After the Walk June 2023
Sunday June 25th. Ramsbottom Round. 20 miles. Leaders: Dave and Alma Walsh
22 of us plus 2 dogs (Scrappy & Toby) set off from Nuttall Park. The weather was warm but with a forecast of thunder & rain in the afternoon.
After crossing over the M66 a steep climb led us up to Grants Tower. From there tracks led us to Harden Moor which we crossed to the Owd Betts pub.
We then climbed up Knowl Hill, dropped down to the other side & had our morning break just off one of the service roads to the windfarm.
Heading North we skirted Higher Hill & joined the Rossendale Way for a short while. Dropping down into Edenfield we crossed fields to our lunch stop at Irwell Vale train station. The weather was sunny & there was plenty of seating.
We followed the river into Helmshore & then climbed up onto the Moor & made our way to the Pilgrims Cross stone. We could see the flag flying on Peel Tower from here, a welcome sight. Continuing South we reached the tower, we had fine views of it throughout the day.
Inside the tower some East Lancs members & volunteers were selling home made cakes & drinks to raise funds for Motor Neurone disease & Multiple Sclerosis. Some walkers climbed up to the top of the tower.
It was now getting very windy & rain was falling heavily. Undetered we donned waterproofs & continued the walk. The rain didn't last too long then the sun came out as we got back to the cars at Nuttall Park.
The walk was 20 miles with just under 3000 ft of ascent. Thanks to all who attended supporting a worthy cause & to Roger (number 2) for back marking, & to all who made the delicious cakes
Dave & Alma.
Click on the link below for Howard's pictures.
Wednesday June 21st. Cave - Cove and Tarn. 17 miles. Leader: Steve Gilleard.
In perfect mathematical symmetry 17 (human) walkers and two dogs Poppy and Alfie set out on a 17 mile walk from Langcliffe in the Yorkshire Dales, on the longest day of the year.
Steep field paths took us to the Malham road where we joined the Pennine Bridleway. From here we headed south to Victoria Cave where we had a break and around half the group took the short detour to do a spot of caving.
Rejoining the main path we walked south again and then east up Stockdale on the Dales Highway. A steady ascent took us to 492 metres where we turned northeast for a mile to take a break at midday amongst limestone outcrops with views towards Malham Tarn.
The day was now warm and sunny and thankfully the thundery showers forecast between 10am and 12am had not materialised.
Refreshed we walked west to the the Malham Road at Langscar Gate. Crossing the road we took field paths south to rejoin the Malham road (Cove Road). A short downhill stretch of road took us to the main tourist path to Malham Cove. At this point there were cries of " We're not going down to go up again are we?" Unperturbed the leader attempted to calm nerves and we pressed on to The Cove. Stunning views of The Cove were commented upon and two climbers observed scaling the cliff face. The steps up the left side of The Cove were now taken to gain the Spectacular limestone pavement spanning the top of the cliff.
Crossing the pavement east we now followed ‘the dry valley’ along the Pennine Way to Malham Tarn. Lunch was now taken at 3pm in the shade of trees by the side of the tarn.
Lunch over we now walked through wood to Malham Tarn House (National Trust Field Centre). Leaving the Pennine Way we turned left at Home Farm and took the bridleway to road. Following the road to Streets (road junction) we now took the footpath - marked by a finger post saying Langcliffe 4 miles - southwest to rejoin the Pennine Bridleway at Gorbeck. A short break was taken where sweets which included Liquorice Allsorts were handed round. The day was now warm and the sun very hot as we walked past Jubilee Cave to rejoin our morning route and retrace our steps to Langcliffe.
Steve
Keswick Week, 9-16 June 2023.
See below for pictures of the week in Keswick, walking and social activities.
Wednesday June 7th. Piethorne. 12.5 miles. Leader: Roger Hellowell.
The walk started at the lower car park below the White House public house Blackstone Edge. Ona cold dry morning, shorts not required, heading south towards the M62 motorway and Windy Hill. Then down the ridge of Windy Hill to join the Rochdale Way down to Piethorne reservoir where we had lunch. It had become very warm, shorts required.
After setting off one of the group had left an item of clothing which led to a wait of a few minutes. Following on the valley side and dropping down to the back of Ogden reservoir then over the edge of Town Hill touching on the Pennine Bridleway for a short distance. Up to Hollings Hill to rejoin the Pennine Bridleway to Lydgate and over Stormes Hill to join the A58 road to the Bar House. Along the track up Cowberry Hill back to the start car park.
A good day was had by one and all.
Roger.
Sunday June 4th. Appley Ever After. Boots and Brews. 10 miles. leaders: Andrea Foster and Christine Cocks.
8 walkers and one dog set off from the car park at Appley bridge train station. The weather was perfect and we couldn't have asked for a better day.
From the station we went down the hill and across the bridge and turned right up a 'squeeze bally' path following the River Douglas for a little while and then breaking away to follow the path towards Martin's farm, Lees lane, Stonehall Lane and upto Ashurst Beacon for morning coffee stop. There Andrea gave a little "speech" with some history about the Beacon and the events that have taken place throughout history here and we continued on.
Next passing Crow Lane and Belle Vue Farm we crossed the main road at Beacon lane to come out directly opposite into Beacon Country park for a relaxed lunch where we found some Picnic tables with a good views.
Leaving Beacon country park behind us we walked down Stoney brow and crossed over College Road turning off to meet Lafford Lane and Walthew Green farm passing the 'pink' house and a very colourful garden. Then time for an afternoon drinks stop in a posh beer garden at the "Il Mulino" in Roby Mill where Jan the hound enjoyed a lie down.
From here it was the last stretch home passing Ayrefield House and some friendly Goats and following the wooded public footpath downhill with fabulous views towards the Leeds Liverpool canal at Gathurst train station. The tow path on the canal took us back to the starting point at Appley Bridge train station. Christine, Andrea and Lynn enjoyed a final drinks stop and sunbathe at the Boat house pub overlooking the canal.
Thank you so much to all who attended the walk today and for your company.
