May 2026 - Barnoldswick

Saturday 9th May 2026

Barnoldswick, affectionately known as "Barlick," is primarily famous for it's rich industrial heritage, specifically as a center for Rolls Royce Aerospace Engineering (developing jet engines), The home of Silentnight beds and the historic manufacturer of Esse stoves.    Situated in Lancashire near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, it is known for its independent high street and the working Bancroft Mill Engine Trust.

A walk Lead by John Gobin

13.6 Miles, 1300ft Ascent

We leave the center of Barnoldswick through the streets and into the suburbs heading  South West along Folly Lane and climb up Weets Hill. This is the highest point at 1300 ft. After admiring the lovely views we drop down along the pennine bridleway and onto Coal Pit lane towards Bomber Hill where we could stop for lunch. From there we go through the hamlet of Wedacre and on through another hamlet called Bracewell.

At this point we will be just north of Barnoldswick and head east until we meet Stock beck (A tributary of the Ribble) and walk along side that back into Barnoldswick avoiding the busy streets.

B Walk Lead by Vivian Powell

Weets Hill Loop

Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)

Elevation: 940 ft (287m)

Description:

The walk starts with a short trek along the main street to a toilet stop, if needed.  We head West through the town centre, pass through Clough Park, up the “forty steps”, past the Bancroft Mill Engine Museum and some residential streets, before eventually getting out onto countryside footpaths and the start of the long climb to the top of Weets Hill.  The recce was completed after a week of fine weather, but there were still some boggy sections, so waterproof footwear and possibly gaiters are recommended, especially if the weather has been wet in the days beforehand.  Most of the climb is steady, but it becomes steeper for the final 0.7 miles nearing the top.  Some fantastic views from the trig point and a welcome break for lunch.  A steady descent follows, passing the Head Sculptures on our way until we eventually cross the B6251, where care is needed as traffic is fairly heavy.  Continuing through fields, we eventually reach the canal, where we follow the towpath via the marina back to town.

Notes:

Toilets are on the route, 350yds from the car park and are free.

The route includes one busy road crossing the B6251, where traffic is likely.

There are not too many stiles on the route, but two of them over walls are tricky, one has no handholds requiring a scramble over the top, and the other is quite high with very small footholds; care and agility are needed for both.

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C Walk lead by Mike & Helen

4 Miles

The C walk is a circular walk of approximately 4 miles long and takes us to the lower slopes of Weets Hill, giving panoramic views over Barnoldswick. We start the walk in Barnoldswick centre and walk along the road before entering into the local countryside. Unfortunately,, we couldn't find any flat walks so we do have to go gradually uphill but we are rewarded with fabulous views at different points. We can take our time and make our way up slowly as we will have plenty of time. There is some walking through fields and there are muddy patches so walking boots and poles if you have them are advised. There are few stone and wooden stiles but nothing too challenging and the terrain varies throughout. It really is a walk that is about the tremendous views. Whilst it is a little shorter than usual it is a good, fairly easy walk and very enjoyable. We deviate slightly from the map towards the end of the route to avoid doubling back.

April 2026

April - 2026

Saturday 11th - Ruthin

A walk Lead by Brian Thorne

11.5 miles with 1800 ft of climbing.

This is quite a challenging walk, with some lengthy steep ascents and descents. However, on a clear day, the views are wide ranging and beautiful making it well worth the effort to tackle it. Some of the lower paths can be quite wet and muddy, so once again I would strongly recommend the wearing of gaiters if you have them.

Leaving Ruthin, our route takes us up past the school and onto farmland tracks and paths which lead gradually up to Ty’n-y-groesffordd and the open countryside at Terian. Now the real climbing begins with a steep ascent up the grassy track and on to the car park and viewpoint at Bwlch Penbarras. An initial steady climb on the Offa’s Dyke path gradually steepens, and leads us on to our high point of the day, the summit of Moel Famau and our lunch stop at the ruins of the Jubilee Tower.

Staying with the now steeply descending Offa’s Dyke path for a little longer, we then branch of and down to farmland once again, to reach the road at Plas Draw. Unfortunately, the onward path from here has been ploughed and planted, and even though it is a public right of way it is quite impassable, leaving us no option but to take a 1.5 mile road walk to reach the river Clwyd. A lovely riverside path then leads us on for the final two mile stretch and back into Ruthin.

B Walk Lead by Andrew Phillips

Distance Approx 7 miles. Total ascent Approx 950ft.

