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
Seventeen Ramblers met in Bold Street, Liverpool today for our annual Winter walk and Christmas lunch. Undaunted by the ominous weather forecast, which predicted wind and prolonged rain, the group met outside The Lyceum to hear about the long and somewhat chequered history of this Grade II listed building. Setting off up Bold Street, which started life as a long field or Ropewalk and was the right length top to bottom for the production of ropes for the growing maritime industry, we heard about the connection with the wealthy DeBold family whose business enterprises of sugar imports and banking in the 18th century involved dark dealings with the slave trade by one Jonas Bold. Continue reading
10 very intrepid ramblers relocated todays ramble from Dolphinholme near Lancaster to a local walk due to concerns about flooding. We decided to walk from Waterloo to Formby, which, although not up to our usual level of difficulty, would give us a decent length walk where the area would hopefully be dry. However storm Ciaran had different ideas! Having travelled by train to Waterloo we walked along the edge of the Marine Lake where the waves were being whipped up by the wind, but at least it was only a light drizzle if a little breezy. Turning the corner onto the promenade we were met with a severe onward wind which increased in intensity as we walked. The sand was whipped up as we walked giving everyone a good sand blasting on the face! The light drizzle then changed into a downpour and it wasn’t long before everyone was soaked in spite of good walking gear. Part of the walk had to be on the beach as the pathways have now been overtaken by the dunes and walking there is impossible. Reaching Crosby area we decided to leave the promenade and take to the footpath in the hope of getting a little shelter from the wind and driving rain. However by the time we reached Blundellsands the weather was even worse so we sensibly decided to abandon the ramble and head for the nearest station to return home. This is the first time we have been foiled by the weather but the safety of walkers is paramount and we all agreed this was the right decision. Thanks to everyone who turned out today and I hope you all dried out quickly!
A drizzly Thursday morning saw 8 intrepid ramblers take a stroll around the Mere Sands ‘nature reserve’ and local area. Starting from the car park we took the ‘white’ path out and across fields to the A59 and the canal bridge. The canal footpath took us past St. Marys and Fettlers wharf marinas. Running behind Rufford Old Hall we recrossed the canal and the A59 to Sandy Lane and across fields to Holmeswood and the return to the reserve car park via the ‘blue’ path.
It was warm and wet but not too bad as it was all on the level, great for folk with dodgy ankles and other limitations. We covered the very wet and often muddy 10km in just over 2.5 hours.
Well done to Anne for the pics and Peter for the lead.
The rambling group undertook a 10 mile circular walk today in very hot humid weather, although thankfully the sun was behind clouds for most of the walk, Starting out from the Black Horse pub at Limbrick we walked down the very aptly named Long Lane (more about that later) to enter a pleasantly shaded dell and into rough pasture ground. Continue reading
The next ramble will be on Thursday 7th September, and will be an 9.5 mile circular walk round the village of Limbrick near Chorley. The walk is fairly flat and follows quiet paths, some road, canal paths and fields with a number of styles to negotiate Regular ramblers have been notified of start point, but if any new members wish to join the group please contact the Group Leader for information. ( pollypaws46@gmail.com).
10 members of the rambling group today had a very unexpected lovely day for our 8.5 mile circular ramble starting at Glasson Dock near Lancaster. The forecast had been for intermittent showers, but in spite of the very heavy rain on the M6 on our outward journey we found ourselves in a microclimate of warm sunshine and clear blue skies!