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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.

Our latest ramble was in the Bolton area, starting and finishing at the Black Bull pub in Edgworth.  A short 45 minute drive saw us in the car park and ready to roll by 10.40 with blue sky and sunshine.  A quick call into the local bowling club facility and then we were underway for a 7 mile jaunt.  Parks, woods, rivers and some great scenery made it a good day out. The weather tried to spoil it but we were back to the pub for a late lunch by 2 pm just in time to watch the rain.  Well done to Ann and Peter for a great day.

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7 members of the rambling group set out today to tackle a hike around the Dove Stone reservoir area on Saddleworth Moor, which lies at the Northwest corner of the Peak District. Starting at a height of 210m we walked up a well made path winding around side of the hills in lovely sunshine. However the moors of the Peak District soon showed their true colours and the mist rolled in and a fine drizzly rain started to fall, which caused an impromptu stop to don wet gear….which…as can be seen from some of the photos …was of the slightly more unorthodox variety in some cases! Continue reading →

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14 of us set off this morning from the Butlers Arms in Pleasington, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Blackburn, to walk the 6 miles of the Beamers Trail, part of the 32 mile walk known as the Witton Weavers Way. Pleasington was the manorial home of families such as the Ainsworths and Butler-Bowdens and still has a row of handloom weavers cottages  within the village. We joined the path at Pleasington Priory, which is a fine example of a Gothic Roman Catholic Church. Continue reading →

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12 members of the Ramblers group set off from the top of Parbold Hill to undertake an 8 mile walk through the picturesque Douglas Valley. Although we are now in Spring, the day was very cold, which necessitated the walkers being well wrapped up with hats scarves and gloves as well as the usual walking gear. Peter and Ann had undertaken a recce of the walk last week and found the tracks to be clear and easy to negotiate. Today however, following the recent heavy rains, the paths were very muddy and there were a couple of near misses which thankfully did not result in anyone falling in the streams!  Continue reading →

The next Ramble will be on Thursday 4th April to the Douglas Valley in Parbold area.This is an 8 mile ramble over varied terrain of fields, hills, canal and lanes. The walk will be muddy so appropriate footwear is required. Lunch in the pub at the end of the walk. Car share as usual.
Meet at the Car Park Maghull Baptist Church to leave at 9:45am.
Contact Peter Willox 07899 103122                                                                                      for more details if required.

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7 Ramblers completed a 9 mile trek yesterday on part of the Sandstone trail in Cheshire. Starting from the uniquely named Copper Mines Lane we spent 4 hours walking part of the linear route which is one of Julia Bradbury’s top 100 walks. Passing through the village of Burwardsley, we negotiated paths which were ankle deep in mud to ascend to the trig point at Rawhead, the highest point of the trail, at 746 feet above sea level.In spite of the recent rain, the day was sunny with bright skies, which meant we had amazing views across the Cheshire Plain into Wales from the tops of the hills and a great view of Beeston Castle from the valley floor..The varied route took us along country lanes, woodland paths  and several steep ascents, which made everyone  (except Alan) realise how unfit we all are after the winter period when walks have been more sedate. Returning to our start point we had a quick journey to the Bickerton Poacher, where a lovely late lunch and welcome drinks were thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to Alan for the recce and the great walk. Our next ramble is on Thursday 4th April, when we will be walking in the Douglas Valley.(This is an amendment of the advertised programme) Details will be posted in due course

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Margaret Schumacher led a lovely and varied 9 mile ramble around West Kirby, Thurstaston and Caldy today. The walkers stayed dry despite setting off by train from Maghull in pouring rain, which cleared by the start point of the walk. However the rain played havoc with some of the footpaths, and called for some tricky footwork. Our leader also displayed some excellent mountaineering skills! A good day was had by all. The next ramble is on Thursday 14th March, and will be part of the Cheshire Sandstone trail. Please note re-arranged date from that previously published.