9 members of the rambling group took to the moors above Burnley yesterday for an 8 mile ramble to the Singing Ringing Tree Panopticon. Parking at a very potholed lane we donned boots and gloves as the wind was very keen and we were about to start a climb. Continue reading
11 members of the rambling group set off today from Forest Hills Hotel at Frodsham to walk along part of the Sandstone Trail and the hidden crags of Frodsham Hill, before going onto the High Rocks of Helsby. The route from the hotel should have taken us across the golf course but during the recce, having searched for some time, the leaders realised the golf course no longer existed but was now a forested area! Continue reading
11 members of the rambling group plus one guest undertook a very hot 8 mile walk today from the pretty village of Fence within the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty.. The initial part of the route was clear and easy to navigate. Whilst we were walking through the first field we spotted a roe deer in the distance, but it was too quick to photograph. Continue reading
10 members of the rambling group completed an 8.5 mile walk yesterday starting at Jumbles Country Park near Bolton. Opened in 1971 by Queen Elizabeth II, the area has some lovely walking trails around the first of the reservoirs we passed today. Our route started on relatively flat wide paths travelling along the side of the reservoir. Recent rains had made some of the paths quite muddy although this was nothing compared to some of our recent rambles. Continue reading
8 members of the rambling group took an 8.5 mile ramble along the Sandstone trail In Cheshire yesterday. Starting from Coppermines Lane where there are still remnants of the old copper works, we walked past the strangely named Chiflik farm part of the huge Bolesworth estate and having negotiated a very precarious and steep set of uneven stone steps we came upon an area named Muskets Hole. Treading very carefully around the edge, as the cliff face to the side of us led to a sheer drop we reached Raw Head, the highest point on the Sandstone trail. At 745 feet high we should have had a great view across the Cheshire Plains from the trig point. Sadly for us the trees have now grown to such a height that nothing is visible apart from the green canopy. Continue reading
Eight Ramblers met today to travel to Wycoller Country Park near Colne.
The walk started from the ample (free) Visitor Car Park some 500 yards from the village of Wycoller. We were joined here be Hazel, a lady who lives in the area and a friend of Hilary one of our group members. Hazel proved to be a strong walker and we roped her in as group photographer from time to time. Continue reading
11 members of the Rambling group undertook a very muddy 9 mile circular walk yesterday. Starting at the beautiful village of Abbeystead near Lancaster we tramped on roads, climbed stiles and fences,(some more rickety than others) slipped and slid on some very muddy paths, crossed waterlogged fields and nearly lost one of our group in a stream thanks to a very precarious wooden bridge! Thankfully we all returned safely if a bit dirty and mud encrusted!
The next ramble will take place on Thursday 7th March. This will be a 9 mile circular walk from Anglezarke reservoir, up Great Hill, across the moors and returning to start point. The walk is open to anyone who is a keen walker and is able to manage a longer walk on varied terrain and has appropriate footwear and clothing. The group meet at a local location and then car share to walk venue. If any members feel they are able to meet the criteria they are welcome to join us. Contact me at pollypaws46@gmail.com for more info.
12 members of the rambling group followed in historical footsteps today to complete a 10 mile circular walk from Chester to Eccleston on the route named as a pilgrimage walk. Starting at Chester station we walked into the outskirts of the city into Grosvenor Park then downwards onto the banks of the River Dee. Following the tow path as far as the suspension bridge, we crossed the river to the opposite side and accessed the route through the Chester Meadows on lands which historically have belonged to Earl of Chester Continue reading
Who doesn’t like jumping about in muddy puddles? On today’s ramble, led by Alan, there was plenty of opportunity for just that!
The circular walk of nearly 7 miles from Orrell Waterpark to Billinge Hill (179m or 587ft) took place in bright dry weather and we made the beacon tower at the top of the hill in good time and along reasonably dry paths underfoot. What Billinge Hill lacks in height it makes up for with 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape. Continue reading