Friends Seasonal Walks
Garstang Walking Festival
The friends of
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 the last Sunday in March, April, July, September and October and start at 10am, lasting up to 5 hours and will be charged at £4.50/£3.50. Booking essential .
Would you like to help support the future success and development of the Garstang Walking Festival? The Festival was launchedby Wyre Council to encourage people to visit Garstang, enjoy the lovely countryside and also use and support local businesses and organisations.
Sunday 24 September 10am – 2.30pm Rivers, Fields and Canals Grade: Moderate A walk along the Rivers Wyre, Calder and Lancaster Canal including crossing fields, along tracks and passing Kirkland Hall and St Helen’s Church in Churchtown. Sunday 29 October 10am – 3pm Autumn Tints Grade: Hard This walk experiences the autumnal colours of the Grizedale Valley from Nicky Nook and through Holme Wood returning to Scorton via Grizedale Bridge and Oakenclough.
For all bookings call 01995 602125.
The theme of the festival this year is
Visit Garstang Centre opening hours:
Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm Sunday’s in May, July and August 10.30am – 4.30pm By phone: 01995 602125 On-line: Complete the Booking Request Form at wyre.gov.uk, search Garstang Walking Festival. Or email: garstangtic@wyre.gov.uk Or by post to; Visit Garstang Centre, Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road, Garstang, Lancashire, PR3 1EF.
A minibus/taxi will be provided if required, to get you to the start each day, for all these long distance walks. For these walks you will need to bring all weather clothing, walking boots, packed lunch and a drink,
@visitwyre @wyrecouncil /visitwyre visit Bowland of Forest For information on the
If you would like this information in large print please ring Wyre Council on 01253 891000
Saturday 6 to Monday 8 May
A series of three walks exploring Wyre from the seashore to the Bowland Fells. These are strenuous walks for the seasoned walker and each walk is between 14 to 16 miles long.
Open Access Area
To
Height above sea level
£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.
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.
J33
A6
Lancashire Coastal Way
400 m
Footpaths/Bridlepaths
200 m
• 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. • 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. • On some walks public transport may be used and the need to bring money or a 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. • 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.
Walk Meeting Points
Dolphinholme
0
Forton
Morecambe Bay
To 4
Fleetwood
2
Winmarleigh 6
Knott End-on-Sea
Location
Cabus
Oakenclough
Pilling Preesall
A588
33
Barnacre
Garstang 8
Nateby
Stalmine
A587
Churchtown
i Cleveleys
7
1
12
i
Out Rawcliffe
3
Poultonle-Fylde
Blackpool Directions to Garstang
By car
Bleasdale
Calder Vale
M6
17
13
Catterall
11
Claughton
St Michael’s on Wyre
Hambleton
Thornton
A587
18
A6
A586
10
15
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.
Bilsborrow
Great Eccleston
A586
Inskip
A585
M55
From the north - Exit M6 at junction 33 (Lancaster south). for approx J3 taking the A6 south, Follow signs for Garstang, J4 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.
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;
14
Scorton
9
Myerscough
• The finish times of the walks are approximate as the duration may depend on the number of walkers, e.g. crossing stiles.
16
M6
Wyre Way
• Come dressed to match the type of activity and weather with appropriate footwear and waterproof clothing.
wyre.gov.uk
The friends of
5 KEY
£3.50 Adults, £2.50 - concessions, children legstretchers, half day walk 1- 4 hours
Celebrate Springtime around Garstang, Rural Wyre, Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain.
Photography used within this leaflet courtesy of Michael Coleran Photography and Albert Dewhirst.
Knott to Tot Three Day Challenge
• Please bring any medication you may need during the walk, plus a drink and food.
Thursday 30 March at the Visit Garstang Centre.
discoverwyre.co.uk
Festival Long Distance Walks
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of all walks to allow for registration, putting boots on, etc.
Poor Weather
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.
Foreshore to Fells
Disclaimer
FREE - Free for health walks and guided walks up to one
hour
Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 May 2017
Tel: 01253 891000 wyre.gov.uk
Rossall
Visit Garstang Walking Festival Open Day Come along to our open evening 2pm – 6pm on
Wyre Council, Civic Centre Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde Lancashire FY6 7PU
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.
Cycle Route • When attending an activity please take the advice Scorton of the Lancashire Cycleway Canal leader. We reserve the right to refuse to take people on Motorway activities if we feel they are unsuitably equipped forTrain the activity. If you intend to leave the event early pleaseRoads inform your leader for your own safety.
Walk price guide
2017
garstang.net
e yr W R.
You can book your place on the activities (as well as accommodation) at the Visit Garstang Centre.
