A linear walk starting out from Littleborough in Greater Manchester.  We head over the moors, via a Roman road, and then down past reservoirs into the Yorkshire village of Ripponden. Going through the once industrious valley, the final stage of the walk takes us on to Sowerby Bridge, where a well-deserved drink awaits.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Walk leader meeting at walk start.

Use toilets on the train.

Parts of this walk on the moorland are exposed, so bring some warm clothing. The ground will be boggy if it's been raining, so gaiters are advisable.

The first of two walks over the weekend based in and around Keswick. For this walk we will be ascending Skiddaw also taking in Dodd to the west of Skiddaw.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Car Sharing

For car share walks, we meet at a convenient Manchester location and drive to the walk start using as few cars as possible. This keeps fuel costs and emissions down. Passengers please remember to contribute towards fuel costs at the end of the day.
Itinerary is below - click links for map and further information.

If you are driving, please make every effort to attend the Deansgate Locks meet point as some people may depend on a lift to get to the walk start. For further information, email walks@madwalkers.org.uk, especially if you intend to drive there directly.

If you would like to come on this walk - please email jwbuckland@hotmail.com by 20th May.

As this is the first of two walks in the Keswick area, people will be travelling up on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning for these walks and we want to make sure there are enough drivers and everyone has a space.

We'll be staying in Keswick (YHA) that night for the walk the day after if anyone wants to join us.

A walk around Parbold showcasing the picturesque Douglas valley.  Although we don't go very high, we obtain some terrific views of the Lancashire plain towards Ormskirk, Southport, Blackpool and way beyond.  It's quite easy going, with gentle ascents, apart from one challenging climb (but that's rewarded by a pub stop shortly afterwards at about 6 miles in).  There's also another pub at the end!

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Given the late start, a long lunch stop is not planned although there is time to eat on the train en-route.

The train also calls at Bolton (11:45) and Wigan Wallgate (12:02).

If driving, parking spaces at the station are limited although there are housing estates close by with plenty of on-road parking available.

If there has been heavy rain a few days before (or on the day!) gaiters are recommended.

The second of two walks over the weekend in and around Keswick. This walk will start from Rosthwaite (south of Keswick) and finish in Keswick passing over High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells.

Please note there are two sections of unavoidable steep rocky descent coming down off Cat Bells. You will probably need to use your hands on the rocky, although these aren't 'scrambles' as such.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Car Sharing

For car share walks, we meet at a convenient Manchester location and drive to the walk start using as few cars as possible. This keeps fuel costs and emissions down. Passengers please remember to contribute towards fuel costs at the end of the day.
Itinerary is below - click links for map and further information.

If you are driving, please make every effort to attend the Deansgate Locks meet point as some people may depend on a lift to get to the walk start. For further information, email walks@madwalkers.org.uk, especially if you intend to drive there directly.

If you would like to come on this walk - please email jwbuckland@hotmail.com by 20th May.

As this is the second of two walks in the Keswick area, people will be travelling up on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning for these walks and we want to make sure there are enough drivers and everyone has a space.

This is a linear walk. The group will be catching the Number 78 bus to Rosthwaite from Keswick bus station at 10.25.  We would advise all people going on the walk to meet us at Keswick bus station at 10.15, rather than traveling directly to the walk start. Please allow 15 minutes to park in Keswick, gear up and get to the bus stop in good time.

One of the less travelled routes up to Snowdon, starting from Rhyd-Ddu railway station, the walking is straighforward following a clear track passing some disused quarries towards Bwlch Cwm Llan. The ascent now starts, up Snowdon South Ridge, with great views into the vast Cwm Tregalan, (a few sections will require the occasional use of hands but nothing too difficult). The South Ridge path then joins the Rhyd-ddu path and we follow a narrowing arête (Bwlch Main) to the summit of Snowdon where we can enjoy hot drinks in the cafe before descending back via the more direct Rhyd-Ddu path.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Car Sharing

For car share walks, we meet at a convenient Manchester location and drive to the walk start using as few cars as possible. This keeps fuel costs and emissions down. Passengers please remember to contribute towards fuel costs at the end of the day.
Itinerary is below - click links for map and further information.

If you are driving, please make every effort to attend the Ferguson House, 11 Blackfriars Road, Salford meet point as some people may depend on a lift to get to the walk start. For further information, email walks@madwalkers.org.uk, especially if you intend to drive there directly.

