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19 Ramblers met at Beacon Country Park in Upholland this morning to tackle the Beacon Loop, a circular walk of just under 10 miles taking in Roby Mill, Dalton. Appley Bridge, and Ashurst Beacon. After the overnight rain we set off in dry conditions, and the sun made its presence felt, and at our first drink stop many of the walkers divested themselves of layers and t shirts were in evidence. Crossing fields and pasture land we encountered some very muddy tracks, which were bad on Sunday when the final recce was done, but with the overnight rain they were a challenge even to the most sure footed folk. Continue reading →

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20 members of the rambling group enjoyed a lovely 8.5 mile meander today. Again we were lucky with the weather, ideal for walking, not too hot, but warm enough for shorts and t-shirts. Leaving from the Ship Inn at Haskayne, splitting into 3 groups and following all social distancing guidelines, we walked through Barton Cutting nature reserve, onto the Leeds Liverpool canal through to Halsall, before walking up onto Gorse Hill for a picnic lunch stop. It was here that Dave helpfully pulled the sole off Paul’s shoe, which had been flapping for some considerable time! Thankfully there was only a bit of road work on the walk, or it could have been quite uncomfortable walking just on a cardboard inner!. Passing along the edge of the nature reserve we came up to Gorse Hill Reservoir, where once again United Utilities were digging away, Unusual wildlife was in evidence in one of the gardens we passed, then circuiting back though Lydiate we returned to our start point at the Ship where some of us enjoyed liquid refreshment in the beer garden. Thanks to Alan, and his four legged friend for leading the walk. The next ramble is on Thursday 3rd September. route yet to be decided!

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After over 100 days in lockdown the Rambling group finally managed to get out together today, and after all the lovely weather we have had, it absolutely poured down! Walking in groups of six, as per Government guidelines, we kept a social distance and covered the route  of the Warhorse Walk from Ormskirk to Lathom Chapel. After a quick drink break we continued along very muddy paths, across lush overgrown fields to the site of the old Burscough priory where we had a standing up lunch. Suitably refreshed we carried on through the countryside to Ruff Woods and back to the start point at Ormskirk station. 17 people walked and everyone was in a cheerful mood in spite of the weather, as it was good to get out together as a group in spite of the strange configuration we had to adopt. Hopefully this will be the restart of our walking programme but we are mindful that the rules are constantly changing and so will be keeping to local walks as much as possible for the foreseeable future. In spite of the rain it was good to see the gang back together, even if it was 2 metres apart!

There will be a ramble on 2nd July following all social distancing guidelines. I will be sending out an email to existing members of the rambling group with full details for the walk. If you are a member of the group and have not received an email by Sunday 28th Please email me at pollypaws46@gmail.com .

I look forward to seeing a lot of you next Thursday for a return to the new normality!

Marg Kendall

I am considering organising a local ramble on 2nd July for existing members of the rambling group only. I am leaving it until this date as the rules regarding groups outside have only just been relaxed, and hope that by July, either,  more people will be able to take part, with appropriate social distancing, or we will have been hit by a second wave and all bets are off!

I have contacted most of the group by email with tentative details, but if you are a regular rambler and have not been contacted, please email me kendall914@btinternet.com to register your interest. At this point there is nothing definite but am keeping fingers crossed we can get back together in the ” new normal”.

Marg Kendall

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25 of us had a great ramble today in the countryside around Rivington Pike. The weather was beautiful. After the early morning frost, the sun came out and we walked under a clear blue sky and no wind. We set off from Great House Barn and followed the tracks across Breres meadows. The leaders had chosen a lower route than the ascent to the pike, due to the volume of high winds we have recently had, which would have made the higher route dangerous. We were joined by another walker as we strolled through the woods who then gave us a very comprehensive history of the Castle, which is in fact a Folly, and was constructed as a ruin, and also the history of the reservoir. The land still belongs to the Leverhulme family, owners of Port Sunlight on the Wirral. Continue reading →