24/09/2017 Coach - Llangollen, North Wales

 

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


Eglwyseg: To the End Of The World with Leader Dave Colbert
13½ miles (22km) with 2850ft (870m) Total Ascent

Bore da! The magnificent limestone ramparts of Creigiau Eglwyseg dwarf anything the Yorkshire Dales has to offer and are the focal point of this walk which, although quite lengthy, is easily graded. Starting in Llangollen, we cross the Afon Dyfrdwy before storming the hill fort of Castell Dinas Bran. A short descent takes us to the Offa’s Dyke path, which here does not follow the exact line of the earthworks for reasons that will become apparent as we progress. We follow the ODP northwards for some distance, passing beneath Creigiau Eglwyseg and Craig Arthur to reach the appropriately named World´s End. Further climbing across moorland sees us gain the summit of Cyrn-y-Brain (565m/1,854ft) with, hopefully clear views westwards to Mynyddoedd Eryri.

We return to Llangollen by way of Plas yn Eglwyseg and Valle Crucis Abbey, the final part of the walk making use of the towpath of the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union canal. Mwynhau!!


Castle & Canal Path with Val Walmsley
13 miles (20.9km) with 1070ft (325m) Total Ascent

We leave Llangollen along the canal and by the River Dee as far as Valle Crucis abbey (Valley of the cross) near to Eliseg's Pillar, a 9th Century mediaeval cross. We then join the Clwydian Way southwards to Castle Dinas Bran. This mediaeval castle sits on the site of an Iron Age hill fort with great views from the mound.

Onwards to Offah's Dyke path in a south easterly direction on a panoramic walk through Trevor Hall Wood to Trevor where we cross the River Dee with a view of the aqueduct above and to the left. When we reach Froncysyllte we cross the canal and return on the dramatic aqueduct 1000 foot long and 126 feet above the River Dee. We join the LLangollen Canal tow path to return to our starting point to wander round town.


Castell Dinas Bran with Barry Mather
7½ miles (12km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent

Leaving Llangollen we cross the Llangollen canal then gradually climb to Castell Dinas Bran. This was a medieval castle built about 1200 AD, It is also the site of an Iron Age hillfort. With the the serious climbing out of the way we descend to the road and follow the Offa's Dyke Path. We then join the Clwydian Way with a slight ascent then branching off at Abbey Cottage descend to the Cistertian Monestry of Valle Crucis. We then make our way to the Llangollen canal which we follow back to Llangollen.


Tales from the Canal Walk with Pete Stevens
6½ miles (10.5km) with 450ft (137m) Total Ascent

We start our walk today from Llangollen with its worldwide reputation as a centre of Welsh culture and music. Although this is not an easy walk as far as 'C' walks go, it is well worth the effort for the diversity of the scenery, and the fabulous views of the mountains and valley.

We start by following the picturesque Llangollen canal to Pentrefelin, where we then take a footpath that climbs gently uphill to overlook the remains of Valle Crucis Abbey. Following on, we join the Clwydian Way still gently climbing through woodland to Tan-y-fron, where we continue along country lanes with lovely views of the Eglwyseg and Ruabon Mountains on our left. Turning South, through open fields, we meet a country track which forms part of the Offa's Dike Path.

Heading back towards Llangollen along this path, we get stunning views of the remains of Castell Dinas Bran on the hill top in front of us. Skirting round the hill, we make our way back to Llangollen.


20/09/2017 Stroller - Brockholes Nature Reserve

 

September
10:30am Start


Brockholes Nature Reserve with Roy and Geoffrey
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 reserve car park (Sat Nav: PR5 0AG) Please note that their is a car parking charge for Brockholes Nature Reserve of £5.
Entry to the site itself is free, then afterwards at the café on site.


