Rail Ramblers

Sunday, March 7th

The April to October Rail Rambler Programme can be found on the Walks’ Programme Page of this website.

Sunday, February 28th

Nineteen Rail Ramblers enjoyed a sunny day by the sea on the Sefton Coast and were pleased to see some familiar faces back with them after illness.

Please note that on the next Rail rambler to Todmorden it is cheaper to book to Hebden Bridge and then book again.

Friday, February 12th

Latest news on Peter Mahler is that he hopes to be coming out of hospital in the near future and intends joinig us on Dales rail in the summer.

Saturday, January 30th

Twenty-one of us enjoyed a glorious day’s walking on the Cheshire edges of Frodsham and Helsby and in Delamere Forest. The cold, clear northerly air afforded magnificent views of the Mersey, the Liverpool skyline and the Welsh Hills with their snow-covered summits. It was good to be out on such a beautiful day.

Thursday, January 28th

Full details of the Dales Rail guided walks’ programme can be found at  dalesrail.com

A beautiful day is forecast for Saturday’s walks on the sandstone ridges around Frodsham so why not join us and enjoy the day and get rid of the winter blues! Details on this website on the Walks’ Programme page.

Sunday, January 3rd

Those who turned out for yesterday’s walk had an interesting journey in heavy snow on the bus up the moorland road to Cock Hill. Our walk began in deep snow across the moors and ended along the scenic riverside path in Hebden Dale where the snow-covered trees provided a wintry backcloth.

Saturday, December 19th

Thirteen people forsook their Christmas preparations to join the Community Rail Walk from Pleasington last Thursday and enjoyed the scenery of the Hoghton Tower area. Our next outing is the traditional visit to Hebden Bridge on Saturday, January 2nd. Until then may we wish all our friends and supporters an enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. Hope to see you at Hebden Bridge!

Thursday, December 17th

This piece of good news is from the communityraillancashire.co.uk webpage and gives details of changes of a wider range of Duo tickets in addition to those already offered.

CHANGES TO NORTHERN DUOS

Northern Rail have announced significant changes to their Duo tickets that will benefit customers travelling throughout Lancashire. Currently the Duo ticket is only available between two points on a line of route and the changes will allow customers to buy Duo tickets that cover more than one line of route.

Details of the changes can be seen below:

Clitheroe – Manchester Victoria via Darwen line to all stations on the East Lancashire line (Colne /Burnley Manchester Road – Blackburn section).

Clitheroe line (Clitheroe – Blackburn section) / East Lancashire line (Colne / Burnley Manchester Road – Preston) to all station on the Ormskirk branch.

Clitheroe line (Clitheroe – Blackburn section) to all stations as far as Preston.

Burnley Manchester Road to Manchester Victoria via Hebden Bridge

Ormskirk branch to Liverpool Stations via Ormskirk and Merseyrail Electrics

Kirkby, Rainford and Upholland to station via Wigan / Atherton to Manchester Victoria

Finally Blackpool South branch and Blackpool North, Poulton-le-Fylde & Kirkham & Wesham to

Blackburn and station beyond on the East Lancashire line – these are only valid in this direction

only.

Monday, December 7th

Copies of the Spring (Jan-March) Edition of the Rail Rambler Programme are now available either by s.a.e. to Craig Ward or by e-mail from Craig Ward at:   hollowhead@btinternet.com

Copies should also be available on this coming Saturday’s Rail Ramble to Lancaster.

The Programme will also appear on this website as time for copying permits.

Sunday, November 15th

Oh ye of little faith! Don’t always believe the Londoncentric weather forecasters of doom. Only fifteen intrepid Rail Ramblers turned out for our trip to the Grange area yesterday. Yes, we had about half an hour’s rain and some wind but nothing out of the ordinary and didn’t spoil the enjoyment of the day in what is a beautiful corner of the north west.

A combined Spring/Summer Programme 2010 is in preparation and will be available towards the end of November all being well.

