Walk B Trefiw 9th November 2024

Walk lead by Mark Stanford, 8 miles appx, 1000ft of ascent.

Just shy of 8 miles with a bit less than 1000ft of ascent this challenge will reward the B party with stunning views of Creigiau Gleision, as well as two lakes. The terrain is good with a mix of woodland paths, forestry tracks and mettled road finishing with a pleasant riverside stroll through fields.
 

We begin with a stiff climb taking in the falls behind the mill before picking up a woodland trail out of Trefriw. As we level out, we leave the trees behind passing evidence of mineworks. The path takes us to the northern end of Llyn Geirionydd. The map shows that I walked the western shaw on the recce, but we’ll follow the quiet mettled track on the east to avoid a challenging and slippery quarter of a mile. 

At the end of the lake we head west for the high ground separating the two lakes, where, weather allowing we’ll stop for lunch to enjoy the views, before making our way down to the lakeside.
We’ll follow the quiet lane before picking up footpaths through fields that will return us to Trefriw before dusk with sufficient time to enjoy all that the village has to offer.

 

 

Walk C Trefiw 9th November 2024

Walk lead by Gwyn Jones, 5 miles appx.

An easy walk but wet and muddy in places.  After coffee etc. we will make a short uphill walk to the waterfall; which was in full flow when we did the recce. Then we return to the village and head to the Cob which is a grassy flood wall alongside the river. We walk along the cob to the suspension bridge. We cross the river into the town for a short while before we can pick up the riverside path to the road bridge. Here we stop for our lunch. We return through the village to the suspension bridge and continue  to Trefriw along  a tarmac road. I recommend good leg- ware eg Spats. Gwyn

Walk A Trefiw 9th November 2024

Walk lead by Peter Hitchcock, 10 miles, total climb 2360ft.

You’ll be delighted that the last walk of the season at Trefiw offers you woodland
paths, Forestry tracks, relics of the slate-mining days, and Fell paths that offer
fantastic views of the Carneddau range – even in the rain! But, it will be a fairly hard
graft route with lots of “uppies and downies” being Wales!! Although we climb to only
1000ft amsl, the total climb range during the walk is 2360ft with a similar amount of
downs, but all within your excellent capabilities.
From the car park, with its free toilets, we head south along the main road for about
200 yds before skirting off into an extensive woodland area – all Welsh National Park
- and up to the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall. Unfortunately, the path to the fall itself is
locked due to the risk of falling trees (local ‘elf & safety!) but you can see some of it
from our standpoint.

 

We continue on westwards to a lookout point before climbing up through disused
mine buildings and on to the 2 high level lakes we shall see today: ‘Llyn Geirionydd’
and ‘Crafnant’. Between the two there will be tremendous views of the Snowdonian
mountains. We turn back towards Trefiw staying in the national park all the way,
passing some interesting points en route.

 

A varied trek at 10 miles but quite muddy and slippery in places due to the wet so
over-trousers or gaiters would be beneficial if you have them. We also cross about a
dozen strong stiles. See you there!

 

 

 

Walk C Tideswell 12th October 2024

Walk lead by Helen & Mike.

This lovely 6 mile walk starts and ends in Tideswell. It passes through Tideswell Dale, past Litton Mill and then on to the Monsal Trail which is a dis-used railway track. We then progress to Millers Dale on the river Wye and will stop for lunch by the Anglers Rest pub right next to the river. From Millers Dale we head up to the Limestone Way where there are fantastic views of surrounding hills and the Monsal Trail. This leads onto a quiet country road which we walk back into Tideswell village where there are a number of pubs/shops and a Cathedral.

There are no stiles or fields (with cows) to pass through.

Whilst much of this walk is easy on flat well made paths there are some uphill sections e.g. Litton Mill up to Monsal Trail and after lunch from the Anglers Rest up to the Limestone Way.It then levels out and gives great views of the countryside. There are also some short parts where the terrain is uneven and rocky. We will take care in these parts and help each other if necessary.

