Sunday 22nd
Roy reports A vast array of 24 members mustered at Elterwater for the Ling Lang walk accompanied by dry and bright weather prospects. Off they sped into the Burlington Slate quarries only to come face to face with a “no entry” sign! Quickly, the Leader called forth the tall and knowledgeable Langdale virtuoso who soon found the public footpath. We had turned off too early! It was a steep climb then up to the Lingmoor ridge where shrill voices called out for a coffee stop. This was duly granted before romping on over the summit where the breeze was cool but the views were resplendent and photographers had a field day.  Lunch stop was in the lee of Side Pike looking down on Blea Tarn. Then came the fun of negotiating Fat Man’s Agony, a squeeze between the rock face and a rock slab on the path with no way round. With rucksacks pushed through in front all managed this test of slimness with ease to qualify for the scamper up to the summit of Side Pike. The remainder of the walk was supposed to be a sedate promenade around Blea Tarn and back down Little Langdale but there came a sting in the tail. The fell side path climbed severely again to detour around farmland producing many bleats and protests. However, it remained a fine day and the leader chose the pub afterwards wisely, the Wainwights’ Inn which accommodated the weary very convivially.
Graham reports Seven Members ventured out after meeting at The Ship Public House Freckleton. The day was cool but dry and the path we took was also the Lancashire Coastal Way. This path is slightly above the marsh and Creek so we could see the Marsh from an good advantage point. Soon came to the famous Freckleton Pools. It was here a few years ago that the first Little Egret was seen. We saw 2 Egrets which are now a common sight all around the Country. We eventually reached the Naze with its Trig point and 2 benches. It is only about 20 feet above the River Ribble with the confluence of the River Douglas opposite. This was a perfect point for observing wildlife. I have been here many times. We had lunch here while looking out for Birds before continuing west along the edge of the Marsh. This was very boggy so we had to pick our way carefully. I have always thought that the houses just above us have a perfect viewpoint across the marsh and Hesketh Bank beyond the Rivers. Eventually came to a Cottage and an access track to the Marsh. The man that lives here must be a hoarder because there is always a lot of junk and old Cars all around. Left the Marsh and walked up this access that soon became Tarmaced. Turned Left at a junction to an entrance to Warton Aerodrome, part of BAE Systems. Here a footpath ends 200 yards before a crude old gate to our right. We retraced our steps to the junction and continued on up Pool Lane. Just after a Left hand bend found a track going off to the left. This led down to a fence. This is a public right of way but was blocked. The fence had been bent down to allow one to climb over. We did the same and turned Right along the route of the path. At the corner there was no stile or Footbridge so our way was again blocked. By walking along this boundary I spotted a plank wedged in a tree and slopping down over a ditch to the opposite bank. With help, all the party got across without mishap and we continued to the right with a Runway over to our Left. The way out back onto Pool Lane was through a Gate. By walking to our left we eventually found a path to the right that took us back on the Coastal Way and back to the Pub. All the party came in the Pub for a well deserved drink and most had a meal. 34 Species of Bird were seen.

Sunday 8th
Graham reports The day promised to be fine until mid afternoon then Snow was forecast. 20 members and 1 guest ventured out on this cold day and rapidly climbed through woodland on the south face of the famous carboniferous limestone scar that is Whitbarrow Scar. Having gained the heights, the way was via a stony track with beautiful scenery all around. After a short break, the Cairn of Lord’s Seat was gained. This commemorates Canon G.A.K  Hervey 1893 to 1967 and founder of the Lake District Naturalists’ Trust. In 1969 this area known as Flodder’s Allotment was designated as a Nature Reserve in his name. Continued on to a sheltered spot with Limestone boulders that became natural seats for lunch. The sun came out and made the day great. After lunch continued on through a gate to the more open section of Township Allotment and soon descended through a wood to the farmyard of Fell Edge. Continued along the road to Town End and viewed some Alpacas or long haired Llamas at a Self Catering Cottage and Farm. Followed the quiet lanes south to Witherslack Hall. It had started snowing and one of the party had had enough so decided to cut the walk short by following a concessionary path through the wood to Beck head and the famous Resurgence not unlike the water that comes out at the bottom of Melham Cove. Now it was only a short walk through the hamlet back to Mill side. A few of the group went on to The Gilpin Bridge Inn just off the A590 for a drink and a meal.

Sunday 1st
Jane reports 20 people turned up for a cold windy start but dry day. Although a fairly low level walk good views of Warton Crag and undulating hills towards the Lune Valley. The walk crossed fields to Warton and then skirted the area of Pine Lake Resort following the side of the River Keer upstream to Capernwray Viaduct. An interesting herd of cows with water buffalo type horns in one field which thankfully paid no attention. We then joined the canal path back towards Carnforth. We had lunch by the side of the canal where there was a fight for the one bench and how many could fit on it. A gentle walk back to Carnforth where we went to Carnforth Station Refreshment Room for a relaxing afternoon tea. We managed to escape any oncoming bad weather and completed the walk in good time for everyone to get home to a warm fire.
Gwen reports 31 people turned out for the walk to Ashurst Beacon.  I was beginning to think this walk was jinxed as it has poured down on every other occasions when I have done it.  Thankfully it was a lovely day with just a couple of snow flurries.  The first part of the walk was all up hill.  We stopped for lunch at the Beacon, but not for too long as it was freezing cold, or so the people sat on the other side of it said!  The rest of the walk was down hill and back along the canal.  No one fell into a ditch, twisted their ankle, passed out with heat exhaustion or got shot!!!!  The only complaint was about the mud, well it had been raining all week and I have seen a lot worse than that.