Garstang Walking Festival 2016

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

Wyre Council Licence No. 100018720 2004.

Morecambe Bay

Walk Meeting Points

WALK MEETING POINTS

J33

A6

The map alongside shows the approximate locations of the meeting points for each walk or activity in the Festival.

Note these may not necessarily be the start of the walk as for some walks transport (private or public) is used from the meeting point to the walk start;

20

M6

Dolphinholme

13 Forton

17

Fleetwood 3

Knott End-on-Sea

11 Scorton

18

i

6 Pilling Preesall

Winmarleigh

A588

Garstang

Stalmine

A587

i Cleveleys

10 i

Nateby

Calder Vale

M6

15 16

Bleasdale

18

22 East from here 23

19

5

Churchtown

9

Hambleton

Thornton

Out Rawcliffe

2

A587

Oakenclough Barnacre

Rossall

1

Cabus

8

ere yyr WW R.

th

7 North from here

Poultonle-Fylde

Catterall

14 Claughton

St Michael’s on Wyre

A6

A586

4

Great Eccleston

21

12

Myerscough

Bilsborrow

A586 Inskip

A585

Blackpool From the West

From the East

Directions to Garstang

M55

By car J3 J4 Or From the north - Exit M6 at junction 33 (Lancaster south).

Follow signs for Garstang, taking the A6 south, for approx 10 minutes.

From the south - Exit M6 at junction 32 (Preston).

From the west - Exit M55 at junction 1 (Preston).

For either, follow signs for Garstang, taking the A6 north, for approx 20 minutes.

From the east - Take the A59 to junction 31 of the M6.

Join the motorway and exit at junction 32, as per directions from the south.

al aan

From the Fyldeer CCoast take the A586 t J32 ass to Churchtown.

Turn left onto the A6 nc La north and follow the signs to Garstang, M6 J1 for approx 5 minutes.

Garstang j

By public transport

Location Walk Number 1 Cleveleys Health Walk 2 Thornton Health Walk 3 Fleetwood G37, Health Walk 4 Poulton G17, Health Walk 5 Stanah G31 6 Pilling G18, Health Walk 7 Glasson Dock G14 8 Winmarleigh G21, G41 9 Churchtown G19 10 Garstang G3, G4, G5, G6, G11, G12, G15,

G16, G22, G35, G38, G39, G43, G53 11 Scorton G8, G32, G40 12 Bilsborrow G20, G34 13 Wyreside G49 14 Claughton G48 15 Calder Vale G9, G52 16 Cobble Hey G47 17 Grizedale Bridge G42 18 Delph G7 19 Brock Valley G44 20 Abbeystead G2, G45, G50, G51 21 Beacon Fell G10 22 Bleasdale G13, G23, G24, G25, G26, G27,

G28, G29, G33, G46 23 Dunsop Bridge G36

For details of train and bus times please ring 0871 200 22 33 or 0857 48 49 50.

Welcome to the 2016 Walking Festival

Important information before you set off on your walk • If you have any medical conditions that the activity leader should know about, please mention this at the start of the activity. Alternatively, check with your GP or health practitioner before you take part. Our health walks are a good starting point for people recovering from ill health.

• When attending an activity please take the advice of the leader. We reserve the right to refuse to take people on activities if we feel they are unsuitably equipped for the activity. If you intend to leave the event early please inform your leader for your own safety, please come dressed to match the type of activity and weather with appropriate footwear and waterproof clothing.

For bookings ring 01995 602125

Visit Garstang Centre opening hours:

November – March April – October

• Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on guided walks unless stated in the walk description. This is because many of the walks cross farmland containing livestock or nesting birds. Dogs are allowed only on the one hour health walks and legstretchers, but dogs must be kept under close control at all times and on a lead on request by the leader, and you must clean up after them.

Would you like to help support the future success and development of the Garstang Walking Festival?

The Festival was launched a decade ago by Wyre Council to encourage people to visit Garstang, enjoy the lovely countryside and also use and support local businesses and organisations.

The Friends are carrying out a co-ordinating role in delivering the 2016 Festival. In addition they are offering further walks in the spring and autumn of the year.

The Friends are looking for people to help with various aspects of the Festival such as becoming walk co-leaders or helping with all the administration associated with the booking of the walks, etc. So if you feel you may wish to help please contact Les on 01995 672230 or at les.fragle@gmail.com and he will happily explain what the Friends are about.

