Moors to Mountains - Guided Adventures

04/09/2024

It's Wednesday and I'll be off out tonight with Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society.

This week, the group is off to Darwen Tower from The Royal Arms - Tockholes. It's sure to be a fine autumnal evening, we always have a wonderful time chatting and enjoying the scenery. Torches at the ready, sunset is at 19:55 tonight!

If you're in the area and would like to get involved in future outings, please message Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society for further details.

03/09/2024

Hello everybody. Just TWELVE DAYS TO GO until THE THREE TOWERS - Charity Fundraising Walk. We've already had over fifty participants sign up to take part and a host of volunteers from Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society who are helping out on the day. Thank you all.

The deadline to register is THIS SUNDAY, 8th SEPTEMBER. There's a lot of admin to deal with thereafter and so we can't accept any later entries. Please spread the word to anybody out there who may be interested in joining us for this epic fundraising challenge.

Please head to www.moorstomountains.co.uk to book a place or to read more about the walk.

Also, it's worth noting that participants are invited to sign up to one of the shorter stages if they don't fancy the full 40km/25 mile haul.

Just to recap, the event is in aid of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, Woodland Trust - Smithills Estate and Rivington Heritage Trust. We will be starting the route at Scottie's Café & Tea Rooms , then passing by The Strawbury Duck, The Royal Arms - Tockholes, Black Dog Pub and The Pike Snack Shack before finishing up at Blackedge Brewing Company Ltd. Please support these venues by picking up a brew or something to on the day.

Cheers everybody and see you all on the 15th! COLIN.

02/09/2024

Still coming down from the amazing experience of Wilton Fest 2024. I won't prattle on bit it really was such a great event.

Here are a handful of snaps from the guided walks that I led over the course of the day. Thank you very much to all you guys who managed to book a space and come along on the day. I hope you all enjoyed it and found the facts and discussions interesting. It was my pleasure to spend a fine sunny day in such pleasant company.

SATURDAY 31st AUGUST 2024 - Wilton Fest morning guided walk.

⛰️ No summits, high point 260m.

🥾 9.3km, or 5.5 miles, with 220m ascent.

⏱️ 3 hours exactly, as planned.

So the first walk of the day was designed to show off one of our most beautiful local nature reserves and a SSSI, Longworth Clough. There is an abundance of rare plant and animal species, Lancashire Wildlife Trust do a fantastic job in maintaining the site. We had lots of history to discuss along the route and it was so pleasant walking beneath the trees canopy. We also took in woodland around d Delph Reservoir while encircling the body of water before returning back through Longworth Clough to Base Camp.

SATURDAY 31st AUGUST 2024 - Wilton Fest afternoon guided walk.

⛰️ Whimberry Hill (340m) and Winter Hill (456m).

🥾 11.7km, or 7 miles, with 370m ascent.

⏱️ 3 hours 30 minutes.

A slightly longer route with much more ascent. We took a rough and ready path up onto the moor which was alive with purple colouration from all the heather. First visiting Whimberry Hill, we passed by Dean Mills Reservoir and followed the famous route utilised in the mass trespass of 1896. We were soon atop our parent peak where we followed the "San Marino Run" down the hill and enjoyed a pleasant stroll though Longworth Clough to finish off the walk.

01/09/2024

Massive congratulations to all the BMC volunteers and the organisers of Wilton Fest 2024 on a hugely successful event yesterday. It was an absolutely buzzing day from start to finish with hundreds of climbers, all just proper friendly people to chat to. The atmosphere really was special, further accentuated by the fine weather.

It was an absolute honour to be asked to get involved in a small capacity by leading a couple of guided walks. Thank you to all the lovely participants for coming along, I hope you found the scenery and informative talks to be enjoyable.

More photos and walk details to follow but WELL DONE to all involved!

31/08/2024

Guided walk #2. It's well windy!!!!

31/08/2024

Wilton Fest 2024 guided walk #1.

31/08/2024

Wilton Fest 2024 is go!

30/08/2024

A cool article in today's Bolton News about Wilton Fest 2024. Hoping to see plenty of you guys there tomorrow!

Don't forget, you can also hear myself and Wilton Fest organiser Robin Mueller on Bolton FM today. Tune in to 96.5fm or listen online from 16:00.

The UK's biggest free climbing festival is returning to Bolton this weekend

29/08/2024

WEDNESDAY 28th AUGUST 2024 - Cheetham Close from Egerton.

⛰️ Cheetham Close (329m).

🥾 7km, or just over 4 miles, with 225m ascent.

⏱️ 2 hours 20 mins.

After a torrentially wet day, the Bolton walking group gathered at the Masons Arms in Egerton to embark on a trek from the village, through a part of Turton and over Cheetham Heights. Thankfully, the evening really brightened up with dramatic louds catching different colour tones from the evening sun.