Tuesday, November 3rd

Latest news on Peter Mahler is that he continues to recover and appears quit chirpy to those who have visited him in hospital.

Wednesday, October 22nd

Dales Rail fares will not be increased in 2010 which is good news for our passengers. Fares from Manchester, Bolton & Chorley to Lazonby, Armathwaite & Carlisle have been reduced. We also asked for the fares from Ribble Valley stations to Settle, Horton & Ribblehead to be reduced as we feel these are too high and discourage potential passengers, but Northern think otherwise.

Thursday, October 15th

Peter Mahler has been transferred to Macclesfield Hospital. It is hoped that he will transfer to the High Dependency Unit there shortly. He is conscious and making a slow recovery and will be in hospital for some time.

Saturday, October 10th

Twenty six of us enjoyed an autumnal day’s walking in the limestone country around Hutton Roof. The mist spoilt the views but at least some of us were able to complete the Limestone Link between Arnside and Kirkby Lonsdale.

Hope to see a good turnout for our next trip on Saturday, October 24th to the Congleton area and the  Cheshire ridges of Kerridge, The Cloud and White Nancy.

Friday, October 2nd

Latest news on Peter Mahler who was involved in the accident  at Alston is that he is making a very slow recovery and is still in Newcastle Infirmary.

Saturday, September 26th

If you didn’t join us to-day you missed a great day’s walking in beautiful Yorkshire sunshine, good views and good company. Twenty seven of us joined the walks at various stations and the D party members were able to sample the new refreshment room adjacent to the platform at Sowerby Bridge which is also a pub with real ale!

Friday, September 25th

Prices of Wayfarers have increased to Adult £10 & Over 60’s £5.  Wayfarers  bought at the old price are still valid at that price. If you have any which are out of date please return to GMPTE and they will replace them at no extra cost. Their address is listed under the Walks’ Programme details.

Thursday, September 17th

The fine weather of the past week or so meant that both the Past Landscapes’ Walk at Bentham on Sept., 12th, and yesterday’s Community Rail Walk around Darwen and Roddlesworth, were both well supported. The party which visited the Great Stone of Fourstones, near Bentham, had glorious views of the Three Peaks as they learnt the history of the area from Howard Hammersley.

Geoff Sherrocks was taken ill, at home, during the evening after the Bentham trip and was rushed to hospital but, fortunately, his condition was quickly diagnosed and treatment given so we are pleased to hear that he is almost fighting fit again.

Saturday, September 12th

Some good news! It would appear from information received that Dales Rail will run on EVERY Sunday from Easter Sunday until Sunday, 17th October. Let’s hope the weather is good on every Dales Rail Sunday too!

Tuesday, August 25th

Regular Dales Rail  passengers will be saddened to hear that there was a bad accident at Alston last Sunday when our coach reversed knocking over and very seriously injuring Peter, the man with the small bicycle who uses our train and buses to deliver leaflets to the varios heritage railways in the Dales. He is currently in Newcastle Hospital in a critical condition. Our thoughts are with Peter and his family as well as the coach driver, Jimmy, who has driven our coaches around the Alston area for many years.

Friday,August 7th

Dales Rail has restarted after its  July break. Don’t forget the next Rail Rambler will take place on August 15th and will visit the wonderful walking area around Saddleworth. Seventeen Rail Ramblers joined the last trip and had a good day’s walking from the Hope Valley Line.

The next programme of East Lancs Community Rail Walks is beginning to appear in the usual outlets so look out for them. They will also be available on the next few Dales Rail trains – ask a steward. You can also view the programme on the Ribble Valley Rail website-www. ribblevalleyrail.co.uk

Sunday, July 12th

Details of our Autumn/Winter Walks’ Programme will be posted on this website shortly and the paper copy will be available by the end of July. Please send a sae to Craig Ward to obtain your copy or send him an email to ask for a copy to download, or get one on the next Dales Rail.

