22/09/2019 Coach Walk - Great Langdale

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Langdale Western Circuit (Prophetic Trance and Delight) with John Parkinson

12 miles (19.3km) with 3100ft (936m) Total Ascent

"What enormous mountains are these behind me" said Romantic Lakes Poet Samuel Coleridge in 1802, "I lay in a state of almost prophetic trance and delight".

Perhaps in this manner we set out from the Old Dungeon Ghyll, with a brisk hike up The Band to clear the cobwebs before we reach the summit of Bowfell with a short scramble. A short trek via Ore Gap takes us to Esk Pike. From both summits we can view every major group of fells in the Lake District. Down to Esk Hause before a climb through a boulder field to Scafell Pike, England´s highest summit. From here we take the Corridor Route to Sty Head then passing Allen Crags and Rossett Pike and onto the Cumbria Way to return entranced by the delights of our hike. 

B+ Walk - High Raise & the Langdale Pikes with Colin Manning

6¾ miles (10.9km) with 2700ft (822m) Total Ascent

Today´s walk is a throwback to the one I lead in 2011, which went down hugely well with all who came with me. Whilst more climbing than normal for a B+climbing, it is a short one, with plenty of time to co plate, and is one of the classics of the Lake District including 7 Wainwright Hills.

We start our walk from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and immediately begin our ascent towards Loft Crag via Mark Gate. Once we reach the base of Loft Crag we are between all three of the Langdale Pikes. We go up Loft Crag (2231ft/680m) and follow the path round to the base of Pike O´Stickle (2326ft/709m). Pike O´Stickle involves a bit of a scramble but it is only a short climb. This option can be omitted in bad weather or for anyone not wishing to do it. From here we head for the highest of the Langdales, Harrison Stickle (2415ft/736m). This summit does not require any scrambling and is a most impressive peak. This is the second highest point of our walk and the hardest work is now done.

After a short stop or possibly lunch break (time depending) we head down a short distance to our next peak, Pavey Ark (2297ft/700m), atop the challenging Jack´s Rake. We now cut back to head for Thunacar Knott (2372ft/723m) before our final notable ascent to the summit of High Raise, the highest point of the walk at 2500ft/762m. A short stop here for photo opportunities and refreshment before turning back to head for our final summit, Sergeant Man (2395ft/730m). Now it´s all downhill. The path here starts well enough but becomes less clear until we reach the tarn, so care will be taken to keep together so that we don´t stray from the route. Once we reach the tarn it is a rocky, but scenic, descent down the side of Stickle Ghyll waterfalls to the coaches and refreshment.

B Walk - Skelwith Bridge to New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel via Cathedral Cave with Barry Mather

7½ miles (12km) with 1100ft (335m) Total Ascent

Leaving Skelwith Bridge we pass Skelwith Force and after crossing the footbridge over the river Rothay we join the Cumbria Way to Park Farm, then on to Colwith Force. Staying on the Cumbria Way we head for Stang End then visit the spectacular Cathedral Cave. After crossing Slater Bridge we have a gradual ascent passing Dale End on the way to Baysbrown Wood and on to Oak Howe. Crossing Great Langdale Beck we head to N.D.G. Hotel for some well deserved refreshment.

C Walk - Paths well remembered, then a bit further with Joyce Bradbury

5.98 miles (9.6km) with 432ft (132m) Total Ascent

We leave the coach at Skelwith Bridge and take the usual path past Skelwith Force to Elterwater. We cross Langdale Beck, then up to the quarry and along the path to Chapel Stile. A probable lunch stop here before we climb briefly away from the road to follow the Cumbria Way to Oak Howe before the rough track up and over to Side House. No need for haste as we have plenty of time. (If anyone wishes they could leave us here and follow the path down to the coach.)

We now leave the Cumbria Way to follow a permissive path south westwards below Side Pike. (Two good but large stiles I´m afraid!) We then turn northwards to drop down through a wood and a camp site to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel before following the beck back to the coach. 

18/09/2019 Stroller - Avenham and Miller Park

Avenham and Miller Park with Allan and Joan

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 on South Meadow Lane (Sat Nav: PR1 8JT), then afterwards at The Fleece Inn, Penwortham (Sat Nav: PR1 9XD).

12/09/2019 Thursday Car - Chipping

B Walk - Chipping with Chris Cook

9 miles (14.48km) Undulating

Meet at Chipping car Park - Charges apply (Sat Nav: PR3 2QH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

After passing the Duck Pond we set off in a northerly direction, across fields to Birchen Lee, Park Gate, Dinkling Green Farm and then turn east onto Tunstall Ing and New Laund. Here we head south over New Laund Hill to Fair Oak, passing round Knot Hill and back into Chipping.

This walk has some lovely panoramic views of our Lancashire countrywide from start to finish.

Happy Days!

08/09/2019 Sunday Car - Blackpool

B Walk - The 3 Piers with Chris Airey

7 miles (11km) with no climbing

Meet at Ventor Road, Blackpool (Sat Nav: FY4 1JN), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk will be along the prom including the 3 piers and return by tram, fares apply.

