Sunday 26th
Anne reports  49 people joined me on a lovely sunny morning for my walk round Hurst Green and the rivers Hodder and Ribble. We set off down the long driveway to Stoneyhurst College, a very impressive building. Unfortunately the path through the College was closed due to building works, so we had to follow the road round  the College instead. We eventually reached open fields then descended the long flight of steps through woodland to reach the river Hodder passing the impressive building called Hodder Place which was once the Preparatory School to the College, but is now an apartment block. Once we reached the river we found a suitable spot in the sunshine for our coffee break. Rounding up "The Troops" to continue the walk was not an easy task --- they had all settled down in the sunshine and wanted to stay put! However they eventually responded to my whistle and we marched on along the river bank to Cromwell's Bridge where Oliver Cromwell and his army had crossed the Hodder on the way to the Battle of Preston in 1648. The original bridge was replaced long ago by the road bridge, but one or two of the group decided to give it closer inspection and actually crossed over it! We then left the Hodder and made our way over fields and farmland to the Ribble Way and on reaching the river found a suitable spot for lunch. Then it was easy walking along the river, passing the Jacobean Hall at Hacking and the confluence of the Ribble and the Calder, until we turned off up the steep path from the river and back up the fields to Hurst Green where we found refreshment at The Bailey Arms and The Shireburn Arms. It had been a very enjoyable walk and I managed to return all 50 of us back safely!
Stephen reports Blessed with one of those rare fine days, with a sky dotted with puffs of cumulous cloud, 21 members met in green and pleasant surroundings by the huge dam of Baitings reservoir. Across the big dam we strode, through the wood, and then a steep pull up Great Manshead Hill, had us sufficiently warmed up, until the sun went in, that is! The breeze was cool so we moved on, threading our route along the Calderdale Way footpaths and a gradual descent into the Ryburn Valley, arriving at the pretty hamlet of Mill Bank. We had lunch by the stream.  The next section was on a grassy hillside all the way to Ripponden, and within it’s quaint environs we made a beeline for the Old Bridge Inn, the oldest pub in Yorkshire (probably!) dated 1307. After some liquid refreshment, this gave us the energy to toddle back along the river to cross another huge dam at Ryburn Reservoir and even climb a hill at the end. Some of us retired to another pub afterwards whilst others went merrily on their way.

Sunday 19th
Gordon reports Having done the 24 miles 3 peaks walk the day before I was perhaps hoping that no one would turn up so I could go back to bed! 34 turned up on this lovely sunny spring day. Following a steep ascent of Pendle Hill a more leisurely ridge  walk was enjoyed stopping at the trig point before walking the length of the hill and descending Mearley moor and past Mearley Hall. Most partook in liquid refreshments at the Asherton Arms Downham and sat outside to take full advantage of the sunny afternoon weather.

Saturday 18th
Clare reports Twenty seven turned out to walk from Sunnyhurst Wood on what felt like a beautiful summer's day. We stopped for our tea break overlooking Roddlesworth reservoir, and then continued on to Victoria Monument. Most of the group made their way to the top of the Tower, to take in the beautiful views. Thanks to everybody who walked with me.

Easter Monday 13th
Roy reports One of the fairest Easter weekends in living memory encouraged 42 to come out on Roy’s Blea Moor walk. This was a jaunt alongside the Settle Carlisle railway past the 24 arches of the famous viaduct and lonely signal box at Blea Moor sidings. The gradient then stiffened up to the railway tunnel ventilation shafts where there was a catch up pause for “them at the back” before the walk romped on to the breezy summit. Not long could be endured here though the views were exhilarating and wide because of the cold exposure. However, compensation soon followed in the form of a sheltered sunny lunch stop overlooking Dent Head, what a lovely scene! Steeply downhill was the next task on loose stone forest tracks but with the interesting landmark of the railway plunging into the dark tunnel portal and on que along came a train! Passing through the farm yard the party were amazed by the exotic breed of turkeys lurking there but the friendly farmer only mentioned to “them at the back” that there was a short cut down his lane. Hence the front continued in ignorance to plough down the valley and back up the steep road!! And steep hill it was to get back out of Dentdale, the huffing and puffing sounded like the return of steam train days. But before long the Dales Way was reached providing a sedately level promenade above the source of the River Ribble back to Ribblehead Viaduct. The Station Inn provided welcoming ales afterwards. 

Easter Sunday 12th
Graham reports The weather was the best of the year with temps of 20 degrees and was lovely and warm but comfortable for walking. We had to park in the free car in the centre of Gargrave. It was Easter Sunday and there was a Flea Market on at the adjacent Village Hall. Simply it was very busy with cars parked everywhere. Eventually 26 Members and 2 Guests set to walk across the busy A65 and over the lovely River Aire. Followed the Pennine Way south and west across interesting undulating countryside to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at East Martin. Here we sat on the green for a long lunch and a well deserved Beer. Continued from a path at the western end of the hamlet. This is a recent addition and keeps the walker off the busy A59. Soon this became a track known as Ingthorpe Lane and leads to Ingthorpe Grange. A path starts opposite and leads again over interesting undulating countryside. Apart from one little detour where we had to climb over a barbed wire fence where everyone rallied around to help others over the barrier. The party descended onto Marton Lane and turning right soon walked into the hamlet of Bank Newton. Left turn up a track led past the lovely 16th century Mullioned Newton Hall positioned on a bank just above the track. The way ahead was past the ruined Moorber Bottom and eventually to a lane. Right turn soon brought us to Coniston Cold where we crossed the busy A65 again. Passed by the Parish Church before gaining a lane and going left, walked to Bell Busk. Right turn the right turn again took us to cross the River Aire again where we stopped to wonder at its beauty. Continued up a track then across a few fields to Mark House Lane and descended into Gargrave where we retired into the Old Swan Inn for a well deserved drink.

Sunday 5th
Sheila reports On quite a pleasant afternoon 39 people enjoyed my walk to White Coppice. We were Highly Honoured to have the Company of The Big Chief (Peter) on our walk today. (I hope I passed the Test as a Walk Leader) We set off passing through the village of Wheelton to make our way to St.Barts Church at Heapey having safely crossed the By-Pass. We then took the track passed the Fishing Lodges @ Heapey and over the fields to White Coppice where we stopped for Lunch. To our delight the little cafe was open today so quite a few of us indulged in Bacon Butties, Cakes & Tea (which are highly recommended). After a leisurely lunch we set off along The Goit to reach Brinscall Hall. Then up over the fields were one gentleman had to change his name to Mary as a little lamb fell in love with him and started to follow him on the walk. In the next field we had a RRR moment as we saw a ewe that had just given birth to twin lambs. We soon reached Briers Brow which is a busy stretch of road without footpaths and I am pleased to say everyone used The Country Code on this section. Then for the Sting in the Tail when we had to climb up a sharp hill. But I was good enough to let them all have 10 minutes to recover when we reached the top. (Well I needed a rest even if the others did not). Arriving  back at St.Barts we then retraced our steps to the cars. Happy to say all crossed the By-Pass safely again. Quite a few of us went to The Dressers Arms for a drink afterwards although the service was a little slow we all eventually got served.