22/06/2025 Coach - Coniston via Newby Bridge

 

June

Start: 8:00am with 17:30 (5:30pm) return

A Walk – Through Torver to Coniston via the Old Man with John Parkinson
10.6 Miles / 17km with 3,271ft / 997m Total Ascent

We start the walk from Brown Howe on the A5084 with a leisurely crossing of Torver Low Common towards Torver.  Crossing the A593 we head for Torver High Common and up to the Walna Scar Road ascending to Brown Pike.  Following the ridge to Buck Pike we have fine views of the tarns below as we head through Goats Hawse and climb to Brim Fell.

From there it is a short and slight ascent of 7 meters to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston.  Descending sharply through the old quarries and mine works we head for Crawberry Haws and past Miners Bridge and into Coniston.

The walk encompasses 3 wainwrights.

Lowick Bridge to Coniston via The Blawith Fells with Meriel Nutter
10 Miles / 16km with 700ft / 213m Total Ascent

Leaving the coach at Lowick Bridge on A5084, about 8 miles after Newby Bridge. field paths west passing Evard Lodge and minor road to Kendall Ground. Join the Cumbria Way North staying on it all the way to Coniston passing Kiln Bank, Tottlebank, Beacon Tarn and after crossing a ford over Mere Beck descending to the bank of Coniston Water. I probably won't be able to recce the first part of this walk but hopefully it will avoid the awkward stream crossings on the route into the Blawith Fells from Torver.

Circular from Coniston via Tarn Hows with Lynne Rowett
8½ Miles / 13.5km with 1,000ft / 305m Total Ascent

Leaving the car park at the John Ruskin School we go along the Lake Road to the shores of Coniston. After paying a visit to the free toilets we carry on along Donald Campbell Way to join the multi user track that takes us to Monk Coniston. From here through the grounds of Monk Coniston Hall to join the path through the woods on Hill Fell bringing us to our highest point on the walk and a super view of Tarn Hows.
Heading towards Rose Castle we drop down to the path around the Tarn after passing the car park and toilets we head down hill via Tarn Hows Cottage and on to a lovely winding path to Boon Crag Farm. From here we follow tracks to Low Yewdale and Far End for our return to Coniston. Good paths and tracks all the way with lovely views of Tarn Hows and Coniston lake.

Tarn Hows with Barbara Gilbert and Jan Atkins
6 Miles / 9.7km with 400ft / 122m Total Ascent

Starting from Coniston Coach park (toilets) we leave by the lanes to reach Shepherds Bridge  to join the Cumbria Way field paths. A short climb up to Back Guards Plantation before dropping to pass cottages at Low Yeadale and continue through fields to the A593. A short walk along this road brings us to Yewtree Farm known for the Beatrix Potter stories. From here we make our way to Land Head Coppice where, after a short climb through woodlands, we come to the tarn. We then follow the path around the tarn to Howgraves where we descend through Hill Fell Plantation. Shortly after this we reach the shores of Coniston Water which we then follow back o to the village for refreshments.

18/06/2025 Stroller - Cottam to Haslam Park

 

June

Start: 10:30am

Cottam to Haslam Park  with Barry Hayhurst
2 to 3 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 UCLan sports arena , off Tom Benson Way (Sat Nav: PR2 1SG) . Opposite the Final Whistle Cafe , adjacent to car park No3 (toilets are available adjacent to the Final Whistle cafe prior to the start of the Stroller). 

Then after to The Guild Merchant , 440 , Tag Lane , Ingol (Sat Nav: PR2 7AB).

We start todays Stroll down the footpath between the pristine UCLan sports pitches and the Lancaster Canal to pick up the tow path taking us to the Ribble Links ( triple ) locks basin .  From here we drop down to follow the footpath to Haslam Park . 

 On reaching the park we need to keep a lookout for the Green Parakeets which apparently live and breed here along with Swans , Moorhens , Dragonflies , Coots , Heron , Damselflies .....  

 A wander around the park , nature reserve , lake , and meadows brings us back to the canal tow path which leads us back to our stating point. 

