Update – 28.09.20

To confirm and clarify … all walks have been postponed until further notice and conditions are entirely safe to do so.

In the meantime, take care and let’s hope we will be together soon.

~

Anchor Ramblers – Leigh

A future for our walking whilst Corona Virus is still with us

The future is very uncertain for many rambling clubs due to Covid 19 virus which has caused massive loss of life and whilst receding is still around with always a chance of returning.

With this situation has come a complete change in life with social distancing and the wearing of facemasks in shops and on public transport etc. For ramblers, the lockdown plus the measures currently in place have diminished the chance to travel and to walk but I am sure most of us have managed some walking.

Turning to the future of Anchor Ramblers we have been thinking of the major issues which the current situation effects: –

Social distancing on coaches together with sanitising creates issues.
This would mean about 25 to 30 passengers only.
The cost per passenger would greatly increase.
Many club members especially those shielding or in poor health would not feel safe.

To overcome this for the rest of this year your committee are proposing the following way forward.

We restart our 4-weekly programme on August 23rd with the original dates pertaining thereafter.
Travel to the walks will be by personal car transport observing fully the social distancing rules which will be normally two people in the car unless other passengers are part of a family “bubble”.
The walks will be within a 40 miles radius of Leigh.
This distance will have the effect of producing a variety of venues with circa 1 hour travelling time each way. Thus, the petrol cost etc per couple will be much lower than equivalent coach fare.
To simplify the walking options and given many of us have not walked seriously during lockdown we would run only two walks.
- The C and D walks would be combined with suggested maximum distance of 8 miles with possible turn off for the “D” walkers to shorten the walk if necessary.
- The A and B walks would be combined with suggested maximum distance of 10/12 miles.
- Walks would start at circa 10.00 p.m.
- To make sure no one is forgotten and for leaders to know who is in their party members would have to book on with the booking secretary Joan Heaton as stating which walk, they would want to walk on.
- As to after walk relaxation we will try to finish at or close a suitable hostelry so people can have a drink etc. However, drivers should refrain from alcohol.
NOTE It is always the responsibility of each individual to observe social distancing. Note facemasks are not need while social distancing outdoors. Those who want to wear masks can do so.
This walk proposal will be subject to change due to any government or local controls to curb further virus outbreaks.

Ernie Rothwell – Chairman
On behalf of the Committee of Anchor Ramblers – Leigh

NEXT WALK!!!

Date: Sunday 20th September POSTPONED

Venue: Tockholes, Lancashire

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**Start/Meeting Point: Royal Arms, Tockholes Road, Darwen BB3 0PA meet at 9.45 a.m. (for Track & Trace) / 10.00 a.m. start**

Parking: Two parking areas adjacent to the pub … drive through the first one (for customers) to a free car park (for all).

Directions: From Belmont village, continue on A675. After 1.5 miles, turn right onto minor road for a further 1.75 miles. The Royal Arms is on the right.

A/B Walk – 11 miles approx – Leader: – Roger Hendry

C/D Walk – 8 miles approx (shortcut for D walkers) – Leader: – Vinnie AndersonPost Walk Refreshments / Get-together – The Royal pub or Tilly’s cafe (next to the Italian restaurant, just south of Belmont on the A675)

All Members are encouraged to come along!!!

**NOTE: – For attendance and Track & Trace Reasons you MUST book on with**

Joan Heaton our booking secretary on 07815 441789

A & B WALKS ~11-12 miles / 1800-2000 feet ascent (shortened if required)

We start by walking through Tockholes Plantation, to reach the ruins of Hollinshead Hall.

Tapping into the Witton Weavers Way, we make the climb onto the great expanse of the West Pennines.

Crossing Darwen Moor, along a restored path, we reach the magnificent and dominating Jubilee Tower.

We now make the steep descent to Sunnyhurst, through Sunnyhurst Wood and onto Earnshaw Reservoir.

Another (lesser) climb is required over Darwen golf course and through the tranquillity of Tockholes village.

Our finale takes us back along the WWW … to Higher Whitehalgh Farm, Higher Hill and the beautiful Roddlesworth Reservoirs.

