Sunday 26th
Stephen reports  The forecast was for a soggy Sunday! The first part of my walk was to explore the little visited valley of Uldale with its fine series of waterfalls. 8 of us donned waterproofs and squelched across the boggy moorland in the rain. We reached the first set of falls and had a coffee stop. Proceeding on, beside the raging river, the valley became narrower, the path indistinct and very precarious as we clung to the wet slippy hillside with steep drops in places. After a few hair-raising moments, we managed to get as near as we could to the huge waterfall known as Uldale Force. Getting a closer view was dangerous as the river was in full spate. (A certain person lost his balance here a year earlier and fell in the river!). Crossing the river further downstream proved to be a bit tricky but once onto easier paths we found a nice spot for lunch and the rain stopped. After lunch we walked down a quiet lane giving good views of the Howgill Fells. We reached a farm that had a huge collection of tractors (Tractorville, I named it!). Having crossed the main A683 road we took a steep path to Murthwaite and into the isolated but scenic valley of Wandale with big hills all around. Unfortunately, the path I had chosen as a shorter alternative to the one used on the recce proved to be non-existent on the ground and we struggled to find a route all the way to the farm at the head of the valley. We were now in boggy cow-poo traipse territory and I was fast regaining my reputation as the ‘Quagmire Supremo!’ We were now on a high level path, passing a series of ruined farms along the length of the valley, with the views opening out all the time. Eventually we reached a grassy path taking us to the farm at Narthwaite. From here it was a relatively easy, drama free plod along the floor of the valley back to the cars.
Meryl reports This walk was first put on by Steve Gannon 3 years ago when we had a lovely time and saw many butterflies including the fritillaries but the weather was fine, dry and warm. This was in memory of that time and of Steve.
On Sunday it was another wet and rainy morning – so I was surprised to see 20 members assembling at the start of the walk in the pouring rain. Being Link members they knew the walk would take place and that the rain would stop and we would have some sunshine. Luckily it did stop raining, but not for an hour having teased us first with some stops and starts. As we were gently ascending under the trees it did not bother us too much and we did have a dry coffee break in a clearing. Unfortunately, as expected, the butterflies were sheltering from the rain and we did not see many, except some Meadow Browns. Steve P rescued a fritillary from a watery death in a puddle and holding it carefully in his hands to show us, warmed it enough for it to be able to fly off. After our dry lunch break we continued to Lord’s Seat, where we had a splendid panoramic view encompassing the hills and the coastline around Arnside. Crossing the top of Whitbarrow Scar we only saw a few Meadow Browns, a common blue and some small whites. We descended steeply to the conservation area and walked through the wood to finally come out by the new Hiker’s Rest. (A self-service café set up in an old barn where a mug of tea costs only 50p and scone jam and butter 40p). The kettle was filled and several of us had a mug of tea, whilst everyone took it easy. We then sauntered back to the cars, looking at the water resurgence at Beck Head and checking out the small whites and green veined whites in the hedgerows on the way through Millside. It must have been all the chatting because most of us were still thirsty enough to visit the Gilpin Bridge Hotel for some more refreshments.

Sunday 19th 
Bob reports It was raining heavily as we drove to the carpark, but it eased off as 15 members set off.  Very soon the rain stopped as we passed the boulders at Fosters Leap, and we were able to enjoy the views across the valley over Wycoller. We picked up an ancient moorland track way towards our objective of Boulsworth Hill, where the cloud was gradually lifting from the summit. As we ascended the sun appeared fitfully until we reached the summit to be met by a short sharp shower, quickly clearing as we enjoyed lunch in the sun and the extensive views all round Lancashire and into Yorkshire. We descended to view Lumbs spout and a short break for refreshments, before continuing to Wycoller to be told to our horror that the tea shop was closed. so we returned to the car park and consoled ourselves in the Emmett Arms, where we also congratulated ourselves on turning out on a foul morning to enjoy a largely dry and sunny walk.
Jane reports 13 people met just outside Orton on a windy but sunny day. The walk starts by crossing the moor edge of Great Asby Scar passing the cross that commemorates the Jubilee of Queen Victoria 1887. After entering the English Nature reserve of Great Asby Scar we took a short break before continuing across the scar and then into the village of Great Asby. A pretty quaint village where we had lunch by the stream. The Three Greyhounds (pub) had done a runner and were on vacation so we were not able to enjoy their hospitality. We then walked along a rough track through grazing fields, crossing walls and streams before viewing Gaythorne Hall over the brow of a hill. Our donkey did not disappoint and enjoyed his carrots and apple entertaining the walkers with his antics of kicking and running round his paddock and showing his teeth with a real donkey laugh. We passed by the side of Gaythorne Hall, an interesting shaped grey building of Jacobean origin. Another short break by the stream before returning along the road to the cars. Everyone enjoyed refreshments at the George Hotel in Orton after the walk.

