26/01/2020 Sunday Car - Guild Wheel and Ribble Way

B Walk - A bit of Guild Wheel and Ribble Way with Bob Tognarelli

5 miles (8km) with minimal climbing

Meet at Preston Sports Ground Car Park, South Meadow Lane (Sat Nav PR1 8JP), located on the left just before the Continental Pub ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

I am sure most of us have walked the Ribble Way, Guild Wheel and the Parks many times, but it still will be a pleasant January walk (if no rain) of around 5 to 6 miles. An easy walk for the first local C walk of the year.

Since it is January most of the walk will be on good paths. Leaving the car park we go along Broadgate to cross Penwortham Old Bridge and turn left to follow the main road to the entrance of Preston Junction Nature. We now follow the Nature Trail path for a short distance and at the junction take the right hand path to Carr Woods. From here we take the path across fields leading to the A6. Turning left to go back over the Ribble and right onto the Guild Wheel and on to the Ribble Way. The last time we were here, we had lunch on a bench by the Ribble on a warn day, so hoping for a good day. After lunch we venture on to the Ribble Way (high chance of mud) and follow the path until it again connects with the Guild Wheel. We will now follow the Guild Wheel back to the Parks and the car park.

15/01/2020 Stroller - Whitestake

Meal Only

No Walk

No walk this month but a meal at Maple Leaf Café, Duxburys Garden Centre, Whitestake. (Sat Nav: PR4 4LB).

12.15pm for 12.30pm start.

12/01/2020 Coach Walk - Ingleton

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Ingleborough with Sandra Robinson

12 miles (19km) with 2200ft (671m) Total Ascent

Starting from Ingleton, we ascend the ridge to the summit of Ingleborough (2375ft/723m). From here we walk along the top before descending into the valley, following it back into Ingleton. 

B+ Walk - Scars, limestone and Gills with Kevin Poole

10 miles (16.09km) with 2000ft (210m) Total Ascent

Today´s walk is a circular walk from Ingleton. Weather permitting we will have great views from the top of Ingleborough. The walk will take in paths past Ingleborough Cave, Trow Gill and Gaping Gill.

B Walk - Ingleton Circular with Leader Chris Cook

8½ miles (13.6km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

We leave the car park and head for Hawes Road and then follow the track to Ingleborough where we have fantastic panoramic views. We then head for Slaterber Holly Hall and on to Nutgill Farm from where we cross a Golf Course. From there we are basically heading back to Ingleton. The veiws are not to be missed.

HAPPY DAYS

C Walk - In & Around Burton in Lonsdale Challenge with Bob & Margaret

6 miles (9.7km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent

Walk starts from the junction of the A65 and Croft Street just before Ingleton.

From New Bridge we walk along the river Greta passing through fields to Lund Farm and on to Kepp House continuing to Bogg Bridge and into Burton-in-Lonsdale. We then cross to the other side of the river, past Waterside Pottery, continuing along some fields to cross a foot bridge, followed by a steepish climb with quite a lot of stiles which eventually reaches a track passing a caravan park and leading back to the main road. There is some road walking back into Ingleton, where we can have a welcome cup of tea/coffee.

09/01/2020 Thursday Car - Darwen Tower

B Walk - Darwen Tower with Dorothy Dobson

7 miles (11km) with Undulating Ascent

Meet at Tockholes Information Centre (Sat Nav: BB3 0PA), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Due to all the recent wet weather I have decided to keep to good solid tracks with the exception of crossing one field near the end of the walk.

We begin from Tockholes Information Centre and climb up to the Tower (not too steep) and then drop steeply down to Sunnyhurst Wood. This is a lovely area and a good spot to have lunch. We then proceed to climb again to Darwen Golf Course where we have a good view of the Tower. We now go along country lanes to descend to Tockholes village and from here cross the only field before entering Tockholes No 2 Plantation and finally a short climb to the car park.

15/12/2019 Coach Walk - Hawkshead via Ambleside

December

8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

A Walk - Ambleside Angover with Sandra Robinson

12 miles (19km) with 2500ft (762m) Total Ascent

Starting from Ambleside we ascend and do part of the fairfield horseshoe. From here we descend into the Scandale valley on our way back to Ambleside. 