There is an initial £5 joining fee to support the Friends and for this you will receive regular newsletters to keep you updated with what we are up to.

Friends Spring and Autumn Walks These walks led by the Friends will give you a chance to experience the Walking Festival in early spring, to wet your appetites for the main festival in May, and then to maintain the interest after the festival.

These walks take place on Sunday’s in the month from March to April and September to November and start at 10:00 am, lasting between 3 and 6 hours and will be charged at £3.50/£2.50 or £4.50/£3.50 for the longer walks.

Sunday 20 March Barton Grange 10am – 3pm Grade: Moderate Explore the southern boundary of Wyre along the canal from Barton Grange to Inglewhite using footpaths across fields then descending to the River Brock and returning to Barton Grange.

Sunday 24 April Lost Footpaths 10am – 3.30pm Grade: Moderate Enjoy a circular walk through farmland that abounds with wildlife, to the north of Garstang along footpaths that have been very little used in the past years.

Sunday 25 September Cockerham 10am – 4pm Grade: Hard This walk uses footpaths across fields, with views of the Bleasdale Fells, to the Lancaster canal which leads to Glasson Dock. Weather permitting there are extensive views of Lakeland mountains as the coast is followed back to Cockerham.

Sunday 30 October Grizedale Bridge 10am – 1pm Grade: Hard Enjoy the views of Morecambe Bay and Lakeland Hills from the top of Harrisend Fell.

Sunday 27 November Knott End & Preesall – History & Wildlife

10am – 1pm Grade: Moderate A circular walk along the Wyre estuary and inland along lanes and paths looking at a hall built by a Scandinavian, a bygone industry and its associated railway and hopefully seeing some winter wildfowl.

For more details check the website nearer the time.

wyre.gov.uk

£4.50 Adults, £3.50 - concessions, children full day walk over 4 hours £10 where transport is provided on the route

How to book and pay Please quote the booking reference shown next to the event name when booking. Any activity that requires booking should be paid for in advance and no refunds will be given. Please make cheques payable to Wyre Council and send your remittance to Countryside Walks Bookings at the Visit Garstang Centre, Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road, Garstang, Lancashire, PR3 1EF.

Poor Weather Please note a Ranger/Leader will be at the start of an activity whatever the weather.

In extreme conditions a decision will be taken on the day by the leader and the group whether or not to cancel.

By post to:

Visit Garstang Centre, Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road, Garstang, Lancashire, PR3 1EF

Visit Garstang Walking Festival Open Day Thursday 28 April 2016

2pm - 6pm

Come along to our open evening at the Visit Garstang Centre. There will be an opportunity to book on the walks and activities, meet the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival and find out about places to visit in Garstang and Wyre.

Visitor Information For regularly updated information about what’s going on in Wyre visit:

visitwyre.co.uk Tel: 01995 602125

A minibus/taxi will be required to help you get to the start each day for some of these long distance walks. For these walks you will need to bring all weather clothing, walking boots, packed lunch and a drink,

For information on Garstang also visit

garstang.net

Ridge Challenge

Wyre Council, Civic Centre Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde Lancashire FY6 7PU

Saturday 7 to Monday 9 May A series of three walks exploring the ridges of the eastern fells of Wyre. These are strenuous walks for the seasoned walker and each walk is between 13 to 15 miles long.

Tel: 01253 891000 wyre.gov.uk

Wyre Way

Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 May

At 41 miles in length it follows the River Wyre (as closely as possible) using public rights of way from Knott End-on-Sea to the sources above Abbeystead in the Forest of Bowland.

£3.50 Adults, £2.50 - concessions, children legstretchers, half day walk 1- 4 hours

wyre.gov.uk/GWF By email: garstangtic@wyre.gov.uk

Festival Long Distance Walks

Over the years the Wyre Way has proved a popular four-day walk during the Garstang Walking Festival.

11am – 3.30pm 10.30am – 4.30pm 01995 602125

By phone: Download: the booking request form at

• For some walks there may be items such as binoculars, camera, etc. to bring with you but they will be highlighted in the brochure and a reminder will be given when you have booked a walk.

The friends of

You can book your place on the activities (as well as accommodation) at the Visit Garstang Centre.