For information on Garstang also visit
forestofbowland.com
Grizedale & Bleasdale Cycle Route
Foreshore to Fells
discoverwyre.co.uk Tel: 01995 602125
Enjoy the outdoors Plan ahead and be prepared Follow advice and local signs
Millennium Way • If you have any medical conditions that the activityScorton Forest of Bowland AONB points Meeting leader should know about, please mention this at 22the start Bridleways of the activity. Alternatively, check with your GP or health Parks & Picnic Area Information Centre practitioner before you take part. Our health walksi are a Country Park Nature Reserve good starting point for people recovering from ill health.
co-ordinated by the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival supported by Wyre Council.
For regularly updated information about what’s going on in Wyre visit:
Protect the natural environment Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home Keep dogs under effective control
In case of an emergency dial 999 and ask for Police and Mountain Rescue.
Important information before you set off on your walk
Welcome to the 2017 Walking Festival
How to book and find out more
wyre.gov.uk
* * * * * *
Sunday 30 July 10am – 3pm Summer Fells Grade: Hard An “Out of Wyre” experience ascending to the top of the fells with panoramic views.
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.
There are walks for all abilities throughout the week.
There will be music from The New Orchestra in Folkus, contributions towards the cost of the music will be gratefully received. Anyone wishing to partake of food can order from the bar in the normal way. For more details check the website nearer the time.
Visitor Information
* Respect other people * Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors * Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available
Sunday 30 April Hidden Treasure of Bleasdale 10am – 3pm Grade: Moderate Looking at a source of the River Brock, having lunch by waterfalls at the base of Fiendsdale Head and meandering back for tea at the Parish Hall (extra charge).
We 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.
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.
To celebrate the success of the Festival we will be holding a social event on 1 June at the Tithe Barn in Garstang from 6.30pm and all are welcome to join us.
Sunday 26 March 10am – 3pm Calder Vale Round Grade: Moderate A countryside walk into the Calder valley with some ascent and muddy conditions likely to be underfoot.
The Friends of Garstang Walking Festival were formed to support the Countryside Ranger team organising the Festival and now the Friends are carrying out a co-ordinating role in delivering the 2017 Festival. In addition the Friends are offering further walks in the spring and autumn of the year.
The Countryside Code Respect, Protect, Enjoy
Post Festival Social Event
take the A586 From the Fylde Coast Garstang l na CCaa onto the A6J32 left to Churchtown. tTurn r e as nc the signs to Garstang, north and follow La M6 for approx 5 minutes. J1 J1
By public transport
For details of train and bus times please ring 0871 200 22 33 or 0857 48 49 50. The nearest railway stations to Garstang are Preston, Poulton-le-Fylde and Lancaster.
For bookings ring 01995 602125
Walk Number
Health Walk 1 Thornton G36 2 Knott End G16, Health Walk 3 Poulton G13 4 Pilling G18 5 Glasson Dock G21, G30 6 Winmarleigh G20 7 Churchtown G2, Health Walk, G3, G4, G5, G6, 8 Garstang G8, G15, G22, G32, G38 G9, G19, G31, G35, G37 9 Scorton G34 10 Bilsborrow G42 11 Claughton G11, G17, G46 12 Calder Vale G40 13 Cobble Hey 14 Grizedale Bridge G43 G39 15 Brock Valley G14, G41, G45 16 Abbeystead G7, G10, G12, G23, G24, G25, 17 Bleasdale G26, G27, G28, G29, G44 G33 18 Langden Valley
Festival Diary 2017
For bookings call 01995 602125 Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 May Saturday 6 May “Knott to Tot” Three Day Challenge (G1) Saturday to Monday, times vary Area: Knott End/Garstang/Bleasdale Grade: Hard/Very Hard Length: Approx. 14 to 16 miles Cost: £12/£10 for all three days Here we have a series of three walks for those who enjoy long, strenuous walks across Wyre from Morecambe Bay to the Bowland Fells. They are for the seasoned walker and each walk is between 14 to 16 miles long. “Knott to Tot” Challenge Day 1 (G2) 10am – 5pm Area: Knott End – Garstang Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 16 miles Cost: £5/£4 or £12/£10 for all three days This is a flat walk from Knott End to Garstang crossing Winmarleigh Moss. Transport will be provided from Garstang to Knott End for the start of this first walk. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Opening Ceremony 10am –noon Where: Visit Garstang Centre Cost: Free Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival for the opening of the 2017 Festival. Enjoy a drink and piece of celebration cake before the first Garstang based walks set off. Crossed Wyre (G3) 10.30am – 12.30pm Heritage event Area: Garstang Grade: Easy* Length: Approx. 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. WC at start. Bring: Drink, binoculars Garstang Heritage Walk (G4) 10.30am – 2.30pm Heritage event Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 6 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A circular walk to see several sites that show the variety of the heritage around Garstang. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink. Wildlife Walk (G5) 2.30pm – 4.30pm Area: Garstang Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A stroll around Garstang and Barnacre in search of springtime wildlife. Booking essential. Bring: Drink, binoculars. Canal and Country (G6) 3.30pm – 6pm 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: Drink, binoculars.