B+ Walk - Latterbarrow and Lake Windermere with Dave Thornton

9.4miles (15.2km) with 1002ft (305m) Total Ascent.

We first head eastwards across fields to Colthouse and then start a gentle climb over a bridleway to Claife Heights. Heading north we reach the summit of Latterbarrow, a possible lunch stop. This hill, on the side of Windermere affords wonderful views of the water and the surrounding mountains. We leave Latterbarrow and head north east and then south east towards Long Heights and then descend to the lake shore at Belle Grange Bay. Heading northwards along the lake side we reach Wray Castle and then head back to Hawkshead via Blelham Tarn and Outgate.

Remember folks this is mid-December so the walk may need revising on the day.

There should be time to explore Hawkshead and have a look around the shops and possibly enjoy some liquid refreshment.

B Walk - Windermere to Ambleside via Orrest Head with Sheila Marsh

8½ miles (13.6km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent

This is a linear walk starting from Windermere.

We start with a fairly steep climb up to Orrest Head, from where there are fine views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. From here we head across country and through Limefitt Caravan Park to Troutbeck.

We ascend Robin Lane which is a long gradual climb, again with delightful views, passing Jenkins Cragg and then down into Ambleside where the coach will pick us up opposite Hayes Garden Centre.

C Walk - Ambleside Circular with Lesley & Peter

6.45 miles (10.1km) with 262ft (80m) Total Ascent

Today´s walk is circular, starting & ending in Ambleside. This is a moderately easy walk with good paths.

We begin by heading North to Rothay Park where we turn West and make our way to the footbridge over the River Rothay. Keeping the river on our right we follow the road to Pelter Bridge. Approaching Loughrigg Terrace we turn North through another small wood, then cross the bridge and continue to the Banner Rigg car park. Next we cross the A591, and begin to slowly climb (180ft) North West until we reach the path to Rydal (Coffin Trail). Here we turn East. If the weather is good, we will have a lovely the view of Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell to our right, before reaching Rydal Hall and continuing down through Rydal Park.

Finally we follow the road back into Ambleside where there should be time for a refreshments and/or Christmas shopping. Lesley and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

12/12/2019 Thursday Car - Loud Valley, Longridge

B Walk - Loud Valley with Stuart Arnold

7½ miles (12km) with 300ft (91m) Total Ascent

Meet at Barnfold Out Barn (Sat Nav: PR3 2WH), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will start the walk at Barnsfold Outbarn, parking by kind permission of the farmer Mr Mark Shorrrock.

Initially we will walk up the road past Barns Lane Bottom Farm then across fields to Loud Bridge Farm. This is the first time we will see the river Loud as we cross Loud Higher Bridge. We will walk through the farm on to Mosserley, Crossnapend, Hough Clough, Richmond House past Handlesteads Farm and onto the road at Cold Coates. Down the road and through fields to reach Woodgates on Startifants Lane. It is in this area that we pass an old barn which stores old horse traps and even an old horse drawn milk float We then take in Higher Core Farm, Blindhurst and Lower Core Farm. We then pass Watery Gate, Wood Acre and across fields to Rigg Farm, Carwags dropping down off the shoulder of Beacon Fell through the Carp Fishery at Woodfold and down through Stoneyfold Farm back to our starting point. This is a superb country walk with views and place names to savour. We may also have the opportunity to view the trout fishing on Barnsfold Reservoirs.

04/12/2019 Stroller - Christmas Meal

No walk this month.

Christmas meal at Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge, (Sat Nav: PR5 6EP).

Meet 12:15am for 12:30pm.

Cost : 2 courses £19.50, 3 courses £22.50.

Pre booking essential by 25th November.

To book contact Roy Smith (Telephone number on programme).

Email: strollers@pdwc.org.

01/12/2019 Sunday Car - Cuerden Valley

B Walk - Cuerden Valley Park with Sheila Marsh

7 miles (11.3km) with minimal Ascent

Meet at the car park next to the Motorway bridge on A49 Wigan Road (Sat Nav: PR5 6AS - nearest post code), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

This is a circular walk taking us from the pay and display car park on the A49 into Cuerden Valley and back.

