal Cob and up to the end of the dismantled railway next to a small lake and car park on Goyt's Lane. We follow the railway until it disappears into a tunnel, where we go east, up over the hill, getting our first view of Buxton below us. We drop down through Beet Wood to Bishop's Lane. We have two options from here.
If we can manage one last climb, we can head left, up the road, past The Beet and descend to Buxton through the golf course.
Alternatively we can turn right, down Bishop's Lane to Buxton, which is slightly shorter but with more road walking.
10½Miles / 17km with 1500ft / 457m Total Ascent
We leave the coach at the Cat and Fiddle Inn and head south along Danethorn Hollow and Cumberland Brook to Clough House from where we continue under Shutlingsloe to Wilboarclough.
It's then east past Cragg Hall and Cut-thorn Hill to Panniers Pool at Three Shires Head.
This area is so called because it is where the three counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet.
From here we pass Orchard Farm then head north to Dane Head and Axe Edge Moor to meet the A54.
Then it's back to Buxton via Grinlow Tower in Buxton Country Park. The tower was built in 1896 and from it's top there are panoramic views of Buxton and the surrounding area.
From here we pass Orchard Farm then head north to Dane Head and Axe Edge Moor to meet the A54.
Then it's back to Buxton via Grinlow Tower in Buxton Country Park. The tower was built in 1896 and from it's top there are panoramic views of Buxton and the surrounding area.
9½ Miles / 15.3km with 1200ft / 366m Total Ascent
We depart the coach at the Cat & Fiddle public house on the A537. This pub is at a height of 1690ft which is the 2nd highest pub in England only outranked by the Tan Hill Tavern in North Yorkshire.
Initially we set off by the most strenuous part of the walk climbing up Shining Tor. After a brief rest we continue along the ridge over Cats Tor, Oldgate Nick and on to Pym Chair.
Here we drop down through the forest to Errwood Reservoir on which there is a sailing club. We cross the dam between the two reservoirs. The adjoining one is called Fernilee Reservoir.
We then follow the Roman Road ascending to White Hall Outdoor Pursuits Centre and onward down into Buxton following the Midshires Way.
Let's hope the sun shines to highlight the fantastic views from the top of Shining Tor.
6 Miles / 9.6km with with lots of climbing. Total Ascent likely to exceed C walk limit.
This is a walk through 2 woods, with the option visit to 2 icons of Buxton assuming our legs can make the final climbs. From the coach drop off and toilets, its then onto the Pavilion Gardens and more toilets.
The walk starts with a gentle amble through the Pavilion Garden, following the path along side River Wyre to Burlington Road, and the Serpentine Way leading to Gadley lane. Following the rough track along side Golf Club we climb up to Manchester Road. Turning right along Manchester Road we look for a Bus Stop which is the start of the path into Corbar woods. The climb to the Cross is optional, but offers better views of the area. The return follows gravel paths way down though the wood and onto the roads leading back to the Pavilion Gardens. Lunch in the park.
At this point there is the opportunity to bail out of the second part of the walk.
After lunch we follow the side of the Park to College road and Green Lane and pick up the track to the playing fields and the path which climbs into Grin Low woods. It´s all up hill through the woods, and if time allows visit Solomon´s Temple. For the descent we take the well defined paths and tracks leading to Poole´s cavern. From here its Temple Road back to the Park and the bright light of Buxton center, where many drinking and eating establishments can be found.
18/09/2024 Stroller - Conder Green to Glasson Dock
2.94 miles with Little Climbing
Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a walk and venue for drinks / snacks or meal and starts at 10:30am
Meet at the Stork Hotel car park, Corricks Lane, Conder Green (Sat Nav: LA2 0AN).
The first part of our Stroll is on a road with NO footpath, so single file please, it’s just for a few hundred yards. Where we turn off to join up with the Glasson branch of the Lancaster Canal which takes us to Glasson Dock .
A short incline takes up to Tithebarn Hill view point, which affords us some extensive views across the Lune and Wyre estuaries to Morecambe Bay and ALL the hills around (weather permitting), also keeping a lookout across the marshes for wading and sea birds (tides permitting) .
Heading back to docks and marina we pick up the Lancashire Coastal Path (again looking out for any wading birds) which takes back to Conder Green and refreshments.
15/09/2024 Sunday Car - Haigh Hall, Wigan
Haigh Hall with Bob Tognarelli
6½ to 7 Miles / 10.5 to 11km with some noted ascent and descent.
Meet at Haigh Hall Car Park, (Sat Nav: WN2 1PE), ready for the usual start time 10:30am.
Note: Parking will cost £3.50
Toilets are available.
Once we are all gathered together we start the walk by going along School Lane and turning into Pendlebury lane. We will be heading downhill to the River Douglas where we will follow the river to Leyland Mill Brow. From here a short climb is needed to reach the main road.
A quick walk along the road takes us to the path going through Bottling Woods and downhill to the old railway track. We now follow the path towards the canal locks and lunch.
After lunch we walk the towpath alongside the locks to reach the canal which leads us back to Haigh Hall Park.
Finally we will walk through the grounds of the hall back to the cars.
Refreshments can be had at the hall should one like to partake.
10/09/2024 Announcement - 2025 Programme
2025 Programme
The 2025 programme is now available to view, click the programme tab and select 2025.
The programme will be filled in as destination dates are received and leaders are selected for each destination and walk grade.
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