Wednesday September 27th. Come on You Robins. 13 miles. Leader: Roy Davies.

Three hardy souls turned up to brave Storm Agnes with me. The planned walk was 15 miles but in view of the forecast of potential 75mph winds on coasts and hills, I made the decision to shorten the walk and omit Boulsworth Hill.

We set off in calm weather along Colne Water to Carry Bridge and then climbed towards Trawden. From there we trekked across fields until eventually arriving at Coldwell reservoirs. By this time it had started to rain and though the wind had picked up it was no more than breezy.

From Coldwell we headed for Thursden Valley. We had to stick to road walking because the Burnley Way is impassable approaching Thursden Valley and my alternative route on the second recce was also blocked by a chained and padlocked gate with barbed wire across the top. Barbara realised on the walk today that the gate did actually open, and the length of chain was such that you could get through. Anyway, having not done a recce of that stretch, I stuck to the road.

On reaching Thursden Valley we turned left and climbed up onto the moors that contour Boulsworth Hill. We continued on for about 3 miles before dropping down through the woods to Wycoller. From there we continued to Laneshaw Bridge and then through Ball Grove Nature Reserve and Ball Grove Country Park to the cafe at Ball Grove, where we each had a well deserved hot drink.

In the end we did just shy of 13 miles and an average actual walking pace of 2.8mph. Given the weather and some of the terrain that was a pretty good effort from the group.

Thanks very much to Barbara, Nick and Stephen for their company and for making it a hugely enjoyable day.

Roy

Wednesday September 13th. Hangman's Loops. 14 miles. Leaders: Dave and Alma Walsh.

Just four of us (the fab four) set off from Bretherton on a warm & sunny morning. A quiet tree sided lane led us to the A59 road, which we followed until it crossed the River Douglas. A gate led us to the river & we walked along its broad grassy bank until we reached the hamlet of Sollom.

Leaving the river here, we recrossed the main road & walked along quiet paths through farmer's fields to Mere Sands nature reserve. We made use of the coffee machine & toilets & had a break in the sun sat at a picnic bench.

Walking all around the nature reserve, we then followed paths & lanes through the fields for another five miles before we reached the village of Rufford. Lunch was taken overlooking the marina.

We dropped onto the Leeds, Liverpool canal & walked in a northerly direction, passing Rufford Old Hall (closed to the public today). It was just about visible through the trees. Leaving the canal at Sollom again where the two loops of our walk met near Hangman's Bridge, we then followed a quiet lane back to the cars.

Thanks to John & Steve for their company on the day, making it a small, intimate group with good conversation.

Dave & Alma

Wednesday September 6th. A Short trip to Japan. 13 miles. Leader: Roger Jackson.