Sunday 17 October - Ramsbottom to Rawtentsall and returning by train

Next Sundays walk will be one of the perenial favourites, led by myself and David, a pleasent 4 - 5 mile walk along the River Irwell from Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall across fields and woodland. It also includes one of the biggest outdoor photograph frames your ever likely to see.

It is an easy walk mostly on flat ground but boots advised as it could be muddy.    

Meet at 12.30 at Ramsbottom railway station (outside the ticket office). At the end of the walk at Rawtenstall we will take the train back to Ramsbottom (either 3.25 or 4.15 depending on arrival time in Rawtenstall)

Its a weekend for diesel enthusiasts on Sunday so I'm assuming we'll be travelling back on diesel as opposed to steam.

There is a cafe in Irwell Vale church about half way along which serves coffee and hopefully scones/cakes but feel free to bring sandwiches.

Derek and David 

September 5th Goyt Valley

A fairly short walk of 5 or 6 miles in the Goyt Valley, starting just beyond Whaley Bridge and going around Fernilee Reservoir.

The first and last parts of the walk are through fields that may be damp or muddy. Much of the walk is along easy paths, with just one or two steeper sections.

There are no pubs or cafes en route so a packed lunch is recommended. But there are a number of pubs around Disley, that should provide a suitable stopping-off point afterwards.

Richard

Sunday 8 August - Littleborough/Todmorden and the Rochdale Canal

This is an easy going 5 mile walk from Littleborough to Todmorden following the route of the Rochdale Canal through Summit and Walsden. We will follow the canal along the tow path which rises through a series of locks to the village of Summit and then descends down to Todmorden, with excellent views of the valley, railway and industrial heritage of the area. A good resting place is at the Summit pub where Sunday lunch should be available and a good space to eat sandwiches by one of the highest locks in the country at 600ft. The journey back to Littleborough will be a short train ride from Todmorden station, trains leaving at five minutes to the hour.

Arthur and Sid

Middlewood Way - Sunday 1 August

This is a six mile walk around the Marple area.
It begins along the Middlewood Way, then crosses fields and the Macclesfield Canal to join Marple Ridge. From the Ridge there are fine views of both the Pennines and the Cheshire Plain. We will stop for lunch (about 2.00pm) at a pub along the way but food service could be slow so you may wish to bring sandwiches. The walk continues down to and along the Peak Forest Canal. The final section is through the centre of Marple back to the starting point, where there is another pub (but no food after 4.00pm).

Phil & Phil

Hollingworth Country Park - Sunday 18 July

This Sunday's walk is approximately 6 miles around part of Hollingworth Country Park, Milnrow, Rochdale (OS Explorer OL21, GR 939153). It is a generally easy walk, but there are a couple of uphill sections, one of which leads to the corner of Blackstone Edge, a longer, steady climb, crossing a Roman road and offering tremendous views back towards Manchester. The latter section of the walk can be omitted if the group would prefer to add on a circular of Hollingworth Lake instead. The terrain is good, but there may be one or 2 muddy sections IF there is any substantial rain beforehand, so walking boots may be needed on the day (hopefully not!). There will be a stop en route to rest and allow people to eat a packed lunch. At the end of the walk there is a good cafe at the visitor centre and several cafes/shops/bars in and around the Lake.


Patrick   

Pictures from Knott End and the Brine Fields 11.07.10

Just after the made our way from Knott End out into the surrounding countryside, 

making our way through on of the local farms on our route.

Making our way away from the farm we were afforded this wonderful view 

across wheat fields with the South Lakes in the background.

Making our way along the Wyre Way skirting the Brine Fields on the left 

and the Wyre estuary flood plain on the right.

Getting to the end of the Wyre Way.

 The majority of the group assembled at the end of the Wyre Way.