The walk commences at the Craft Centre, on the edge of the town centre, and follows the town centre by-pass for a short distance, before joining a footpath, heading north west out of the town.

Crossing the main A525, the route crosses several fields, climbing steadily, and in places fairly steeply, before descending into the valley of the Afon Clywedog. Crossing the river by a footbridge, we will join a path which ascends the valley for approximately 2 miles, before descending to the village of Bontuchel. Opportunities for suitable lunch stops are very limited, but here we might make use of a bus shelter with seating.

Passing through the village, our route joins a path which climbs steeply through fields, passing Woodlands Hall Caravan Park and a number of farms, before joining a lane which leads back into Ruthin, where we can go through the town centre and back to the start.

When I recced the route there were number of sections which were very muddy, so appropriate footwear is essential, as it is unlikely that it will have dried out much in the interim. Also, there are a number of stiles, some of which are difficult due to poor condition, demanding some agility.

C Walk lead by Pay Guy

5.5 Miles, 500ft Ascent

Our walk this month is to the market town of Ruthin in North Wales and the C party walk, after coffee, will start with a short stretch along a road before turning into fields which are thankfully not too muddy. We will follow the fields for just over a mile and then follow the River Clywedog to the village of Rhewl. The return to Ruthin is a nice easy walk following the River Clwyd all the way. The walk is about 5.5 miles in length and 500 feet of ascent.

Hopefully we will have a bit of time to explore Ruthin on our return as there is a castle, now a hotel, an indoor market, a craft centre and a Gaol.

March 2026

March 2026

Saturday 14th - Grassington

A walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

11 Miles & a several hundred ft of Ascent

Welcome to the 1^st route of the new season starting from the lovely Yorkshire Dale village of Grassington.  From the car park (with its free toilets) we descend down a short path for a quick glimpse of Linton Falls – in full flood after all the rain we’ve had this winter.  We can’t linger long as we have nearly 11 miles to go and we start eastwards along the Dales Way to just short of Hebden where we cut up North to enter Hebden Beck which is very pretty and will take us up on to the moors passing many old lead mine workings.   We peak at an old mine chimney flue at about 1200’ which will afford us a lovely 360º view if the weather is good.  Ideally, this will be our lunch spot but that will rely on the group maintaining a good walking pace thus far!

We then head westwards across the moor to another ‘iconic’ local area landmark – Bare House – before heading downhill back to the pub!  I have tried to stick to hard track wherever possible but, inevitably, there will be some unavoidable muddy sections with many streams in full flow.  So, good footwear is essential and gaiters an optional bonus.  There is not a lot of climbing as it’s the Dales but, at 11 miles, it will be a challenging season opener which WILL require a good pace throughout, particularly as it will probably be a latish start at about 1030.  Anything earlier will be a bonus but please be warned and prepared.  Thank you.

B Walk Lead by Andrew Phillips

Distance 8.5 miles approx.. Ascent 1,000ft approx..

From the car park at the National Park Visitor Centre (public toilets available,

20p voluntary donation), we will go up through the town centre and join a

single track lane – Moor Lane, which ascends for approx. 11/2 miles onto

Grassington Moor. My recce included a loop over the top of the moor through

the old lead mining area, but I have decided to omit this part in order to keep

the distance to reasonable limits.

We then descend along a track – Dukes New Road (probably named after the

Duke of Devonshire) – and cross a few small streams, before entering the

valley of Hebden Ghyll, down which runs Hebden Beck, a tributary of the River

Wharfe. The path leads down to the village of Hebden, joining the road

through the village, down into Wharfedale, where we will join the Dales Way

along the river back into Grassington, taking in the sight of Linton Falls on the

way. Crossing the streams mentioned above may be slightly tricky if there has

been much rain, so good footwear is desirable.8 Miles,   900ft Ascent

C Walk  .....

November 2025

November 2025

Saturday 24th - Settle

A walk Lead by Brian Thorne

10 Miles & a few ft of Ascent

A return to a firm favourite of mine with a ten mile jaunt through beautiful limestone country.

Leaving Settle, we skirt northwards along the river before climbing to join the “Pennine Journey track.” Still climbing, we skirt past Dead Man’s cave and over our first high point before descending to join the Dales High Way.

Passing under Smearset Scar, we follow this well marked track until we drop down to beautiful Stainforth force and lunch.