Sunday 7 May “Knott to Tot” Challenge Day 2 (G7) 9am – 4pm Area: Garstang – Bleasdale Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx.14 miles Cost: £5/£4 or £12/£10 for all three days From Garstang along Calder Vale, up onto the fells then descend to Bleasdale Parish Hall. Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after the walk. Transport will be provided from Bleasdale to Garstang for the start of this second walk. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars.
The friends of
Grizedale Valley (G8) 10.30am – 4pm Area: Garstang Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 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. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink. The Panoramas above Scorton (G9) 11am – 3pm Area: Scorton Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 5.5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk taking in some of the views near Scorton, including enjoying the magnificent panorama from Nicky Nook. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars, camera. A Bleasdale Ramble (G10) 11am – 4pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 8 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A circular walk using old footpaths and passing through part of Brock Valley and by local ancient farms with spectacular views of the Bowland Fells and much more! Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after the walk. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Bluebell Teas (G11) 1pm – 2pm Where: Calder Vale Village Green 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: Drink, binoculars, camera.
Monday 8 May “Knott to Tot” Challenge Day 3 (G12) 9am – 5 - 6pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx. 16 miles Cost: £4.50/£3.50 or £12/£10 for all three days From the Parish Hall this walk ascends to Fairsnape, along to Totridge and return along the base of the fells. Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after the walk. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. A potter around Pilling (G13) 10am – 3pm Heritage event Area: Pilling Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 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 (extra charge). Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars, (boots required and waterproofs). Abbeystead Wildlife Walk (G14) 1pm – 3.30pm Area: Abbeystead Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 3-4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk around Abbeystead looking at flora and fauna, on roads, farm tracks and through woodland. Booking essential. Bring: Drink, binoculars. Bear Hunt and Story Time Part 1 (G15) 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 (G16) 1.30pm – 4.30pm Area: Poulton Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 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: Snack, drink. Sullom Sunset (G17) 6.15pm – 9pm Area: Calder Vale Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 4.25 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Evening walk from Calder Vale to the trig point on Sullom, to which there is normally no public access. Hopefully there will be a spectacular sunset. Some steep ascents and descents. Booking essential. Bring: Drink, torch, camera, binoculars.
Tuesday 9 May
Thursday 11 May
Saturday 13 May
Walking Grades
Glasson Dock & Cockersands Abbey (G18) 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 with views of the Lune Estuary. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Snack, drink, binoculars.
Test your skill with Map and Compass Day 2 (G29) 10am – 4pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 6 miles Cost: £5 or £10 for both days Use the skills you learnt yesterday to plot and take a walk around beautiful Bleasdale. Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after the walk. Booking essential. Note: this event is only available if you have completed Day 1. 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.
Dawn Chorus Walk (G39) 5.30am – 7.30am 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: Drink, binoculars.
To help you decide which is the walk for you. Wherever possible an approximate time and terrain guide has been given for each walk.
Dog Friendly Ramble (G19) 10am – 12.30 - 1pm Area: Scorton Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 4.5 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Join a countryside ranger for a ramble over Nicky Nook through Grizedale and back to Scorton in time for lunch. Don`t forget your dog, lead and wellies. Booking essential. Bring: Drink, binoculars, dog leads, bags Winding Ways in Wyre (G20) 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. Winmarleigh Hall & Church (G21) 1pm – 4pm Area: Winmarleigh Grade: Moderate 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: Drink. Garstang Ramblers (G22) 6.30pm – 9pm Where: Garstang riverside car park Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 5 miles Cost: Free An evening walk with the local Ramblers Group around the Garstang and Scorton area taking in the Bluebell woods. Bring: Drink.
