The swollen River Darwen at Hoghton Bottoms was testament to the relentless rain of the previous week.  Much mud was encountered en route, and strong winds prevented a coffee stop with views.  However, the rain was intermittent, boots were washed in puddles on the car park at end of walk, and all returned safely.

A walk from Threshfield up over Malham Moor and down to Conistone. The climb up the Dib proved interesting with some puffing ang grunting. Then back to the start via the outskirts of Grassington.

14 Ramblers set off from the car park in a bit of mist which soon cleared to make a nice day. The walk took us round Anglezarke, Rivington and Yarrow reservoirs. The highest point we reached was Healy Nab. Another good walk finishing with a drink at The Houghton Arms.

16 walkers left the car park to go down Fairy Glen. Quite spectacular waterfalls due to the heavy previous nights rain. Out of the woods and on for a mile or so on the Leeds and Liverpool canal. After crossing the main road we headed up and through the grounds of Harrock Hall Estate. Up then to Harrock Hill and back through Wrightington to our starting point. Just before that our budding Archaeologist, Lynne pointed out Boar’s Den, a Medieval Mound above the footpath. Perfect walking weather and a welcome drink at The Bluebird Inn.

13 of us set off for a walk to the impressive Hoffman lime kiln then on to Stainforth with the added attraction of the Settle to Carlisle steam train passing by. Then on to Catrigg Foss. How lucky were we, the rain held off until we reached the cars!

A slimmed down group due to holidays and other commitments enjoyed a scenic walk from Gisburn , across to Horton, round by Bracewell and back to the starting point . Perfect weather conditions and views. We were joined by three guests. One from Guilford in Surrey, enjoying the delights of the North. The day ended with a drink in the beer garden at The White Bull.

Postponed from a few weeks ago due to a very wet weather forecast, this time the cloud was high and broken. The climb up the Riggindale ridge reveals wonderful views back down the length of Haweswater. We followed the Roman Road from High Street towards Thornthwaite Crag pointing out many lakeland summits and approaching threatening showers. But the showers held off as we descended by Nan Bield Pass and Small Water back to the cars. About 7.5 miles with 7 ramblers.

The weather was favourable as some of the group attempted to descend the fairy steps without touching the sides.  No one succeeded, and consequently no wishes were granted. On the return leg to Arnside distant views were enjoyed

19 walkers left Barrowford Heritage Centre onto the Leeds Liverpool Canal as far as Foulridge Mile Tunnel. Up through the village and then climb over Noyna and then back down to the Upper Reservoir and then the Lower one. On then over the fields to Higherford and our starting point. All that was needed then was a welcome drink at The George & Dragon.

18 of us walked through Peel Park over to Moleside and onto Hameldon common through the quarry with excellent views.

A walk amongst the old quarries and site of the drowned settlement of Grane. Fine weather and good views

A walk around Settle via Cleatop Park, Attermire Scar, Stackhouse and Giggleswick was enjoyed with good weather.

Once the ascent onto the edge was achieved there were many splendid views of Littleborough, Rochdale, Hollingworth Lake, the Metropolis of Manchester and the M62.

A few days staying in Whitby allowed the group to enjoy linear walks in a different area of the country using public transport. The Esk Valley Way from Grosmont to Whitby was the first walk. The next day we went through Mulgrave woods visiting the ruins of Mulgrave Castle. On the last day we walked from the Flask Inn to Robin Hood's Bay and back to Whitby along the coastal Cleveland Way.

Despite being strongly forwarned 12 intrepid ramblers took on, and overcame, a challenging walk. We followed the river through woods to Lower Hodder Bridge before climbing fields on the opposite side of the river. After a short stretch of road we turned into fields back to Higher Hodder Bridge. The photo shows members negotiating one of the many tricky styles.

Eleven of us left the Spread Eagle in light drizzle to walk up towards the Pack Horse bridge - it was so misty Pendle had gone missing - and back through Chatburn, following the river out to Grindleton and back to the pub.

22 people enjoyed an 8 mile walk from Sabden to Sabden Fold, up onto Spence Moor, passing Deerstones onto nick of Pendle, passing Parsley Barn and down into Sabden ending in the White Hart beer garden, as it was a wonderful sunny day.

22 walkers set off from Gordon Riggs in pouring rain, we walked up Gaddings Dam and had coffee stop on the beach! Lunch was at Stony Edge overlooking Warland Reservoir where the sun came out, down through bog to Warland and over to Bottomley through monster ferns! Onto Rochdale canal to return, ending our walk in Wagon and Horses for a well deserved drink.

We left Newton on probably the hottest day of the year so far and headed down the river towards Dunsop Bridge. The photo shows us crossing the wobbly cable bridge which then took us up over the hill to the Newton / Slaidburn back road and eventually down to the river at the edge of Slaidburn. An easy walk along the bank of The Dunsop to our starting point and afterwards a well earned drink at The Waddington Arms after a hot five and a half mile walk.

On a perfect walking date we left Middlesmoor to go over the tops to drop down to Scar House Reservoir. Finished in 1936 ,using over a million tons of local quarried stone , it was once the home of 1250 construction workers. The foundations of the buildings where they lived can still be seen. We crossed the dam and then followed along Carla Fell hillside and eventually dropped down to the River Nidd and then a stiffish climb up to our starting point. A well earned drink after the nine miles was taken at Crown Hotel.