From the car park we head down and over the river Lostock towards the lake.

We eventually leave the park to go past the Ley Inn and towards Lisieux Hall before returning to Cuerden Valley and back to the car park.

C Walk - Cuerden Valley Park with Bob Tognarelli

4-5 miles (6.4-8km) with little Climbing

Meet at the car park next to the M65 motorway bridge on A49 Wigan Road. On the left coming from Bamber Bridge it is just after going under the motorway. On the right just before the motorway bridge if travelling towards Bamber Bridge (PR5 6BY - nearest post code), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Meet at car, where it´s a pay and display park, £2.20 for 4hrs. So we have to make sure we are back in time to leave the car park before our 4 hours are up. Feedback seems to indicate the car park managers are very strict on over staying your time.

We will make our way up to the hall and roam around the Hall garden and woods. From here we will descent down to the River Lostock and follow the paths to Sheep Hill lane. Possibly lunch here. If it looks like we have the time the walk could be extended further along the river to Lower Kern Mill Remains. Then back to Sheep Hill lane so as not to miss a good climb.

Now we climb Sheep Hill lane, an invigorating climb it will be, to reach Cam lane. We follow Cam Lane for a while before turning left to the reservoir and the picnic area. Once passed the picnic area it´s a short path back to the car park.

20/11/2019 Stroller - Top Lock

Top Lock with Bob and Christine

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 Top Lock, Kenyon Lane, Wheelton (Sat Nav: PR6 8LT), then afterwards at the Top Lock.

17/11/2019 Coach Walk - Grassington

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Hebden with Stuart Drysdale

12 miles (19km) with 1,700ft (518m) Total Ascent

From the coach we head up Grassington´s main street and take High Lane and field paths to Hebden, where we turn north along Hebden Beck, crossing it to gain Edge Top, then dropping down to re-cross the beck and continue to the Duke´s New Road. We follow this heading roughly north to Mossdale Scar and the Bycliffe Road and head west until we meet the Dales Way which takes us back to Grassington for refreshments and the coach home.  

B+ Walk - Cracoe Fell with Susan Banister

10 miles (16km) with 1200ft (365m) Total Ascent

We get off the coach at Rylstone and join a bridleway which takes us on a steady climb up Sun Moor Hill to High Bark. The remains of Norton Tower will be visible a little way off to the south.

The route then heads north along the tops of Rylstone and Cracoe Fells. We pass the cross, obelisk and crags which stand out against the skyline from below. The war memorial on top of Cracoe Fell is the highest point on the walk at 1667ft (508m).

We continue along the tops and wind eastwards skirting Burnsall and Thorpe Fell before dropping down to the lovely little village of Thorpe.

A quiet lane and fields now take us down to the River Wharfe where we follow the Dales Way for a couple of miles passing Linton Falls and up to Grassington village.

B Walk - Conistone with Dorothy Dobson

8 miles (12.9km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

This is a lovely walk with superb open views all around.

We leave the coach park to go along the main street before bearing left at Chapel Street to follow a good track for three miles along the Dalesway. As we cover the first mile there are traces of Medieval villages and Settlements although nothing can be seen! We continue until reaching a point where four paths cross, this is where we leave the Dalesway to head east along Bycliffe Road to Kelker, our highest point. We now go south for approximately two miles to meet up with Old Moor Lane at Yarnbury. After a short while along the road we take a footpath on the right to go through a small plantation and back to Grassington.

C Walk - Grassington Gallop with Roy Smith

5 miles (8km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

The walk today is a circular walk from Grassington.

From the visitor centre we make our way into Grassington and follow the main street uphill and passed the Town Hall, until we arrive at Edge Lane (most of the climbing now complete). We walk along the lane, more a farm track than anything else, until we arrive at Garnshaw House. From here we move downhill to the village of Hebden. Walking through the village we carry on down hill to the River Warfe and the Dales Way. Our route now takes us back to Grassington, along the Dales Way stopping to view Linton Falls on the way.