12/06/2025 Thursday Car - Mellor Knoll and Whitemore circular

 

June

Start: 10:30am

Mellor Knoll and Whitemore circular with Susan Douglas
7 Miles / 11km with 740ft / 226m Total Ascent

Meet at Dunsop Bridge Car Park, 8 hours £3.20. Please note that the car park pay machine is cash only (Sat Nav: BB7 3BB), ready for the usual start time 10:30am.

From Dunsop Bridge we walk North following the River Dunsop then West along Langden Brook to Hareden Farm.

There is then a steep but short climb up Mellor knoll and an undulating walk South through Whitemore wood.

A gentle descent takes us down to join the Ribble valley Jubilee trail to Burholme Bridge.

From here, it is a flat return along the Hodder to Dunsop Bridge.

To view a map of this walk, see JUNE Photo Gallery.

08/06/2025 Sunday Car - Wheelton

 

June

Start: 10:30am

Wheelton with Jean Gabbatt
7 Miles / km with minimal climbing.

Meet at Wheelton, by the war memorial in the village center (Sat Nav: PR6 8EY), ready for the usual start time 10:30am.

We will leave the village via Victoria St, cross the A674 and then walk up Briers Brow, cutting off to a footpath on the right and crossing fields to Logwood Mill Farm. Using the access road we will drop down to a path by the Goit which we will follow into White Coppice (lunch stop). 

Leaving the cricket ground we will walk through the hamlet and cross a footbridge following a well-marked track past a series of lakes. We will emerge on to a country lane and take a second track towards an impressive railway bridge, veering left across open land and woodland to reach the A674. We will then join the canal towpath and after passing Johnson’s Hillock will reach Top Lock and return, by road, to Wheelton village.

25/05/2025 Coach - Pateley Bridge via Grassington

 

May

Start: 8:00am with 17:30pm return

Brimham Rocks and Guise Cliff with Dave Colbert
12½ Miles / 20km with 2,150ft / 660m Total Ascent

Nidderdale lies on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the River Nidd rising on the wild slopes of Great Whernside far to the north-west of Pateley Bridge. The landscape of the lower dale is quite pastoral but still characterised by rugged natural features such as the weirdly sculpted rocks on Brimham Moor and the gritstone scar of Guise Cliff, both visited on this walk.

From Pateley Bridge we follow the Nidderdale Way by way of Blazefield and White Houses to Brimham Rocks. Carved by the elements over many centuries into a variety of strange shapes including the ‘Dancing Bear’ and ‘The Anvil’, Brimham Rocks occupy a commanding position overlooking Nidderdale. It’s then downhill to Summerbridge, where we cross the River Nidd and begin the longish climb to Heyshaw and rejoin the Nidderdale Way.  We traverse Guise Cliff and then comes Yorke’s Folly. What this structure commemorates is open to speculation. Our good friend Professor Bewaldeth from the University of Snittlegarth postulates the Folly was erected in celebration of a primeval warlord who had a habit of marching his troops up and down hills to keep them fit. Others, including Dr Bente Kanin-Vakmester of the Wyre Piddle gymnasium, believe it to be all that’s left of a huge aqueduct built by a Yorkshire faction of the ancient Horveht race of Lakeland pygmies (see ‘Footprints’ January to June 1992) that spanned the dale in Pre-Cambrian times. The truth is, no-one really knows!  We return to Pateley Bridge and sanity by way of Skrikes Wood and Sugar Hill.

Coldstones Cut with Sue Banister
10 Miles / 16km with 1200ft / 365m Total Ascent

Starting from Pateley Bridge we follow the River Nidd north to Wath then head in a south easterly direction to Ashfold Side via Heathfield and Highfield. Here we join the Nidderdale Way which we follow past the old lead mines and on to Hillend.

We then start to climb up past Coldstones Fold and Partridge Garth to the B6265 and continue up to the Coldstones Cut. This is a grand scale piece of public art from where we can view the working quarry. It is very impressive and is our high point of the day at 421m.