• On some walks public transport may be used and the need to bring money or money/bus pass with you will be shown in the brochure. On some other walks transport will be provided which is why the cost of these walks is higher than for other walks.

The nearest railway stations to Garstang are Preston, Poulton-le-Fylde and Lancaster.

The theme of the Festival this year is Ridges, Rivers and Rural Pastures

How to book and find out more

• If you cannot attend a walk please, if possible, let the leader or Visit Garstang staff know in good time so if there are reserves on the list they can be given the chance to attend the walk.

hour

There are walks for all abilities throughout the week.

• The finish times of the walks are approximate as the duration may depend on the number of walkers, e.g. crossing stiles.

FREE - Free for health walks and guided walks up to one

co-ordinated by the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival supported by Wyre Council.

Walkers will be able to experience the best of spring time in the countryside around Garstang, the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain. Enjoy bluebell woodlands, wildlife, upland views, local history and also explore to the west of Bowland, the wetlands and the coast.

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of all walks to allow for registration, putting boots on, etc.

Walk price guide

Health Walks during the Festival No need to book these All or Easy grade walks – unless you want a Tramper, minimum 48 hours in advance. Well behaved dogs are welcome on these walks but they must be under control at all times.

Date Sat 7 May

Location

Time Cleveleys Community Centre 10:30am – 11:30 am

Tues 10 May Marsh Mill Tavern, Thornton

2pm – 3pm

Wed 11 May Pilling Village Centre Car Park 10.30am – 11.30am Fri 13 May

Memorial Park , Fleetwood

Sat 14 May Teanlowe Car Park, Poulton

2pm – 3pm 2pm – 3pm

/visitwyre @wyrecouncil @visitwyre For information on the Forest of Bowland visit

2016

Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 May

Ridges, Rivers and Rural Pastures

forestofbowland.com Disclaimer

The information contained within this publication is given in good faith on the basis of information submitted to Wyre Council. Wyre Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Although efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the publication at the time of going to press, changes can occur and it is advisable to contact the booking office prior to the event to confirm the information provided.

Photography used within this leaflet courtesy of Michael Coleran Photography and Albert Dewhirst.

If you would like this information in large print or an alternative format, please ring Wyre Council on 01253 891000

The friends of

Celebrate Springtime around Garstang, Rural Wyre, Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain.

wyre.gov.uk

Festival Diary 2016

For bookings call 01995 602125 Saturday 7 May to Monday 9 May The Three Day Ridge Challenge (G1) Times vary Area: Bleasdale/Delph/Abbeystead Grade: Very Hard/Hard Length: 13 to 15 miles Cost: £12 / £10 for all three days Here we have a series of three walks for those who enjoy long, strenuous walks to challenge the ridges of the Eastern fells of Wyre. They are for the seasoned walker and each walk is between 13 to 15 miles long with plenty of ascents and descents over rough moorland terrain.

Saturday 7 May Three Day Ridge Challenge Day 1 (G2) 9am - 5pm Area: Bowland Fells Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx. 13 miles Cost: £5/ £4 or £12 / £10 for all three days Transport will be provided from Abbeystead to Rigg Lane for the start of this first Ridge walk to Clougha Pike , Grit Fell and Ward Stone.There are steep ascents and descents and walking over rough and uneven ground. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Opening Ceremony 10am – noon Where: Garstang Cost: Free Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival for the opening of the 2016 Festival. Enjoy a drink and piece of celebration cake before the first Garstang based walks set off.

The Story of Greenhalgh Castle (G3) 10.30am – 12.30pm Heritage event Area: Garstang Grade: Easy Length: 2-3 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Discover the fascinating history behind Garstang’s ruined castle, its connection to Henry VII, The Battle of Bosworth Field and the man who built it - the First Earl of Derby.

Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, drink.

Garstang Heritage Walk (G4) 10.30am – 2.30pm Heritage event Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: 6 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk to see several sites showing the variety of heritage around Garstang. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Grizedale Valley (G5) 10.30am – 4.30pm Area: Garstang Grade: Hard Length: 9.5 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A circular walk heading out across pastures, ascending towards the Barnacre Reservoirs , and returning along woodland tracks through the beautiful Grizedale Valley. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Family Treasure Hunt Fun Activity (G6) Sat 7 May 5.30pm – Sun 15 May 2.30pm Area: Garstang Grade: Easy Length: Approx 3 miles Cost: Free The activity will go live today and help with getting going will be available this evening (5.30pm – 8.30pm) at Visit Garstang.

