THE WALKS

Welcome to the walks pages. We walk twice a week, on Saturdays and Wednesdays, the year round (excepting Christmas and the New Year), come rain or shine. We are very informal and flexible. There is no forward booking – you just turn up at the meet point in Bolton or nearby, as the whim or the weather takes you on the day, and leave the rest to the leader.

All kinds of terrain are tackled from level river banks to upper moor land. We walk mostly on footpaths, tracks and, occasionally, lanes. The shorter ‘C’ walks usually cover the gentler country, while those wanting to venture into the rougher hills will find the ‘A’ or ‘B’ walks more to their taste. You can pick and mix over the weeks, though most members settle on one group as they find their most comfortable level or make friends.

The starting point is usually accessible by public transport, or you can travel in your own car, or be offered a lift from another member from some central point in Bolton. Meeting places, bus and rail timetables are shown on the Links page

From these pages you will be able to navigate through all our planned walks and select the walk that suits you best. For more information on any walk please contact the Leader.

Rambler’s Safety

Ø      Members must be aware that weather conditions can change quickly at any time of the year. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they are adequately clothed, shod and provisioned for any situation which may arise during a walk.

Ø      Local Rambles. Meet at start of ramble. Please note that bus routes and times are increasingly subject to change and should be carefully checked. These can be found under our “Links” page.

Ø      Car Rambles. Both drivers and passengers meet leader at stated car park. Drivers are asked to notify leader if going direct to the starting point. Passengers should show respect and care for the vehicle in which they are travelling. Wet outer clothing and dirty boots should be stowed in plastic bags. Passengers should also take care to avoid any risk of damage to cars when getting in and out of the vehicle.

Ø      Leaders will announce the amount payable by passengers to their drivers as their share of the costs.

Ø      General. Leave leading to the leader who must not extend the walk beyond that described in the book. Anyone wishing to lengthen the walk will do so on his/her own responsibility. Please endeavour to keep to footpaths and rights o way, close gates and do not leave litter, not even banana skins. When road walking, please endeavour to keep to the right and observe on-coming traffic.

Ø      Leaders should take into account the abilities of all members in their parties and allow adequate rest stops, especially on steep hills. If the walk is known to be severely trying, members must be informed before the walk commences. Members also have a responsibility to select a walk suitable for their abilities and are advised to consider their own welfare, and that of the rest of the group. They should not inhibit the pleasure of the rest of the party.

Ø      Any one insured or feeling unwell MUST inform the leader who should ensure that such a member is accompanied home.

Ø      Any member named as a leader is expected to find a replacement or exchange if for any reason they are unable to lead on the day.

Ø      Any accidents occurring during Club activities must be reported to the Club Secretary as soon as possible, by the Leader involved, with a brief outline of the circumstances.

You should always come properly equipped: stout boots or walking shoes, thick socks, loose trousers, a waterproof if it looks like rain (we never let that deter us) and warm clothing and spares in your rucksack in winter. The weather can be very different on the hills to the centre of town. Of course, on one of those rare summer days with a cloudless sky and a blazing sun, shorts and an open-necked shirt might serve. You will find that the merits of different walking gear are endlessly debated on walks. Normally (always on ‘A’ walks) we picnic, so bring a packed lunch and energizing sweets to keep you going.

Always bring plenty of fluids: coffee or tea in winter and water in summer.