20/09/2023 Stroller - Penwortham

Hurst Grange Park with Trudy Kirkham

2 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 near cemetery, Hill Rd, Penwortham, Preston (Sat Nav: PR1 9XH), then afterwards at The Ribble Pilot, Docklands (Sat Nav: PR2 2YN - 5 minutes dive from park).

A fairly level walk on tracks, paths and grass which can get muddy, there is little road walking and no stiles.

17/09/2023 Coach Walk - Longnor & Alstonefield

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Longnor to Alstonefield following the Dove valley with Katie Clenshaw

11.7 miles (18.8km) with 1,850ft (565m) Total Ascent

Leaving the coach at Longnor, we take the track from “Top o´th Edge” down to Beggar´s Bridge before heading north west to climb Hitter Hill. From here, we drop down to Earl Sterndale and follow the road to our next short but steep climb up High Wheeldon.

From the top of High Wheeldon we follow paths across access land, firstly towards Crowdicote, then along the top of the Pilsbury Hill access land to the road just above Pilsbury. Here we take the footpath to Hartington, with views towards the limestone hills where we are heading.

From Hartington we take the path beside the public toilets to Beresford Dale. We continue walking through Wolfscote Dale, where were cross a footbridge and climb steeply out of the valley before heading across the fields to Alstonefield and the coach home. 

B+ Walk - Hall Dale and Wetton with Sue Banister

10 miles (16km) with 1,528ft (466m) Total Ascent

From Alstonfield we drop down to Milldale then climb up around Hanson Grange and The Nabs. Nabs Dale then takes us down to Dove Holes where we follow the River Dove to Ilam Rock and cross the foot bridge. After heading north for a short while we enter the beautiful Hall Dale and follow this before taking a path south to reach Ilam moor Lane.

A short stretch south on the lane brings us to Moor Barn where we turn right to Castern Hall. We then head in a northerly direction following the edge of Castern Wood Nature Reserve and on to the lovely village of Wetton. After skirting Wetton Hill we head through fields past Gateham Farm and back to Alstonefied.

B Walk - Five Dales with Dave Colbert

9½ miles (15km) with 1,000ft (300m) Total Ascent

Carboniferous limestone (the same stuff as found in the Yorkshire Dales) makes the White Peak ‘white’. Over time, the action of water has eroded the plateau, creating a number of dramatic river valleys of which that of the Dove is arguably the most spectacular. On this walk we will follow the course of this river through its quieter upper gorge, together with visits to a few other dales.

Starting from Alstonefield we head generally northwards through fields and across the south–eastern flank of Narrowdale Hill, eventually meeting the River Dove as it flows out of Beresford Dale. We then follow the river down–stream through the beautiful gorge of Wolfscote Dale, then Mill Dale and into Dove Dale, passing the caves at Dove Holes before reaching the limestone pillar of Ilam Rock. A gradual climb through the deep–cut ravine of Hall Dale leads us to the small settlement of Stanshope, from where we dip into and out of Hope Dale on the return to Alstonefield.

C Walk - Alstonefield to Hartington with Dorothy Dobson

6 miles (9.6km) with 350ft (107m) Total Ascent

We leave Alstonefield (toilets available) heading south east with a steady descent along a narrow country lane leading to the charming hamlet of Milldale. From here we head east along the road for a short distance to find the path along the River Dove. We now follow the Dove northwards to Coldeaton Bridge and along Wolfscote Dale. Then it´s the woods of Beresford Dale before exiting into fields for the climb to Hartington for refreshments before the coach picks us up.

14/09/2023 Thursday Car - Rivington

Meet at Rivington Hall Barn (Sat Nav: BL6 7SB. Map Ref: GR 633145), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

B Walk - Rivington with Chris Cook
7 miles (11km) with negligible Ascent

Please note this is the top car park next to the old barn, NOT the car park next to the cafe with the toilets.

We start by going to Rivington Village and then head up to the West Lancs. Pennine Way then on to Alance Bridge and from there to Heapy Fold Lane and back to the Rivington Barn.

