September 2026 - Betws-y-Coed

 

Betws-y-Coed

The vibrant mountain village resort at the gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia), Betws-y-Coed is open year-round.  Set where many rivers meet, the village is wrapped in woodland and scenic walks straight from your door.  The village offers cosy B&B and self-catering retreats alongside independent shops, cosy cafés, welcoming pubs and lively bars. Making it just as tempting for a relaxed weekend as for an action-packed escape.

A Walk Lead By Peter Hitchcock

10 Miles, 2,500ft Ascent

We leave the bustling car park area (toilets–50p), cross the river at the top end of town and head up North through pine woods to the first of 3 dams/reservoirs we shall see today. It is a gradual 35 min climb but not nearly as steep as last month! We continue in a big arc westwards, via another dam, then down into the valley to head for the river bank opposite Swallow Falls, but not before spying a grand view of the nearer Snowdonia mountains (Tryfan ridge, for example).

There is a viewing point opposite the Falls where hopefully we can have lunch unless it is too busy with holiday-makers; otherwise, we shall sit by the river bank further on towards the “Ugly House” where we can actually cross over the river to the south side. We then start a longish, invariably uphill walk along forestry track to get to a Monument overlooking another beautiful lake – normally full of wildlife – but unusually quiet at the moment as the water level is so low. Having soaked in the view, we then head down a narrow track for 35 mins all the way to The Royal Oak beer garden.

In essence, this is quite a “gentlemanly” route in terms of gradients, up and down about 2500’ in total, but the length at 10.1miles (the 0.1 is very important!) will burn the thighs and feet a bit after lunch. However, it is a lovely walk which does give you a good feel for the local countryside.

B Walk Lead By Andrew Phillips

DISTANCE 7.4 MILES. TOTAL ASCENT 1490ft

Commencing at the car park (and passing the public convenience en route, charge 50p), we will cross the main road and head up the lane beside the church. We join a forest track up hill for approx. 1/3 mile before joining a steep winding path through woodland, heading for a reservoir, Llyn Elsi, which should be reached in 45min-1hr approx. There is an opportunity for a well earned rest at the monument which was erected in recognition of the creation of the reservoir.

We will then descend alongside Llyn Elsi to a lower viewpoint, before joining a series of forest paths and tracks, emerging at a remote cottage, near which we might stop for lunch, availing ourselves of a bench near the cottage if there is no-one at home.

We will then follow a further series of woodland tracks and paths, leading to Sarn Helen, a former Roman road, which passes the partially deserted hamlet of Rhiwddolion. Dropping down into the valley of Afon Llugwy along a very stony and loose track. We cross the river by the Miners Bridge and joint the riverside path back into Betws-y-Coed.

Although the walk is classed as moderate, there are some parts which are steep, and will demand some concerted effort.

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C Walk Lead By Mike & Helen Lewandowska

Having completed the recce for a C walk we have decided to do 2 walks this time to ensure everyone's needs and abilities are accounted for.

Mike will lead a walk up to Llyn Elsi which is a very beautiful lake. This entails walking up a long hill which is quite steep in places. It is on a proper path and there are plenty of resting posts/benches but it is not easy .When you get to the top you take a narrower path by the side of the lake before walking up a short steep path to the monument. You then gradually make you way back down again on a different route .The terrain going down is not easy in places as it is rocky and loose slate - a walking pole is helpful and walking shoes/boots essential. The walk is about 4 miles and a challenging walk for the C group so only go if you feel you are up to it. It can be extended by walking to Miners Bridge and back along the river at the end if people have enough energy. The views at the top are stunning and the group will have a well-deserved break here for half an hour before descending.

Helen will lead those that choose not to tackle the Llyn Elsi walk on an alternative lovely river walk in Betws-y-Coed. We will start by taking a route around the golf course and along the river where there are some wonderful views. We will then progress to the Pont - y Pair Bridge for a brief stop and photographs before heading along the river on a ready-made path up to Miners Bridge .Again there are lovely views here of the river . We have to go up some steps to reach the road where we will make our way back along the pavement into Betws-y-Coed. This is a largely flat ,easy walk .

