Sunday December 29th. The Shorter Wheel. 19 miles. Leaders: Paul and Jeanette Banks.

17 walkers (including a new walker from the Meet Up group) and one dog met to complete a shortened version of the Preston Guild Wheel.    After 4 days of heavy mist it was pleasing that it had finally lifted and we had pleasant views along the walk.

We followed the Guild Wheel footpath beside the River Ribble through Brockholes Nature Reserve and then on to have our first break at Peter's Garden (memorial to Peter Ward who orchestrated the development of the Guild Wheel).

We continued the path through the Fulwood and Broughton areas of Preston.   Everybody was bitterly disappointed about the promised cafe and toilet stop - The Final Whistle Cafe and University toilet block was unusually closed!!   We sat cross-legged and ate our own provisions.

After lunch we detoured from the Guild Wheel footpath to cross Ashton Park and missing out the long busy Blackpool Road path.   We passed Preston Marina and then rejoined the Guild Wheel at the Preston Dock Swing Bridge.  The final section of the walk took us along the River Ribble through Avenham and Miller Parks before returning to our cars.    We finished our walk at 3.30pm before dusk.

 Jeanette 

Wednesday December 18th. The Liverpool Loop Line. 11 miles. Leader: Noreen Martin.

 

9 attendees and 1 very well-behaved dog

 

 

The Liverpool Loop railway line was built by the Cheshire Lines Company extending their Manchester to Liverpool train line to the docks north of Liverpool and also onto Southport between 1879 and 1884. The line finally closed in 1964.

 

In 1986 plans were drawn up for its conversion to a walking and cycling route. Construction began in 1988, and the final section to Aintree opened in 2000 forming part of the Trans Pennine Trail, European Walking Route E8 and National Cycle Network Route 62.

 

The Liverpool Loop Line is a linear walk.

We walked from Aintree train station to Hunts Cross train station; 11 miles following the old railway line around the eastern side of Liverpool. The old railway path provides a flat, well surfaced green corridor through the urban environment of east Liverpool and forms part of the award-winning Trans Pennine Trail.

 

The route is managed like a linear woodland park. It runs through rocky cuttings and high embankments with wide views across the city. Passing through Fazakerley, over the East Lancs Road, (great views of Anfield stadium), Walton, Old West Derby train station, Knotty Ash, (Alderhey Childrens Hospital), Broad Green, under the M62 at the Rocket interchange, Childwall, where we stopped for lunch at Lyndene Park, Gateacre and finally onto Hunts Cross. Here we caught the Ormskirk train (every 15 mins) returning to Aintree (journey time 30 mins).

 

A really nice easy path shared with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. A hidden gem through the suburbs of Liverpool. A great winter walk.

 

Noreen.

Sunday December 15th. The Christmas Cracker. 9.5 miles. Leader: Roger Jackson.

Friday December 6th -Tuesday December 10th, Ghyll Head 2024.

The pictures below are from the walk on Saturday 7th December. Led by Steve Gilleard we walked in the local area. Although it was very windy, the rain stayed away until we were back in the warm and dry. 

Sunday December 8th. Rusland Valley, Colton and Bouth. 14 miles. Leader: Ian Scott and Nicky Wood.

Thank you to Lakeland Group for this lovely walk from Newby Bridge. It was still breezy but the day was dry as we walked along the lake, over to a few small villages with a lunch break in Bouth. Back before dark too, a great day. 

Monday December 9th. Staveley Return. 15 miles. Leader: Nick Halford

The pictures below show our walk to Staveley. Over 9 miles along good paths to a nice lunch in Wilfs. Some walked back, some got the bus!

There are also some pictures of the fun, games and meals that we had. You are never hungry on an East Lancs trip catered by Viv. 

Wednesday December 4th. Return of the Jabba. 12.5 miles. Leaders: Dave and Alma Walsh

The early morning fog had lifted by the time 19 of us set off. We dropped down to cross the foot bridge over the Yarrow to reach the southern end of Anglezarke Reservoir. We walked down 'The Street' to reach Rivington & then followed a path past Upper Rivington Reservoir to our left & then Yarrow Reservoir to our right.

We then dropped down to Anglezarke Reservoir again & had a morning break at the picnic benches by the car park. Continuing North by the Reservoir, we then turned up through the woods to reach Manor House. A walk down Moor Road led us to the top end of the reservoir & we then followed a path to White Coppice cricket ground where we had our lunch.

After lunch, we walked a short way along the Goyt & then through fields & a track to the 3 reservoirs at Heapy. We then skirted around the small housing estate at Heapy & walked along tracks & fields to the bottom of Healy Nab. Muddy tracks led us up to the top of Healy Nab, where we had fine views of the Motorway & Chorley.

We had a quick break where Hilary kindly dished out sweeties. A walk down the other side of Healy Nab led us to a track & the footbridge back over the Yarrow to the parked cars for an early finish.

Thanks to all who attended, Dave & Alma.

Sunday December 1st. Todmorden Walk. 17.5 miles. circa 2800' ascent. 11 walkers.  Leader: Steve Clark.

A walk of 17.5 miles from Todmorden, in the Calderdale area. A little wet initially, becoming dry with sunny interval and then damp again for the last two or three miles.  Mild at 12C and occasional light winds.

Setting off a little past 9am, the walk picked up the Calderdale Way above Todmorden golf course, to Blackshaw Head continuing down the beautiful Colden Clough.  Here I recovered a glove that I had dropped on the recce.  We walked through Heptonstall and down to Midgehole where the 1st of two breaks was taken on the benches outside the Blue Pig.

Climbing we arrived at Pecket Well, which was the northern most point of the walk and from here we headed south to Hebden Bridge. Horsehold Lane was used to ascend out of the valley.  We took the 2nd of our breaks by a wall on London Road, below Stoodley Pike.  Passing by Mankinholes we followed the side of the valley to Walsden, before returning to Todmorden along the canal, to complete the walk at 4 30pm.  Thank you to everyone on the walk.

Steve