Wednesday 10th 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. Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after each walk or activity and toilets are available. Bleasdale Skyline (G23) 9.00am – 3-4pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx. 12 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 From the parish hall this walk ascends to Parlick, goes along the fells before descending and return to Bleasdale. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Wildlife in Bleasdale (G24) 10am –12.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 2-3 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A wildlife walk in the Bleasdale Estate. Booking essential. Bring: Drink, binoculars. Bleasdale and Beyond (G25) 10am – 3pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 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. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink 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. 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 Bleasdale Legstretcher & Tramper Trek (G27) 10.30am – 12.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: All Length: Approx. 4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Enjoy Bleasdale with lovely views of the local countryside and fells either on foot or by tramper. Tramper booking essential. Tramper suitable. Bring: Drink, binoculars. 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. Bring: Drink.
Farmland, Moss and Distant Hills (G30) 10am – 4pm Area: Winmarleigh Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 8.5 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A low lying walk with wide ranging 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 will be available (extra charge) after the walk. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Fell View Wander & Tramper Trek (G31) 10.30am – 2.30pm Area: Scorton Grade: Moderate/Hard Length: Approx. 4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 Explore part of the parish of Nether Wyresdale, either on foot or by Tramper, with the Countryside Rangers. Booking essential. Tramper suitable. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Storytime Part 2 (G32) 11am – noon Area: Garstang Grade: n/a Length: n/a Cost: Free Another event aimed at the under 5’s including stories in Garstang Library on Windsor Road. Castles & Fallen Airmen (G33) 2pm – 4pm Area: Langden Valley Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 3.75 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 A walk to Langden Castle via Holdron Castle and the memorial to the British, Polish and Canadian WWII airmen who died in crashes in the fells. Booking essential. Bring: Drink, binoculars. Bilsborrow Legstretcher (G34) 6.30pm – 8.30pm Area: Bilsborrow Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 4 miles Cost: £3.50 / £2.50 An evening stroll along the towing path of the Lancaster Canal and the River Brock then across fields and farm tracks to return to our starting point. Meet Guys Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow, car park near the cricket pavilion. WC at the start. Bring: Drink, binoculars. Well behaved dogs welcome.
Friday 12 May Invasives in our landscape (G35) 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: Drink, binoculars, walking boots or wellingtons. Over-Wyre Circular (G36) 10am – 3.30pm Area: Knott End Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 9.5 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A flat circular route from Knott End, taking in parts of the Wyre Way, Lancashire Coastal Path and secluded farmland, with spectacular views. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Wyresdale Ramble (G37) 10am – 4pm Area: Scorton Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 8 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A circular 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 paths. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Bat Walk (G38) 8pm – 10pm Area: Garstang Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 1 mile Cost: £3.00 An enjoyable early season walk where we will discover the world of bats. Booking and tramper booking essential. Tramper suitable. Bring: A torch, binoculars. Dogs welcome.
Bluebells and Binoculars (G40) 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 including St John’s Parish Church, the Methodist Chapel and the mill. Hoping to see flowers and birds as springtime gets underway. Booking essential. WC at start. Bring: Snack, drink, binoculars. Tarnbrook Loop (G41) 9.30am – 3pm Area: Abbeystead Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 9 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 Meeting in Abbeystead this is a circular walk to Tarnbrook and then over moorland to Marshaw. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink, binoculars. Claughton Estate Walk (G42) 10am –12.30pm Area: Claughton Grade: Easy Length: Approx. 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: Drink, binoculars. Grizedale Bridge (G43) 7pm – 9.30pm Area: Harrisend Fell Grade: Hard Length: Approx. 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, camera.
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
Sunday 14 May Wild Bowland Valleys (G44) 9am – 5.30pm Area: Bleasdale Grade: Very Hard Length: Approx. 15 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A challenging circular walk from Bleasdale, across to Langden Intake and back taking in many of the fells. Refreshments will be available (extra charge) in the Parish Hall after the walk. Booking essential. WC at the Hall. Bring: Packed lunch, drink. Abbeystead Circular (G45) 10am – 3pm Area: Abbeystead Grade: Moderate Length: Approx. 6 miles Cost: £4.50 / £3.50 A circular walk encompassing the River Wyre passing through woodland and pastures using footpaths that are seldom used taking in the Shepherds Church and returning via Lower Lee. Booking essential. Bring: Packed lunch, drink. Bluebell Teas (G46) 1pm – 2pm Where: Calder Vale Village Green 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: Drink, binoculars, camera.
Health Walks No need to book these walks – unless you want a Tramper, minimum 7 days in advance. Well behaved dogs are welcome on these walks but they must be under control at all times. Date Saturday 6 May Tuesday 9 May Friday 12 May
Location Garstang Thornton Poulton
Time 10.30am – 11.30am 2pm – 3pm 10.30am – 11.30am
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 Fell View Caravan Park 01524 791283 Cobble Hey Farm 01995 602643 Email garstangtic@wyre.gov.uk for information