Brenda McKenzie very kindly hosted a Christmas get together for the Nordic walking groups last evening. As you can see some of the walkers were very under dressed! Morning walks resume on 6th January at 10:15; evening walks 13th January at 6:30.
15 Ramblers and 5 Easy walkers joined together today for a roam around 2 of the parks in the south of the city. Alighting at St Michaels station we walked to the perimeter of Sefton Park and meandered along its wide pathways. Passing by the fountains, band stand and fairy glen we took a detour into the Palm House. This was set up for Christmas celebrations and looked splendid. The guide showed several of the group the donation book which included the donation made by the late George Harrison to help return the building back to its former glory in 2002. Continue reading
What do you do on a day when the weather forecast was appalling and the rain fell in torrents? Go on a ramble of course! Setting off from our usual meeting place at the Baptist Church, numbers were severely depleted from previous walks but undaunted we travelled over the Mersey Gateway bridge ( did everyone remember to pay the tolls?) and set sail for Daresbury! The ideal mode of transport should have been boats, but by the time we reached the start point the torrents had lessened to a drizzle and spirits were raised. Todays ramble was following the Lewis Carroll trail around the Cheshire countryside which, according to the information would afford wonderful views of Winter Hill and the Clywdian mountain range. Maybe November was not the best day to undertake it. Continue reading
Having been rained off so many Wednesdays this year, the sun finally shone for the group. So 8 pedal pushers ( accompanied by 2 folk from Easy Riders) took advantage of the good weather and set out on the Sefton Circular route starting at Maghull. The ride across Jubilee Wood was not good due to the very uneven path, but we were soon through this obstacle course and having crossed Brooms Cross road, joined the canal bank at Netherton. Continue reading
15 ramblers had an epic 11 mile trek yesterday through some lovely Cheshire scenery and some equally epic mud! Starting at Arley Hall, recently featured as Tommy Shelby’s house on Peaky Blinders, we walked through fields, tracks and canal banks, often being quite acrobatic to negotiate kissing gates and deep mud at the same time. We had a quick snack stop at Marbury Country park and then took a detour to the lake to view the open water swimming pool! Wonder why no one was eager to try it out? Nearing the end of the walk we came to the beautiful village of Great Budworth, where the George and Dragon beckoned us to sample the array of food and drink on offer. Suitably refreshed, but with some reluctance to leave the fireside, we continued the final 2.5 miles back to the cars at Arley, just beating the closing time of 5:30 pm. Thanks to Margaret Schumacher for the recce and leading the walk.
The next ramble is on Thursday 7th November and will be to Daresbury in Cheshire. Details to follow.
Due to multiple U3A commitments, I have requested to step down as leader for this group. Unfortunately no one from the group feels they wish to take over, so the group has closed. Hopefully at some future point a new leader may come forward and the group can be revamped. Thanks to all the members who have contributed in the past. Marg kendall.
The next ramble will be on Thursday 3rd October. This will be a 10 mile ramble taking in the Cheshire countryside, including the lovely village of Great Budworth. The walk is mainly flat with an incline and descent in the centre of the walk. We will park at Arley Hall. Sat nav directions do not use the best route so we will discuss route before leaving. There is a small walkers car parkwhich is free, or £2 parking at Arley Hall itself. Snack lunch en route with a stop at the George and Dragon pub at Great Budworth at the end of the walk for light meal/drinks. Please meet at Baptist church car park at 9:30 to leave at 9:45. Due to length of walk we may be back in Maghull after 5pm.
The next Easy Walk will be on Thursday 3rd October 
. This will be a flat walk approx. 6 miles from Freshfield. to Formby. Meet at Maghull station to catch 9:46 train. For more details contact the leader Judith Jones 07443 334222
Next Tuesday 29th October is the last day to order a diary. If you wish to purchase a diary, please add your name to the list available on the membership desk along with fee of £3;25. After this time we will order the number of diaries which have been pre paid.. Alternatively members can purchase a diary direct from central office at http://www.u3a.org.uk and click on the resources then merchandise tabs.
15 members of the Ramblers group had a good walk today to the top of Moel Famu in North Wales. It was great to have 2 new U3A members join us on the walk. Although the distance covered was only just under 4 miles, the inclines were severe in places and certainly raised the heart rate. The weather was fine, if somewhat blowy, particularly at the top of the mountain. Descending via a different scenic route back to the car park we were afforded some tremendous views over the valley towards Liverpool and beyond. It was great to go up on such a clear day as the mountain is often shrouded in mist. Following the walk we regrouped at the Druids Inn for a lovely late lunch and some welcome drinks. Thanks to Ralph for the recce and leading the walk. Our next ramble will be to Great Budworth in Cheshire and will be on Thursday 3rd October.