Bank Holiday Monday 28th
Clare reports Thanks to all who joined me on my walk today. Twenty four of us set off through Croston on a wonderfully sunny, crisp winter's day. We walked along the bank of the River Douglas where we could see evidence of recent flood water. Unfortunately there was no sign of the wrens, kingfishers and herons which I saw on my recce. On reaching Rufford we stopped off at Fettler's Wharf for lunch. We then headed back towards Croston via the Leeds Liverpool Canal, passing Rufford Old Hall. At this point, much to my dismay, one of our number deliberately stepped off the towpath onto the ice of the canal. Fortunately it did take his weight! We returned to Croston via the river Yarrow, and ended a very pleasant day with a drink in The Lord Nelson.

Sunday 27th
Peter T reports I would like to thank the 28 members (including 3 who had never walked before) who braved the appalling weather to join me on my first walk as leader around Angelzarke and Healey Nab. Having reached our first muddy obstacle (after 50 yards) 2 members decided the December weather was too much for them and turned back. The rest of us soldiered on and were rewarded with the sleet stopping and the sun coming out for the rest of the walk. A good time was had by all and the new walkers are eager for their next walk!

Boxing Day Saturday 26th
Graham reports 15 Members and 1 Guest set off along the Road after ordering lunch. Turned left at an access passing some cottages at Green Farm. After entering a field turned left again to walk north to 2 Footbridges then Roger Nook Wood. At Knowle Pad Wood turned left to find lone at Knowle Pad Farm. At junction of lanes turned right along a very icy lane. Had to walk in single file along the edge of the lane where still snow was. Some members crossed the land on all fours for safety. At the next junction turned left and just past a farm found path on the left. Had a well deserved rest behind a wooden structure before continuing south through fields to a road. Turned left then found path on right that eventually took the party to the outskirts of Inskip, the path passing between houses to Track. Turned right and followed this to main road. Turned left back to the Derby Arms. Got changed then had lunch in the lovely warm atmosphere of the Pub with old friends.

Sunday 20th
Stephen reports Due to the extreme weather today's walk had to be cancelled. Snow and Ice on the roads and car park made travel dangerous.

Sunday 13th
Roy reports 13 members assembled in Lowther Park on a bright frosty morn. Most were unaware that the leader had done no recce and had never been in this area before! However, he did have a map and Wainwright route chart and a load of skill so everything passed off alright. The party set off down the road to the river, across the bridge and up through the classic Cumbrian village of Askham, noting where the pubs were for later. Scampering onto the fells it did not take long to reach the summit of Heughscar Hill to be rewarded with extensive views over Ullswater towards the Helvellyn range. Many marvelled at the unbroken scenery of the common with not a wall or fence in site but some ladies complained of having no where to hide to pee!! Lunchtime seating was furnished by a convenient stone circle before a wild plunge across the unpathed heather of Moor Divock. But soon it was a sedate saunter down into the valley via Helton and Whale and back along the River Lowther to the gaunt castle shell and walks end. Everyone then adjourned happily to the Punch Bowl.

Sunday 6th 
Anne reports Hooray! Sunshine in Ramsbottom -- makes a change from the floods. 17 of us did the walk up to Grant's tower and Nangreaves in a chilly wind but quite a bit of sunshine. After having had a nasty flu virus for 4 weeks the leader struggled a little on the way up to the tower, but after a short rest for a drink and to admire the view, it was all downhill to the hamlet of Nangreaves and the "Lord Raglan" where we stopped for refreshment. We finally dragged ourselves out to face the quagmire which I knew awaited us. One or two wise people were wearing Wellington boots and just ploughed on regardless, whilst others had to negotiate the best way through the bog and accross the stream. Our next obstacle was another boggy field leading down to the river, but this was surprisingly easy to negotiate (relatively speaking!) Back down in Ramsbottom the leader pointed everyone in the direction of the Market stalls and the pub, then made her way home to lie down