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.

Map to follow ......

C Walk lead by Pay Guy

Details coming soon .......

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.

Saturday 12th July - Glenridding

A Walk Lead by John Gobin

10 miles,  3000ft

Helvellyn via

 Keppal

We leave the coach and head west along Greenside Road and pass the Travellers Rest on the right then start a steady climb along a gravel road following the Glenridding Beck. We pass by the Helvellyn YHA and outdoor pursuits centre where we start along a stony track still shadowing the Beck.

Once we hit the 2 mile point we turn NW and zig zag uphill we should see the summit from this point. We carry on with a more steady climb towards Whiteside (2832ft) and down the other side then up Lower Man (3035ft) then a gentle ascent to Helvellyn (3117ft) where wind/rain/crowds permitting we can have lunch.

The peaks are very exposed and if it’s windy it may get quite cold, so I recommend extra layers, Hat and Gloves.  

As you can see from the stats, it’s quite an ascent, so not for the faint hearted, however the views and sense of satisfaction should make up from a pair of achy legs on Sunday morning!

B Walk Lead by Andrew Phillips

6.5 miles,  1400ft

 Leaving the main car park in the village, the route initially follows the Ullswater Way alongside the lake. A short part of the route takes us along the road, with no pavement, so that great care will be needed. Leaving the Ullswater Way, we cross the road and join a footpath leading to Glencoyne, where we join a track heading to a cottage known as “Seldom Seen”. We then join a path leading up the side of the valley, following the shoulder of Sheffield Pike. This is a lengthy climb, and fairly strenuous, the path being rough in places. On reaching the watershed between Glencoyne and Glenridding, the route descends into the old mine workings, which should be a suitable lunch stop.

The route then follows a steep and rather loose stony path down to Glenridding Beck. Crossing the Beck, the path descends gradually to Gillside, and down into Glenridding. If time permits, we might consider a diversion to Lanty’s Tarn, which would involve some climbing, although not “recce’d”.

The starting altitude is 500ft, and the maximum altitude on the walk is 1,900ft, over a total distance of 6.5 miles, with the opportunity of good views over Ullswater and up to Helvellyn and the surrounding fells.

C Walk Lead by Mike & Helen

5-6 miles

The C walk starts in Glenridding at the Lake view cafe where we will enjoy our coffee. We then make our way through Patterdale where we have a very short section along the roadside. We progress into the countryside and some spectacular views. The terrain is rocky and uneven in parts but not particularly difficult. There are some short but not steep inclines along the way but a lot of flat ground.

At one point there is a fork in the path where we took the right side which leads down to the stream/river and a small bridge. After crossing a couple of fields with a path, we come to the main road. We cross here and go along the grass verge for a very short time before going up a few steps and over the only low stile into the woods. The woodland path is quite long and undulating with uneven ground which makes it feel a little arduous.

For this reason and depending on weather and what people want to do we may split at the fork with those that prefer taking the left-hand easier path up to the waterfall. This will mean this group returning the way they came but it is still a beautiful walk with fantastic scenery. The other group will meet us here for lunch at the waterfall. We will then all walk back together. The full route is about 6 miles, the shorter version nearer 5 miles. Again, a beautiful walk with gorgeous scenery and a very nice cafe by the Lake.

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