Sunday 31st
Shelia reports Well summer has arrived today at 24deg. and of all days it was my turn to lead a 9 mile walk. What made it worse was this was the walk that was on one minute and off the next. So as a conscientious leader I turned up at the start just in case anyone else did and to my amazement 19 of us turned up. So the walk was ON. We started by walking down to Wheelton village then along the road to Harbour Lane where after crossing a field we had the first stop of the day (which must be a record as we had only walk just over a mile) after taking in the the view for five minutes I was told 4 people were dropping out to go for a walk in the woods (There was I thinking I was not that bad a leader but maybe I'm wrong) We passed by Brinscall Hall to enter the shady woods which lead us to the higher vantage point along The Goit in order to reach White Coppice. Here we had our lunch and watched the start of the cricket match. On leaving we bumped into the 4 Rebels who said they were going to take the easy way back to their cars while we took an easy pace up over Wheelton Moor stopping a couple of times to admire the views. On reaching Brinscall we had the last stop of the day sitting on The Green over looking the Pond. No one seemed to want to move from here as we enjoyed the sunshine and the cool breeze but we eventually made the move to walk up above Brinscall then down to Withnell Fold to join the shady Tow Path back to the cars. Although we were tired with the heat of the day and taking an extra half hour to do the walk we had all enjoyed the day. I must now APOLOGIZE to the walkers for not going to the pub afterwards but given the choice of a drink or a nice cold shower on a very hot day the shower wins every time. YES you guessed it I am not a drinker!! 
Anne reports 24 of us left Edgworth on a glorious sunny afternoon for our walk up to Quarlton Heights. There was a welcome breeze as we walked along the track up out of Edgworth but it was getting very warm and we soon made our first drink stop in a rather unusual place -- a walled enclosure containing the grave of Roger Worthington, an itinerant Baptist preacher, but it provided a place to sit and admire the view. Then it was onward and upward to the top of Lark Hill negotiating the wet muddy track as best we could. After stopping at the top for refreshment and enjoying a rest in the sunshine, we continued on our way round the side of  the hill, admiring the views of the Pennines, the Peak District and the Cheshire hills. We eventually dropped down to the Wayho Reservoir where we strolled along admiring the beautiful scenery. One of the group thought she had spotted a rare breed of duck on the water, until someone pointed out that it was a dog swimming towards the shore with a stick in its mouth -- obviously she was suffering from the effects of the hot sun! On arriving back in Edgworth we continued on to the "White Lion" where we enjoyed a very welcome drink.
Bob reports 10 of us managed to meet at Elterwater having parked all over the place as the National Trust car park was overflowing. We set off for Ling Moor Fell in baking sunshine up by the river, through the quarries and followed the track up to the fell gate, where we stopped for a much needed intake of liquid.  Continuing uphill we eventually reached the summit of the fell, enjoying the refreshing cool breeze.  We followed the ridge downhill and traversed round to Lingmoor Tarn, where we had lunch in the tranquil surroundings away from the ‘hordes’ on the ridge. Unfortunately the charcoal remains of the recently burnt heather left their embarrassing mark on the seat of one member’s shorts! Retracing our steps to the main path we then encountered Fat Man’s Agony, which all members of the party successfully negotiated, each person helping transfer rucksacks by hand through the narrow gap. We then had a sweaty climb to the summit of Side Pike and lounged in the cooling breeze and enjoyed the views before descending to the road and round to Blea Tarn.  Heading to Little Langdale we followed the undulating path above the intake wall, and sweated up the sting in the tail before descending to Elterwater and welcome refreshments at the Britannia Inn.

Saturday 23rd
Meryl reports 15 members, 2 guests and 3 well behaved dogs met with the cricketers on a crowded car park at Barlow Institute.  Having walked through the woods and navigated the tricky paving stones above Turton Bottoms, we walked down to Jumbles reservoir.  Some managed to get a glimpse of a kingfisher but we all saw the grebes and the delightful geese family with their goslings. After a short tea stop on the Sailing club side of the reservoir, we walked up past Turton tower and as we went over the railway bridge could see all the bluebells still in full bloom.  Going along the Witton Way there were lovely views over the valley and having crossed the valley by  way of Chapeltown, we rose again the see more of the lovely views on the other side of the valley. The weather was fine and sunny and luckily the forecast late afternoon shower did not arrive on time. 