14/09/2017 Thursday Car - Bleasdale Fells

 

September
10:30am Start


Bleasdale Fells with Stuart Arnold
7½ miles (12km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

Meet at St Eadmer's Church, Bleasale (Sat Nav: PR3 1UY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will walk through Bleasdale estate past Bleasdale tower on to Stang Yule. We will then walk onto Oakenclough Fell and on to Hazelhurst Fell and our final ascent is to Fiendsdale Head. We will then drop down off the fell close to Hazelhurst Farm and then across the fields to Admarsh Barn Farm and finally back down the track to our starting point. If we have time and enough interest we have permission to visit Bleasdale circle, the remains of a megalithic timber settlement.


10/09/2017 Sunday Car - Samlesbury

 

September
10:30am Start


Samlesbury with Nora & Christine
7½ miles (12km) with a little climbing.

Meet at Nabs Head car park (Sat Nav: PR5 OUQ), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Park on the road near to the Nabs Head.

Starting from the Nabs Head we walk down the lane to pass the Mill, from here we join the river Darwen to Samlesbury Bottoms then onto Houghton Bottoms where we will join the Witton Way crossing fields we pass Pleasington Hall, after crossing fields we reach Alum Scar House and from there we head back to the Nabs Head.


27/08/2017 Coach - Ribblehead & Hawes

 

August
8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:50pm) Return


Over the Watershed with Sandra Robinson
14 miles (22.5km) with 2000ft (609m) Total Ascent

From Ribblehead we take the path towards Whernside and branch off towards Dent Head farm. Then we take a path to join the Ribble Way and onto the Pennine Way which we follow to Hawes.


Walk around Sleddale with Kevin Poole
10 miles (16.01km) with 1600ft (487m) Total Ascent

This is a circular walk starting from Hawes. We head up the Pennine Way to Dodd Fell and bask in the glorious sunshine as we partake of lunch and admire the view. Spiritually and physically restored we march down the Roman Road back to Hawes and refreshments if required.


Hawes via the Pennine Way with Dorothy Dobson
9 miles (14.5km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

This is a linear walk starting from Gearstones on the B6255 road. The first mile is part of the Dalesway and the remainder, which includes a Roman road, is on the Pennine Way. As we leave the coach we are already on a high level path, so with any luck we should have spectacular views all the way to Hawes.


Hawes to Hardraw with Bob Tognarelli
5 miles (8km) with 250ft (75m) Total Ascent

Hawes to Hardraw then on to Sedbusk, via Simonstone Hall.

The walk starts from Hawes. Leaving the coach park (toilets) we follow the Pennine Way along the valley to charming village of Hardraw. To view the Force Falls is an option extra at £2.50. From here we make a steep but short climb (since no rush we can stop when needed) to reach Simonstone Hall and views across the valley. Then we walk through lots fields, all with gates, to reach the hamlet of Sedbusk. From Sedbusk it is all downhill across fields to the Pennine Way and Hawes.

This walk is the same as Alison and Lesley's walk of 2014, but in the opposite direction.


16/08/2027 Stroller - Haigh Hall, Wigan

 

August
10:30am Start


Haigh Hall with Roy Smith
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 Haigh Hall Country Park car park (Sat Nav: WN2 1PE), then afterwards at the Country Park tea rooms.


13/08/2017 Sunday Car - Healey Nab, Chorley

 

August
10:30am Start


Healey Nab with Judith Kirby
8.5 miles (13.8km)

Meet at Botany Bay, Canal Mill, Chorley (Sat Nav: PR6 9AF), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We begin by walking along the canal to cross the road to head off up Healey Nab. On reaching the top we have good views of surrounding areas (weather permitting). We then go on to Anglezarke reservoir and on to White Coppice, where hopefully the cricket pavilion will be open. We follow the goit then through fields and woodland to pass three reservoirs and eventually back to the start.


10/08/2027 Thursday Car - Chorley

 

August
10:30am Start


Chorley Circular with Peter & Susan
10 miles (16km) with minimal climbing

Meet at Birkacre Visitor Centre, Yarrow Valley Park (Sat Nav: PR7 3QL Map Ref: GR570153), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The Chorley Circular Walk is a 10 mile walk linking Chorley town to its countryside.