Another lovely walk and again one not to be missed in our opinion.

 

Walk A Tideswell 12th October 2024

Walk lead by John Gobin, 9.6 miles long with about 1900ft of ascent.

The October A walk starts at the lovely village of Tideswell in the Peak District.
Tideswell is a large village in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
It has a great selection of independent shops, pubs and cafes, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful White Peak limestone uplands in the area.
Its magnificent church is known as the Cathedral of the Peak. There are lots of independent shops ,cafes and a couple of pubs in the village.

We start from the centre of Tideswell and travel out to pass the village of Litton. From there we walk through Derbyshire Dales national nature reserve. We walk through the valley until we arrive at Cressbrook and loop round to Litton Mill. We venture from there and walk by the river Wye. We arrive by Millers Dale and from there back to Tideswell.

 

 

Walk B Tideswell 12th October 2024

Walk lead by Andrew Phillips, 6.7 miles long with about 1,500ft of ascent. 

This walk starts in the village of Tideswell, where there are public toilets (voluntary donations). The route follows a country lane (probably not much traffic) to the village of Litton, where we will turn south across fields to Tansley Dale, crossing a number of styles. Where Tansley Dale enters Cressbrook Dale, we can take a short detour north to Peter’s Stone, before returning south along Cressbrook Dale to the hamlet of Cressbrook, where the route joins the valley of the River Wye, which is a deep valley with impressive limestone cliffs on either side. Hopefully the riverside path is not flooded, so that we can proceed along Miller’s Dale, before turning north along Tideswell Dale back towards Tideswell. There are toilets at the car park part way up Tideswell Dale.

 

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Walk A Hayfield 14th September 2024

Walk lead by Brian Thorne, 10 miles long with about 1,968ft of ascent.

Kinder Scout is a fascinating mountain, with a rich history and fabulous gritstone scenery.

It was the site of the famous “Mass trespass,” of 1932, which began the move to open up previously closed off private moorlands to general access, thereby allowing us to enjoy the fabulous gritstone scenery this route has to offers us. However, please bear in mind that some of the paths are quite uneven and involve some fairly steep and lengthy climbs.

Leaving Hayfield, our route begins with an easy approach walk along the banks of the River Kinder and up Kinder Road, to Kinder Reservoir and the foot of William Clough. The path here rises steeply upwards and can be quite slippery in places as it crosses and re-crosses the beck. But eventually, the paved path from Snake Pass is reached and a final steep climb takes us up to the edge of the plateau and a much flatter gradient towards Kinder Downfall and lunch.

Following the Pennine way now, we eventually reach the trig point at Kinder Low and begin our descent via Edale Cross and Tunstead Clough Farm, back to the Kinder Riverside Path and Hayfield.

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Walk B Hayfield 14th September 2024

Walk lead by Pat Guy, 7.5 miles long with about 1,000ft of ascent.

We start the walk today from the village of Hayfield, famous as one of the starting points of the mass trespass of 1932, when hundreds of mainly men marched to the summit of Kinder Scout as they wanted greater freedom to roam the countryside. There were many arrests and a few imprisonments. Eventually in years to come this led to creation of our National Parks which we all enjoy today. So when you are hopefully enjoying your walk today please give a thought to these brave men.

We follow the River Kinder along paths gradually ascending until we reach the White Brow where we will have good views of the Reservoir and surrounding countryside. Then, we take a well defined path over heather clad moors to Carr Meadow Farm and after a short distance on the Glossop Road turn off to Blackshaw Farm and follow the Pennine Bridleway down to the River Sett passing Lantern Pike on the way. We then walk along the River Sett into Hayfield.

Kinder Reservoir

 

 

Walk C Hayfield 14th September 2024

Walk lead by Helen Lewandowska, flat, 5 miles.