Toilets at walk start, middle (summit cafe) and finish.

Car Parking cost £4.00 per day. Map OL17. OS Start grid reference SH571526.

Return to Manchester may be quite late.

Driving Directions:   M56 / A494 / A55 J9  / A487 / A4085.

Wilderness Gully is an excellent Grade 1 scramble near Dovestones reservoir. We'll catch the train to Greenfield, walk up to and round the reservoir before heading up Chew Valley to the bottom of the scramble. The scrambling is straightforward and avoidable if necessary and we'll take it on at a suitable pace for the whole group - a perfect introduction if you fancy trying scrambling! Then we'll walk along to Indian's Head and down to Wimberry boulders if you fancy a little more entirely optional scrambling, before on down to The Clarence and The Railway pubs for a little light refreshment!

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Some gaiters might be useful as the approach to the scramble along the river can be boggy if it has been raining. If the rocks are particularly green and slippy, we might go up Charnel Clough with some ungraded but similarly introductory scrambling.

A walk up the Irwell Valley to Rawtenstall going out of Bury and going along the eastern side of the valley with a long steady climb up to Scout Moor to see the Wind Turbines, then passing by Waugh's Well and Cowpe Lowe and if we're lucky we might try and fail to get in that Temperance Bar again in Rawtenstall.

Then, we take advantage of the East Lancashire Railway Rambler's Weekend to get back to Bury for a special fare of £4.60, for which you'll need to bring your RA membership card.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Drinks and Canapes at the Trackside Bar, Bury upon our arrival back there...

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

This is a hard walk!! Please do not just turn up for this unless you are absolutely confident of your ability to complete this walk at a brisk pace (or are confident of your ability to navigate yourself to an alternative finish).

This walk  is over remote moorland with few bailout points so you must be properly equipped, including full waterproofs, good boots and warm layers whatever the weather. Please bring at least 2 l of water - more if it's hot and plenty of food - you'll need it!

This is  not a car based walk - unless you want a very very late finish to your day.

Ex Map OS 1.

Any questions put them up on the MadWalkers facebook page and leader will respond there.

Join us on this summer epic adventure to Llangollen in the heart of the Dee Valley, nestled within the Welsh Borderlands.  We arrive in comfort and style on our chartered, executive coach direct from Manchester Piccadilly. We disembark in the village centre, adjacent to where steam trains simmer on the platforms below and the mighty River Dee meanders through the village.

Heading towards the Llangollen Canal, we stroll along the tow path passing horse drawn narrow boats en route to Horseshoe Falls. Continuing our walk, we begin to climb the hills around Llangollen which allow us breathtaking views of the Dee Valley while sounds of steam trains echo below. Quaint footbridges over tiny streams contrast sharply to the scale of scree slopes and towering hills as we skirt the valleys on the Clwydian Way before walking a section of a famous Welsh path - Offa's Dyke.  The finale of the walk takes to the remarkable ruins of Dinas Bran Castle, perched atop its own mini mountain. Views from here are described as some of the best in Europe! A leisurely decent back to the village allows us to sample Welsh Tea Rooms and their amazing cakes, or why not relax with a pint or two of real ale, or indeed a glass of wine, on the banks of the River Dee? Our carriage then awaits, so sit back and relax as it whisks us back to Manchester for an early evening arrival.

Meet & Travel arrangements - By Coach

A charter coach has been organised for this event.
Itinerary is below - click links for map and further information.

You need to book on to this walk - only 49 PLACES AVAILABLE.

A linear walk along a ridge of Gritstone hills in the middle of the beautiful Cheshire Plain. Stroll along canals, meet the Old Man of Mow and even explore a castle!! Marvel at the stunning views along the way and quench your thirst with your favourite tipple at a traditional Cheshire Inn...

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Toilets available on the train and at Congleton and Kidsgrove Stations.