Saturday 18th 
Alan reports 6 members met the leader at the car park in Burnsall on a warm, overcast day with only a few short showers for a description of the walk before starting off along a picturesque riverside section of the Dales Way, crossing the Mill Bridge suspension bridge and heading up to Hartlington Raikes for a road and track section to Grimwith, Yorkshire Waters largest reservoir and wildfowl reserve. Here we crossed the parapet for lunch on the picnic site – tables, seats and even some sunshine for everyone with splendid waterside views – who could ask for more? After lunch it was time for a wander across Appletreewick Pasture towards the ancient settlement of Hartlington with its hall, farm and Doomsday book listing, rejoining the Dales Way back to Burnsall for afternoon tea.

Thursday 16th
Meryl reports It was a wet evening so I was surprised that 13 people and 2 dogs arrived at Tockholes for the walk. I did suggest that we did not need to go up to the Tower, which was shrouded in mist and rain but had no takers. So off we went and the rain did more or less stop as the mist cleared from the hill. Several people climbed the tower to see the views and then we walked down to Sunnyhurst and took the top path through Sunnyhurst Woods to come out by Earnsdale reservoir. Even though the rain was coming on again the view was still good but as we returned to the car park having climbed Donkey Brew the rain came on harder and we were quite wet by the time we got back. Despite being very wet, several of us had a welcome drink in the Royal Arms. As usual they had some very good cask ales on.

Sunday 12th
Gordon reports 42 Link Members enjoyed the scenery of the Ribble Valley including Pendle Hill, Ingborough, Penyghent and Whernside were clearly seen on this pleasant afternoon - the weather remained fine with occasional sunshine. After taking a wrong path for 50 yards and having to double back (the leader was distracted by another) the walks thereafter went well! A refreshment stop at Sawley Abbey was appreciated by all and the lunch stop at Swanside Wood provided scenic views towards Pendle Hill . At the end of the walk most stayed on and went to the Asheton Arms where they were able to sit outside and enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun. "An intricate walk of a hundred stiles" - well not quite was how one members described the walk. At least the thighs were more toned at the end of the walk.

Saturday 11th
Clare reports Thanks to the five people who braved the weather report to turn up on my Moel Famau walk. Fortunately the weather men had got things wrong again, and we had a lovely dry day walking in the Clwydian Range. After leaving Loggerheads we skirted around Foel Fenli on the way to Moel Famau, taking in a short stretch of Offa's Dyke on the way. After climbing Moel Famau we dropped back down into Loggerheads, and finished a very pleasant day with ice cream and home made cakes in the cafe there. 

Sunday 5th
Roy reports 13 was the number that met at Birks Bridge in the Duddon Valley for Wainwright Chapter 114 in sunny fresh conditions. The pre-lunch section of the walk was not the expected “strenuous mountain” grade but an undulating saunter along Tarn Beck. The waterfall flowing out of Seathwaite Tarn was very pretty and a tranquil lunch stop was found by the riverside. Then came the first taste of some hard graft, the steep ascent of Wallowbarrow Crag with the weather turning close and humid but the gradually opening out vistas were an inspiration. A short sojourn by the bubbling peaty waters of Grassguards Gill revived our energy and then it was on up the serious mountain of Harter Fell. Who planned the hard climb for so late in the hot afternoon? Some idiot! However, the seascape and mountainscape from the sharp rocky summit was spellbinding. A steep slithering descent with many a bruised bottom was quickly made back to the car park where a convoy then proceeded to the Newfield Inn for excellent beers and meals. 
Sheila reports Well I must hold the record for doing the same walk 3 times in the last 5 weeks (That is what happens when The Gremlins get into the walks program). So I was utterly amazed when 45 people turned up for my walk today of which 10 people were doing it for the second time. We set off at noon in the warm sunshine to make our way over to White Coppice where we stopped for lunch and to sample the tea and cakes from the café. Then it was off on the climb over Wheelton Moor while coming off here one lady slipped on the loose gravel and grazed her legs quite badly. We then made our way down to Brinscall hoping for a stop on The Green but with black clouds above us it was decided to carry on and have a stop later but by the time we got to the next stopping place the rain had come so no stopping here either. As we approached Withnall Fold the rain stopped we then made our way back to the cars via the Tow Path. We tried The Golden Lion which has a small Beer Garden where we all had a well deserved drink. This is my last walk for 2009 so I would just like to thank all the walkers who have supported me on my walks this year.