We will start from the car park walking the Sett Valley Trail and have our coffee after 15/20 mins of walking at the lovely and wooded Sett Valley Cafe. The walk is a flat walk of 5 miles with no stiles and for most of the way is on a well-defined path so is easy.

The walk starts from the old train station and is on the dis-used railway line which ceased in 1970. In the early part of the walk there are some fantastic views of Lantern Pike and the Birch Vale reservoir.

After our coffee stop the walk is less interesting for a short time but you are rewarded later on with spectacular views, waterfalls, rock faces and viaducts on the approach to New Mills. It is a lovely spot and we will have a break here if people want to eat their sandwiches.

From here we go over the Millenium bridge which as its name implies was built in 2000.It is an impressive structure built on concrete stilts for foot traffic only and gives lovely high up views of the river below and Torr Vale Mill. There will be an opportunity here to go in the cheese shop or have a beer /coffee in the Mill before we head back. The route alongside the river to the mill is more uneven but still a good path.
 
We return the same way and there will be time back in Hayfield to explore the village-there a lovely pub the Pack Horse Inn and cafes etc.

A walk not to be missed in our view !!!

 

Walk A Hebden Bridge 10th August 2024

Walk lead by Brian Thorne, 10 Miles 1,246 ft of of climbing around the high moors and valleys to the north of Hebden Bridge.

This is a scenic high level route with some stunning views. However, at this time of year,
some of the narrower paths are quite overgrown and so bearing in mind the increase in Tic
infestations this year, I would strongly advise potential “A” walkers not to wear shorts.
Leaving Hebden Bridge, the climbing begins immediately, through woodland and then open
pasture, to reach the Calderdale Way. After contouring round Keelam Edge, we climb the
open moorland to reach High Brown Knoll at 1,453 ft. Crossing to Flaight Hill, we descend
to our lunch stop at Lumb Hole, before climbing steeply again to our second high point just
below Shackleton Knoll.

Descending once again past attractive farms, we enter the scenic Hebden Dale, passing
through Hardcastle Crags, to reach the beautifully restored National Trust cotton mill with its
stepping stones, café and loos!

 

 

A good track then leads us down to New Bridge, from where a little road walking takes us to
the riverside path and back into Hebden Bridge.

Walk C Hebden Bridge 10th August 2024

Walk lead by Bill Farr, 6 Miles 200ft of ascent.

After refreshments at Bridge Gate we join the tow path alongside The Rochdale Canal for an easy walk to Brearley passing colourful moored barges in picturesque surroundings. And passing Mytholmroyd we reach Brearley Lock were hill have a short stop for lunch before leaving the canal to cross over The River Calder and head for home alongside the river and the railway passing through woods on pleasant paths to Mytholmroyd Station. After walking through the suburbs we pickup the river again as far as Hebden Bridge Station then across the park to the canal into town to Bridge Gate were we started, the pedestrianised street and:

SATURDAY IS MARKET DAY An interesting walk past old mills and canal locks with a bit of industry on good paths.

Walk B, Kendal, 13th July 2024

Walk lead by Pay Guy, 9 Miles 900ft of ascent

The walk this month starts in the busy town of Kendal. After making our way through the town and ascending near to the golf course we cross the A591 over a footbridge. Then it is an undulating walk to Cunswick Scar and then walking along a limestone escarpment to Scout Scar. The walk across the scars is at a fairly high level and we have good views of the surrounding countryside and the Southern Lake district. We will visit the 'Mushroom' and walk along to the Trig point to get the views.

Unfortunately due to road closures in the area we will have to return to Kendal on almost the same route as the way out to the Scars, this also means a little more distance than we usually do but it is a delightful walk.

The walk is about 9 miles long and has a total ascent of 900ft.