03/09/2023 Car Walk - Downham

Meet at Downham Village Car Park (Sat Nav: BB7 4BN), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

B Walk - Downham with Barbara & Alan

6½ miles (10.5km) with ft ( m) Total Ascent

On leaving the car park and crossing over Downham Beck we reach Pendle Road passing some very attractive cottages leading to grazing land.

At first keeping close to Downham Beck before arriving at the drive of Clayton House, crossing the drive head towards an isolated barn. There now follows an elevated section - a sweeping panorama of the Bowland Fells and the high peaks of Yorkshire.

After passing farms we descend into a wooded valley formed by Twiston Beck which then leads to the Hamlet of Twiston. Many paths and fields to enter before reaching Ings Beck with Hey House Wood on the opposite bank. Crossing Ings Beck to the rear of Downham Mill. More fields and paths we arrive on a drive close to the church at the top of Downham where we are presented with one of the loveliest views in England before returning to the car park.

20/08/2023 Coach Walk - Broughton in Furness

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Whitfell Why Not with John Parkinson

14 miles (22.3km) with 1,800ft (549m) Total Ascent

Whitfell is not a hill to write home about. If it were at a party, it likely would be sat in a far corner clutching a warm orange juice vainly waiting to be asked to dance. But it´s there, and so are we, so it would be rude not to hike a quick step on its slopes.

Leaving Broughton in Furness we head past Duddon Bridge and hike up to Buck Barrow before heading for Burn Moor and finally to the unprepossessing Whitfell from where our gaze is best directed away towards the Lake District fells proper. Turning our back on its stoney summit, we descend north west towards Fox Crags before we turn east to cross Bigertmire Pasture and start the long meander back to Broughton.

B+ Walk - Cumbria Ways with Val Walmsley

10½ miles (19.9km) with 520ft (159m) Total Ascent

Leaving coach at Gawthwaite we pick up the Cumbria Way to Broughton Beck and Netherhouses. Turning West we join Kirkby Slate Road as far as Wind Farm, with lovely views of the Duddon estuary from here. We now head South West to Kirkby-in-Furness via Friars Ground from where we now take the Cumbria Coastal Way north via Foxfield, Eccles Riggs back into Broughton-in-Furness.

B Walk - The two rivers and two valleys with Judith & Stuart

8 miles (12.9km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

Leaving the bus we will walk through Broughton Tower estate across to Manor Farm where we will cross our first valley that of the river Lickle. We walk up to lower Bleansley and middle Bleansley and then back across the valley to the Hagg and lower Hawthwaite. After a sheepfold we pass the old school house now converted into a very desirable residence.

We then pass through Moss Side Farm and Brookside and on into Burntstead Wood. We then cross the 2nd valley bottom that of the Galloper Pool across to Ring House Farm and up to Thornthwaite and Woodland Hall. We then descend via Thornthwaite Latter Rigg across the valley of Galloper pool to West End Farm and our return to the bus.

The views on this walk across to the Irish sea are fantastic and we might even see some deer.

C Walk - A Hot Walk in Furness with Dorothy Dobson

5½ miles (8.9km) with 300ft (91m) Total Ascent

We begin the walk from the square in Broughton-in-Furness (Toilets. Free admission) and go for a short while along the disused railway before entering fields via a stile to Wall End and eventually reaching Mireside Farm. Now heading north to Moss Side Farm we turn south along a track through woods to West Park.

We pass Broughton Tower, a Medieval building, which began life as a Pele Tower - to defend the possibility of Scottish attacks. The Tower, which has a dungeon, was turned into a Manor House in the 18th century, later a boarding school and now flats. We then join the railway again to return to the square and refreshments.

16/08/2023 Stroller - Bilsborrow & Brock

Bilsborrow & Brock with Leader Required

Approx 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 ‘owd Nells’ at Guys Thatched Hamlet , St Michaels Road , Bilsborrow (Sat Nav:PR3 0RS), then afterwards at owd Nells.

This Stroll will take in wanderings along the Lancaster canal, footpaths and a little bit of road walking.