Roger

C & D WALKS ~D = 6.75 miles / 800 feet ascent C = PLUS 2.25 miles / 400 feet

If the weather is kind, then this should be a real treat, as we circumnavigate a series of truly spectacular reservoirs. All paths and tracks are wide, very well maintained and conveniently waymarked … through dense woodland and across open fields.

My plan is to split the two walks … but starting and ending TOGETHER.

I NEED SOMEONE TO ASSIST ME TO LEAD THE D WALK THROUGH ITS CENTRAL SECTION … I WILL PROVIDE FULL MAPPING AND THE VERY LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY (MY STATE OF THE ART GPS!).

Both walks follow the exact same route, except the C has an added loop … this will allow the D to catch up and ‘overtake’, both groups should then re-join in the latter stages(?).

NOTES:

C WALK LOOP – two options available to us (subject to conditions) … the first is a sheer slice of mischief BUT does require a steep descent and ascent through a mysterious valley(???). The second (easier) option explores a little known nature reserve.

D WALK PUB STOP – there is an excellent pub stop available if the weather is miserable … it is that good a pub, you pass it twice! Once in the morning (opens 10.45am for breakfasts/cuppa), and again (for lunch if you fancy).

Vinnie

~

Patterdale – Balance & Availability

Balances are due by the end of August ~ £125pp (for 3 nighters) or £75pp (for 2 nighters).

Cheques made payable to S.Dickson and posted to: 1, The Poplars, LEIGH, Lancs WN7 3QH. For bank transfer, email: petersheila68@yahoo,com

There are places available (Twin/Double ~ 2/3 nights ~ £125pp/£165pp) for our annual weekend at Patterdale in November … please contact Sheila on 0784 699 3207 if interested.

~

For website additions or amendments ~

Contact Vinnie by

email: anchor.web@hotmail.com

or text: 0797-904-2058

Update – 28.09.20

To confirm and clarify … all walks have been postponed until further notice and conditions are entirely safe to do so.

In the meantime, take care and let’s hope we will be together soon.

~

~

Anchor Ramblers – Leigh

A future for our walking whilst Corona Virus is still with us

The future is very uncertain for many rambling clubs due to Covid 19 virus which has caused massive loss of life and whilst receding is still around with always a chance of returning.

Turning to the future of Anchor Ramblers we have been thinking of the major issues which the current situation effects: –

Social distancing on coaches together with sanitising creates issues.

This would mean about 25 to 30 passengers only.

The cost per passenger would greatly increase.

Many club members especially those shielding or in poor health would not feel safe.

To overcome this for the rest of this year your committee are proposing the following way forward.

We restart our 4-weekly programme on August 23rd with the original dates pertaining thereafter.

Travel to the walks will be by personal car transport observing fully the social distancing rules which will be normally two people in the car unless other passengers are part of a family “bubble”.

The walks will be within a 40 miles radius of Leigh.

This distance will have the effect of producing a variety of venues with circa 1 hour travelling time each way. Thus, the petrol cost etc per couple will be much lower than equivalent coach fare.

To simplify the walking options and given many of us have not walked seriously during lockdown we would run only two walks.

The C and D walks would be combined with suggested maximum distance of 8 miles with possible turn off for the “D” walkers to shorten the walk if necessary.

The A and B walks would be combined with suggested maximum distance of 10/12 miles.

Walks would start at circa 10.00 p.m.

To make sure no one is forgotten and for leaders to know who is in their party members would have to book on with the booking secretary Joan Heaton as stating which walk, they would want to walk on.

As to after walk relaxation we will try to finish at or close a suitable hostelry so people can have a drink etc. However, drivers should refrain from alcohol.

NOTE It is always the responsibility of each individual to observe social distancing. Note facemasks are not need while social distancing outdoors. Those who want to wear masks can do so.

This walk proposal will be subject to change due to any government or local controls to curb further virus outbreaks.

Ernie Rothwell – Chairman On behalf of the Committee of Anchor Ramblers – Leigh