Welcome to the walking group
We hope you will find this a friendly, informal group and have lots of fun exploring the local countryside with us. To begin with we have mainly focused on easy local walks ranging from 4-6 miles. In time, we hope to develop a programme of walks of varying levels, which will appeal to all members in the group, regardless of ability. Walks are generally led by walking group members. It is not necessary to lead walks yourself in order to join us, but if you would like to lead a walk, or have suggestions for future walks please contact the walking group leader.
GREAT NEWS! THE WALKING PROGRAMME HAS NOW RESTARTED!
SEE BELOW FOR WALK DETAILS
Details of official West Pennine Villages U3A walks will be listed on this walking group page and in Google calendar. Walk details will also be emailed to members in advance. This will include:
- date and start time of walk
- level of walk i.e easy, moderate, strenuous (click walk gradings for more information)
- length of route
- likely terrain, stiles/hills etc
- starting point and car park details (post code and/or grid ref:see Google calendar for postcode link to Google maps)
- whether dogs on lead are permitted
Things to consider if you are coming along to a walk:
- wear appropriate gear for the conditions, i.e walking shoes, boots, waterproofs
- bring adequate refreshment
- let the walk leader know if you have any relevant health issues
- bring your U3A card
- carry details of an emergency contact for yourself
Walk leaders are advised to complete a walk risk assessment and walk day check list prior to the start of a walk.
Walks will be open to U3A members only and for health and safety purposes a register will be taken on the day. Non U3A members thinking of joining the U3A may attend a walk as their ‘one-off’ free taster event but they MUST identify themselves to the walk leader before the start of the walk and have registered in advance with the walk leader prior to attending.
Members organising an informal walk not listed in the programme are reminded that for insurance purposes, this will not be considered a U3A activity, even if other U3A members take part.
Please check the website the evening before a walk as weather conditions may result in a walk being cancelled or changed at short notice. Walk routes may be subject to change on the day, at the discretion of the walk leader.
If you are interested in joining us on our next walk, please click on the following link to contact the Walking group.
| Dates for your Diary | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Aug 2nd | Canal walk – Feniscowles to Wheelton
Meet at the Red Lion pub 196 Blackburn Rd, Wheelton, PR6 8EU at 9am. Parking is anywhere in Wheelton village, probably best on the right hand side of Blackburn Road as you come down to the Red Lion pub. Easy walk which starts & finishes at the Red Lion pub in Wheelton. The outward leg of this journey is via the bus from the centre of Wheelton. This will take us to Feniscowles on the outskirts of Blackburn. From there, the return journey is along some very remote stretches of the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. This walk takes in an ever-changing landscape ranging from urban back gardens, canal bridges framed in picturesque woodland settings together with scenic views across farmland to Brindle and beyond. The walking is very flat terrain with little or no mud and no stiles. The bus (No 24) leaves from outside the Red Lion in Wheelton at 9.18am (This is not to be confused with the Golden Lion in Higher Wheelton). Dogs on a lead welcome. No toilet facilities available. Walk leader: Paul. | ||||||||||||||
| Mon Aug 16th | Hilldale - Harrock Hill Circular
Meet in car park at Farmer’s Arms, Chorley Rd, Ormskirk L40 3SL Moderate walk around Harrock Hall estate with a steady ascent up Harrock Hill. Great views at the top. Some field walking and can be muddy in parts. Several stiles. Toilet facilities at end of walk only in Farmer's Arms pub.(Not open at start of walk). Dogs on a lead welcome. Walk leader: Alan. | ||||||||||||||
| Mon Aug 30th | Brindle/Top Lock Circular
Meet at Brindle Community Hall car park. Water St, Brindle, Chorley, PR6 8NH. Park at rear of hall, access to right of hall. Moderate walk heading across fields east to Ollerton Fold; then south-west to Withnell Fold; along the canal to Top Lock; short walk north-west on road before picking up footpath north-east to Denham Hall; then on to Top O' Th' Lane and across fields back to Brindle. Fields muddy if recent rain. Potential for refreshment/toilet stop just off canal before Top Lock (to be confirmed). Walk leader:Bob. | ||||||||||||||