Results from the activity should be submitted to Visit Garstang by 2.30pm on Sunday 15 May and a certificate will be awarded to anyone who completes the challenge. Note: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

Bring: A GPS or O/S Explorer Map 296 or OL41 1-25000 scale if available (not essential), drink.

Sunday 8 May Three Day Ridge Challenge Day 2 (G7) 9am – 5pm Area: Bleasdale Fells Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx. 15 miles Cost: £5/ £4 or £12 / £10 for all three days The walk starts at Grizedale Bridge and finishes at Delph Quarry. Transport will be provided from the quarry to the start.

It follows the skyline along Grizedale Fell and Hawthornthwaite Fell. There are steep ascents and descents and walking over rough moorland. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

The friends of

Wyresdale Ramble (G8) 10am – 4pm Area: Scorton Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 8 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A scenic walk from Scorton Picnic Site through farmland, tracks and paths to a low level path on Harris End Fell, and into Lower Dolphinholme and return to the start via riverside and woodland. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.

Bluebell Teas (G9) 1pm – 2pm Area: Calder Vale Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 2 miles Cost: Free A short walk through a beautiful Bluebell wood, a short steep climb to St John’s Church and then an easy country walk along farm tracks back to the Village Hall for afternoon tea (extra charge).

WC at start. Bring binoculars, camera.

A Walk in the Woods (G10) 1pm – 3pm Area: Beacon Fell Country Park Grade: Easy Length: 2-3 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Join woodland consultant Dave Brackley for a wander around Beacon Fell Country Park. Refreshments available at the Cafe (extra charge). Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, drink.

Canal and Country (G11) 6pm – 8.30pm Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 4.5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A circular walk following the Lancaster Canal returning on footpaths through Nateby, Kirkland and along the River Wyre.

Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, drink.

Monday 9 May Sullom Hill Ramble (G12) 9am – 2pm Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: 8 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A walk over farmland, making a straight climb to the summit of Sullom Hill. Special access has been given for this walk which (weather permitting) will give spectacular views of the local countryside. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Three Day Ridge Challenge Day 3 (G13) 9am – 5pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx. 14 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 or £12 / £10 for all three days A circular walk from Bleasdale Parish Hall following the ridge from Fair Snape Fell along Wolf Fell and Saddle Fell to Totridge..

Refreshments (extra charge) available in the hall after the walk.

Booking essential.

WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Glasson Dock & Cockersands Abbey (G14) 9.30am – 1pm Area: Glasson Dock Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 6.5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A circular walk to the coast, via canal, paths and fields passing Cockersands Abbey and with views over the Lune Estuary.

Booking essential.

WC at start. Bring: Snack, drink, binoculars.

In the Footsteps of Lady Hamilton (G15) 10am – 2pm Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Join local historian Paul Smith for a walk linking up premises owned and used by Lady Hamilton and learn about the history of her and the well. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.

Bear Hunt and Story Time Part 1 (G16) 1.30pm – 2.30pm * Area: Garstang Grade: Easy Length: n/a Cost: Free This event is aimed at the under 5’s and will include a bear hunt and stories in the Family Area of the Millennium Green. * There will be a short walk from the Riverside car park to the Millennium Green starting at 1:00 pm.

Poulton and Carleton Countryside Ramble (G17) 1.30pm – 4.30pm Area: Poulton Grade: Easy Length: 5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 From the quaint market town of Poulton-le-Fylde we use public footpaths to cross fields and a golf course to visit Little Carleton and Great Carleton before arriving back at our starting point. Booking essential.

Bring: Drink, snack

Tuesday 10 May A potter around Pilling (G18) 10am – 3pm Heritage event Area: Pilling Grade: Easy Length: 5 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A short level walk by quiet lanes and field paths with a visit to the Georgian Church and St John’s Church in Pilling. We return via the Lancashire Coastal Path. A stop will be made at Pilling Pottery to view the potter at work and for refreshments - cakes and sandwiches (extra charge). Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, snack, drink, (boots and waterproofs required).