Our second climb of the walk takes us up through Stainforth, past the Jubilee and Victoria caves, to rejoin the Dales High Way at Attemire Scar. One last climb then leads us past more stunning limestone outcrops before a steep drop down into Settle once more.

B Walk Lead by Pat Guy

8 Miles,   900ft Ascent

We leave Settle by walking in a northerly direction following the river Ribble to Stackhouse and then make our way through an old mill and to the pretty village of Langcliffe. We continue in a northerly direction to Winskill. Then it is a short distance along the Pennine Bridleway to Stainforth to follow the riverside path passing the falls and if are lucky we may see salmon leaping.  We then follow the river all the way back to Settle.

C Walk Lead by Gwyn Jones

5.5 Miles

This walk takes us up to Stainforth where the river Ribble provides us with a cascade waterfall. Atlantic salmon migrate in the autumn so if we are lucky we may see some leaping. The 1^st part of the walk takes us alongside the river and through fields to Stackhouse. From here we take the roadside route up to Little Stainforth and a short drop down to the waterfall. (There is a riverside route but because of the recent wet weather the paths are very slippy). On our return, at Stackhouse, we go down to the river and cross the weir to Langcliffe and head for home.

October 2025

 Saturday 11th  -  Malham

A Walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

10 Miles, 1400ft Ascent

Today offers you a marvellous 10-mile hike across typical Yorkshire countryside. We leave Malham northwards along a fairly steep road climb before contouring east to Gordale Gorge and Scar. Unfortunately, the path is closed about 100m short of the scar itself due to rockfalls but you can get close enough to see right into the gorge and the waterfall. We then continue East, again climbing along a quiet road for about 2 kms before heading north to Malham Tarn via the remains of a Roman Marching Camp – although only a plinth to see – but you can take satisfaction on walking on ground trodden by hundreds of legionnaires!!

Lunch hopefully at the Tarn (if you’re not too hungry earlier) before returning to Malham via Prior Rakes and the iconic Malham Cove. There will be plenty of time to linger at both the top and bottom of the Cove for photos etc. There are 423 steps to descend from top to bottom so be warned!

Total climb/descend about 1400ft and there are 3 ladder-type stiles to cross plus quite a few gates. On a clear day, the views are outstanding and you will enjoy this one.

B Walk Lead by Andrew phillips

6.25 miles, with approx. 1,150ft of ascent

Leaving the village, we cross Malham Beck by a footbridge, and head south along a well defined path, before turning east towards Janet’s Foss. The path leads into a wooded glade, at the end of which is the waterfall known as Janet’s Foss (a Nordic term for waterfall or force). A sign nearby indicates the origin of the name. Clambering up from Janet’s Foss, we join a lane for a short distance to Gordale Bridge, from where it is possible to see Gordale Scar. From the bridge the route joins the Dales High Way up through fields, joining a lane for approx. 1/3 mile. Leaving the lane via a stile (or gate if not locked), we go up onto open moorland, before dropping down and crossing a stile to join the Pennine Way towards Malham Cove. The path drops steeply down into a dry valley, continuing until reaching the limestone pavement above the Cove. Care will be needed crossing the clints and grykes of the pavement, before taking to the 400 plus steps down to the stream as it emerges from the foot of the Cove. The path then leads back to the village and well earned refreshment. There are a couple of stiles on the route, and some stretches of path are very rocky and steep, so care will be needed.

C Walk Lead by Pat Guy & Jennifer Mathias

5 Miles, 600 ft Ascent

After coffee we will start our walk by crossing Malham Beck and after a few yards will take a minor road heading north. There is some ascent on tis road so we will take it steadily. After almost 1 mile of walking we will take a good path in an easterly direction to Gordale Bridge and on to Janet's Foss waterfall. We will probably take our lunch in this area. We then take a path along a beck for a further mile before taking the Pennine way heading south to the village of Hanlith, where we will cross a bridge and take a riverside path back to Malham.

September 2025 - Keswick

 September  Saturday 13th  -  Keswick

A Walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

9 Miles,   1500ft Ascent

After an overly long recce, I have opted for a shorter route commensurate with the likely limited timescale available on the day (reckon we won’t start the walk until about 1045hrs).

But, the route offers fantastic views westwards across Derwent Water from a variety of different and beautiful Lakeland settings.