Thursday, June 18th

Passengers who were unable to catch the Wensleydale bus from last Sunday’s Dales Rail should claim a refund of the fare by giving your ticket to Alan Smith or Geoff Sharrocks on the next Dales Rail service you use or send your ticket together with your name and address to Craig Ward at the address on this website and he will pass it on to our Treasurer for a refund cheque to be sent.

Apologies to those passengers who were left stranded at Lostock Hall last Sundaybecause the train by-passed their station. The culprits were Network Rail who had to carry out emergency repairs at Farrington Curve Junction. They forgot to organise a bus/taxi connection for you. A complaint has been sent from Lancashire County Council to Network Rail.

Monday, May 25th

Twenty-three Rail Ramblers made the early start to travel to the Tissington area to enjoy what is one of the best well dressing displays in Derbyshire. The weather was kind and everybody enjoyed their walks and the time spent looking round the numerous floral displays at the village’s wells.

Yesterday’s Dalesrail wasn’t as well supported as on previous Spring Bank Holidays – perhaps the recession is biting – and a number of familiar faces were missing. A signal failure north of Langwathby held our train at Culgaith so the coach trip to Alston & Killhope was delayed. Nevertheless, those who made the trip over Hartside Pass were rewarded with some of the best views we’ve had for a number of years of the Lake District mountains, the Solway Firth and the Scottish Southern Uplands. The weather was perfect for walking and this combined with clear views made fora very enjoyable day. Our departure from Alston was delayed to enable our guided walks to be completed and the return train was held at Langwathby to await our coach – a unique arrangement between the Lancashire Rail Ramblers, Northern Rail and Network Rail.

Sunday, April 26th

Around thirty people attended Richard’s slideshow last Thursday – a disappointing  turnout considering a number of people asked him to put on a repeat. Thursday’s show contained new material culled from the archives of various Rail Ramblers and further illustrated the popularity of the Rail Rambler excursions. It’s a pity nobody in the rail industry is prepared to test the market again.  Thanks to Richard Gilbert for putting in much time to organise his slide presentation.

Eighteen of us travelled over to West Yorkshire for yesterday’s walks in the Ilkley area – another disappointing turnout, probably the result of an early start. The weather stayed fine until the middle of the afternoon when some short showers fell after which the sun came out again.

Our next Rail Rambler, on May 23rd, will visit Tissington for the well dressing. Before that is Dalesrail onMay 3rd and an East Lancs Community Rail Walk on May 9th which will follow the Huncoat Trail.

Monday, April 13th

The first Dalesrail train wasn’t as well supported as in previous years mainly because of the late publication of the brochures and the omission of the train’s departure time from Preston. However, the weather was excellent and all walkers enjoyed a superb day. The bus link to Wensleydale was well used and, for many, their first ascent of Addleborough was a highlight of the day. Until recent years the summit of this distinctive hill was off limits to walkers but its acquisition by the National Trust has changed all that.

We filled the bus to Slaidburn on April 4th and our three parties enjoyed an exhilarating day’s walking in Bowland. The early morning rain cleared as forecast leaving us with a brisk breeze, bright skies and a couple of brief showers for the members of the two parties who walked on the fells around Slaidburn. The C Party managed to stay dry as its members walked over Easington Fell back to Clitheroe.

Our next Rail Rambler  is to Ilkley on April 25th – always a popular area for our supprters so why not come along to explore this beautiful area of West Yorkshire.

Wednesday, March 25th

The Dalesrail Programme will not be available until a few days before Easter as printing has been held up by delays in finalising the rail times due to the engineering works taking place on various dates. Please visit the Dalesrail website at www.dalesrail.com for up to date information.

The next Rail Rambler Programme will be printed in the near future and should be available on the first Dalesrail train. However, full details , including future destinations up to the end of November, will appear on this website shortly.

NB Richard Gilbert’s Slideshow  – Thursday April 23rd at Salesbury Memorial Hall, Ribchester Rd., Salesbury, Nr. Blackburn commencing at 19.30. Admission £3 including tea & biscuits.

