Sunday July 28th. Silverdale Circuit Revisited. 21 miles. Leader: Pauline Melia.

 

I thought I would lead this walk again as it is one of my personal favourites and shows off the best of the beautiful Lancashire/Cumbria coast and countryside. Three years since the last time! Time flies!

Twelve of us met at Warton Crag Quarry car park on a beautiful morning, the mist clearing nicely as we set off.  The first section is a climb to the top of Warton Crag, which we found after a couple of minor detours in the brambles and bracken. Once over the top of the crags, we descended via Occupation Road, via Crag Foot and then on past the Leighton Moss RSPB hides. A short section of the Lancashire Coastal Way then took us over to Jenny Brown’s Point, a stunning setting by anyone’s standards.

We headed over towards Know Hill and stopped for our morning break overlooking the estuary, with great views of Grange-Over-Sands. Suitable hydrated (it was getting hot) we continued on to Cove Well then onto Far Arnside and Arnside Park, where we did get some welcome shade. We reached New Barns where there is a lovely café. On the recce I bought a cake and had planned to repeat the treat but to my dismay there was a sizeable queue so I had to do without!

Onto Arnside Knott, we ascended sharply but the views from the top are well worth the effort. The estuary with the rail crossing and the backdrop of Lakeland is surely one of the finest sights in Britain.

We stopped for lunch in the park at Arnside. Unfortunately there was no cricket nor tennis to watch but a very pleasant break nevertheless.

The route then took us via Arnside Moss and Hazelslack, where a fine example of a Pele Tower can be found. Through the woods at Storth and via Haverbrack, we crossed the deer park (no deer today!) and headed towards the lovely village of Beetham, where we took our afternoon refreshments.

We crossed fields, passing Beetham Hall and headed for Yealand Storrs and Yealand Conyers, reaching Hyning Scout Wood. Exiting the woods, we returned into Warton and made a final steep climb back to the quarry car park.

A glorious day, fabulous weather, great company and a beautiful route. Thanks for those that made the trip – it was definitely worth it!

 

Pauline

 

Click on the link below for Howard's pictures of the day.

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vZRw9fwrRheLGGWCA

 

 

Wednesday July 24th. Magical Mystery Meander. 14 miles. Leader: Phil Chapman.

 

Magical Mystery MEANDER. And what a fab day it started out to be for our good turnout of 15 walkers not forgetting Alf. We made our way to the Liverpool Castle where I suspect most people had been before making our way over the Motorway services and Railway public bridge to the Blackrod Sport Centre for our first stop.

Then onward to the Goose & Gander pub where we veered off and made our way to Wigan Links. Due to fallen trees we walked through Arly Woods and skirted Worthington Lakes to eventually arrive at the Jubilee Park in Adlington where there were more Benches than you could throw a stick at for our deserved Lunch Break. Covered 8 miles so far.

From there we connected with the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Onwards for 1.5miles to Freddies Bridge where some walkers just HAD to have Ice Creams. Then off to Limbrick through the only serious mud of the Walk.

Eventually to Anglezarke where we had our famous Hilary's Jelly Baby stop. Then finished the last 2 miles in Pouring Rain. I was well caught out.

Back to the cars by 4pm covering 14.4 miles. Didn't lose anyone. Good Result.

Phil

 

Sunday July 21st. A Walk Around the Middle of the Kingdom.  16 miles. Leader: Steve Gilleard.

 

Fourteen Walkers including one dog set off from Dunsop Bridge in the Forest of Bowland AONB at 10.00am on 21/7/24. The weather was dry and warm but a little overcast.

We briefly followed the River Dunlop then took field paths to Beatrix (farm) below Beatrix Fell. Crossing more fields filled with many Sheep and Cattle and passing Rough Syke Barn, Bull Lane (Track), Pain Hill Moor, Pain Hill (farm) and the pretty hamlet of Pages we arrived at Slaidburn.

We passed by the Hark to Bounty (pub) and the War Memorial as we walked down to the River Hodder at the Bottom of the village.

It was now 12.00pm so we took lunch next to the cafe and car park.

Immediately, we were distracted from our refreshments by a convoy of around 20 vintage tractors coming over the bridge and parking up on the grass in front of us. The leader was delighted at this point to take the dubious credit for the perfect timing of the laying on of this  entertainment.

It was now 12.30 so the leader decided to carry on with the walk. Unfortunately, just at that very moment the farmers decided to carry on with their rally too and cracking up their engines filled the road with tractors. Not perfect timing!

Now following Riverside field paths we joined The Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail at Newton Bridge.

Taking note of the old iron gates in the hedgerows between Newton Bridge and Foulscales we had a debate as to what the purpose of them was. Nick said that this type of gate was originally put in to aid  Water Board workers in their work of inspecting the underground pipes of which the line of gates follow. We came to the conclusion that it may be the pipeline that supplies water to the Preston area from Stocks Reservoir.

