Saturday 14th November 2026

Frodsham

Frodsham is a market town, civil parish, and electoral ward in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. Its population in 2021 was 9,300. It is 14 miles south east of Liverpool and 28 miles southwest of Manchester.

A Walk Lead By John Gobin

10 Miles,    1600ft Ascent

We should be parking in or close to the Leisure center. We will walk throught some nice suburbs before heading towards Beacon Hill. A definitive Cheshire walk: sandstone ridges; rolling fields dotted with farms; oak and beech woodland and the Sandstone Trail weaving through it all. This walk climbs the summits of Overton Hill and Helsby Hill for massive views over the Mersey Estuary, Liverpool and North Wales, and returns via the scarp of Alvanley Cliff.

B Walk Lead by Andrew Phillips

8 miles approx.. 1,380ft ft ascent

The walk commences near to the Sandstone Trial commemorative pillar in the centre of Frodsham, and proceeds up Church Street for approx. a third of a mile. A path then leads uphill towards the parish church, followed by a short distance along a road, to another path leading up to Frodsham Hill. We are on the Sandstone Trail and follow this along the wooded ridge of Frodsham Hill, then descending off the ridge and heading towards Helsby, and a stiff climb up to Helsby Hill. The summit of Helsby Hill affords superb views over the Cheshire plain to the south, and towards Liverpool. This could be a suitable stop for an early lunch, depending on how we feel at the time.

The descent from Helsby Hill follows a series of paths and roads, passing through Snidley Wood, before turning towards Frodsham at Manley Road, crossing some fields and retracing our steps to the start.   

C Walk Lead by Pay Guy

The walk this month is from the market town of Frodsham, we start our day by taking a short walk to the park where there is a very nice Café and we will have our coffee there.

We will then start our walk by walking through residential areas of Frodsham for about 1 mile to St Laurence’s Church, this road is slightly uphill as are most of the roads out of the town. We then pass the foot of Frodsham Hill and Beacon Hill and make our way over some fields to the North Cheshire Way and to the community of Bradley before making our way back to Frodsham.

The walk is quite short at about 4.5 miles long but Frodsham is a nice town with small shops and cafes to explore on our return.

Saturday 10th October 2026 - Castleton

Castleton

Castleton is a village and civil parish in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England, at the western end of the Hope Valley on the Peakshole Water, a tributary of the River Noe, between the Dark Peak to the north and the White Peak to the south. The population was 544 at the 2021 Census.

A Walk Lead By Viv Powell

Summary:

Distance: 10.2 miles (16.4 km)

Total Ascent: 1950 ft (600 m)

Description:

We start in Castleton with a gradual incline out of the town, eventually walking up parallel to the quarry to the South. The path has loose rock and stones so walking poles are recommended.  After a short walk on the road we continue on more stony paths and grassland until we pass the top end of Cave Dale and work our way around to the Winnats Pass view point enjoying some beautiful views of Back Tor and Lose Hill on the way.  After a short stop for lunch we make our way down to the Winnats Pass road, proceeding to and then up Mam Tor for some spectacular views.  We then make our way along the ridge to Back Tor and Lose Hill, eventually descending back down into Castleton. 

Notes:

Toilets are in the car park and are free.

There are a few stiles and stone steps, both up and down, on the route.

There is a short steep climb which will require a scramble to get to the top, care and agility will be needed especially if wet.

The route and lunch stop include paths close to an unfenced edge with a very steep drop.

B Walk Lead by Mike Lewandowska

8 Miles

The walk is 8 miles in length and is called the Castleton, Mam Tor and Great Ridge Circular. We start in Castleton and go on a steep walk up through cave dale where there is a lot of loose rock and stones which could get slippy in wet weather, walking poles recommended and helpful. Good views of the castle from here. We progress to top of Mam Tor where there are breathtaking views of surrounding peaks ,Castleton and Manchester on a clear day. At the top of Mam Tor there are remnants of an Iron Age fort. We continue along the spine of the ridge connecting Mam Tor to Lose Hill enjoying the views on both sides. Kinder Plateau is to the North West with Castleton, Peveril castle and Wynant's Pass on the other side. The path along the ridge is easy to navigate, often flagstones and well maintained. We descend via some steps and across through fields back into Castleton. 

C Walk Lead by Helen Lewandowska

4-5 Miles

The walk is about 4/5 miles. We walk through the village and then follow the public footpath to Hope village. This crosses a number of fields and the path is uneven in places. It is fairly flat but there are 4 stiles 2 stone and 2 wooden. A couple of these are tricky. There is also one narrow gateway to get through. The walk follows the river and is a nice walk. We will have a break in Hope where the pub and cafe are together. There are benches in the churchyard opposite if people want to eat their sandwich. We can decide on the day either to walk back along the road which is about 45 mins and there are pavements all the way or go back the way we came.

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.

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.