Scout Scar Mushroom

 

Walk A, Kendal, 13th July 2024

Walk lead by Brian Thorne, 10 Miles 750ft of ascent

Scout Scar

This is a delightful walk over a classic limestone plateau, with stunning views in all directions.
Leaving the coach at Kendal Sports Centre, we follow the course of the River Kent southwards before climbing up to cross the busy A591. Climbing again on field paths, we then descend slightly to the beautiful little church of St John Helsington, and take in the grand panoramic view across the Lyth Valley, to many of the major Lakeland fells.

Climbing once again up onto Scout Scar, we make our way to the Trig Point and then over to the “Mushroom” viewing point. 

A short descent then leads us around the communications aerial and on to Cunswick Scar where we follow more field paths, cross the footbridge over the A591 and pass through several holes of the Kendal Golf club before reaching the town centre and well deserved refreshment.

The “Mushroom” viewing point

 

 

Walk C, Kendal, 13th July 2024

Walk lead by Bill Farr, 6.5 Miles 300ft of ascent.

From the Leisure Centre we head north into the town centre for refreshments before visiting Kendal Castle view point. From there we go south to pick up the former tow path of The Kendal to Lancaster canal as far as Hawes Bridge crossing the river Kent We will take a lunch break beside the river before heading north back to the Leisure Centre.

Group B at the Twelve Apostles, Ilkley Moor June 2024

 

Walk B, Ilkley, 8th June 2024

Walk lead by Andrew Phillips, 8.3 miles, 1,200ft approximately of ascent.

The walk commences in the town and heads southwards towards Ilkley Moor. We will head past the Tarn towards the Cow and Calf, then turn west through the Rocky Valley. The route then heads south up onto the Moor, with a possible short diversion to the Twelve Apostles standing stones, before turning west along the top of the moor, skirting Rombalds Moor, before turning north to join the Millenium Way back towards Ilkley. Distance 8.3 miles, ascent 1,200ft approx. There will be some boggy areas, and there is no shelter.

 

 

Walk C, Ilkley, 8th June 2024

Walk lead by Bill Farr, 6 Miles 500ft of ascent

After refreshments walk through town towards the hills turning right passed the hospital to Heber's Ghyll across fields towards Addingham at Gate Croft we head down to the main road were we turn right and join Dalesway by the river back to Ilkey.

Walk B, Clapham, 11th May 2024

Walk lead by Pat Guy, 8 miles, 1000ft.

We start the walk by walking through fields to the pretty village of Austwick. It is then on to Wharf, we are now in Crummack Dale, a not so famous Yorkshire Dale but a delightful one. We then walk near to Austwick Beck and join the main track to Crummack, which is really just a farm. Then it is on to Long Scar with its fantastic cairn, I am sure you will be impressed.

We now have a choice 1) a short steep descent into the Clapdale valley passing Ingleborough Caves and through Clapdale woods which are very pretty at present with Bluebells and Wild Garlic in bloom, the downside is that you have to pay £2.50 to get out. 2) Walk down a wide track all the way down to Clapham. We will decide on the day but we will all walk together. The walk is about 8 miles long and 1,000 ft of ascent.

There are a few stiles on this walk, your leader is having a little difficulty with stiles at the moment so you will have to be patient with her. Otherwise it is mainly good terrain.

 

Walk A, Clapham, 11th May 2024

Walk lead by Peter Hitchcock, 11.75 Miles, 2350ft.

From the well-sited car park (with free toilets), we leave the idyllic village of Clapham
northwards up Clapham Beck to Ingleborough cave (no time to visit) before scrambling up
the beautiful gorge of Trow Gill. Once on the moor, we stop briefly to gaze down the
massive Gaping Gill shake hole before climbing up first little Ingleborough on the way to the
big one itself. The plan is to have lunch on the top with views of Pen-y-Gent and Whernside
and, if we’re lucky, Morecombe Bay.