Leaving The Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail at Giddy Bridge we climbed up onto the moorland of Hodder Bank Fell following a very fine and dry path, with stone waymarkers, over the moor and down through the bracken of Fielden Clough - muddy in places - to Burholme Bridge where were we had a 15 minute break for refreshments.

Now rejoining The Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail we followed it for around a mile before leaving it to walk north across Whitemoor (forestry plantation) then the path between Mellor Knoll and Totridge Fell.

Dropping down to the Trough of Bowland we walked through Hareden Farmyard to meet the Trough road.

The last mile or so was along the road into Dunsop Bridge passing St Huberts Church along the way and finishing the walk just before 5.00pm.

 

Total Distance 16 miles

Total Ascent 600m

 

Steven Gilleard

 

 

Sunday July 14th. Buckhurst Crossing. 20 miles. Leader: Stephen Hindley.

 

After a group photo in front of the giant mousetrap, part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, 14 walkers set off from Burrs Country Park in grey overcast conditions. Apart from some drizzle in the first couple of hours the day remained dry, although we did get wet from the overgrown foliage on several paths

Going under the East Lancs railway & up through the woods we were soon crossing the A56 heading towards Lowes Park Golf Club then Chesham Woods Nature Reserve. Following quite roads & tracks we climbed steadily to Old Birtle before the steep descent into Deeply Vale where we had our morning break

After passing the ruins of Cheesden Lumb Mill it was onto Knowl Hill which was the highest point on today’s walk with its views to the south & the ever-changing skyline of Manchester. Following the Rochdale Way down into the valley, lunch was taken on the dam wall of Naden Higher Reservoir.

Across the dam we then  walked alongside the reservoirs to Norden where we picked up the Rochdale Way which would be our route back to the top of Ashworth Valley, it was then down to Buckhurst, crossing our route from this morning. Onto Nangreaves & its cobbled road its was now mostly downhill to the River Irwell & back to Burrs

Hope you all enjoyed the walk

Stephen

 

Click on the link below for Howard's photos of the day.

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KfbqJ5XVL9jjp7tN9

 

 

 

Wednesday July 10th. Fudge and Kippers Sunday Stroll. 13 miles. Leader: Gerald Dentith.

 

Seven met at Helmshore in the light drizzle that was forecast for all day, although fortunately it cleared up well before half time.

Firstly a loop north around Holden wood, then to the excellent and dog-friendly Irwell Vale café for a brew.

Now south via Ox Hey and Top woods, climbing to Peel Tower. Paths in the wood were wet as expected, certainly expected by Gerald in his wellies. One faller despite poles, but all good as no harm done. From the tower we circled around the moor to the Pilgrims cross, by the top path instead of the lower and horribly stony one.

The plan had been to go over Bull hill, but red flags were flying and volleys of fire likened to Rorke’s Drift were heard, so lower paths were taken north and back to Sunny Bank. Many thanks to Gerald for a well-led walk, with 1750 ft ascent.

Nick

 

Sunday July 7th. Pen-Y-Ghent and Crummack Dale. 16 miles. Leader: Steve Gilleard.

 

At 9.00am on Sunday 7th July 2024 seven optimistic walkers and one dog set off from Helwith Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales. Optimistic and hopeful because the weather forecast was for 90% rain most of the day.

We first followed Long Lane (Track) towards Pen-y-Ghent in chilly but fine weather. After an easy scramble up the south side of Pen-y-Ghent we reached the Summit trig point at 10.30. Weather still dry with a slight breeze.

After going north from the Summit then west downhill along the Pennine way we decided to make the short detour to view Hull Pot, a huge chasm in the ground and the opening to Hull Pothole.

Leaving the Pennine Way we now joined the Pennine Journey Path and followed it to Horton in Ribbledale. Weather still dry and getting warmer.

Lunch was taken by the River Ribble at 12.30. Refreshed and still dry we walked towards Horton in Ribblesdale Railway Station.

Arriving on the station platform we were just in time to see a steam train come through, a Battle of Britain Class Locomotive we were told by the chap who had his camera set up for it.

We now crossed the the line and walked along the Sulber Nick towards Ingleborough. Some of us now felt confident enough to remove some more waterproof clothing.

Leaving the Sulber Nick we walked to Sulber Gate where spectacular views across the limestone landscape of Moughton Scars opened up. Now warm and Sunny but with threatening black clouds around

Crossing Thieves Moss and over Beggar’s Stile we now entered upper Crummack Dale and walked down the valley to Crummack, really just a collection of farm buildings.

Heading towards the Hamlet of Wharfe we took a break at the Wash Dub, a place used to dip sheep that also has a clapper Bridge across the Austwick Beck.

Passing through Wharfe we joined the Dales High Way path towards Wharfe Wood, Higher and then Lower Bark House Farms to join the Pennine Bridleway and short road walk back to Helwith Bridge. It’s 4pm, lots of black clouds around but just the sun shining down on us.

 

Total Distance 15.2 miles

Total Ascent 800m

 

Steven Gilleard

 

 

 

Wednesday July 3rd. A Wirral Wander vis Train and Ferry. 15.5 miles. Leader: Ann Finnigan.

Ann