Clitheroe Ramblers cover the heart of the Ribble Valley and is the Ribble Valley’s premier walking group. The Forest of Bowland AONB is on our doorstep. The Yorkshire Dales, Arnside and Silverdale and the Pennines are all only a short distance away and are frequently visited. 

We extend a warm welcome to visitors to our area and to potential new members.

If you have any queries not covered on our website, phone 01254 245177 or to enquire about membership please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dogs

Following committee discussion regarding the nature of the countryside in our area, i.e. farmland with grazing animals and multiple stiles, and also taking into account the views of walk leaders and other regular walkers, it has been decided by the committee that Clitheroe Ramblers have a no dog policy apart from Registered Assistance Dogs.

Car-sharing

We do not have a formal car sharing policy, it is up to individuals to organise car sharing.

All walks are to be found on the LH column of this page. For walks planned on dates further ahead, click on Walks menu above to see Our Walks Programme

New walk offers welcome. We are always looking for new walk leaders if you are interested please contact Geoff 07443 003712 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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What to expect

The main object of our walks is fresh air, exercise and the enjoyment of walking in the countryside with good company. This is not a restrictive list of guidelines, most being common sense group walking etiquette if you like.

Joining the walk

Please ensure that you arrive at the start point at least 10 minutes before the start time – details of the location and start time can be found on the walk details – we provide post codes, what3words and grid references. Note in the countryside post codes can cover a large area - relying solely on a post code is not recommended - it will get you in the area but not necessarily at the car parking location.

New walkers are always welcome, and you do not have to be a member for your first few walks. However, it would be helpful if you could let the walk leader know that you will be coming. The walk leaders contact details can be found on the walk details.

Safety

All walks have a leader. Although you are responsible for your own safety and all walks are undertaken at your own risk the walk leader will often issue instructions. Please obey the walk leader. They are concerned for your safety and enjoyment of the walk. Let the leader lead you.

Walk Leaders

Our walk leaders are just ordinary Ramblers members who enjoy walking so much that they are prepared to give up their time to devise, and commit to leading a walk often many months in advance and in all weathers. They are all volunteers. Could you lead a walk? If so, please let the Walk Co-ordinator know. Details can be found Committee Members.

Walks and Walk Grades

Our walks are circular. During the winter months we have two walks a week on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The Saturday walks are full days up to 10 miles long and the walks on Tuesdays alternate between 5 and 8 miles. In the spring and summer months we also have a Wednesday evening walk. The start location and time vary and can be found on the walk details.

We have three grades of walks (E) Easy, (M) Moderate or (S) Strenuous. The majority of our walks are moderate. If you have any concerns please contact the walk leader. Have in mind the sort of terrain the walk is over. A short hilly walk could be far more taxing than a longer flat walk.

Pace

Let the walk leader set the pace. Do not walk in front of or faster than the leader to try and increase the pace. Likewise do not dawdle and try to slow the group down. If the pace is genuinely too fast for you then have a word with the leader. If you have concerns that the walk may be too difficult, or too fast then contact the walk leader beforehand.

Equipment

To ensure your enjoyment you should be properly equipped. What is appropriate is weather dependent, but a good rule of thumb is hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. We would suggest this includes:

• Warm layers;
• Waterproof clothing;
• Strong footwear;
• Walking trousers – jeans are not advisable;
• Hat;
• Rucksack or day pack;
• Lunch and water/drinks for full day walks;

The walk leader does have the right to refuse to accept anyone they feel is inadequately equipped or appears to be unfit to complete the walk.

Size of Group

No one knows until the day of the walk. The better the weather usually the larger the group and shorter walks often have bigger turnouts than the longer walks. Expect anything from half a dozen to a couple of dozen or more.

Leaving the Walk

One of the roles of the walk leader is to ensure the group is kept together. If you need to leave the walk before the end, assuming you know your way back, you must let the leader know. Also, at the end of the walk it is good for the walk leader to know that everyone arrives back safely.

Toilet Breaks

If you need to answer a call of nature let other walkers know. Larger groups will have a backmarker. This is the person to tell. The leader will always wait for you. Leaders will point out places suitable for comfort stops. The best you can usually hope for is behind a tree!

Gates

Usually, the last person at the back has the duty of shutting any gates. It's safe to assume that unless you are told otherwise all gates should be fastened after the last person in the group has gone through.

Children

Children are welcome on our walks accompanied by a parent or guardian.

After the walk

Once the walk is completed we often retire to pub or cafe for some light refreshments.

Beyond Nelson July 2022