Break stop at Hole 10 on the Knott End golf course (1)

Break stop at Hole 10 on the Knott End golf course (2)

 Hackensall Hall. This is an important historical site in the area. A large hoard of Roman coins were found near the hall. Later, the Vikings were active around the coast. The name Hackensall is derived from the Norse Viking name Hakon. Towards the end of the 11th century the hall was the seat of The Lord Manor Of Preesall, and served as a fort to resist further Norse incursions. The present hall was built around the 17th century, although the remains of a chapel of rather great antiquity have been found in the grounds.

Making our way from Hackensall Hall towards the last leg of the walk 

across the Golf Course and back to Knott End Golf Course Club House.

The Brine fields of Knott End & surrounds Sunday 11th July

Knott End is a mixture of modest resort and commuter village as it is close to Blackpool, Fleetwood & Lancaster. There are fabulous views across the bay to the South Lakes. The walk takes in cross country parts, the Brine fields, the estuary of the River Wyre, the local golf course and more. It is an easy 6 mile ramble and we will stop about 3/4 the way round at a cafe at the 10th hole of the golf course which offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks at very reasonable prices. If you want to bring your own sandwiches that is ok too of course! There is a pub at the end if anyone wants to go for a pint and they do traditional English cuisine.

Sunday 27 June - Garstang area

The walk will be along countryside field paths and the banks of the river Wyre and will be mainly flat terrain. It wil be approximately 4 -5 miles in length. 

Garstang is located between Preston and Lancaster. J 32 for the M55. Come off at J1 and head north on the A6. 

Rivington Pike - Sunday 4 July

This is a steepish in parts 7/8 mile walk uphill at a leisurely pace to the summit of Rivington Pike (great views from the top). Stout shoes or walking boots are recommended because it can be muddy depending on weather conditions.

There are two watering holes on the route but you will probably wish to bring a packed lunch. A visit to the Pub on the way down near the walks end is on the cards for the alcoholics amongst us.

Rod.

Walk - Parbold & The Fairy Glen - 13th June

Pictures of the some of the beautiful sights on the walk can be previews here

http://www.mozmorris.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=30


The walk is a delightful one as anyone who went on it in 2007 will know. It offers a great variety of beautiful terrain and sights. The Fairy Glen at this time of year is really beautiful with it's canopy of greenery and tranquil paths that wend their way through this hidden delight. Complete with a nice photo opportunity with the colourful sign! The countryside around Parbold is one of those areas that after walking around makes you think "Who knew!" it really is pretty and an enjoyable walk, just look at the pictures to see some of the lovely sights. There should be a pub stop en route at the Rigbye Arms - winner of the Lancashire Life Magazine "Pub Food of the Year" award. They don't like people eating their own food in their grounds so while people are in the pub others might have to wait around nearby if they bring their own lunches. Prices are not too bad and they offer a very nice selection of food as you can imagine at a good standard with being award winners. They have a room specially for walkers in mind - a very nice inclusive touch! There is also a pub in Parbold at the end should anyone want to stop for a refreshing drink at the end. I think this walk offers all the right ingredients, pretty and not really taxing (in fact I'd say easy for the most part with a couple of small climbs up steps in the Glen), good food en route and all the social elements that a lot of our walkers like!

Cliff

Sunday 23 May - Saddleworth Valley

This will be a very easy, flat, 8 mile walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal through the picturesque Saddleworth Valley from Mossley to the start of the Stanedge Tunnel at Diggle and back to Greenfield, where we will catch the train back to Mossley.Simple walking boots or trainers will be fine. There will be a stop for lunch in the pretty village of Uppermill-bring your own or buy it in the village. 

Patrick  

Photos from Sid Barlow from the April 25th Walk @ Howarth

Bronte Country - Haworth - Sunday 25 April at 12.30pm

This is a walk across the wild Pennine moors to the romantic ruin of Top Withins, the alleged inspiration for the house and its location in Wuthering Heights. There are some stunning views.