Lost Footpaths 2 (G19) 10am – 3.30pm Area: Churchtown Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 7.5 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 Walk forgotten footpaths in rural Wyre. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

The Three B’s – Barton Grange, Brock & Beacon Fell (G20) 10am – 4.30pm Area: Bilsborrow Grade: Hard Length: 11 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A delightful circular walk from Barton Grange, exploring the Brock Valley and visiting Beacon Fell Visitor Centre (refreshments available at extra cost). Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.

Winmarleigh Hall & Church (G21) 1pm – 4pm Area: Winmarleigh Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 3 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk including a visit to Winmarleigh Hall and the church to learn about their history. Refreshments (extra charge) will be available in the church. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Garstang Ramblers (G22) 6.30pm – 9pm Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 5 miles Cost: Free An evening walk with the local Ramblers Group around the Garstang and Scorton area taking in Bluebell woods.

Bring: Drink.

Wednesday 11 May

Wednesday is Bleasdale Day with all events being based around the Bleasdale Parish Hall. Come for the day and enjoy a variety of events.

Bronze Age Bleasdale (G23) 10am – noon Heritage event Area: Bleasdale Grade: Easy Length: 2 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Discover Bleasdale Circle & St Eadmer’s church.

Booking essential.

Bring: Drink.

Tewit Teas (G24) 10am – noon Area: Bleasdale Grade: Easy Length: 2-3 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Farmland walk looking at birds and wildlife with the emphasis on breeding wading birds. Refreshments (extra charge) available in the Parish Hall after the walk. Booking essential.

WC at the Hall. Bring: Binoculars.

Make a Stool from a Tree Log (G25) 10am – 3.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: n/a Length: n/a Cost: £30 Ranger, Greg Robinson, will show you how to use traditional skills and tools to cleave and shape green wood. One day course. Booking essential. WC at the Hall.

Bring: Outdoor clothing as outside all day, walking boots to protect toes when using axe (no sandals), packed lunch, drink, (Refreshments available at extra cost in the hall), imagination.

Introduction to your Map and Compass Day 1 (G26) 10am – 4pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: n/a Length: n/a Cost: £5 or £10 for both days Unravel the mysteries of map reading, learn the skills of using a compass, understand contours and map features and other navigation skills. Booking essential. WC at the Hall.

Bring: O/S Outdoor Leisure Map 41 1-25000 scale, compass, notebook, pencil & eraser (there may be some available to use if you don’t have your own), Packed lunch, drink (Refreshments available at extra charge in the hall).

Bleasdale and Beyond (G27)

10am – 4.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Hard Length: 10 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A circular walk starting and finishing at Bleasdale going via Stang Yule, the Brock Valley and Beacon Fell. Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after the walk.

Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink World War 1, A time to remember (G28) 1pm – 4.30pm* Heritage event Area: Bleasdale Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 3 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk, with a talk, around the Bleasdale Estate about the effect of World War 1 on the area. *After the walk there will be a break for refreshments (extra charge) before a film “The First World War – Life on the Home Front in North West England presented by North West Archive” will be shown in the Parish Hall. Booking essential. WC at the Hall.

Bleasdale Legstretcher (G29) 6.30pm – 8.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 An evening stroll around Bleasdale with lovely views of the local countryside and fells. WC at start.

Bring: Binoculars. Well behaved dogs welcome.

Thursday 12 May to Sunday 15 May Walk the Wyre Way Challenge (G30) Times vary Area: Stanah/Garstang/Abbeystead Grade: Moderate/Hard Length: 8 to 12 miles Cost: £30 for all four days For those who like a challenge, or enjoy longer walks, why not take the challenge to walk the long distance Wyre Way which is 41 miles from sea to source. This four day walk follows the course of the River Wyre from Morecambe Bay at Knott Endon-Sea through to Garstang and on into the Forest of Bowland.

Booking essential

Thursday 12 May Walk the Wyre Way Challenge Day 1 (G31) 9am – 4pm Area: Stanah – Knott End Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 8 miles Cost: £10 or £30 for all four days Meeting at Wyre Estuary Country Park we take transport to the start of the walk from Knott End then up the riverbank as far as Shard Bridge returning to the Wyre Estuary Country Park.

Booking essential. WC at start.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink, money for Knott End Ferry.

