Sunday 21 August - Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall

A pleasant 4 - 5 mile walk along the River Irwell from Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall across fields and woodland led by David and I.  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.    

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

Sunday 14th August - Flash

Meet in the village of Flash for 12:30 start.

6 miles with some ascent and descent - some lane walking - other parts could be a bit muddy if it has been raining. Flash is said to be the highest village in England.

Formerly the meeting place for rogues, vagabonds, counterfeiters and bare knuckle fighters.

There is a pub at Flash Bar, but please bring your own refreshments.

Paul

Sunday 7 August. Huddersfield Canal/Saddleworth Valley

This is a very easy, flat,7/ 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

Pictures from Knott End Walk 22/5/11

Hello Sailor! 14 Nov 2010 Tatton Park

Photos from Frodsham walk 10 April

Snowdon Railway option for weekend away 17/19th Jun Walking Weekend Betws Y Coed

Patrick has also sent some info about the Snowdon Railway in case anyone is interested in this as an option to one of the organised walks from Betws Y Coed for the weekend away on 17-19 June..   

Hi Derek, some people on the walk w/end have expressed an interest in taking the train to Snowdon, and I wondered if you wanted to forward some details: 45 mins drive from Betws y Coed to Llanberis Station (pay and display) from where the train departs. Trains every 30 mins after 9 a.m. costs £19 single to the summit (can walk back but have no routemap-would take about 2 hours to descend on the easier route) and £25 return. Return journey takes 2 and a half hours with a half hour stop at the new leisure complex at the summit. Phone booking recommended (08444938120-£3.50 admin charge!!), but can't book by phone on the day of travel-just have to turn up and pay.

Sunday 12 June Goyt Valley and Errwood Hall

This Sundays walk which David and I will be leading is a pleasant 6 miles which involves some gradual uphill incline as well as flat walking across moorland and woodland. Boots recommended. We stop at Errwood Hall (ruin) for lunch, please bring sandwiches - there is nowhere to buy any refreshments. There is also the opportunity to visit a small Victorian Shrine dedicated to the former governess of the house.

Derek

Sunday 22nd May The Brine fields of Knott End & surrounds

Here are the details for my walk on May 22nd. 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.


Cliff

Sunday 17 April - Macclesfield Forest and Shutlingsloe

This Sundays walk will be a pleasant 5-6 mile walk through Macclesfield Forest and a climb to a trig point, Shutlingsloe for some good views over the Peak District and Cheshire countryside. 

There is a mobile cafe at the forest and a pub possibly serving meals at the end of the walk (depending upon when we reach the end). However you may wish to bring sandwiches.

It will be led by David and myself.   

Derek

Pictures from Sunday 13 March - Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

Sandstone Trail and Helsby Hill – Sunday 10 April

Sandstone Trail and Helsby Hill – Sunday 10 April. Meet at 12.45pm.

This is a circular walk starting at Beacon Hill near Frodsham Golf Course, through woodlands, red sandstone crags and offering spectacular views of the Mersey Estuary.

It is a bit longer than usual at 9 miles, along a mix of easy and rough paths, some steep climbs and descents too. The paths are rocky in places and could be muddy if its been wet. I would recommend boots/strong footwear. There are no teashops or pubs on the walk so please bring your own snacks etc. We should finish the walk at about 5pm including stops for lunch and rest breaks.

There are a couple of nice country pubs we can call at after the walk for those who still have the energy to lift a glass!

David.

Quarry Bank Mill Estate and Styal Country Park 27/03/11

A five mile walk through the National Trust’s Quarry Bank Mill Estate and Styal Country Park. It starts in Styal village then over fields to the River Bollin. After a lunch stop at the Mill the walk continues through Styal Woods and returns via the perimeter of Manchester Airport and along the Old Altrincham Road which has some of the original medieval buildings of Styal .

The walk follows established footpaths but they may be muddy in parts following wet weather. Although most of it is quite flat there are several steep but stepped ascents and descents in the woods. The end of the walk is along a lane part of which is closed to traffic.

There is an NT teashop and picnic area at the Mill and a pub at the end.

Phil & Phil

WEEKEND AWAY JUNE 17 - 19 Betws-y-Coed in North Wales

Walking Weekend - 17 - 19 June  

This years OOS weekend away will be in Betws-y-Coed in North Wales, close to Snowdonia National Park. Its a picturesque market town on a river with some good pubs and lots of walking opportunities. 

As with previous years, please make your own arrangements for accommodation and we will meet at one of the pubs on the Friday evening and I will have a look at some walks for the Saturday and Sunday. 

I'll email more details nearer to the date. 

Cheers

Derek    

Sunday 13 March - Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

The walk is approximately 8 KM ( 5 Miles ) around the two reservoirs. 4 hours depending on stops.

Gentle walk with only three inclines of approx’ 200 yards each. It can be very muddy in places, but the majority is good paths on the level. There is a small stretch on a minor road, to gain access to the path once again. Depending on the weather, the walk can be shortened if it is pouring down. Hopefully that will not be the case; ever the optimist.

Walking boots are recommended, with Outdoor protective clothing from the cold and rain. A hat and scarf  would be useful as the wind coming off the reservoir on the eastern end can be very cold at times.

On route there is an Inn but it is too soon into the walk to stop for a meal, so please bring a packed lunch and a flask, water etc. At the end of the walk group members can return to the Strawberry Duck for a drink if they wish by a shorter route. It tends to be packed out on Sundays.

To view the area with a little history of the Reservoirs  > http://en.wikipeda.org/wiki/Turton_and_Entwistle_Reservoir

Cheers Jeff

Sunday 27 February Ashursts Beacon

This is a short circular walk approx 4 miles - taking in some lovely scenery along walk routes through fields on paths and woodland with very little on road walking. Taking into consideration the time of year it will be muddy and slippery in places, please come prepared with your walking boots and wet gear, hopefully you will not need it.
I recommend you take a packed lunch/refreshments with you as we will stop after 2 hours or so at the beacon (after a sharp ascent) to take in the views and have a well deserved break. From here it will only take us half an hour to get back to our base. (please don't be put off by the sharp ascent to Ashursts Beacon its not a long one say 5 mins - you can do it!)

Pubs:
There are two pubs close by at the end of the walk if anyone is up for a pint - details on the day.

 Peter

February 13th - Haigh Country Park, Wigan

This is an easy 4 mile walk along a section of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and around part of Haigh Country Park. It may be muddy in places, so boots are recommended. There is a teashop in the Park, where drinks and snacks can be purchased, or you can bring your own lunch.

Patrick