The walk is approx 7 miles, mostly on well marked paths though there are some rocky/rough sections, over open, exposed moorland and some road walking. There are some steep climbs. Boots and appropriate clothing are recommended as there is no shelter on the walk from the elements! 

Bring sandwiches and drinks etc as there aren't any eating venues on the route. We can stop at a local pub towards the end of the walk in Stanbury called the Wuthering Heights (naturally!) where we can stop for a rest/toilet/drink etc. 

David.

Disley and River Goyt - Sunday 18 April

6 miles (2.5 - 3 hours) circular walk from Disley railway station along the river Goyt to new Mills and back along the Peak Forest canal.Taking in the Millenium Walkway, disused mill, Archimedean Screw and Swissells factory. Ending in the White Horse, 18 Buxton Old Road, Disley, SK12 2BB, just around the corner from the station for thiese who fancy a drink. 

Bring a packed lunch (lunch about 13.30) and sturdy shoes/boots, although the walk is mainly along good footpaths and not muddy. Pretty flat for most of the route, with a couple of gradients at the beginning and halfway. There is no tea shop or toilet along the walk.   

Roger   

OoS member to participate in 26 mile 'Shine' marathon walk for Cancer Research UK

Hi folks - I wondered if you'd be interested in sponsoring me for a night time marathon walk? I would really appreciate your support and it's for a good cause too!

The walk starts at 10pm on Saturday 17 April from Manchester city centre. The route includes the Lowry Centre, Trafford Centre, Man Utd football ground, Moss Side, Chorlton and Whitworth Park.

I'm doing really well so far for sponsorship but as the walk draws nearer I'm beginning to wonder what I've left myself in for - 26 miles feels like a very very long way now! I need all the encouragement I can get and it would be fantastic if you were able to sponsor me. 

Have a look at my fundraising page on the JustGiving website: http://www.sponsormetoshine.org/davehibbert and click on the 'sponsor me now' button or if you prefer not to sponsor online send me a quick email and I can add your name to my sponsor form - daveinprestwich@btinternet.com 

I hope to be on the next walk on 11 April and I'll be leading a walk on the 25th April from Howarth (assuming I'm still in one piece!) and look forward to seeing you there. 

Thanks for taking time to read this.

David (from Prestwich!).

Sunday 11 April - Sutton Manor/Clock Face

This is a six to seven mile walk on relatively flat agricultural land, encompassing two country parks planted on the reclaimed sites of the former Clock Face and Sutton Manor coal mines. En route is 'The Dream', a recently completed 20 metre high sculpture inspired to regenerate the spirit of the local (once mining) communities. You may have seen it driving along the M62 motorway near IKEA. There are also good views to be seen from Sutton Manor. To the west is the Mersey Estuary and Snowdonia, and to the east Manchester and the Pennines.
It will be a good idea to bring walking boots as it could be quite muddy in places, and a packed lunch if desired, as there are no pubs or shops on the walk. There is a pub in Clock Face village if you fancy a drink afterwards.


Sid and Arthur

Werneth Low Walk pictures - thanks to Sid

Weekend away in Hawes, Yorkshire Dales - 18 - 20 June

This years Out on Sunday weekend away will be in Hawes, North Yorkshire in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. There is some good walking accessible including a lovely walk from Aysgarth waterfalls to Bolton Castle which we would hope to do.
There are a number of B and Bs and a link is given below. A number of pubs in the town serve food.

As in previous years, please make your own arrangements for accommodation and I will email nearer the time at a pub where we can meet up on the Friday evening (18th).

Look forward to sharing another fun filled weekend away with you and hopefully the weather will be kinder this year.

http://www.dalesandvales.co.uk/accommodation_directory/yorkshire_dales/0013-hawes/index.html

Lower Medlock Valley - Sunday 21 March

A 5-6 mile walk in the Lower Medlock Valley. along canal and through parkland from Daisy Nook Country Park to Park Bridge and back with aspects of industrial heritage along the way.