The route is fairly straightforward with a steep start and an even steeper mid section. Surroundings are pleasant throughout with epic scenery, Cheetham Close itself makes for a fantastic vantage point. There are sections of boggy ground but, "Hey, Ho!" - all part of the fun!

Thank you very much to all you guys who made it for being excellent company as always. If you are in the local area and would like to get involved, please head to www.facebook.com/boltonwalkingandoutdoors and send a message over for details of the Monday and Wednesday walks. Next week, the gang are off to Tockholes to climb Darwen Tower from The Royal Arms - Tockholes.

29/08/2024

Hey everybody! You can tune in to Bolton FM on 96.5fm or listen online through their website tomorrow from 16:00 to hear about a couple of cool FREE community events that are coming up.

Firstly, I'll be joined by Wilton Fest 2024 organiser Robin Mueller to give a rundown of this Saturday's exciting outdoor festival at Wilton Quarries. Robin, Elliot and the other organisers (all BMC volunteers) have worked hard to put together a really cool program of events and everybody is welcome to get involved.

I'll also be giving details about THE THREE TOWERS - Charity Fundraising Walk taking place in just over two weeks time. A group of us will be walking from Ramsbottom to Horwich via Peel Tower, Darwen Tower and Rivington Pike. There are still places left for those who may wish to get involved. All proceeds are in aid of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, Rivington Heritage Trust and Woodland Trust - Smithills Estate. The route will begin at Scottie's Café & Tea Rooms and we will be calling at The Strawbury Duck, The Royal Arms - Tockholes, Black Dog Pub, The Pike Snack Shack and finishing at Blackedge Brewing Company Ltd.

Thanks to Brad Wood for inviting us along to the show and hopefully some of you guys will be able to catch the broadcast tomorrow.

28/08/2024

It's Wednesday once again and that means I'll be heading out to meet Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society later. This evening, we are to embark upon a 7km (or 4 mile) trek from Egerton up to Cheetham Close. This is a fairly difficult walk with over 200m ascent, one particularly steep climb and plenty of boggy, uneven terrain

I always look forward to these Wednesday outings. It's a really friendly bunch and there are always tons of great discussions to enjoy while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Tony and Sharon at the Masons Arms are great hosts too, they look after us.

Luckily, the weather forecast is set to improve later on. Which is encouraging as it's pretty awful out there this morning. If you're down on the list for the walk, I'll look forward to seeing you tonight.

27/08/2024

I've had ONE SPACE come available for the long of two guided walks taking place at Wilton Fest 2024 this Saturday. The website says it's fully booked but if you follow this link, I've made one ticket available for anybody who might be interested. Cheers.

A slightly longer free community guided walk as part of the Wilton Fest event.

27/08/2024

Tune in to Bolton FM this Friday afternoon, 96.5fm or online. I'll be heading over with Wilton Fest 2024 organiser Robin Mueller to talk with Brad about the weekend's proceedings. I'll also be discussing THE THREE TOWERS - Charity Fundraising Walk and how you can get involved with some or all.of the route. L

Exact time will be announced later in the week but it's likely to be after 16:00.

26/08/2024

I'd kept Sunday aside as a bit of an admin day with some prep ahead of Wilton Fest 2024 and poster distribution for THE THREE TOWERS - Charity Fundraising Walk . It ended up being quite a productive day, got a lot done and it was really nice to take in the first scenes of autumn.

Managed to drop charity walk posters off at the Masons Arms and the Black Dog Pub while taking in a 15km trek around Longworth Clough, to the Wilton Quarries and up. Whimberry Hill. I needed to check out the condition of some of the paths ahead of the two guided walks as part of Wilton Fest, and I am very glad I did because some of my original route choices would have proved difficult with overgrown pathways, illegally blocked access from landowners and other obstacles.

Very much looking forward to the coming weeks, make sure you check out www.moorstomountains.co.uk for information on both of these exciting events and other professionally guided walks taking place this autumn.

25/08/2024

Having a bit of a reccy ahead of Wilton Fest 2024 next weekend. Come down and support this cool FREE event. Looking forward to seeing some of you guys there, either on one of my guided walks or "hanging out" (get it? 🤣) at the quarry. All details available from www.wiltonfest.uk.

25/08/2024

Only three weeks to go until the THE THREE TOWERS - Charity Fundraising Walk in aid of Rivington Heritage Trust, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and Woodland Trust - Smithills Estate. I'm off out today distributing posters, please help to spread the word by sharing this post and telling anybody you know who may be interested. Let's raise a ton of money for these three worthy charities!!!!

