September Strides


Weds Sept 8th. Llyn Ogwen and Twll Du.



John had tried to arrange an overnight stay for this walk but unfortunately this was not possible. So it was an early morning start to go to Bangor encountering some problems on the motorway which quickly cleared.

Once walking John's route took in woodland, rivers, stunning hillside and reservoir scenery. The whole route was a credit to him, even the bus journey back after this linear walk was an adventure.

The day finished with a great value curry and a pint near the harbour. Well done John, lets go again but stay in Bangor next time and explore more of this lovely area.

Viv Lee.







WEST PENNINE MOORS BOUNDARY WALK



Sunday September 19th



23 Miles – two groups :-

Group 1 – 8.30am start. Slower pace. Leader Norman Thomas – Eight people

Group 2 – 8.30am start. Faster pace. Leader John Howarth – Four people.



Weather Conditions – WET, no that doesn’t describe it, SOAKING, PERSISTENT, MONSOON – ALL DAY WITHOUT A SINGLE SECOND LET UP!



I’m sure we saw penguins. We did. We thought at first it was the “handbrake off” group but it wasn’t. It was penguins, they swam right by us!!!! That’s what eight hours immersed in water can do to you! It was the sort of day when you find out for certain that there is no such thing as “waterproof” no matter what it might say on the label or how much you have paid.



Team 1 was underway by just after 8.30am with eight people wondering why they hadn’t just switched the alarm clock off and snuggled under the duvet for a bit longer. I’m sure the four plucky persons in Team 2 felt the same way when they set off an hour later. It was great to see Martin Pope back with us, his work commitments having forced a break since he was one of the stars of the Ribble Way last year. He brought with him a lovely young lady from Brazil named Andrea. An hour in and we had to point out that in these weather conditions Andrea needed appropriate footwear. She was determined that she would be OK but we knew what was in front of us and we, very reluctantly, had to be insistent. Coming off Winter Hill we sent them off on the old Roman road which led back to the cars at Wilderswood. As the day progressed there was no doubt at all that we had done the right thing – in fact we all wished we had gone with them!



We had our coffee break sheltering under trees at the ruins of Hollinswood Hall and lunch at the cricket club of White Coppice. This is where we thought that Team 2 would catch us up but the conditions were taking their toll on everyone. Norman took us off to see the ancient burial ground of Pikestones and then it was off to the memorial to the crashed Wellington Bomber. It was a matter of just ploughing on and we got back to the cars just after four thirty, John’s team arriving about 25 minutes later.



What a day! But thanks to Norman and John for putting the walk on and seeing us all through safely. We had a laugh if nothing else.



But we did we saw penguins. Honest we did.

Red Rose Way Part 7. Weds Sept 22nd. Slaidburn to Hornby





After receiving a call at 7.50 to say that the M6 was closed. I thought that we would not be walking at all. However,LDWA spirt (madness) saw 14 of us and a very patient coach driver set of from Hornby at 10.05 which considering the road problems was not too bad.



After a long journey we set off from Slaidburn at 11.15 with Normans words ringing in our ears that we had to "up the pace".



The first 4 miles went through excellent country side, before reaching the Roman Road built by Agricola.It was then a good track over the Bowland Fells, with excellent views of Whitendale, Brenand Fell and many other of the Bowland Peaks.



We reached the Old farm house of High Salter to enter the valley of Roeburndale, with good views of Ingleborough,and Pen-y-Ghent.

It was then a graduall descent to the Village of Wray,famous for Silk weaving and making Bobbins. Riverside walking now to reach Hornby just as the rain started.



Considering the horrendous start we had had we arrived in Hornby at 5.10 and entered the Royal Oak Hotel at 5.15