Our route then takes us east past Moor Houses, Haver Garth and into Fishpond Wood. From here we drop down Sugar Hill and back into Pateley Bridge.

Nidderdale Way to Brimham Rocks with Jane Bennett
9 Miles / 15km with 985ft / 300m Total Ascent

Circular walk starting and ending in Patley Bridge.  Following the river Nidd westerly for 2 and a half miles leaving the Nidd at Low Laithe, passing Knox House to  Smelthouses, where we join the Nidderdale Way. Passing High Wood Farm to reach Brimham Rocks.  

This is the highest point in the area with great views of the surrounding area.

Good information boards are around the Site explaining how the milestone grit rocks formations have been formed. 

We will have lunch at the rocks. There is a visitor center and  toilets.

We then return passing High Pasture Farm, Mill House on to the Nidderdale Way, passing Blazefield,  and on to the " Panoramic Walk" which leads down to the High Street.

Having a snack on the Coach is advisable as we will be having a later lunch.

Nidderdale Circular with Barbara Molloy and Sylvia Rymer
6 Miles / 9.7km with 394ft / 120m Total Ascent

From the coach park, we will walk north along the River Nidd for about half a mile before branching off to Corn Close. From there, we walk alongside Foster Beck passing the residential caravans. At Spring House Farm, we join the Nidderdale Way northwards and climb gradually through the fields to Heathfield. From there, we walk to Spring Hill Farm where we take the steepish descent towards Wath and enjoy the fine views across the Nidd valley and towards the distant Gouthwaite Reservoir. At Wath we follow the level Nidderdale Way south eastwards back to Pateley Bridge.

21/05/2025 Stroller - Lytham, Fairhaven

 

May

Start: 10:30am

Lytham, Fairhaven with Barry Hayhurst
2 to 3 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 RSPB Visitor Centre (Sat Nav: FY8 1BD).

FREE Parking along the Inner Promenade, overlooking Fairhaven Lake. 
Parking is available on the Outer Promenade and Stanner Bank - BUT will have to pay for it.

We meet at the RSPB information center , facing the pleasure boats on Fairhaven Lake , toilets are available at the North end of the lake which we will pass enroute ( 40p !!) . 

We'll stroll along the footpath up to the newly refurbished promenade / sea defence's keeping a lookout for any wading birds, note the tide will be on the way in . 

After a while we drop down to Lake Fairhaven and look at the recently restored Japanese garden . 

We then make our way for a stroll through the sand dunes for a short while and return along the shoreline , back to the Lake to the Spitfire memorial. We continue Lakeside passing the bowling greens, tennis courts and play area to our starting point.

Buckets, spades, sombrero's, bikinis are optional, sorry no mankinis - after all we are in Lytham a certain amount of decorum has to be upheld . 

Refreshments will be at "The Blossoms" 1 Woodland View , St Anne's FY8 4BD .

11/05/2025 Sunday Car - Darwen Tower

 

May

Start: 10:30am

Darwen Tower with Dorothy Dobson
6 Miles / 9.7km with ft / m Total Ascent

Meet at Tockholes  Information  Centre (Sat Nav: BB3 OPA ), ready for the usual start time 10:30am.

From  the car park we pass the cottages and begin to climb the winding path to the Tower.  We may have good views of the surrounding hills as we near the top. We descend to Sunnyhurst Wood and have lunch here as there are plenty of seats. Turning south east we pass Earnsdale Reservoir and Higher Westhead Farm before retracing our steps to the centre.

08/05/2025 Thursday Car - The Brock Valley

 

May

Start: 10:30am

The Brock Valley with Katie Klenshaw
6½ Miles / 10.5km with 600ft / 190m Total Ascent

Meet at Brock Valley Picnic Site, Brock Mill Lane, Claughton (Sat Nav PR3 0PP), ready for the usual start time 10:30am.

We start by crossing the bridge and following the River Brock upstream, past Boggy Wood and Waddecar Scout Activity Centre, eventually climbing up through Gill Barn Wood.

Note - there are boardwalks in some places along the river.

