Sunday August 31st. Return to the Promised Land. 19 miles. Leader: Steve Martin.

A light breeze with scattered sunshine, dry ground beneath, with showers and winds picking up expected PM.

At 9am, twenty walkers and a dog departed from the car park, making their way to Ashurst Beacon for a photo opportunity. We then descended to Roby Mill and continued into Dean Wood. After a brief circular walk to the point where the challenge walk originally began, we returned to Dean Wood and proceeded towards Gathurst, covering a distance of 6 miles.

After a short break, we continued through a wooded area behind the Heinz factory (Deer on path). From this location, we continued on to Orrell Post, crossing the M58 and M6 motorways before enjoying lunch at the picturesque Orrell Water Park, after covering 11 miles.

Four individuals and a dog chose to 'retire' at this location. We then ascended Billinge Hill, the highest point in Merseyside, which offers stunning views on a clear day, before descending to the Promised Land Farm and making our way back across to the 'Pepper Pots' and returning to the country park at 16.00hrs.

There were a few brief, sharp showers in the afternoon, but they were not too troublesome.

Steve

Wednesday August 27th. Return to Newton. 15.5 miles. Leader: Roger Jackson.

Five walkers and one dog ( Otis the Mostis) ) set off from the car park in Newton in Bowland , on a cloudy  morning with rain expected. We crossed the bridge then followed the river, stopping for a team photograph,  before joining the road at Foulscales, where we turned right for a short way, then up onto to Hodder fell  and eventually down Fielding Clough to the River Hodder. Still cloudy but no rain.

Now following the river down to and crossing Burholme Bridge, continuing down a minor road and turning left down a track passing a couple of farms, staying on the track approaching and ascending the short but extremely steep New Laund Hill having our coffee break on the summit with excellent views. Now heading downwards we passed through Higher and Lower Greystoneley soon reaching the 19th century Lime Lilm at Knot Barn.

Here we turned right and started back towards Newton in Bowland , passing through Lickhurst Farm to arrive for our lunch stop just past Dinkling Green before entering the forest. Though still cloudy still no rain and decent views. We now headed up onto Whitmore Fell, through the woods and  over the tops,  and dropped down towards Hareden Farm,  having some tremendous views along the way. A short road walk then over the hills behind Dunsop Bridge, where we were finally for a short time caught by lightening and torrential rain, but which again provided us with some excellent scenery before we returned to Newton.

A great days walk despite everyone now being very wet, thanks to all who joined me .

Roger

Sunday August 24th. Bowland Fells and Valleys.22 miles. Leader: Stephen Hindley.

Seven walkers left Newton in warm conditions for a day on the Bowland fells. After a couple of miles alongside the River Hodder to Slaidburn we turned towards Croasdale, a pathless section took us up to the Salter Road track where we had our morning break. After the steady climb to the top of Croasdale Fell we descended down the little used path to Whitendale.

Turning towards Brennand Farm we then climbed the steep Ouster Rake path up Whin Fell where we had our lunch stop. After the remote heather clad fells of the morning the afternoon was mostly through farmed areas. A short section on the Trough of Bowland road then the path alongside Langden Brook took us to Hareden and the climb over Mellor Knoll.

After a short break at Burnholme Bridge it was onto the last fell of the day, Hodder Bank Feel, from hear we picked up the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail back along the River Hodder to Newton arriving just after 6pm.  

Stephen

Wednesday August 20th. Wardle-Walsden Circular. 12.5 miles. Leader: Andy Griffin.

Today's walk (weds 20th August, 16 attendees) started from Watergrove Reservoir car-park to the north of Wardle Village. The walk followed the Pennine Bridleway to Calderbrook before descending to meet the Rochdale canal at Summit.

We followed the canal to Walsden, stopping outside Riggs Garden Centre for lunch and a comfort stop. After  lunch, the biggest climb of the walk took us along Ramsden Wood Road  to the ancient Long Causeway pack horse route over Crook Moor. The first section of the climb is particularly steep climbing over 600 feet in a little over a half mile.

At Crook Moor, we headed towards Hades and Middle Hill.  Dropping off Middle Hill, we took a bridleway that skirted the rear of Brown Wardle towards Lobden Golf Club, where we turned east to walk back to our Start point at Watergrove. 

Andy.

Sunday August 17th. Walney Island Circular. 17 miles. Leaders: Hilary Scott, Nick Halford, Caz Tennant.

Another glorious summer day saw 13 walkers and 2 dogs meet in front of the Ferry Hotel on Walney island. Turning South we followed a minor road for some miles.

 The road was busier than expected, probably people making the most of the beautiful day and visiting the Nature Reserve in the South of the Island. There were views back to Barrow with the BAE works very visible but there was also Roa and Piel Islands to see. On reaching the small hamlet of Biggar we turned and made our way to a coffee stop at the high point of Walney, now looking West into the Irish Sea. Blackpool and Morecambe were clearly visible too. 

Moving on we came to a cafe for lunch where Alf dog left us for a well deserved afternoon snooze in the shade. Pauline who is recovering from injury left us also but we were joined by Steve. 

It was a long lunch break to allow for lots of drinks and ice cream. The day was getting increasingly warm with very little breeze. 

Another couple of miles saw another ice cream stop and the departure of Luna pooch with Bob and Lesley. The heat was taking its toll.

Onward to the North Walney nature reserve and around the airfield. Some cool steps were the perfect place for a sweetie stop and the end was in sight! 

Along by the river with many abandoned boats back to the Ferry Hotel. Some stayed for a refreshing drink and chat about the day.

Thanks for coming and to Nick and Caz who very kindly reccied the walk for me.

Hilary

Saturday August 16th. Chapel Island from Canal Foot, Ulverston.

A new venture for East Lancs along with West Lancs.

We were under the auspices of the King's Guide to walk out into Morecambe Bay. Raymond ably shepherded us over to Chapel Island where there was a good break for people to explore at their leisure. This was the first visit actually on to the Island this year as it is protected earlier in the year for the nesting birds.

It was a glorious day and the reflections of the water and the stunning surrounding scenery will remain in people's minds for a long time to come. 

Wednesday August 6th. Brock and Roll. 13 miles. Leader: Dave Walsh.

Sixteen of us, and Betty the border terrier,  set off on a dry warm day from Carwags car park. A path just off the road led us to Beacon Fell Country Park. We climbed up to the trig point where we had a group photo.
We followed paths to the edge of the fell & then walked down a quiet lane to the River Brock. Morning break was taken at some picnic benches.
We followed the river for a mile or so & then quiet lanes & fields led us to Claughton. Lunch was taken against a dry stone wall on the edge of a wood. Still off road we made our way to Bleasdale where we had a quick break.
We walked south down the road before turning into fields again.

After that a quiet road & then a walk uphill through farmer's fields took us back to Beacon Fell where we followed our original track back to the cars.

Dave Walsh