14 of us enjoyed another fine Saturday walk from Foulridge Wharf. After a short section of the canal, we followed field paths until we were overlooking Barnoldswick. We walked up Folly Lane for a lunch spot with views, and then passed Duck Pond Farm, which has two large head sculptures in the garden. (Apparently, an art teacher used to live in the property). Crossing White Moor, we wandered through fields until we reached Slipper Hill and Lower Foulridge Reservoirs. From there it was a short walk back to the Wharf. An enjoyable visit to the pub finished off a lovely day.

18 people set off from Winfields car park for an 8 mile walk over Goodshaw Hill, onto the Rossendale Way, down to Loveclough, along Lamy Water and up over Cribden Moor to see the panopticon “Halo”, excellent weather and great views.

Saturday 11th May 2024
 Moughton Meander - Leader John

Compared to the nearby more famous Yorkshire 3 peaks, Moughton hill is rarely visited, but the scenery both near and far is delightful. Summer had arrived. 20 ramblers, all in shorts, climbed steeply up Moughton Nab and across the plateau, dotted with orchids, to the trig point. The way continued by Moughton Scar over some delicate sections of limestone pavement, before joining the much busier 3 peaks path back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, and returning by the river Ribble.

Our group walked north from West Bradford across fields to Lowcocks farm, avoiding frisky cows on the way. And then down Green Lane to Grindleton before returning along the banks of the River Ribble.

17 of us enjoyed the 9 miles of Great Harwood boundary in excellent weather and ‘no mud’.

28 people enjoyed a 5 mile walk starting from The Game Cock, Great Harwood, we walked through Memorial Park, up over Bowley Hill with excellent views and weather followed by a carvery lunch.

Eighteen of us set off on a beautiful morning and the weather remained kind. We visited the three villages of Linton, Thorp and Hebden. Apart from a few diversions it was a lovely day and we rounded it off at the White Bull.

Fifteen of us set off in sunny weather from Hurst Green, passing Stonyhurst College. We saw an owl and two alpacas on our way to Kemple End, where clear views were seen across the valley. The sun stayed with us until we returned to the village hall.

Admiring the view from Brungerly Park across the River Ribble towards Waddington Fell.

On the warmest day of the year so far, this ramble began in Myrtle Park, Bingley, where the river Aire was in spate. After crossing the golf course and admiring a romantic folly, the walkers followed the swollen Harden Beck through Goit Stock Wood and onwards to the Victorian Hewenden Viaduct. This disused railway line is now a Sustrans cycling and walking trail. After lunch in Cullingworth's memorial garden, the ramblers returned to Bingley mostly on field paths. This had been a muddy walk!!

27 Ramblers arrived at Salesbury Church on a lovely,cool but sunny morning for our 10 mile hike. Our coffee stop was at the iron sculptures on Fish Moor and lunch at the top of Bowley Hill both affording fabulous views. It was then off down  past Dean Clough Reservoir and back over the tops into Wilpshire and on to our starting point. A great day, enjoyed by all.

A mild afternoon for a walk from Ryal Fold up to Darwen Tower and subsequent loop over Darwen Moor. About four and a half miles, followed by a visit to the Rock Inn, Tockholes.

25 Ramblers enjoyed a mild and dry day around Bolton-by-Bowland.

A cold and windy but dry day for an 11 mile loop from Rhylstone via Cracoe and Winterburn Reservoir. 13 Ramblers.

26 Ramblers enjoyed spring sunshine for a walk towards Settle. Lunch time in the woods around Scaleber Force, and later refreshments outside the Maypole Pub.

A misty start for our Locks and Hills walk at Gargrave. The leader came in for a bit of flack as he had said there were virtually no hills on the walk. When we reached our maximum elevation we were looking down above the clouds and as someone remarked "are we not at the top of a big hill Roger ?“ After lunch the mist had cleared, and we headed down and back along the Leeds and Liverpool canal for a well-earned drink at The Old Swan.

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather it was decided not to go up on Embsay Moor and divert to Barden Bridge for a walk down the river. By lunchtime it had faired up and turned the walk into an enjoyable stroll. We can look forward to the moors walk later in the year.

A good walk covering new ground for many of the walkers.

Plenty of mud and a washed away footpath were encountered on this 5 mile walk but soon forgotten when we had pie, chips and a pint in the Spread Eagle.

The Reeler's trail from Cherry Tree to Abbey village via Tockholes and returning via the Leeds Liverpool Canal was completed without rain.

A small group braved the wet weather and completed the Beamer's Trail - part of the Witton Weaver's Way.

Snow and slippery ice made this an interesting walk. The photo shows approaching Attermire Scars.

This walk was cancelled owing to severe weather and unsafe roads. A few members braved the snow in and around Clitheroe

This ramble followed the edges of three reservoirs between Darwen and Bolton. Turton & Entwistle Reservoir was constructed in 1832 to provide a water supply for the cotton mills of the area. Wayoh Reservoir was constructed in 1876 to provide a water supply for the population of Bolton. Nowadays, together these two reservoirs provide 50% of the water for Bolton. The third reservoir, Jumbles, was opened a century later by Elizabeth II. Its purpose being to regulate the output of water down Bradshaw Brook. Conditions underfoot were firm, and the day remained dry. The second photograph shows the group taking a moment's rest on the bridge in Turton Bottoms.

On a bright but breezy Tuesday afternoon, we set off down through Gisburn Park to the River Ribble. On then across to Paythorne and back over the river and round to Gisburn Park passing their wedding venue. It was great to have a fine day and not much mud.

Good weather encouraged 28 ramblers to walk from Helwith Bridge to Feizor returning via Stackhouses and Stainforth.  Photo shows view from Feizor Thwaite looking North East

With mist over Pendle the planned walk was changed, and 18 hardy ramblers walked from Barley to Barrowford and back to check the quality of the mud en route