We complete the circle by descending east contouring Simon Fell but then cut south down to
Long Scar and on to Clapham via a lovely grassy moorland path with great views. With a
climb up to 2350ft (Clapham about 500 ft) and a distance of 11.75 miles, it is a hard, lengthy
challenge but one well within the group walker capabilities – albeit at a good pace! Better
still, a lovely pub awaits us right at the car park entrance – happy days!!

 

 

 

Walk C, Castleton, 13th April 2024

Walk lead by Pat Guy, 5.5 Miles.

This is a fairly easy walk with very little uphill and only a few stiles. We walk to the other end of the town and onto a country lane for a short while. Then we join a stoney track which leads us most of the way to Hope. From Hope we pick up another stoney track alongside the river. This leads us to fields which we cross on our way back to Castleton. There are good views up to MamTor and along the valley all the way.

 

 

 

 

Walk B, Castleton, 13th April 2024

 Walk lead by Andrew Phillips, 6.6 Miles 1400ft Ascent.

The walk heads south out of Castleton and joins the path up to the caverns, passing Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern, before heading up to the base of Mam Tor. The route may follow the road for a short distance, since ground could be very boggy. The route up Mam Tor is laid out with rough slabs, but rather steep in parts, and if the weather is fine there are good views from the summit. The route then follows the ridge via Hollins Cross and Back Tor, with steep climbs to reach Lose Hill., the final summit of the walk. We then descend past Losehill Farm and Spring House Farm towards Losehill Hall Youth Hostel and back down into Castleton.

Distance is 6.6 miles, and total ascent is 1,400 feet. Some parts of the route may be muddy if there has been rain, and there are sections which are rocky. Gaiters and poles are recommended.

 

Walk A, Castleton, 13th April 2024

Walk lead by John Gobin, 8.4 Miles 2200ft Ascent. 

The first mile is a gentle climb heading north out of Castleton which leads to a steeper rather muddy ascent of 700ft up to the top of Lose hill with spectacular views over Hope Valley.

We then walk along the Great Ridge towards the top of Mam Tor with more beautiful views.

From there we will descend the south side of Mam Tor where hopefully we can have lunch.

Following refreshments we will descend a little further, cross a road and from there follow a gentle muddy ascent to the east of Slitherstone Hill and onto some farm tracks. As we start to drop back down to Castleton there is another quite muddy path down to a track/stream leading to Cave Dale and then onto the lanes of Castleton.

Good waterproof boots, gaiters and walking poles are advisable. 

 

Walk C, Howarth, 9th March 2024

Walk lead by Gwyn Jones, 5.5 miles.

Starting from the village centre we work our way slowly up onto moorland at Penistone Hill. We then make our way via moorland and gravel road down to Bronte bridge. From here there is a short climb onto open land with good views over to Lower Laithe reservoir and beyond to Haworth.  We descend from here to the village of Stanbury and continue to our final ascent into Haworth.

Walk A, Howarth, 9th March 2024

Walk lead by Peter Hitchcock, 9.5 miles, 700ft of climbing.

For our first outing of the season, we shall venture to the south of Howarth for a change, taking in parts of both the Bronte and Millenium Ways. We climb out of the car park (no toilets that I could see, so maybe check out the coach in good time) and head south straight on to the Bronte Way. It is fairly level until the village of Marsh then down across fields and a stream to an escarpment and on towards an isolated pub on the edge of the moors. Too early to stop, I’m afraid!! Then onto the moor where the fun starts: mushy bog, snow, water, anything goes till we reach an excellent ridgeline from where we gain super views of Yorkshire. Lunch here before we start our return. This section is challenging because of all the wet weather we’ve had but it improves markedly once we’re down off the moor amongst lots of daffodils and snowdrops.

At 9.5 miles and maybe 700ft of climbing it’s a mediocre ease-in to the season but the muddy conditions will make it quite arduous. Make sure you have waterproof boots, and gaiters and sticks would be a bonus. Your legs will definitely tell you its time for a beer when we finish and there are at least three 2-300 year old pubs to choose from. See you there!