Sunday, March 22nd

Well, the weather didn’t quite live up to its promise though the twenty-eight Rail Ramblers who made it to Edale had a good day’s walking. Our next RR on April 4th is to Bowland, one of our favourite destinations so let’s hope the weather is on its best behaviour on that date!

Thursday, March 19th

With perfect weather forecasted for the coming weekend there is no excuse available for not joining one of our walks in the beautiful countryside of Edale in Derbyshire. There is a choice of walks to suit all tastes and levels of fitness from valley bottoms to ridge walks. Enjoy a springtime walk at the beginning of a new walking year!!

Sunday, March 8th

Only fifteen intrepid souls braved the elements to enjoy their walks in Low Furness around Ulverston. The ’C’ Party walked to Little Urswick and over Birkrigg Common before following the shore to Conishead Priory and then back along The Rope Walk Path into Ulverston and the dry and warmth of the tearoom or train. The ‘B’ Party followed the ridge of Great Burney and Kirby Fell – not the best place to walk on a windy, wet day.

Wednesday,February 25th 2009

Engineering works between Bolton and Salford caused some Rail Ramblers to miss their their connections to the Buxton train but those that managed it had an enjoyable day with reasonable weather in, what has been a gloomy February. Let’s hope March brings some greatly needed spring sunshine. Don’t forget to note the date of Richard Gilbert’s slideshow (see Feb 8th below for info).

Sunday, February 8th

Whilst it’s snowing outside and we are still in the grip of winter here’s something to make you think of warmer times. Richard Gilbert is arranging another slideshow of Dalesrail and walking related events. This will take place at Salesbury Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 23rd at 19.30. Last year’s slideshow proved to be a very enjoyable evening with  numerous ‘old faces’ showing up for the event. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, February 1st 2009

Twenty two of us enjoyed a fine, bright day in Cheshire with walks around Alderley Edge. Stuart Leese took the E Party on a tour of the Victorian villas of the Manchester merchants who settled on the Edge away from the smoke and poverty of the Victorian city. From there we walked out over the Edge and across the Cheshire countryside to Nether Alderley, formerly the estate of the Stanley family. We had lunch in the porch of the ancient parish church recently used for the location of Tyrone and Molly’s wedding in Coronation Street. Nearby we surveyed a former 17th century pub and the historic Nether Alderley Mill now in the care of the National Trust. We also discovered the gem of St Catherine’s Church at Birtles built in 1840 as a private chapel of the Hibbert family but since 1890 a parish church. It is listed in the book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’.The interior contains an eclectic collection of furniture and stained glass from earlier times and brought here to satisfy the tastes of the church’s founder. We returned to Alderley Edge over the Edge visiting the Wizard’s Cafe, Stormy Point and the Beacon on the way. All in all a very enjoyable day.

Monday, January 19th 2009

Twelve people joined last Saturday’s Community Rail Walk to/from Ramsgreave & Wilpshire via Copster Green and Mellor Moor. In contrast to conditions in recent weeks the going could best be described as ’soft’.

Hilary Bell, leader of the ‘C’ walk on the next Rail Rambler to Alderley Edge on January 31st has recommended that anybody joining her walk comes well prepared for muddy conditions if the ground isn’t frozen. So be warned!

Saturday, January 10th 2009

A happy and healthy New Year to all our supporters and readers. Make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to join one of our walks this year and keep to it.

Thirty two of us braved a raw day to-day to walk in the South Pennine countryside around Hebden Bridge but it was hard and dry underfoot which made the going very good. The three parties were evenly supported. The E Party made use of the connecting bus service to Blackshaw Head to reach the start of their walk and so avoided the climb out of Calderdale. They visited the Bridestones formed during the Ice Age – in conditions not unlike to-day’s – and returned to Hebden Bridge using the Calderdale Way and Todmorden Centenary Way.

