This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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 →

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

On a bright crisp Thursday morning in February we met at the allocated point on the pub car park ready to undertake a ramble. The first couple of cars arrived early, followed by more, and more….and then more! Until finally everyone was assembled and the head count revealed a whopping 27 people! Certainly a record for our ramble group. Maybe it was the gorgeous spring sunshine that made people venture out, or maybe the chance to walk around Lunt meadows, which was a new venture for some people. Anyway, whatever the reason, everyone was ready for a wander through our local nature reserve. Continue reading →

The next ramble will be on Thursday 6th February. This will be a 6 mile ramble around Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. Please meet at Ego at the Punchbowl (L29 7WA) to leave at 9:45. Please park at the end nearest to the field. Having done a further recce I have amended the route to try to avoid as much mud as possible, but please wear suitable footwear anyway. No need to book…just turn up suitably clothed with good footwear. We will have a meal in the pub at the end of the walk. Contact Margaret Kendall 07810 730936 if you need more details.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

11 Ramblers completed the first walk of the New Year today. Setting off from the Ship Inn at Haskayne, we completed an 8 mile walk along the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. In spite of the recent rain the towpath was passable with no dense muddy sections. The first part of the walk was quiet with no passing barges or fellow walkers on the canal bank. Our first prospective coffee stop at Scarisbrick Marina was aborted as it was closed! Our next attempt was equally fruitless as the next pub we got to was also still shut! However it was 3rd time lucky and we managed to find the Heaton’s Bridge open, much to the horror of the landlady, who clearly had not expected a group of 11 coming through the door as soon as she opened up. Continue reading →

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

15 Ramblers and 5 Easy walkers joined together today for a roam around 2 of the parks in the south of the city. Alighting at St Michaels station we walked to the perimeter of Sefton Park and meandered along its wide pathways. Passing by the fountains, band stand and fairy glen we took a detour into the Palm House. This was set up for Christmas celebrations and looked splendid. The guide showed several of the group the donation book which included the donation made by the late George Harrison to help return the building back to its former glory in 2002.  Continue reading →

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

What do you do on a day when the weather forecast was appalling and the rain fell in torrents? Go on a ramble of course! Setting off from our usual meeting place at the Baptist Church, numbers were severely depleted from previous walks but undaunted we travelled over the Mersey Gateway bridge ( did everyone remember to pay the tolls?) and set sail for Daresbury! The ideal mode of transport should have been boats, but by the time we reached the start point the torrents had lessened to a drizzle and spirits were raised. Todays ramble was following the Lewis Carroll trail around the Cheshire countryside which, according to the information would afford wonderful views of Winter Hill and the Clywdian mountain range. Maybe November was not the best day to undertake it. Continue reading →

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

15 ramblers had an epic 11 mile trek yesterday through some lovely Cheshire scenery and some equally epic mud! Starting at Arley Hall, recently featured as Tommy Shelby’s house on Peaky Blinders, we walked through fields, tracks and canal banks, often being quite acrobatic to negotiate kissing gates and deep mud at the same time. We had a quick snack stop at Marbury Country park and then took a detour to the lake to view the open water swimming pool! Wonder why no one was eager to try it out? Nearing the end of the walk we came to the beautiful village of Great Budworth, where the George and Dragon beckoned us to sample the array of food and drink on offer. Suitably refreshed, but with some reluctance to leave the fireside, we continued the final 2.5 miles back to the cars at Arley, just beating the closing time of 5:30 pm. Thanks to Margaret Schumacher for the recce and leading the walk.

The next ramble is on Thursday 7th November and will be to Daresbury in Cheshire. Details to follow.

The next ramble will be on Thursday 3rd October. This will be a 10 mile ramble taking in the Cheshire countryside, including the lovely village of Great Budworth. The walk is mainly flat with an incline and descent in the centre of the walk. We will park at Arley Hall. Sat nav directions do not use the best route so we will discuss route before leaving. There is a small  walkers car parkwhich is free, or £2 parking at Arley Hall itself.  Snack lunch en route with a stop at the George and Dragon pub at Great Budworth at the end of the walk for light meal/drinks. Please meet at Baptist church car park at 9:30 to leave at 9:45. Due to length of walk we may be back in Maghull after 5pm.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

15 members of the Ramblers group had a good walk today to the top of Moel Famu in North Wales. It was great to have 2 new U3A members join us on the walk. Although the distance covered was only just under 4 miles, the inclines were severe in places and certainly raised the heart rate. The weather was fine, if somewhat blowy, particularly at the top of the mountain. Descending via a different scenic route back to the car park we were afforded some tremendous views over the valley towards Liverpool and beyond. It was great to go up on such a clear day as the mountain is often shrouded in mist. Following the walk we regrouped at the Druids Inn for a lovely late lunch and some welcome drinks. Thanks to Ralph for the recce and leading the walk. Our next ramble will be to Great Budworth in Cheshire and will be on Thursday 3rd October.