A challenging grade 1 scramble to Snowdon via Crib Goch. Starting from Pen-y-pass, briefly walking along the paved Pyg Track before starting our ascent up a rocky slope where the path twists and turns with occasional short steep sections of scrambling (at times strenuous) before reaching the summit of Crib Goch. From there, we walk along a very exposed ridge with dramatic drops (& great views) on both sides. The top of the ridge can be used as a hand rail with a steady head before reaching the easier traverse of Crib y Ddysgl and a welcome break at Snowdon cafe before returning to Pen-y-pass via the easier Pyg Track. This is chanllenge sramble which requires an excellent head for heights and a good level of fitness.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Car Sharing

For car share walks, we meet at a convenient Manchester location and drive to the walk start using as few cars as possible. This keeps fuel costs and emissions down. Passengers please remember to contribute towards fuel costs at the end of the day.
Itinerary is below - click links for map and further information.

If you are driving, please make every effort to attend the Ferguson House, 11 Blackfriars Road, Salford meet point as some people may depend on a lift to get to the walk start. For further information, email walks@madwalkers.org.uk, especially if you intend to drive there directly.

Toilets & Cafe at start, middle and end of walk.

M56 / A494 / A55 J19 / A470 (towards Betws-y-Coed) / A5 (towards Capel Curig) A4086.   At the junction of A4086 / A498 there is the Pen Y Gwryd Hotel, there is road side parking just before and after this hotel.  

A Metro-based linear walk in combination with a social in Whitefield.

A walk of many stones! This will be a day spent generally off-path on open moorland, with a possiblility of a little light bouldering for those interested.The only facilities in the middle of the walk are the hills and stones!

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Gaiters might be worth while.

Use the toilets on the train.

A pleasant walk around three shires and visiting the Roaches.

This is a long circular walk of varied terrain, which takes in a few interesting sites, including Cats Tor, Shining Tor, Windgather Rocks, Jenkin Chapel, Taxal Moor and a very beautiful garden centre. Most of the ascent is at the beginning with some of it being steep, but there are a few cheeky little climbs towards the end as well.

It can be boggy at times so please bring your gaiters. 

There'll be a pub stop at the end and a curry for anybody who's interested.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

A walk out of Haworth out into the wild and windy moors...

A linear walk from Hellifield to Settle taking advantage of the Dalesrail service.

A circular evening walk around Chorlton followed by a social.

A stunning circular through the heart of the Hope Valley, walking in the footsteps of the Roman Legions. After 'marching' up hills and down dales we quench our thirst in one of Castleton's finest Ale Houses... 

A linear walk taking us almost immediately uphill from Chapel-en-le-Frith railway station to the hill fort at Castle Naze, along the rugged and beautiful Combs Edge and then to the Goyt Valley and alongside Fernilee Reservoir before making our way to Whaley Bridge and the possibility of the pub.

Meet & Travel arrangements - Public Transport

We’ll use public transport from Manchester to travel to and return from the walk start/end.
Itinerary is below - click station links for map and further information.

Please note that some short sections of the path along Combs Edge are narrow with steep slopes on one side.

Lunch on Arnside Knott, then onto the Pepperpot, into Silverdale and round the beach back to Arnside for a fish and chip supper!

A circular walk around Urmston, followed by a social!

A linear walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Setlle taking advantage of the Dalesrail service.

It's Preston Guild Year this year, it only happens once every 20 years so we have to use this excuse for a semi-urban walk around Preston whilst we can!

Starting from the station we'll go up and down the River Ribble, taking in Avenham Park and other delights, and afterwards we'll go back into town for the guild festivities. See http://www.prestonguild2012.com for more details on the guild itself.

A circular walk around Newton-le-Willows. More info to follow.

A relatively flat (<100-200m), relatively short walk (5-6 miles) in a nice part of Manchester reached by public transport on a Saturday - how can you resist! Contact walks@madwalkers.org.uk to volunteer your services as walk leader and walk where you like!

A circular walk around Didsbury and Fletcher Moss park, with a social afterwards at The Didsbury pub.

A relatively flat (<100-200m), relatively short walk (5-6 miles) in a nice part of Manchester reached by public transport on a Saturday - how can you resist! Contact walks@madwalkers.org.uk to volunteer your services as walk leader and walk where you like!

An autumnal circular walk starting from Fairholmes Visitor Centre up to Alport Castles, taking in some breathtaking scenery across Rowlee Pasture, the River Alport and Blackley Hey.

A relatively flat (<100-200m), relatively short walk (5-6 miles) in a nice part of Manchester reached by public transport on a Saturday - how can you resist! Contact walks@madwalkers.org.uk to volunteer your services as walk leader and walk where you like!

A complicated description...