Author Archives: marken86

A socially distanced Ramble

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After over 100 days in lockdown the Rambling group finally managed to get out together today, and after all the lovely weather we have had, it absolutely poured down! Walking in groups of six, as per Government guidelines, we kept a social distance and covered the route  of the Warhorse Walk from Ormskirk to Lathom Chapel. After a quick drink break we continued along very muddy paths, across lush overgrown fields to the site of the old Burscough priory where we had a standing up lunch. Suitably refreshed we carried on through the countryside to Ruff Woods and back to the start point at Ormskirk station. 17 people walked and everyone was in a cheerful mood in spite of the weather, as it was good to get out together as a group in spite of the strange configuration we had to adopt. Hopefully this will be the restart of our walking programme but we are mindful that the rules are constantly changing and so will be keeping to local walks as much as possible for the foreseeable future. In spite of the rain it was good to see the gang back together, even if it was 2 metres apart!

Ramble 2nd July

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There will be a ramble on 2nd July following all social distancing guidelines. I will be sending out an email to existing members of the rambling group with full details for the walk. If you are a member of the group and have not received an email by Sunday 28th Please email me at pollypaws46@gmail.com .

I look forward to seeing a lot of you next Thursday for a return to the new normality!

Marg Kendall

Possible Ramble 2nd July

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I am considering organising a local ramble on 2nd July for existing members of the rambling group only. I am leaving it until this date as the rules regarding groups outside have only just been relaxed, and hope that by July, either,  more people will be able to take part, with appropriate social distancing, or we will have been hit by a second wave and all bets are off!

I have contacted most of the group by email with tentative details, but if you are a regular rambler and have not been contacted, please email me kendall914@btinternet.com to register your interest. At this point there is nothing definite but am keeping fingers crossed we can get back together in the ” new normal”.

Marg Kendall

Hike to the Pike

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25 of us had a great ramble today in the countryside around Rivington Pike. The weather was beautiful. After the early morning frost, the sun came out and we walked under a clear blue sky and no wind. We set off from Great House Barn and followed the tracks across Breres meadows. The leaders had chosen a lower route than the ascent to the pike, due to the volume of high winds we have recently had, which would have made the higher route dangerous. We were joined by another walker as we strolled through the woods who then gave us a very comprehensive history of the Castle, which is in fact a Folly, and was constructed as a ruin, and also the history of the reservoir. The land still belongs to the Leverhulme family, owners of Port Sunlight on the Wirral. Continue reading →

Hail, Sun, Wind and two parks!

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Just 3 of the Pedal Pushers were foolhardy enough to ride out today. Setting off from Brunswick station, our first stop was about 50 yards on where we had to shelter from a sudden hail shower! Once this cleared we rode on along the promenade where a helpful wind was behind us…although that meant unless it changed direction we would be cycling back into the wind! Leaving the prom at Otterspool we cycled through the Festival gardens, on to Lark Lane and into Sefton Park. In another couple of weeks the full glory of the Field of Hope will be evident, although there were quite a few daffs already in bloom,  so it will warrant a return trip. Continue reading →

Wind, rain and plenty of mud!

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Just 5 of the Pedal pushers ventured out today. The weather forecast said dry until 1pm so we decided to try the Cheshire Lines to Formby. Moral of story…never believe the forecast! 10 mins into the ride it started to drizzle…then became a bit heavier, then the wind picked up driving the rain straight into our faces…and the specs of those wearing same! Having negotiated a fallen tree at the beginning of the path, we made very slow progress through the numerous puddles, fallen twigs and branches and mud a plenty! Half way to Formby, with the rain still falling, we had a rethink and cut through to the bypass and made for the warm cosy atmosphere of the Sunshine café in Ince Blundell. In spite of us dripping everywhere and shedding mud from boots, they made us very welcome and served toasty warm tea cakes and very good coffee. Definitely on our list of coffee stops now. Warm and refreshed we donned wet outer gear again and set off for home. It’s surprising how the wind can drive across the open fields in Lunt, especially when its forcing rain straight at you, but we made it home, glowing from the rain and chilly wind with another 15 miles ride under our belt. Well done guys!

Easy Walkers need leader for 2nd group.

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The ‘easy walkers’ group leader has asked me to post that the group is now full. 17 people walked last week which is a difficult number for the 2 leaders to manage, to ensure all walkers are safe, and to enable the walk to be fun for everyone. If anyone is willing to create an Easy Walkers – 2 group it would be much appreciated, as our U3A tries to ensure equal access to groups for all members. If anyone is willing to lead another group, which could be on any day of your choosing, please discuss at group leader support desk on Tuesday coffee mornings.  A full program of ready made walks is available so you need not create a new one.  Judith Jones, the current Easy Walk leader, is also happy to discuss with you. Contact her on 07443 334222.

Ramble breaks a record

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On a bright crisp Thursday morning in February we met at the allocated point on the pub car park ready to undertake a ramble. The first couple of cars arrived early, followed by more, and more….and then more! Until finally everyone was assembled and the head count revealed a whopping 27 people! Certainly a record for our ramble group. Maybe it was the gorgeous spring sunshine that made people venture out, or maybe the chance to walk around Lunt meadows, which was a new venture for some people. Anyway, whatever the reason, everyone was ready for a wander through our local nature reserve. Continue reading →

Pedal Pushers in Formby

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10 of the Pedal Pushers cycled today from Hall Road station to Freshfield, having caused some congestion on the train from Maghull due to the number of cycles. Hopefully the new fleet of Merseytravel trains will have more cycle spaces! Once at the start point we had a very pleasant ride, apart from the biting wind at Crosby Shore. Having reached our halfway point we invaded Kitty’s Café, and enjoyed a welcome drink and snacks. The group them split with 4 people returning home on the train, whilst the other 6 rode home via the Bypass and Lunt Village back to Maghull, giving us a ride of about 15 Miles. Thanks, as usual, the Bill for organising the ride.

February Ramble

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The next ramble will be on Thursday 6th February. This will be a 6 mile ramble around Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. Please meet at Ego at the Punchbowl (L29 7WA) to leave at 9:45. Please park at the end nearest to the field. Having done a further recce I have amended the route to try to avoid as much mud as possible, but please wear suitable footwear anyway. No need to book…just turn up suitably clothed with good footwear. We will have a meal in the pub at the end of the walk. Contact Margaret Kendall 07810 730936 if you need more details.