We leave the town south via the walking precinct to first climb a mere 162m high woodland knoll which will present a brilliant view across the northern part of the lake towards Cats Bells and beyond. We then contour the ridge all the way down to the iconic Ashness Bridge for a photo break/rest and possibly lunch – part 1 – depending on when we set off. Then its up on to the moor for a bit of Fell walking to the top of a lower level crag so you can get a good view of the whole of Derwent Water one way and towards High Rigg and Helvelyn the other (Lunch, part 2). The return to Keswick from there is a stroll along a mixture of moor and woodland trails and all downhill. The overall route is between 8-9 miles with very reasonable climbs up to only about 1500ft. Very manageable.

B Walk Lead by Andrew phillips

Latrigg Circuit

From the town, we will join the Cumbria way, which runs through the town, and head north. The route crosses the A66 over a bridge, and starts a climb of an hour or more (depending on the stops needed) through open woodland, with views to the west. The path circles round Mallen Dodd, up to the point where we leave the Cumbria Way, and take the path up onto Latrigg Fell. Continuing the steady climb, we reach a view point with a small bench, which will inevitably be occupied, but with views over Keswick and Derwentwater. Depending on the time, this may be a decent stop for lunch, sitting on the grassy slopes. The summit of Latrigg is not far ahead, signifying the end of serious ascent for the day. The descent is along a grassy path onto a track, which joins a lane leading to Brundholme Wood.

The path follows the contours through the wood, above the river, dropping down to the old railway line, leading us back into Keswick. Distance approx. 6 miles. I couldn’t work out the total ascent as my OS app was playing up but Latrigg is just 368 metres.

C Walk Lead by   Mike & Helen

5 Miles

The walk starts in the small village of Threlkeld which is just outside Keswick. We will walk on the road through the village stopping for coffee at the community centre cafe. We will then walk to the beginning of the old railway line which runs through to Keswick. It is flat all the way and a good tarmaced surface. There are some good river views along the route and a series of different bridges as well as a tunnel. We will take a break by the river in case anyone wants to eat their lunch although some might prefer to wait until we reach Keswick if they have had breakfast with coffee only a short while before. The walk is about 5 miles in total including the parts at the beginning in Threlkeld and the end in Keswick to the coach which will be parked outside Booth's supermarket. It is flat all the way other than a possible slight incline on the road going through Threlkeld village, thus an easy but very pleasant walk assuming the weather is on our side.

Saturday 9th August - Hathersage

A Walk Lead by John Gobin

10.5 miles, 1800ft Ascent

We leave the town center towards the south and walk alongside the River Derwent, then start a steady climb over the next mile and a half. Cross over a road and walk alongside into open moorland climbing gently towards Higger Tor (1391ft) with some amazing views across the landscape. We then drop down slightly towards a carpark, cross over the road and head north towards White Path Moss (1499ft) where, weather permitting we can have lunch.  Once on the move again we head north west onto Stanedge Edge for the next couple of miles. You may see Hang gliders and Paragliders together with a number of climbers along the route. We then start to descend down a gravel path, then a steep descent through a field of ferns towards N Lees road, onto the road, then off a track heading back downhill and eventually into Hathersage.

There will be very little shelter along the route, so hopefully not too much sun, Wind and Rain ....

Hathersage has a good choice of Pubs and places to eat. on the Main Road, which is a short walk from the car park.

The Coach should be able to park in the Oddfellows Road Car Park. The closest toilets are on the main road (A6187).

B Walk Lead by   Pat Guy

7 miles, 1100 ft Ascent

This month's destination is Hathersage in the Derbyshire Peak District.

The walk will start by turning onto Baulk Lane which stretches for about 1 mile. It is a good track with a steady ascent. We will then go to have a look at Bronte Cottage and then onto Green's house and passing Dennis Knoll and then onto the edge. Lunch will be taken on our way up to the edge. After a short walk along the edge we will walk out Stanage Poll and return to the edge to start our descent.

This path leads down to a minor road (toilets are available here) then down to North Lees (Bronte Cottage and North Lees is where the Bronte sisters had holidays) we then follow a good path down to Hathersage.

Although the walk is a steady ascent and descent the paths are mainly gradual and in good condition.

A map will accompany this description on Saturday.

C Walk Lead by   Gwyn jones

When I came to Hathersage to recce the C walk the long term weather forecast was for a sunny day with temperatures in the 20’s. So I have chosen a very easy walk along the riverside to Grindleford and back again. There are no climbs, no stiles and the footing is good (mostly grassland). Also there is some shade from the trees on the riverside and a short spell through a wooded area. There are a number of gates.