13 members of the Rambling group met at Astley Hall near Chorley this morning to undertake the Chorley Circuit. Led by Ann and Peter we set off promptly and started to explore the countryside, canals and parks surrounding the Lancashire town of Chorley. The route was said to take a little over 9 miles. but as is usual on our rambles a couple of wrong turns saw us complete a circuit of a little over 11 1/2 miles! Continue reading
15 members of the Rambling group set off this morning from Ryal Fold near Burnley to walk up to the 123 year old Jubillee Tower situated on the moors above the town. Starting from the little hamlet we descended along some steep paths to the banks of the Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir. At this point a light drizzle started and our hopes of a dry walk were in doubt. Continue reading
17 members of the rambling group met today at Northwich for a yomp around the Cheshire Countryside. Unfortunately we got off to a bad start with two people being delayed on the M6 and another person giving up altogether as he was gridlocked in traffic. Thankfully the walk had been recced by two people so the group set off with Ralph in the lead, whilst Alan waited behind for the latecomers, who joined the walk part way through having found a shortcut! Continue reading
21 Members of the Rambling group had a great walk in the Rainford area today. Led by Ann and Peter Willox we began and ended the walk at the Derby Arms pub. Following local paths we soon walked out of the village and completed a circuit of a little under 8 miles. Having called in at the Sidings nature reserve some of the group took the time for a brief refreshment stop whilst viewing the info boards about the colliery previously located on the site. The walk took us across lovely open countryside using field tracks and we were lucky just to get caught in one very brief shower instead of the downpours that had been predicted. Returning back to the start point we enjoyed a very sociable meal in the pub, a perfect end to a great ramble, and it was lovely to welcome new members today.
Thirteen members of the rambling group set off from the Farmers Arms in Bispham
Green today for a circular 7 miles ramble through the Chorley countryside. Walking along some quiet lanes we took the 500ft climb though the fields to ascend part way up Harrock Hill to view the ruins of the ancient windmill. Continue reading
17 ramblers took part in a 7 miles circular walk from Bold Heath to the Dream today. After the brilliant sunshine of yesterday, the day was overcast and cloudy but it was an ideal day for walking as was warm but not too sweltering. The route took us from the busy main road to the bridge over the M62 motorway but then onto the paths and byways of Clockface country park. This is a 57 acre park developed on the reclaimed land of the former Clockface colliery. Continue reading
15 members took part in an 8 mile Covid19 secure walk today. using public transport as far as Brunswick station, from where we walked along the promenade as far as Otterspool, through the festival garden site and onward to Sefton park. Having completed a good circuit of the park in lovely spring sunshine, we had a socially distanced picnic lunch by the Palm House, before returning to Lark Lane. Here some of the group enjoyed some outdoor hospitality in a watering hole before returning to Brunswick station. Regrettably the return walk was not as pleasant as we could see rain clouds in the distance which were gaining on us, and we received a thorough soaking before reaching the station. Nonetheless we had a good stroll rather than a ramble and it was good to be out and about again as a group enjoying the company. Next month we will walk to The Dream in St Helens which will be harder and more of a ramble. Details to follow.
With the easing of certain restrictions regarding outdoor activities and people meeting outdoors some of our groups are keen to get going and meet up with other members.
Whilst many of our members have been out and about, either solo or in pairs, on an informal basis as friends, the coming months will give us the opportunity to resume official u3a outdoor activities as near as possible to normal as the current pandemic permits.
From March 29th people will be permitted to engage in recreation and outdoor activity provided the Rule of 6 is observed. Our Golf and Bowls Groups will meet up at this time as will the Day Riders and In-betweeners Cycling Groups together with Nordic Walking ( Rule of 6 ).
Other Outdoor Activity groups such as The Breakaway Cyclists, Sunday Strollers and Walk a Mile or Two will officially resume in April.
Following the published Government road map to ease lockdown, we will be able to restart the rambles. However, as the rule of 6 for outdoor activity only comes into place at the end of March, we have decided to delay the start of the rambles until Thursday 6th May to allow for any movement in the dates. Rule of 6 will apply until restrictions are lifted. Details of the ramble will be published here in mid April. It’ll be great to get out and about again, however to comply with insurance, please ensure you have renewed your membership for 2021 before the walk. Details of how to do this are featured on the website.
What can we say?
After setting a ‘group’ walking target of 1000 miles in September it was decided to have another go in October. Both targets achieved with miles to spare. So then a new target of 5000 miles for the quarter (Sep-Nov) was set and, guess what, we hit 5111 miles.
It really is a credit to all 35 folk in the group for having a go. From the zimmer frame stroller with a mile at a time to the canal bank strider doing 5 miles a day its a brilliant achievement so well done to all and special thanks to Brenda for the sums.