We start at the Pleasure Beach and end in Cleveleys.

25/08/2019 Coach Walk - Holmfirth via Longdendale

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Black Black Hill with Dave Colbert

12½ miles (20km) with 2,030ft (620m) Total Ascent

Black Hill has gained a somewhat notorious reputation, particularly for those walking the Pennine Way. It lies to the north of the Dark Peak plateau and in many respects is similar in appearance, straddling the main Pennine watershed between Oldham and Huddersfield. Here black really does mean black, especially the summit where the trig point stands isolated in an ocean of peat. But fear not, for much of the Pennine Way is now paved and in many respects, the horrors of Black Hill have now been consigned to the dustbin of antiquity.

We begin our ascent from Crowden in Longdendale, following the Pennine Way northwards up the valley of Crowden Brook, ascending gradually to Laddow Rocks and then across the wild, open moorland of Grains Moss. From the summit at 582m/1,909ft, we keep with the Pennine Way as it descends into Dean Clough before climbing again to the A635 at Wessenden Head. Turning eastwards, we now follow the Kirklees Way above Marsden Clough, eventually reaching the small settlement with the rather quaint name of Flush House. The Hills and Hamlets Walk then takes us to the village of Upperthong, from where it is down hill all the way into the centre of Holmfirth and some liquor, wine or otherwise! 

B+ Walk - First of the Winter Beer with Val Walmsley

12 miles (19km) with 1462ft (445m) Total Ascent

From Holmfirth Information Centre we set forth going west along Ill Lane to Upperthong. From here we join a path south to Holmbridge via Carr Green. Crossing the river Holme we pick up the Holme Valley Circular walk going south before turning east onto the Kirklees way. We now turn south again to the Holme valley, passing Ellentree Brow before turning north at Snittlegate to once again join the Kirklees Way at Spring Head. Still heading north we proceed to Hepworh from where we follow a winding route via Hullock, Mear House and Hoole Bottom to New Mill.

Finally we turn west to Holmfirth via Wooldale and Newgate, for you've guessed it ......“First of the Winter beer”.

B Walk - Spirits of the Rocks with Judith & Stuart

8 miles (12.9km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent

This is a circular walk starting and finishing in the centre of Holmfirth.

The majority of the climbing is unfortunately right at the start as we ascend via a back road to the top of Cinder hills. The walk then takes us via Hollin Hill Farm on a stony track across Scholes Moor to the Bay Horse pub which is in the process of being refurbished. Here we cross the main road and drop down to the reservoir at the bottom of Hollin Hill. We then follow the Kirklees Way and the Holme Valley C W past Elysium, Upper White Gate farm and Moss Edge farm. Here we drop down to the hamlet of Dobb through Waterside and from there across to Hinchcliffe Mill where we pick up the Hills and Hamlets walk path for our return to Holmfirth.

C Walk - Last of the Summer Wine with Roy Smith

5 miles (8km) with 550ft (167m) Total Ascent

The walk today is a circular walk starting from the centre of Holmfirth (toilets available - 20p).

From our drop-off point we make our way uphill, along a minor road, until we emerge at Holt. Here we turn north east and make our way down a well used track which leads to Back Lane. During this part of the walk we should get some very impressive views over the local area. After reaching the end of the track we have a short road walk, through the village of Upperthong, before walking downhill and crossing the A635. A lovely woodland track now takes us to Liphill Bank. From here we have a short uphill climb and walk through fields, until we are able to make our way downhill to emerge at Upper Stubbin. Our walk now takes us back to Holmfirth along the side of the river Holme.

21/08/2019 Stroller - Penwortham

Penwortham with Bill and Marie

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 Hurst Grange Park car park (Sat Nav: PR1 9XH), then afterwards at The Fleece Inn, Penwortham (Sat Nav: PR1 9XD).

11/08/2019 Sunday Car - Arnside / Wrea Green

B Walk - Arnside Coast, Dallam Park and Fairy Steps with Judith Kirby

8 miles (12.9km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent

Meet behind the railway station (Sat Nav: LA5 0HG), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will park behind the railway station (Grid reference 462788). This area is accessed on the approach road from Milnthorpe. Before you go under the railway bridge and 50metres after the 30mph sign there is a rough track on the RHS which leads to this parking area.

The walk will initially take us along the sea shore then through Sandside via the old railway line which we will pick up again to lead us to Milnthorpe bridge and Dallam Park. Passing through Haverbrack we climb through the woods to the Fairy Steps and then down to Hazelslack. Dropping down to Arnside Moss we will return back to the sea shore and return to the start.

This is a lovely walk with uninterrupted views across the estuary to the Cumbria fells. The sea bird life along the coast is both plentiful and varied. Dallam Park should surprise you with its breeding herd of fallow deer and then what might we find at the Fairy steps and who will climb without touching the sides?

C Walk - Wrea Green with Bill Manning & Bob Tognarelli

4½ miles (7.25km) with little climbing

Meet on the village green in the opposite corner to the ‘The Grapes Pub’ with on street parking (Sat Nav PR4 2PH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

This is a gentle walk for a warm summer day through the pleasant countryside around Wrea Green.

