Wednesday May 27th. Rough and Sharp Haw from Gargrave. 13 miles. Leader: Steve Gilleard.

Wednesday May 20th. Heysham Hike. 12 miles. Leader: Barbara Shelton.

It was always going to be a quiet one, with the Hundred event coming up, so no surprise that there were just three of us, plus Otis the dog – a small but select group!

We set off from the wonderfully named Half Moon Bay, in the shadow of Heysham nuclear power station, on tarmac for a while, passing the ferry port on the way, before a stretch in Heysham nature reserve. Then we skirted a caravan park (the first of several), and followed a lane before pausing for our first break at Potts Corner, with shop and loos. After that the walk was coastal for 3km, with sea breezes, Oystercatchers and gulls.

Not to be missed is a local point of historic interest, Sambo’s Grave (see photos for details), and a modern installation, the Horizon Line Chamber.

Passing through Sunderland village, a remote community with an access road that gets cut off by the tide, we noted the flood gates installed in the most vulnerable properties – not a place for the faint-hearted! Our lunch stop was taken here, admiring the many boats moored up as we watched the rising tide.

Then it was on to Middleton via 3 km of fields and long grass (overtrousers definitely useful). Along the way we saw a large white bird on an inland pool – turned out to be a Spoonbill – an unexpected bonus! Beyond Middleton things became more urban and industrial at times, until we reached Heysham Village with its quaint houses, beautiful churches, one in use, the other a ruin, and the strange looking rock tombs on the headland. Heysham power station beckoned us on to the car park and the finish. Not a long walk, 17 km, but we all agreed it was very varied, with paths we’d never been on before.

Barbara Shelton

Sunday May 17th. Haigh 20. 20 miles. Leader: Ann Finnigan.

No information available

Wednesday May 13th. Wending One's Way from Wallsuches. 15 miles. Leader: Ann Finnigan.

The “Is This Really May?” Wallsuches Wander – Walk Report

Eleven already damp but ever optimistic walkers set off from Wallsuches in rain, wind, and full glass half full spirits. The hope was simple: surely the weather could only improve. (Narrator voice: it did… fairly often, thank goodness.)

We headed up towards Two Lads, grabbing a short break when the rain eased just enough for us to pretend it was a choice. Despite the wet and wind, the views were surprisingly clear – the kind of clarity you only get when the weather is trying to exfoliate you.

The climb to the Two Lads was steady and persistent. At the bottom, the coffee shop attempted to lure us in with warm promises, but we bravely resisted and continued upwards. Our reward? A sudden volley of hailstones, sharp enough to make us question both our life choices and the calendar. Middle of May, apparently.

From there we followed the newly laid flagstones to Winter Hill mast. For the first time in months, the gate was actually open – no muddy detour, no bog hopping, no drama. We touched the trig point, then dropped down to Belmont Road and Rivington Road before making our way to the main road and on to the Belmont allotments.

This was the reason today’s route differed from the published one. The allotment, run entirely by volunteers, is no ordinary patch of veg. There’s a wooden pergola with tables and seating – a perfect haven for walkers. And now, thanks to lottery funding, there’s a brand new wooden outhouse too, with comfortable seating and tables. On a day like this, it was nothing short of glorious. A dry lunch spot felt like winning the lottery ourselves.

Refreshed and slightly less soggy, we continued down to Belmont Reservoir and into Longworth Clough, where an astonishing number of bluebells lined the riverbanks and woodland. A proper spring spectacle, even if the weather disagreed.

The remainder of the walk became a bit of an unplanned adventure. We climbed up to the golf club and crossed the greens, consulting the OS map carefully because signposts were apparently optional. From here, it was down to the eagle eyed skills of the group to spot the way markers that eventually led us back towards Wallsuches. Horrocks Fold car park came next, followed by a final climb up and along Burnt Edge.

We returned to Wallsuches in dry conditions – a novelty by this point. Despite the day’s meteorological mood swings, the ground wasn’t too muddy at all. Boots barely needed cleaning, which felt like a small miracle.

A question crossed my mind as we got back to our cars… does anyone know the origins of the name Wallsuches?

I’ve just looked it up, and this is what I found:

The exact origin isn’t fully certain, but the strongest evidence points to Old English:

• wella – meaning stream

• soc / socian – meaning to soak or make wet/damp

This fits the landscape perfectly: the area has several streams running down from the moors, so “Wallsuches” likely meant something like “the soaking streams” or “wet place by the streams.” 

A perfect description of today’s walk.

Distance: 15.19 miles Height gain: 2,000 ft Weather: Wet, windy, occasionally dry, and always entertaining.

Thank you one and all for a fabulous day of walking. A memorable route, a resilient group, and a reminder that even in May… anything can happen.

Ann Finnigan AI

Sunday May 10th. West and East Of Edenfield. 20 miles. Joint walk with South Pennine. Leader: Stephen Hindley.

A group of 10 left Edenfield under clear blue skies for a day on the West Pennine moors. The steady climb towards Cowpe Lowe got everyone warmed up before we continued past Waugh’s Well & over Scout Moor. We then descended to Turn & onto Stubbins where we had our morning break.

It was then a short section by the river Irwell to Strongstry before we climbed up to Beetle Hill, past the ‘Naughty Corner’ & onto Musbury Heights. After crossing the damn on Calf Hey reservoir we had our lunch stop outside the café at Clough Head.

Onwards above Jamestone Quarry we had our last climb onto Haslingden Moor before dropping down to Helmshore then Irwell Vale, arriving back in Edenfield just before 4pm

Thanks everyone

Stephen

Wednesday May 6th - Saturday May 9th. Cleveland Way part 2.

Click on the link below for Ian's pictures.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nbJTucg2KrKNhhVn7

Thanks to Caz, Pauline and Hilary for these pictures.

Sunday May 3rd. Ribble Valley. 26 miles. Leaders: Paul and Jeanette Banks.

Eight of us meet up at Edisford bridge for a sprightly 26 mile stroll. Seven of which were in training for the up and coming 100mile challenge. 

Despite the threat of rain we all set off heading along the river Ribble towards Great Mitton before turning off to head over to join the River Hodder at Cromwell's Bridge. We then travelled up the river to Hodder Bridge where we left the river and headed towards Waddington, then on to West Bradford and rejoined the river Ribble at Brungerly Bridge, following the river up to Sawley where we left it and headed  for Beacon Hill before eventually arriving back at West Bradford and Bungerly Bridge, this time heading down the River Ribble back to Edisford Bridge. 

A good dry day was had by all and ready to take up the the 100 mile challenge 

Paul and Jeanette.