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

We were sorry to hear of the sudden death of John Atkinson on Christmas Day. John was a longtime supporter of Rail Ramblers being a member of the Committee for the past twenty years or more. In his younger days he was a regular leader on the Rail Rambler excursions and more recently often stewarded the Dalesrail service and assisted on our coach trips. Our condolences go to John’s wife, Val and her family.

John’s funeral service will be held at Staining Parish Church at 11.25 on Friday, January 2nd.

Saturday, December 27th

Oops! Around twenty Rail Ramblers turned out for to-day’s walks in the West Pennine Moors despite the connecting train from Clitheroe & Blackburn being cancelled. Fortunately, those travelling from Blackburn managed to catch the following one only half an hour later so were able to meet up with those travelling from Bolton and all enjoyed the two walks in beautiful sunshine with clear views. Thanks go to Stuart Leese, Chris Thornley and Mike Codd for sorting out the initial difficulties and to John Barnes for his effort in catching up with his party on Cheetham Close having left the train at Entwistle.

Tuesday, December 16th 2008

The Spring 2009 Rail Rambler Programme is available with sae from Craig Ward(for address see Walks’ Programme Page of this website) Copies will be in some tourist information offices and libraries, Clitheroe Interchange and the Cotswold Shop in Preston in the next week or two. However all the relevant information is on this website too.

Wednesday, December 10th 2008

Another good turnout on last Saturday’s Liver Bird Spotting expedition in Liverpool when 30+ Rail Ramblers enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in Europe’s Capital of Culture.

The next Rail Rambler programme has gone off to be photocopied and we hope to have them available on the next Rail Rambler walks in the West Pennine Moors on December 27th though everything you need to know is on this website also. In the meantime best wishes for an enjoyable Christmas!

Tuesday, December 2nd

The Dalesrail website is beginning to show details for 2009. At the moment it is looking like the last Dalesrail will be on September 6th because Network Rail want to do more engineering work between Blackburn and Hellifield, but this situation may change so watch this space. Likewise there are other missing Dalesrail Sundays in July because of engineering work. Hopefully, this will be the last year for such disruption but don’t count on it.

Saturday, November 22nd 2008

We had an excellent turnout of 31 Rail Ramblers for to-day’s walks in the Silverdale/Arnside area with some new faces in our ranks. The weather was as cold as forecasted but as our walks were mainly in the wooded and south facing coastal areas we avoided the worst of the northerly wind. At the end the warmth of the pub or tearoom was particularly welcome. We look forward to a good turnout for Howard’s Liver Birdspotting expedition in Liverpool on December 5th.

Friday, November 14th

Planning is already underway for next year’s Dalesrail. If you have a favourite walk in the Dales which hasn’t been covered in the Dalesrail Programme then why not send it to Craig Ward.

Monday, November 3rd

Just a reminder that there won’t be any trains running on the Ribble Line between Clitheroe and Blackburn and return from Saturday, November 8th and Thursday, November 27th inclusive. A large amount of new track is being laid which will remove the current temporary speed restrictions.

Saturday, November 1st

At last a dry, sunny day on which to enjoy an autumnal walk. Twenty Rail Ramblers enjoyed walking on the  moorland edges of the South Pennines around Littleborough with distant views across the Manchester conurbation to the Cheshire ridges and to the moorland above Todmorden and to Pendle Hill. If you didn’t join us on this occasion we hope to see you on our visit to the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on November 22nd.

Wednesday, October 22nd

The last Dalesrail Sunday ended on a disappointing note as our train was 72 minutes late leaving Preston as a massive signalling and points’ failure at Preston resulted in no trains leaving that station until mid morning. For Dalesrail passengers boarding at Blackpool and Poulton it must have been a frustrating morning as they sat in a ‘trainjam’ outside Preston. At least they should have had flasks and snacks with them! Surprisingly, given the delay, 157 passengers actually used the service though the guided walks’ programme had to be rejigged. Intending passengers at Bamber Bridge and Clitheroe found warmth in local cafes and pubs during the long wait but those at other Ribble Valley stations weren’t so lucky. At Ramsgreave & Wilpshire a phone call to Blackburn Station informed us of the bad news and the ten passengers there went home rather than wait in the cold.