Sunday 17th
Anne reports 23 members joined me for our walk round the three reservoirs Jumbles, Wayoh and Entwistle on a rather dull and blustery morning. The rain held off as we set off round the Jumbles and along Bradshaw Brook into Edgworth, where we joined the path behind the Black Bull pub to start our walk along the west side of Wayoh, the largest of the three reservoirs. We followed the path through Armsgrove Clough and under the viaduct, eventually reaching the connecting path to Entwistle reservoir. This area is not unlike parts of Scotland with many forested areas, large tracts of moorland and open stretches of water. We were extremely glad of one forested area next to the picnic site as the rain had now caught up with us. We had our lunch stop spread out in the forest trying to find the best shelter we could, although one hardy member of the group decided to brave the elements and sat out in the open at a picnic table! Luckily this was to be the only downpour of the day and we soon dried out as we continued round the reservoir, passing a baby heron in the shrubbery by the path and admiring the large sculpture of a heron in the water. We eventually reached the connecting road past the Strawberry Duck pub and down the track back to the Wayoh. After a short break on the east side of this long reservoir we continued on back to the Jumbles completing our circuit to arrive back at the cars at 4 o'clock. We had completed almost 11 miles at a fairly brisk pace and were ready for our refreshment at the Cheetham Arms pub in Chapeltown. 
Graham reports 3 members including the leader turned up to the Cricket Ground at White Coppice. I think because of the mix up on dates for this walk/bird watch there wasn’t as many people as usual. Rain threatened all afternoon and we got drenched 2 times during the afternoon. Walked around the pool and along the Goit towards Brinscall to the first bridge and sheltered behind some trees while the rain passed over before continuing along the Goit. At the Bridge turned left then found path on right to cross fields to towards Brinscall where we walked up into the Woods and returned to White Coppice. Continued to Stronskey Bank then returned just as the second downpour started. 
Gordon reports 20 members turned up at the car park overlooking Sabden. The forecast rain seemed to have receded form the earlier forecasts as we set off across the valley and up to the Deerstones and over Spence moor. before dropping down to Ogden reservoir for lunch. The rain started gently at first as we sat for lunch but didn't really cause problems especially as we gain the shelter Fell Wood on our way to Newchurch.  After a convenient stop we made our way part the church with the Eye of God on the wall. Making our way along the valley with a short climb up Padiham Heights and back to the cars. Most went down into Sabden for refreshments at the White Hart Inn.  

Sunday 10th
Jane reports 40 walkers turned up on a rather wet start to the day. The recent rain had turned the path rather muddy too. The walk followed the course of the River Lune walking through woods. The wild garlic was impressive in flower and the bluebells although fading a little still added a lot of colour. The rain had eased a little by the time we stopped for coffee overlooking the river meandering it's was along. After coffee we followed the river further everyone thinking we were going round in circles but not quite. A strenuous climb leaving the river to the quaint village of Aughton, just after stopping for lunch on the hillside overlooking the splendid views of the Lune Valley. After lunch a pleasant walk through farms and grass fields. Finally returning through woods and Halton Park Estate saving the most spectacular scene of bluebells to the last in the woods here. Walkers adjourned to The Ship Inn, Caton for refreshments.

Bank Holiday Monday 4th
Jimmy reports 8 hardy souls met at a very damp car park at Garsdale Head. Setting off in the drizzle down to the road before taking the path across the moor towards the railway crossing. Making our way up to Shaws were we had refreshments beside an unmarked waterfall. We then continued up to Lady Annes Highway. The rain eased off as we arrived at  High Hall  were we managed to have lunch. Continuing on the highway to Hell Gill bridge and spent some time gazing down into the ravine, before continuing down the side of the gill to Hellgill force. After which we continued across the road and started making our way up Turner Hill and across Grizedale Common and down Grizedale back to Garsdale Head. The majority made a stop at the Moorcock Inn for refreshment.   

Sunday 3rd
Peter reports 6 met at a very crowded car park at the end of Hawswater and ended up having to park back along the road side. The first part of the walk alongside the reservoir soon took a more strenuous turn as we started the ascent of the Rough rag ridge. Taking a first stop for lunch overlooking Blea Water then continuing up Long Stile to High Street.  We then continued over Mardale Ill Bell and down to Nan Bield where we stopped for the rest of lunch overlooking Small Water before continuing the ascent up to Harter Fell. The gradual descent over Little Harter Fell to Gatesgarth pass became steeper as we descended down to the car park. Afterwards 3 made their way to the Haweswater Hotel and enjoyed Tea and Biscuits on the terrace in the sun watching a red squirrel taking nuts from the bird feeder.   
Sheila reports On a day when the weather was not quite sure what to do 29 People set off down to Hoghton Bottoms to cross the bridge over the River Darwen. We then had a steep climb up by the Gorge having reached the top we stopped to get our breaths back and decided it was going to be a warm walk so it was off with the jackets. Then it was off across the fields to The Yellow Hills (so called because of the gorse bushes in flower). Here we had great views of Preston behind us, to our left we so the length of Longridge Fells, on the right we looked down on Blackburn with Darwen Tower sitting on the opposite side of the valley. We had lunch in the shelter of the gorse bushes by the pond as it was blowing quite cold up here. After lunch we skirted Billinge Wood which lead us down to the Bridle Path where we admired the many bluebells on this stretch to reach Crow Wood which lead us into Witton Park. Here we had an unscheduled stop to use the port-a-loos which the horse show had kindly provided for us. On reaching Pleasington Priory I was disappointed to find a wedding taking place so I felt we could not go to look round the Priory. We still had a break near by where some members had a quick drink in the near by pub. Then it was off through the villages of Pleasington & Feniscowles to pick up the Tow Path to take us back to Riley Green where we skirted Hoghton Towers to reach our cars. Some of us went to the Boars Head for a well deserved drink and if you were lucky enough to sit in the same alcove as Gordon you would agree he had us all laughing for a good hour THANKS GORDON. A good walk with many variations was the verdict of many.