Mike and Helen

August 2026 Grasmere

 Saturday 8th August 2026

Grasmere is a picturesque village and adjoining lake in the central Lake District, Cumbria, England. Famed for its literary heritage as the former home of poet William Wordsworth, it features slate-clad cottages, traditional pubs, art galleries, and the historic St Oswald's Church.

A walk Lead by Brian Thorne

 10 Miles, 1,800 ft Ascent

 

Today we're taking full advantage of what the Lake District can offer, with a strenuous walk of ten miles with 1800 ft of climbing. It may take up to six hours to complete, so the pace will need to be quite brisk.

We begin from Grasmere village, up and along the Easdale road, before taking the footpath which climbs up past the waterfall at Sourmilk Gill, to the shores of Easdale Tarn.

Passing around the left-hand shore of the tarn, we then begin our second and quite steep climb up towards Belles Knot, which Wainwright famously dubbed "The Matterhorn of the Lakes." A grand view over Coledale tarn and back to Easdale now opens, with Helvellyn in the far distance. From here, the rest of the climb is quite challenging, with a steep incline on a rocky path, which passes up and over two short, angled rock faces.  

Eventually the climb levels out at the Blea Rigg ridge, with another fabulous view towards Stickle tarn, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. Now we turn Southwest, following thin tracks, and a few boggy areas, to pass around Castle How, Swinescar Pike and Lang How, before turning northwest to begin our steep descent back to  Grasmere. 

 

NB the picture shows the route from Easdale Tarn up towards Belles Knott

B/C Walk Lead by Pat Guy

 5 Miles  500 ft Ascent

Our walk this month is to Grasmere, always a popular destination. After coffee we start by walking through the village and following a minor road which eventually leads to Grasmere Lake. We will walk along the lake for a while. Then we make our way up to Loughrigg Terrace which has wonderful views. We then make our way towards the main road crossing a river by footbridge. Then we have a short but steepish climb up to a good path which will eventually lead us to Grasmere passing Dove Cottage on the way.

There are a few gates to negotiate but thankfully, no stiles.

July 2026 Kirkby Lonsdale

 Saturday 11th July 2026

KIRKBY LONSDALE: a small, vibrant and relatively unspoilt market town situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Flanking the three counties of Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire, the town offers a picturesque base from which to explore the English Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland. Named as one of the Best Places to Live in the UK by the Sunday Times, Kirkby Lonsdale itself is a historic, quaint market town with a fantastic reputation for high quality independent shopping, as well as excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs, and superb accommodation.

A walk Lead by Brian Thorne

12 Miles, 1,200ft Ascent

A reasonably strenuous walk with stunning views over Kirkby Lonsdale to Morcambe Bay.  

Leaving the coach at Devil’s Bridge, we follow paths and tracks via the Woodclose Caravan Park to the hamlet of High Casterton. We cross the old Roman road which once linked forts at Low Borrowbridge near Tebay and Over Burrow, south of Kirkby Lonsdale, and we pass by Bindloss Farm to join the Fellfoot Road track, heading north. 

The climbing now begins in earnest as we follow the minor road, the fell track and finally the path to the huge summit cairn on Brownthwaite Pike (1381 ft) and our lunchstop. 

A welcome descent on a mostly good track (it can be a little boggy) then leads us down to the fell road at Gale Garth farm. A path takes us along the side of the valley for a little way until we rejoin the fell Road once more, and head steeply down, until we reach the Fellfoot Road track and turn north. 

Good paths take us through grassy meadows until we reach the minor road which leads us to Casterton Village and a possible refreshment stop at the local Hostelry. Paths and lanes then take us on our final stretch past the Golf Course, through the caravan Site and back to the coach.

When I did the recce some of the paths were quite overgrown so I would seriously recommend that no matter how hot it may be, anyone  considering doing the A should wear log trousers and not shorts?

B Walk Lead by Andrew Phillips

8 Miles  896ft Ascent

As with the other two groups, the walk commences at Devil’s Bridge, and proceeds up Laithe Lane, crossing the caravan site, before joining a path past the golf course. There will be a short stretch of main road to negotiate, before joining a field path towards Casterton Hall. We then follow the path through woodland, and may follow an extra loop northwards, but only continue that way if the overgrown path has not been cleared since my recce.