10/08/2023 Thursday Car - Warton Crag & Leighton Moss

B Walk - Warton Crag & Leighton Moss with Stuart Arnold 

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

Meet at Warton Crag quarry car park (Sat Nav: LA5 9RY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

We will start the walk from the car park at the foot of Warton Crag.

We will walk up and over the crag and down to crag foot. After a short road walk we cross Quaker Stang and on to the foot of Heald Brown. We will pass through Fleagarth wood and on to the road to access the path through Leighton Moss. Passing Leighton Hall we will climb up to the cairn and lovely views over Morecambe bay. We walk down to the road for a short stretch to access Potts wood, Fairy Hole, Harry Hest Hole and our return to the start.

06/08/2023 Sunday Car - Canal & River Brock

B Walk - Canal & River Brock with Stuart Arnold

6 miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent

Meet at Meet at Barton Grange Garden Centre car park, Garstang Road, Brock (Sat Nav:PR3 0BT), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk will start from the car park at Barton Grange garden centre.

We will walk initially about 2 miles along the canal to Catterall. Here we will leave the canal and go under the railway and over the motorway and follow the river wyre into claughton. We will cross a few fields and join the road which leads us past the church and the school. We will then drop down to the river Brock and follow it back to our starting point.

23/07/2023 Coach Walk - Kettlewell & Buckden

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Monk´s Road & Arncliffe with Stuart Drysdale

13½ miles (22km) with 3,050ft (930m) Total Ascent

Leaving the coach at Kettlewell we take a path past Knipe Wood to Hawkswick, where we cross the River Skirfare to Arncliffe Cote, from where we take the bridleway over High Lineseed Head down to Great Close, with views of Malham Tarn on the way.

We now pass Middle House Farm to pick up the Monk´s Road to Arncliffe and recross the River Skirfare to take the path over Middlesmoor Pasture back to Kettlewell for refreshments and the coach home. 

B+ Walk - Arncliffe & Little Cote Moor with Val Walmsley

10 miles (16km) with 1,326ft (404m) Total Ascent

Leaving Kettlewell and crossing river Wharfe take footpath through Knipe Wood to cross Moor and drop down to Littondale via Hazel Head Farm and follow river Skincare into Arncliffe scenic place.

After lunch here commence climb over Little Cote Moor and descend back into Wharfedale and Starbottom. Return to Kettlewell via Calfhalls and Cross Wood or follow Dale´s Way, either choice made on day.

B Walk - Kettlewell via Buckden with Barbara & Alan Gilbert

8.9 miles (14km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent

The walk starts in the village of Kettlewell where we cross the bridge to join the Dalesway besides the river Wharf. From there we make our way towards Buckden (this part of the walk is pretty straightforward and fairly flat).

Once we reach Buckden, where we could have lunch.

From the car park in Buckden we make our ascent firstly crossing some stepping stones before zigzaging uphill towards Buckden Lead Mine and Starbotton following the contours of the hill. On reaching Starbotton we leave by a sign posted Kettlewell (2 miles). Arriving in the village of Kettlewell for some much needed refreshments and the coach.

C Walk - Buckden and the River Wharf with Dorothy Dobson

6 miles (9.7km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

From the coach park (Toilets - free admission) we cross over the bridge to take a footpath which follows the River Wharf to Hubberholme. Here we may have lunch or perhaps visit the village church to see the mice on several of the pews carved by Robert Thompson or ‘The Mouseman of Kilburn’.

Still following the river we walk along a well used path through the fields to the hamlet of Yockenthwaite. We climb gradually to Strans Wood (the only climb of the day) before eventually reaching Scar House. As we make our way down hill we have the most spectacular views all around us as we approach Hubberholme. We now retrace our steps to Buckden and refreshments.

19/07/2023 Stroller - Blackpool

Stanley Park with Barbara Malloy

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 by the art deco café on Stanley Park, West Park Drive, Blackpool (Sat Nav: FY3 9EQ), then afterwards at at the café.