Sunday October 29th. A Pleasant Shivering Beacon Walk. 13 miles. Leader: Steve Gilleard.

Nine walkers set out at 9.00am on Sunday 29th October 2023 from Twitter Lane car park - not yet renamed X Lane car park - on a sunny autumn morning.

We walked through the village and turned up the path next to Waddington Almshouses ( 24 single storey cottages built in 1700 to provide affordable housing for elderly ladies).

Heading uphill along the edge of Hospital Wood we spotted a young Roe Deer ahead of us which proceeded to, after noticing us, to run around the field in a panic, eventually escaping over the fence into the wood.

Passing Seedalls Farm we joined Mill Lane as we climbed West Bradford Fell and onto Bradford Fell.

Descending now from Bradford Fell we passed Mount Pleasant hidden in the woods on Grindleton Fell but whose once access road is indicated, I think, by two large stone gate posts.

Turning left off the main track we headed into the woods and passed a house named as Pinewood - an obvious name really. Heading uphill and further into the woods after a bit of tricky route finding - it’s often confusing finding the path you want in pinewood plantations - we joined the Shivering Ginnel (Track). A comment was made that the trees were such a nice colour and we were wondering what species they were. Well, I took a picture and have now identified them as Blue Spruce which are native to the Rocky Mountains of the USA.

We now took a small detour off the path to the Trig Point on the top of Beacon Hill 305m to get the views up and down the Ribble Valley and across to Pendle Hill.

Leaving Beacon Hill we headed downhill passing though the garden of Till House ( path very well signed ) and through fields before passing by Bowland School to meet the Sawley road at Bank Top Farm.

A little bit of road walking now before joining the Ribble way where a lunch break was taken on the riverbank in the sun. Leaving the Ribble Way at Grindleton we followed the same (very Muddy) bank of the river passing West Bradford to West Bradford Bridge. We then followed field paths to meet the road at Waddington School.

Total Distance 12.45 miles and Total Ascent 424 metres.

Note: These last field paths were extremely muddy with a gully to cross which had slippery wooden steps down to a stream with scrub.

I would therefore recommend that the route is modified to cross Bradford bridge and the Ribble Way then followed to Brungerley Bridge. Then either the road (B6478) taken back to Waddington or path taken past Lilland to Waddington School. This would add approximately 1 mile to length of walk.

Wednesday October 25th. Bronte Falls and Oxenhope. 12.5 miles.Leader: Barbara Shelton

Starting at Penistone Hill Country Park (free parking), near Haworth, home of the Brontes, an elite squad of five set out to conquer the moors. The weather was favourable, with a blue sky highlighting the hint of autumnal colours.

The first objective, Bronte Falls, was easily reached and we paused to admire the falls with its footbridge, and the Bronte Chair. The next Bronte connection was Top Withens (aka Wuthering Heights) – perfect for a coffee break with seating for all. We then branched off and away from the tourist traps to yomp over the moors, via Harbour Lodge, to reach a ‘Yorkshire Levada’, ie a water conduit for taking water to a nearby reservoir to supply Bradford. We followed this for over two miles, stopping for lunch part way, during which we were entertained by a Barn Owl looking for its own sustenance!

Dropping down to and around Leeming Reservoir, we had our next highlight to aim for – Oxenhope Station on the Keighley and Worth Valley railway, famous for featuring in the film The Railway Children. Trains were running and we’d just settled down with drinks from the buffet car when a steam train pulled in – perfect! There was also time for a quick look in the Exhibition Shed with its immaculate loco and carriages.

With 2.5 miles to go we headed off on the Railway Children Walk towards Haworth before branching off back to the cars, having completed 12.5 miles with around 1,600 ft of ascent.

The literary connection wasn’t over yet though, as three of us stopped at the Wuthering Heights pub in Stanbury on the drive back, a gem of a traditional pub with open fires and real ale.

Barbara Shelton

Monday October 16th. Wirral Trail Part 2. 20 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.

Another early start with a walk to Port Sunlight and the return train journey to West Kirby. I decided that we should walk the Marine Drive between the lake and the sea and it was a really good decision. The sun was out and it was most enjoyable. 

The trail leaves the coast here and it goes into the Wirral Country Park which runs all the way to Hooton on an old railway line. There were glimpses of the River Dee at various times but the path is away from the shoreline. After 3 miles we stopped at the visitor centre for morning coffee where Nick and Pauline in particular were fascinated by the rats running about underneath the bird feeders. Poppy dog did her best to pinch Paul's pork pie from out of his bag but her attempt was foiled. I believe she did get a bit at lunch though.

We found some benches in the park for lunch and passed a lovely old railway station with just small piece of line still there, plus station buildings and signal box. Alf found a wooden train to drive.

The only muddy bit of the trail was between Hooton and Eastham where the trail passes through some fields. A busy road to negotiate in Eastham and we were back above the Mersey near the entrance to the Manchester ship canal. A final stop in Eastham country park at a great cafe where most had a cake or scone with their drink. A celebration of the two days walking. It was only a couple of miles from here back to the cars at the Travelodge and a return journey home.

Thanks to all who came, we had lots of laughs and a very enjoyable two days walking.

Hilary

Sunday October 15th. Wirral Trail Part 1. 19 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.

13 of us met at the Travelodge in Bromborough ready to tackle the circular Wirral Trail in 2 parts. The weather was cold but bright and dry, perfect! The route tries to stay near the river and we had tantalising glimpses of the Liverpool skyline as we walked along. 

We came across Birkenhead Priory where a volunteer enticed us inside and up the tower, what a worthwhile visit. Fabulous views and a quick history lesson. There was a warship in Cammel Lairds yard and we had a close up view. We also passed a tribute to Paul O'Grady painted on a building, very good it was too. Further along was Seacombe ferry terminal for morning coffee and Lesley made the most of the cafe by ordering chips. Alf appreciated these. 

Moving on towards New Brighton and it was very busy along the promenade with people making the most of the autumn sunshine. The tide was high and we did spot someone taking a dip in the water. 

Through New Brighton to the Lifeguard stataion where lunch was taken on some handy benches. We did have a few spots of rain here but luckily it passed over quickly.

Onwards on this sea coast past Leasowe lighthouse, most of us chose a higher grassy path rather than the concrete promenade. At Meols there was a handy park with toilets and an ice cream van. Most of us took advantage of that. Ice cream in October, it shows how nice the weather was.

Along to Hoylake where we took a beach path to West Kirby. Hilbre Island was clearly visible but there was no time to visit today. We did get a glimpse of the famous golf course though.

On to West Kirby where we were slightly unlucky to just miss a train but it was not too long till the next one. A change at Hamilton Square and off at Port Sunlight to walk back to the Travelodge through the village. This is such a fabulous place with all the different housing styles. 

We also passed the pub where 12 of us ate later in the evening. We weren't out late though, another busy was day to come.

Hilary

Wednesday October 4th. a Loaf and Two Fishes. 15 miles. Leader: Neil Smith.