We initially follow the road to St Annes before joining a hedged lane signed as a public path, walking down the lane into fields which lead us to Brying Hall Lane. Turning left in the lane we follow the lane for ½ mile to Brying. Crossing the road to we pick up a country lane leading to Green Valley Farm and then Prospect Farm and lunch. We now cross fields to take us to Hill farm and the lane alongside Ribby Hall Village. The last of the walk is on the main road back leading to village centre, passing rows of attractive gardened terraces and thatched cottages on the way.

08/08/2019 Thursday Car - Downham

B Walk - Downham with Sheila Marsh

7½ miles (12km) Undulating

Meet car park at the bottom of the hill (Sat Nav: BB7 4BS), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk goes through four lovely villages in the Ribble Valley.

Starting from Downham we head uphill to the church and Assheton Arms before taking a left path to pastureland. At this point we have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. We walk across more fields, cross the A59 and follow a tree lined path which passes the remains of Sawley Abbey as we descend into Sawley itself. We cross the river Ribble and continue along the road for a while before taking a track to Hill House Barn then head to Grindleton. We cross the river again to climb a steep slope as we approach Chatburn. We then go along more leafy paths, cross A59 again to climb a steep limestone escarpment before reaching Downham.

28/07/2019 Coach Walk - Broughton In Furness

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Great Burney and Blawith Fells with Graham Hogg

13¼ miles (21.5km) with 2650ft (800m) Total Ascent

We alight the coach on the A5092 Kirkby Moor road (at the entrance to the Burlington Slate Quarry). Heading north across open moorland we make for our first (and highest) summit of the day – Great Burney (298m).

From here, we visit Little Burney (215m) and Subberthwaite Common before ascending Blawith Knott (248m). We follow a northeast heading for a while until reaching the tranquil setting of Beacon Tarn before climbing again to reach the summit of the Beacon itself (255m). Definitely time for a brew and photos on top – the dramatic views suddenly open up and we´ll enjoy a grand vista down the full length of Coniston Water.

Turning west now our next top is Yew Bank from where we descend to Haveriggholme and Troughton Hall. The last main climb of the day will be up Cat Bank before following paths through the forestry plantation to Hawk Bridge.

From here we head to Wallenrigg and Moss Side Farm before linking up with the disused railway line path which takes us all the way back into Broughton in Furness and some well deserved refreshments! 

B+ Walk - Furness Feet Warmer with Val Walmsley

12 miles (19km) with 550ft (167m)+ Total Ascent

Leaving Gawthwaite we join the Cumbria Way going south to Broughton Beck and Newbiggin. From here we head north to Kirkby Slate Road going round Blade Moss in a westerly direction to the Stone Circle. We now approach Kirkby-in-Furness via Beck Side and Sand Side. Here we join the Cumbria Coastal Way on our way back looking westwards to Duddon Sands.

An extra climb can be added over High Moor or Gunson Hill - time permitting.

B Walk - The two rivers or two valleys walk with Judith & Stuart

9 miles (15km) with 950ft (290m) Total Ascent

We recced this walk one way round which left a hilly bit at the end of the walk. We will now try backwards way round so that the long descent is at the end of the walk. Please excuse any leadership errors.

Initially we will walk through the Broughton Tower estate across to Manor Farm, here we will cross our first valley that of the river Lickle then up to Lower Bleansley, Middle Bleansley and then back across the valley to the Hagg and then on Lower Hawthwaite. In our recces this farm was described as the dirty farm by one lady and shit house corner by another. The walk then leads across to a sheepfold and on to the old school house now converted into a very desirable residence. From here we pass through Moss Side Farm past Brookside and into Burntstead wood. We then cross the 2nd valley bottom that of Galloper Pool across to Ringhouse farm and up to Thornthwaite and Woodland Hall. We then descend via Thornthwaite Latter Rigg recrossing the valley of Kirkby Pool across to west End farm and our return into Broughton in Furness. The views on this walk across to the Irish sea are fantastic and we might even see some deer. We saw five on our recce.

C Walk - Hot Stuff in Furness with Alison & Lesley

6 miles (9.65km) with 260ft (80m) Total Ascent

We start our walk in Broughton in Furness (toilets available) and as our walk name suggests, we are hoping for hot weather. Heading North East, across the fields, we bypass Wall End and continue through the wood, turning left along the road. Rejoining the path on our right, we cross the moss to Thornthwaite Latter Rigg. Taking the lower path between Thornthwaite Latter Rigg and Latter Rigg, we will hopefully enjoy the view across the valley. A gradual climb towards Ringhouse Farm leads us to a small path North East into Row Ridding Wood.

After a pleasant walk through the wood, we walk along the road in the direction of Rosthwaite and on through Buttstead Wood. Continuing South East along the road for a short while, we join the old railway line which we then follow back into Broughton in Furness.

17/07/2019 Stroller - Astley Park

Astley Park with Roy

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 Astley Hall car park on Hall Gate Road(off Chancery Road) Chorley (Sat Nav: PR7 1XA), then afterwards at Cafe Ambio in the grounds of Astley Hall.