Dropping down into Casterton village, we will join a minor road up to Langthwaite, then crossing a stile onto a field path leading to Hole House and Bellgate, before looping round to join Fellfoot Road, heading south to Bindloss Farm (whilst keeping alert for modern “Mesolithic” displays on the way). We then cross the Roman Road to join Chapelhouse Lane back to the start.

Unfortunately there is some road walking on this route, but the lanes in question should have little traffic. The lunch stop is likely to involve relaxing on a grassy bank, depending on the rate of progress.

C Walk Lead by Helen & Mike Lewandowska

We do not intend to have coffee at the start of the walk but mid-way. There are toilets at the start by Devils Bridge and if people are desperate a van for take-aways. The walk starts near Devils Bridge and unfortunately with a little hill before we enter a caravan site and follow the public footpath through this. We then walk along a public bridleway for about half a mile when we reach a golf course. We follow the edge of the golf course along country lanes all the way into Casterton.

At Casterton we plan to take a break for coffee and cake at the Pheasant Inn.

We then walk again on country lanes until we need to cross a couple fields to reach the Roman road. There is one quite steep stone stile here-we found it easier to squeeze through a gap in the fence so hopefully this hasn't been repaired. We walk on the Roman road which is cobbled and uneven for about 10 minutes before reaching roads again. We progress downhill to the golf course again and make our way back to the start.

The walk is about 5 miles. The terrain is mixed country lanes, fields, some rough and uneven stony ground. There are some short hills but a lot of the walk is flat. There are some lovely views along the way and the pub is a nice place for a mid-way break. Kirby Lonsdale is also lovely and hopefully there should be plenty of time to explore at the end.

June 2026 - Ambleside

 Saturday 13th June 2026

Ambleside is a town in the civil parish of Lakes and the Westmorland and Furness district of Cumbria, England. Within the boundaries of the historic county of Westmorland and located in the Lake District National Park, the town sits at the head of Windermere, England's largest natural lake.

A walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

11 Miles, 2500ft Ascent

Welcome to today’s route which is a classic Fell walk as befits our Club title. If fine weather, the route will also offer superb views that will enhance any photo album and, from the top of Wansfell Pike, you can see a huge chunk of the Lake District National Park! Enough of the sales pitch!

We head out north-east from near Low Fold car park on a well-used track before tackling a 25 min steep, stepped climb to the top of Wansfell Pike (482m). The hardest bit is now done! We explore a bit of Fell moorland ridge walking to Baystones hill top before descending eastwards down to the Troutbeck valley. We then head north to Ing Bridge so that we can cross the Trout Beck itself before returning south along the other side of the valley to the pretty village of Low Fold. The scenery is fantastic all the way. We then follow an ancient track back to Ambleside which contours us around the edge of the ridge (so not much climbing) and provides brilliant views of the whole of Lake Windemere. Expect a 15 min walk or so from whichever watering hole we end up in as I’m not sure which car park we shall be using.

At just under 11 miles, we shall need to keep the speed up on the flat bits to get back in good time. You will be climbing up and down about 2500’ with, hopefully, very little in the way of boggy bits. Good fun!!

B Walk Lead by Pat Guy

7 Miles and 1,000ft of Ascent

Our walk this month is to the popular Lakeland town of Ambleside. We start the walk by walking through the park and Church grounds and crossing the River Brathay. We then start to climb, initially the path is quite steep so we will take this slowly but it soon levels out to a more gradual climb and then undulates to Loughrigg Tarn a real beauty spot. We then walk along the tarn and through woods to a minor road which we will walk along for about a half a mile before turning onto Loughrigg Terrace, another beauty spot as we walk along Grasmere Lake and Rydal water. Then we walk along an almost traffic free lane back to Ambleside were you will find a large selection of shops, teashops and pubs. 

C Walk Lead By Gwyn Jones

 From the coach park we make our way to the Esquire Coffee shop where we have coffee etc. From here we follow the main Grasmere road for a short while before crossing into a lane which takes us gradually up to Rydal Mount. We then descend to the main road and cross the river Rothay. A short walk through the woods takes us to Rydal Water. Our return starts with a short uphill but then it is a downhill and a fairly level road walk.

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  .....