Sheep and Shepherds at Sykes Farm (G32) 10am – noon Area: Scorton Grade: n/a Length: n/a Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk and talk about farming at Sykes Farm with the farmers (dependent on the weather). If you bring a picnic there will be drinks available after the event. Booking essential. Tramper.

Test your skill with Map and Compass Day 2 (G33) 10am – 3pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Moderate Length: 6 miles Cost: £5 or £10 for both days Use the skills you learnt yesterday to plot and take a walk around beautiful Bleasdale. Booking essential. WC at the Hall.

Tramper suitable. Bring: O/S Outdoor Leisure Map 41 1-25000 scale, compass, notebook, pencil & eraser (there may be some available to use on the day), packed lunch, drink.

Myerscough Meander (G34) 10am – 4pm Area: Bilsborrow Grade: Moderate Length: 9 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 Exploring the southern parts of Wyre, from Guy’s Thatched Hamlet along the canal, riverside and little used footpaths.

Refreshments available (extra charge) at Light Ash Farm.

Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Story Time Part 2 (G35) 11am – noon Area: Garstang Grade: n/a Length: n/a Cost: Free Another event aimed at the under 5’s including stories in the Library.

Dunsop Valley Ramble and Tramper Trek (G36) 11am – 2pm Area: Dunsop Bridge Grade: Moderate Length: 6 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Explore the Dunsop Valley deep in the Forest of Bowland either on foot or by tramper. Booking essential. Tramper suitable.

WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.

Fleetwood Hutment Barracks & Cemetery Trail (G37) 1.30pm – 3.30pm Heritage event Area: Fleetwood Grade: Easy Length: Approx 1 mile Cost: Donation requested Go back in time with Fleetwood Museum Trustee, Dick Gillingham, on a historical walk around the cemetery.

Bring: Drink The Garstang Historic Pub Stroll (G38) 6pm – 7.30pm Heritage event Area: Garstang Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 2 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Back in the 18th century Garstang boasted 15 public houses along its streets. Learn where the public houses were, what they were called and what happened to them all. We finish for refreshments (extra charge) at Th’Owd Tithebarn.

Booking essential. Bring: Drink

Friday 13 May Walk the Wyre Way Challenge Day 2 (G39) 9am – 5pm Area: Shard Bridge – Garstang Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 12 miles Cost: £10 or £30 for all four days Meeting at the High Street Car Park* in Garstang, we take transport to Shard Bridge to join the Wyre Way. This is the longest and hardest day of the Wyre Way Challenge. The path follows the Wyre towards Out Rawcliffe where it departs from the River and crosses through farmland to St Michael’s then to Churchtown and Garstang. Booking essential. *This car park is a pay and display car park.

WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Invasives in our landscape (G40) 10am – 12.30pm Area: Scorton Grade: Moderate Length: Approx 5 miles Cost: Free Join the Rangers and Wyre Waters Catchment Partnership Scientific Officer, Tom Myerscough, for an exploration of how we manage against invasive non-native species such as Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. Booking essential.

Bring: Walking boots or wellingtons, drink, binoculars.

Farmland, Moss and Distant Hills (G41) 10am – 4pm Area: Winmarleigh Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 8.5 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A low lying walk with views of the distant fells, along lanes and over Winmarleigh Moss home to a number of rare species. A member of the Wildlife Trust will join us. Refreshments (extra charge) available at the finish of the walk. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.

Grizedale Bridge (G42) 6.30pm – 9pm Area: Harrisend Fell Grade: Hard Length: 4.5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Ascend to the heights of Harrisend Fell and enjoy the sunset over Morecambe Bay. Booking essential.

Bring: Snack, drink.

Bat Walk (G43) 8pm – 10pm Area: Garstang Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 1 mile Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Join the Countryside Rangers with WildAid on our popular bat walk along the banks of the River Wyre. Booking essential.

Tramper suitable. Bring: A torch, binoculars.

Saturday 14 May Dawn Chorus Walk (G44) 6am – 8am Area: Brock Valley Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 1 mile Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Listening and looking for birds waking up, singing and becoming active in the early morning. Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, drink.

Walk the Wyre Way Challenge Day 3 (G45) 9am – 4pm Area: Garstang – Abbeystead Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 12 miles Cost: £10 or £30 for all four days Meeting in Abbeystead, we take transport to Garstang where we join the Wyre Way path and follow the River Wyre through Scorton up to Lower Dolphinholme and into Abbeystead.

Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Wild Bowland Valleys (G46) 9am – 5.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Very Hard Length: 15 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A challenging circular walk from Bleasdale and includes Fair Snape Fell, Saddle Fell, Hareden Intake, Langden Intake, Langden Castle and Fiendsdale Head. There are steep ascents and descents, walking over rough moorland and crossing peat hags (bogs) and exposure. Light refreshment (extra charge) will be available at the Parish Hall at the end of the walk.

Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Bluebells and Binoculars (G47) 9.30am – 1.30pm Area: Cobble Hey Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 6 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Walking along paths, lanes and crossing pastures passing historic buildings around Calder Vale. Hoping to see flowers and birds as springtime gets underway. Booking essential.

WC at start. Bring: Snack, drink, binoculars.

Walking Grades To help you decide which is the walk for you.

Wherever possible an approximate time and terrain guide has been given for each walk.

Terrain Guide Please note our Health Walks are graded from All to Moderate, most being Easy.

All – Relatively flat, surfaced paths, no stiles, suitable for wheelchair and pushchairs, may include road crossings.

Easy – Relatively level ground, fields, lanes and tracks, possibly with some gentle slopes, stiles or livestock.

Moderate – Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some moderate slopes, expect stiles/livestock.

Hard – Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some steeper climbs, expect stiles/livestock.

Very Hard – Limited paths, rough walking, steep climbs, expect stiles/livestock.

T – Tramper – suitable for people using trampers (see below for hire details).

Things to bring with you – you might be advised to bring some of the items below with you on some or all of the walks, please check before attending.

Walking boots Packed lunch and a drink

Stout footwear All weather clothing

Trampers The Tramper is an all-terrain electric vehicle designed for people with differing abilities to access the countryside. Its capacity to deal with stones, mud, grass and rough ground is astonishing.

You can hire one free of charge for use on the suitable walks shown in the brochure, on the Health Walks or on Tramper Trails in Wyre and Lancashire.

A Tramper must be booked in advance. (Please note one week in advance if you wish to use it on a walk.)

For walks or activities in the Festival please book one when you book the walk/activity. For the remaining walks please book at the addresses below.

First time users need to attend a short induction and should take along a passport photo and proof of identify to register.

Trampers are available from: Wyre Estuary Country Park 01253 887515/01253 863100 Beacon Fell and Lancashire County Council 01995 640557 Bowland Experience 01200 448000

Claughton Estate Walk (G48) 10am – noon Area: Claughton Grade: Easy Length: 1-2 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 This is a special walk with the owners of the estate taking a look at its historical landscape including a visit to lovely Bluebell woodland which is also a Heronry. Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, drink.

Bluebells and Birds Ramble and Tramper Trek (G49) 10.30am – 12.30pm Area: Wyreside Grade: All Length: 2 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Discover the seven Wyresdale Lakes, either on foot or by tramper, the woodlands and grasslands looking out for the wildlife particularly the birds (Refreshments available at the end at extra cost). Booking essential. Tramper suitable.

Bring: Drink, binoculars.

Sunday 15 May Walk the Wyre Way Challenge Day 4 (G50) 9.30am – 3pm Area: Abbeystead Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 9 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 or £30 for all four days Meeting in Abbeystead this is a circular walk to Tarnbrook and then over moorland to Marshaw. Refreshments and presentation of certificates at the Parish Hall. Booking essential.

WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.

Abbeystead Circular (G51) 10am – 3pm Area: Abbeystead Grade: Moderate Length: 6 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 Wander the pastures of Abbeystead. Booking essential.

Bring: Packed lunch, drink.

Bluebell Teas (G52) 1pm – 2pm Area: Calder Vale Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 2 miles Cost: Free A short walk through a beautiful Bluebell wood, a short steep climb to St John’s Church and then an easy country walk along farm tracks back to the Village Hall for afternoon tea (extra charge). WC at start.

Bring binoculars, camera.

Crossed Wyre (G53) 2pm – 4pm Heritage event Area: Garstang Grade: Easy* Length: 3-4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A circular walk using footpaths, towpath and fields including a *flight of 39 steps from the river up to the Rennie aqueduct to look at transport connections across the Wyre.

Booking essential.

Bring: Binoculars, drink.