Next we cross the fields to Wickens Barn, then head south to Heatherway. We skirt round the north west side of Beacon Fell, past North Nook to White Lee, where we take the path southwards. On reaching the road we continue past Lower Stanalee and Cloggers Farm to Brock Bottom, where we follow the river back to the picnic area.

28/04/2025 Committee Meeting

 

April

Start: 7:00pm - Finish 9:00pm

Committee meetings are held on Mondays.
Start at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm.

All members are welcome.

We meet at the Over 60s Club, Priory Lane, Penwortham.

Preston PR1 0AR.

27/04/2025 Coach - Keswick & Borrowdale

 

April

8:00am Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

A Walk – Blencathra & Lonscale Fell with Graham Hogg
9½ Miles / 15.5km with 3,477ft / 1060m Total Ascent

Today, we alight the coach in the village of Threlkeld. 

Our route commences uphill, almost immediately, as we ascend by the side of Gategill and then by the narrowing and airy ridge on Hall’s Fell. 

Wainwright described Hall’s Fell Ridge as: “positively the finest way to any mountain top in the district” – high praise indeed.

As we ascend, there are sections of easy scrambling. However, most of this can be safely avoided by following the path, if you are not so inclined to “get to grips” with the rock. If the weather is clear, the views looking back down the ridge will provide some great photo opportunities, so make sure to bring your camera or smart phone.

All too soon, the excitement of the ridge is left behind us as we reach the summit of Blencathra (868m). 

From the top, our onward route takes a wide arc, first out to Atkinson Pike (845m) to view anyone braving the ascent up the razor like Sharp Edge, then onto Mungrisdale Common (633m) and the Cloven Stone.

From the point marked “The Stake” on the OS map, we now have a 315 metre climb up to the summit of Lonscale Fell (715m) via the Burnt Horse ridge. Descent to Keswick will be made via the main Skiddaw path to eventually pick up the Cumbria Way around Latrigg.

High Spy and Cat Bells with Stuart Arnold
9½ Miles / 15.3km with 2,000ft / 610m Total Ascent

The coach will drop us off at Seatoller at the head of the Borrowdale valley for a linear walk.
We will head north from Seatoller on the Allerdale Ramble way and then climb up Tongue Gill passing Rigghead Quarries up onto High Spy the highest point on the walk. We then follow the ridge over Maiden Moor and down Cat Bells. We descend into Skellgill Bank and enter the wooded area of Fawe Park. Our return to Keswick is then straightforward through Portinscale.

Derwent Water with Barbara Gilbert & Christine Davies
10 Miles / 1600km with 100ft / 30.48m Total Ascent

The walk begins in Keswick walking towards the Theatre and Lake. Firstly we go underneath the subway to reach the shoreline of Derwent Water. Continuing straight ahead for 1/3 miles to reach the rocky promontory of Friars Crag before doubling back to the memorial of John Ruskin then heading downwards to gates at the bottom of the slope.

We proceed along here for sometime before reaching a landing stage at Ashness Bridge, where will will ascend to the road until reaching Kettlewell car park. Further on we arrive at the Lodore Falls Hotel then reaching a sign posted (Manesty) and crossing the bridge. The way continues for several miles along the shoreline before crossing the road at Lingholm before joining another path signposted (Keswick). We arrive at the jetty at Nichol End before proceeding to Portinscale village, crossing a suspension bridge to return to Keswick in time for refreshments.

Whist this seems a long walk, the breathtaking views make up for it. As we make our way around Derwent Water we will see many of the surrounding hills for example Catbells.

We hope you will enjoy this walk.

The Cumbria Way with Chris Cook
6½ Miles / 10.5km with 200ft / 61m Total Ascent

We have a lovely ride to Keswick before taking the B5289 to the Borrowdale Valley.
We leave the coach at the Borrowdale Hotel to take a path through the fields to join the Cumbria Way. From here we head north along paths, with Derwent Water to our right, more or less all the way to Portinscale.

There will be a little road walking before we reach Keswick, but it should be a very pleasant  walk.

Happy Days.