We leave Yarrow Valley Park and after a short road walk make our way into the meadows of the Yarrow Valley. We follow the river on informal paths to Yarrow Farm and take the Chorley Loop to Astley Park where we will have lunch. After lunch we will walk through the park to the memorial entrance and walk through the town area heading for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Leaving the canal after a couple of miles we turn into Duxbury Park and descend into Duxbury Woods. Walking through the woods and through fields we then make our way back to the café and car park at Yarrow Valley Park.


30/07/2017 Coach - Caldbeck

 

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


Roughton Gill and Knott with Graham Hogg
10.8 miles (17.5km) with 2296ft (700m) Total Ascent

The “A” walk today will take in some of the finest tops occupying the north-east corner of the high country “Back o’ Skidda”. We’ll include the highest of the Caldbeck Fells - namely Knott (710m/2329ft) and also High Pike (658m/2157ft).

The approach from Caldbeck takes us first to Fell Side, along Dale Beck and then into the splendid confines of Roughton Gill.

According to Wainwright, Roughton Gill is - “a steep and rocky watercourse, all waterfalls and cascades, which has escaped (or recovered from) the despoliation of three centuries of mining, and is entirely charming. The climb up the ravine entails a little rough scrambling but is less formidable than appears likely on the approach.

”All too soon we exit at the top of the gill for the final pull up to Knott, where AW suggests that a group of walkers may partake in a game of cricket given the quality of the turf on the summit!

I think we will just settle for a short rest and drink stop before continuing on to Great Lingy Hill and then over to High Pike before the gradual descent back to Caldbeck via Nether Row.


High Pike with Allan Benson
9 miles (14.5km) with 1700ft (518m) Total Ascent

The Caldbeck area used to provide work for many in the mines in this area, most of the industry is now gone, along with 5 of the 6 public houses in Caldbeck. High Pike is fine walking territory, with lots of disused mines to see.

We start out walk today from Caldbeck and proceed to make our way to Nether Row via the Cumbria Way, before climbing to the summit of High Pike at 2138ft / 653mtr (with seat for tired legs). High Pike commands good views (weather permitting), ranging from the West Cumbrian coast & Solway Firth, to the Scottish lowlands in the North and the Edan Valley backed by the Pennines in the East. From the summit we make our return to Caldbeck, passing many disussed mine shafts on the way and picking up the Cumbria way and Cald Beck, before arriving back, hopefully in time for a brew, Tea or something stronger maybe.


Warnell Fell & the Cumbria Way with Tony Ingham
8½ miles (13.7km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

When we start walks from Caldbeck they always seem to head out southwards, westwards or eastwards towards the likes of High Pike, Whelpo or Hesket Newmarket, so I have decided to head north of Caldbeck for once.

From St Kentigern's Church, where John Peel is buried, as well as Mary Harrison who lived at the time of Wordsworth and on whom Melvyn Bragg's book "The Maid of Buttermere" is based, we climb gently northwards past Rylands to Fellhill Farm and Warnell Fell, at 1000ft the highest point of the walk with superb views in all directions. From there we descend north east to cross the B 5305 and take a minor road for a short distance to Papergill and on to another minor road leading to Bell Bridge to join the Cumbria Way. We undulate along that route, first south and then west, for the whole distance back to Caldbeck.


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 to meet a road and turn left shortly to join the Cumbria way leading us to Nether. From here we walk along tracks and fields to Matthew Rudding and leading us back to Caldbeck for refreshments and the coaches.


19/07/2017 Stroller - Stanley Park, Blackpool

 

July
10:30am Start


Stanley Park Revisited with Bill and Marie
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 Art Deco Café car park, Stanley Park (Sat Nav: FY3 8LS), then afterwards at the café.