Monday, October 6th

What a difference a day makes! Rail Rambler Saturdays are being blighted by miserable weather conditions and last Saturday was one of the worst with the Lake District suffering monsoon conditions. Not surprisingly, only eight intrepid walkers turned out and the walk up Helvellyn was abandoned. In complete contrast yesterday’s Dalesrail passengers enjoyed superb walking conditions with glorious sunshine and clear views. Let’s hope the weather is kind on November 1st when we visit the area around Littleborough.
Monday, September 29th

Both Rail Rambler and Community Rail Programmes are published and available from all/some rail stations, libraries, tourist information centres, or from Craig Ward with s.a.e. (address on Walks’ Programme page of this website)

Monday, September 15th

Ten walkers enjoyed one of the sunniest and warmest days of our miserable summer last Saturday when they joined the Community Rail Walk from Pleasington and over Great Hill returning through Tockholes to Cherry Tree Station.

Details of Rail Rambler destinations and walks are now on this website and hopefully the printed programmes will be available shortly.

A new Cotswold shop has opened on Deansgate, Manchester diagonally opposite Waterstones. Use your RA Membersip Card to obtain 15% discount on purchases. There is a Cotswold shop in Preston offering the same discount.

Monday, September 8th

The sun shines on the righteous so they say, and last Saturday’s Rail Ramble to Glossop proved the point because, whilst the rest of us had heavy showers or worse, those on the walks had sunshine for most of the day – lucky them!

Friday, September 5th

The next Community Rail Walks’ Programme booklet will be in tourist information centres, libraries, manned stations shortly so keep a look out for them.

Monday, August 25th

Our awful summer weather  once again affected the turnout on our trip to the Kendal area on August 9th with only ten intrepid Rail Ramblers joining the walks. Stuart Leese had ten people on his exploration of Macclesfield on August 24th and all enjoyed discovering the historic nooks and crannies of this former silk weaving town.

Planning and preparation are underway for the next programme up to December. There has been one change to the list of destinations with the trip to Sowerby Bridge being replaced by an offer from Howard Hammersley to take people on a tour of Liverpool to discover the many varied places where one can see the city’s fabled Liver Birds. This will take place on Sat., December 6th. This walk will be in memory of Alan Howard who was an original founder of Lancashire Rail Ramblers. Sounds an interesting day!

Monday, August 4th

Fourteen people travelled ‘Over Wyre’ to find out ‘Who killed the Pilling Pig?’ , as part of our Past Landscapes’ series. Upon arrival at Fleetwood the party found that there was too little water in the River Wyre for the Knott End Ferry to operate and had to take the bus on the long detour via Shard Bridge. But the day was sunny and warm and Howard Hammersley’s commentary on the development and demise of the Lancashire salt industry and Garstang and Knott End Railway shed much light on these two long gone pieces of local history.

Sunday, July 6th

Sixteen brave Rail Ramblers turned out for the walks at Hebden Bridge yesterday and included some new faces. The forecasted, heavy rain began just as we started our walks but, ceased as predicted around lunchtime which put a smile back on faces.

The ‘B’ Party did some ‘boghopping’ over Black Hambledon before joining the Pennine Way whilst the ‘E’ Party decided to avoid the boggy bits on Standing Stone Hill and follow the Pennine Bridleway and Waterman’s Road to Blake Dean for the scenic descent into Hardcastle Crags

15% Discount on Rambling Gear

The Cotswold shop in Preston Town Centre offers members of the Ramblers’ Association a 15% discount off purchases provided they show proof of membership. The shop sells a wide variety of clothing, maps etc. and stocks a good range of boots.

Discount prices are also available on the Regatta and Craghopper ranges  at the Winfield Store just off the big roundabout on the northern outskirts of Haslingden on the Accrington by-pass. RA membership not required here.