The next walk will take place on Thursday 1st February. There will be two walks one of 8 miles and one of 5 miles. Following the recce it has been reported that the paths are exceptionally muddy, so some amendments to the routes may be necessary. We will sort this out on the day. Both walks involve a couple of stiles. As the walk is in North Wales we will be car sharing. Please meet at the Baptist church car park at 9:30  to organise car share. Passengers will be required to contribute towards fuel and tunnel tolls. Also please bring a change of footwear to prevent muddying the interior of cars on the return journey. Lunch will be available at the Drovers Arms at the end of the walk. New U3A members are welcome…just turn up on the day. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

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12 hardy walkers donned their boots today for the first walk of 2018.Both groups walked together as we had decided to do a meander rather than a yomp to ease the group into the new walking year. Starting at Crosby Lakeside Leisure Centre we strode along the boardwalk and then did a semi-circuit of the Marine lake to reach the promenade. It was necessary here to tackle a very sand filled path, where there was much evidence of the recent high Spring tides with a large amount of flotsam and jetsam strewn along the shore and the path. We managed to stay dry in spite of high tide and having reached the coastguard station took the route through the parks to return back to our start point at Marine Terrace, some 5.5 miles from our start. Emerging from our welcome drinks at Waterloo place we were amazed to find that the wind had become very strong, and were glad that we had completed our first walk in calm weather. The next walk will be on Thursday 1st February, Lady Bagot’s Drive, Rhewl, North Wales. Further details in due course.

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Today both groups of walkers set off from the Ship Inn at Haskayne to complete the last walks of 2017. We were expecting very bad weather so were all suitably attired in heavy boots and waterproofs, but our fears were not met and we all completed a good walk and remained dry, if a little windswept! The long walk, led by Alan Carr, took a route from Haskyne through to Halsall and Downholland using some very muddy fields, tracks, roads and canal footpaths and was a little over 9 miles in length. We set a good pace and completed the route in just over 3 hours. The shorter walk, led by Judith Jones, took a different route along the canal towpath, and then joined the same route as the other walk, across fields and climbing the 7 or so stiles near the end of the route. They were pleased to have achieved a walk of just over 6 miles which is slightly longer than their usual meander. Continue reading →

The next walks will take place on Thursday 7th December leaving from the Ship Inn at Haskayne at 10:15. Please note there is a bus strike on that day so walkers will need to use their own transport. If anyone has difficulty getting to the start point please see walking group leaders at coffee morning on Tuesday as lifts may be available.

The short walk is 5 miles and will follow the canal towpath, good footpaths and quiet lanes, before returning to the Ship Inn for lunch.

The longer walk is 8 miles, starting at Haskayne, walking through Barton Nature Reserve to Halsall where we will then pick up the short walk route to return to the Ship. There are a number of stiles on this walk.

Conditions underfoot on both walks are generally good, but in view of the time of year good stout footwear is essential. Please arrive by 10am to start the walks at 10:15.

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14 members of the walking group set out from Burscough village yesterday for a 6 mile meander around the local countryside led by Sue Daniels. The day was bright and dry, if not sunny, but recent rain had made some of the paths extremely boggy. Starting at the canal we travelled part of the route already undertaken by the canal walking group, but then left the water to walk across local fields, paths, byways and highways. As the group was mixed, with both long and short walkers (that is the  distance people usually walk not vertically challenged people !) we had a couple of stops, where some of the group took the opportunity to sneak a quick coffee, or in some cases something a little stronger (purely to warm extremities I was assured!) Continue reading →

There will only be one walk this month taking place on 2nd November.This is in the Burscough area and will involve paths, canal towpath and fields. There will also be a short pavement stretch. Approx. 6 miles. Because of the time of year it is essential that anyone undertaking this walk has suitable footwear. No trainers or soft shoes.

Meet at 9:50 at the mini roundabout at Tesco in Burscough Village. The walk will leave at 10am. 

We believe cars can be left in Tesco car park at owners own risk. Please check for any parking restrictions.

There will be opportunity for a drink/meal at the Hopvine at the end of the walk.

A meeting for walking group members will be held at 11:15 in the coffee room on Tuesday 14th November. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the way forward ( no pun intended) and to plan the walks for next year. Please can as many members of the walking group attend and  bring any potential walks / maps with you.

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Two walks took place today…a 12 mile canal, country and coast walk and a 5 mile walk from Rufford. The 12 milers set off from the Punch Bowl at Sefton Village, crossed Jubilee Wood, walked across the new Broom’s Cross road towards Thornton and joined the canal. Following this for a couple of miles we then crossed Rimrose Valley where we were thrilled to spot a beautiful Jay flying through the undergrowth. From here we walked to Waterloo and had a very welcome coffee at Waterloo place.  Continue reading →

The next walk will take place on 5th October. 2 choices of walk; 12 miles or 5 miles. Both commence at 10am but please note different start points. The long walk will leave from  the Punch Bowl, Sefton Village. The short walk will leave from the Hesketh Arms, Rufford.

Continue reading →