It is not a strenuous walk is primarily on the flat with the occasional incline.  Boots advisable and packed lunch.

Gilbert and Andy

Sun March 7th Werneth Low Country Park

Approx 6 miles (2.5 - 3 hours) circular walk from Werneth Low (Stockport/Hyde area) taking in Etherow County Park. Some fairly long, moderately steep gradients as we will be dropping into a couple of valleys. Also a bit muddy in places.

From Werneth Low (Low means hill in ancient speak) there is a panoramic view across Manchester. On the way from Etherow there are great views of a couple of hills and valleys and we will walk along the river Etherow for some of the way.


Bring a packed lunch and sturdy shoes/boots. There is a cafe with toilets about half way round the walk at Etherow visitor centre. After the walk we can eat and drink at the Hare and Hounds pub just a short distance away.

Roger

Redes Mere & Capesthorne Hall 07/02/10

The walk was a pleasant walk around Redes Mere and couple of other small lakes with view of Capesthorne Hall and then across farmland and back towards Redes Mere. It was a an easy 3.5 miles in length. Led by Derek & David it was a nice way (for me!) to slide back into the walking season! Gently undulating with a couple of minor inclines it was for the most part a very easy if muddy walk around the lovely Cheshire countryside.

The walk attracted a dozen or so which for early February was a nice number. The weather was about 6 Celsius, dry and crisp! We got to walk close to the beautiful Capesthorne Hall and we were afforded lovely views of it's grounds and gardens. The Hall itself was built between 1719 and 1732. Extensive changes over a hundred years later, included the distinctive turrets and pinnacles. But in 1861 a disastrous fire threatened to destroy the Hall completely. It was only saved by a change of the direction of the wind, which left just two wings remaining. The entire central section was gutted and had to be completely rebuilt. During the Second World War, Capesthorne was used as a Red Cross Hospital and its cellars became an effective bomb shelter for nurses and soldiers.
The historic collection displays a family's taste collected over three centuries and include fine art, marble sculptures, tapestries, Regency, Jacobean and Rococo antiques from throughout Europe and America and the Far East.
The present Squire, Sir William Bromley-Davenport, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and his American wife Elizabeth (E.B Watts), a professional artist, are the latest of eight generations to live there.

Proposed Walks for 2010

This is the current proposed walks list for 2010. As you can see some walks are TBA (to be arranged) so this list will be a framework for the 2010 walks season. As more information becomes available the website/blog will be updated and added to with more information on upcoming walks.
24 Jan	Dunham Massey	David and Derek
7 Feb	Redes Mere and Capethorne Hall	David and Derek
21 Feb	No Walk
7 March	Werneth Low Country Park	Roger
21 March	Medlock Valley	Gilbert and Andy
11 April	Sutton Manor	Sid and Arthur
18 April	Longendale Valley	Paul
25 April	Howarth	David H
9 May	Styal Woods	Phil and Phil
23 May	TBA	Patrick
5 or 6 June	Picnic/walk around Ainsdale	Derek and David
13 June	TBA	Cliff and Wayne
20 June	Yorkshire Dales	Walking weekend
27 June	Glasson Dock/Thurnham	Anthony
4 July	Rivington	Stathis and Rod
11July	TBA	Cliff and Wayne
18 July	TBA	Patrick
25 July	Werneth Low Country Park, near Stockport	Roger
1 August	Middlewood Way	Phil and Phil
8 August	Darwen Tower	Sid and Arthur
15 Aug	TBA	Cliff and Wayne
22 Aug	TBA	David H
5 Sept	TBA	Patrick
19 Sept	Reddish Vale	Gilbert and Andy
3 Oct	Peel Tower	David H
17 Oct	TBA	Stathis and Rod
31 Oct	Lower Goyt Valley	Gilbert and Andy
14 Nov	TBA	Derek and David
21 Nov	Pennington Flash	Mark
19 Dec	Xmas Lunch

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