We will be setting off from Scottie's Café & Tea Rooms at 09:00 sharp and passing The Strawbury Duck, The Royal Arms - Tockholes, Black Dog Pub, and The Pike Snack Shack along the route before finishing at Blackedge Brewing Company Ltd. Plenty of chance to pick up refreshments and snacks!

Please head to www.moorstomountains.co.uk and click "Guided Walks" to read more about what to expect and book your space. It is possible to take part in the full 40km/25 mile leg, or join at any of the aforementioned hostelries to complete a shorter route, but all participants must be registered through the website. Cheers everybody.

23/08/2024

Here's a selection of cool guided walks that I will be leading in October. All are taking place in the Lake District, the Peak District and the West Pennine Moors. There is something for every ability here and I am sure both regular and new clients will be interested in what I have put together.

Autumn is my favourite time of year to be out walking, the seasonal colour changes set off with an abundance of fungi and bright berries makes for a picturesque back drop to any walk.

Please head to www.moorstomountains.co.uk and click "Guided Walks" for full details of each of these activities, or to book a space. I'm also happy to answer any questions via [email protected] or your preferred social media platform.

Thanks for reading and I'll look forward to seeing some of you guys out on the hill some time in the near future. COLIN.

22/08/2024

Been over to Rock Over Climbing Bolton tonight to collect a few posters for Wilton Fest 2024, which is taking place next weekend at Wilton Quarries near Bolton. This is the biggest FREE climbing festival in the UK put together by volunteers from the BMC. The organisers have worked incredibly hard to bring together a fantastic program of events for anybody in the community to have a look at.

I am quite humbled to have been asked to run a couple of guided walks, which are both fully booked. There is a reserves list and you can get your name on it by emailing [email protected]. But, I am keen to help to promote the event and encourage outdoorsy people to come along on the day to see what it's all about.

There will be a mixture of free climbing and bouldering activities, as well as some more involved paid masterclass sessions. There is to be yoga and some talks from enthusiasts and industry professionals. And there's also going to be stalls, refreshments and the chance to hang out with like minded people in a cool setting.

Please visit www.wiltonfest.uk for all details and spread the word to anybody who might be interested. And for anybody who might like to attend but doesn't drive, the 535 bus goes past the quarry.

22/08/2024

WEDNESDAY 21st AUGUST 2024 - Anglezarke circular from The Yew Tree.

⛰️ No summits, high point 188m.

🥾 7.3km, or just under 4.5 miles, with 100m ascent.

⏱️ 2 hours.

Out and about with my local walking group last night on a nice outing planned by active member Dave Noggy. While this was a flat and easy walk, the views and surroundings were really pleasant and walking through the woods at dusk was quite an atmospheric experience.

There's not really anything technical to explain, it was a circular route around the reservoir. The weather was cloudy but dry, thankfully. As always, there was a real buzzing vibe throughout the group and tons of really interesting conversations.

Thank you to Dave and everybody else for other fantastic evening walking together in the West Pennine Moors.

The Yew Tree Anglezarke

21/08/2024

It's Wednesday again already, and that can only mean it's time to go and meet up with the Bolton walking group tonight. This week, we are off on a circular walk of Anglezarke planned and led by regular member Dave Noggy.

All details are available on the Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society page, we will be meeting at the The Yew Tree Anglezarke from 18:30 to leave at 19:00. It's a fairly easy and flat route but there are some muddy bits to consider.

I always really enjoy these Wednesday outings. The group is really friendly and getting out for a stomp up and down dale helps to break the week up somewhat.

If your name is down on the list, I'll look forward to seeing you tonight! Cheers, COLIN.

20/08/2024

Well there are tons of things coming up in the world of Moors to Mountains, but my next "regular" professionally guided walk is going to be the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis up in the Highlands.

There are just two spaces left at £60.00 per head. This is not a route for beginner walkers but is also achievable for anybody with moderate experience of walking in places like the Lakes and Eryri. Please visit www.moorstomountains.co.uk and click "Guided Walks" for more information about what to expect. There's an image gallery there and a very detailed description.

Two spaces left! Get in there now to avoid disappointment. Cheers, COLIN.

17/08/2024

SATURDAY 17th AUGUST 2024 - Helvellyn Horseshoe via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge.

⛰️ Birkhouse Moor (718m), Helvellyn (950m), Catstye Cam (890m).

🥾 13.5km, or 8.5 miles, with 950m ascent.

⏱️ 5 hours 20 minutes.

One of my personal favourite walks to do in the Lake District, the Helvellyn Horseshoe from Glenridding is a stunning and exhilarating mountain experience. I was joined today by Janine and Tom, neither of whom had been over the ridges previously, but both absolutely smashed every section. Well done guys!!!

The route I prefer to lead starts at Glenridding and uses the steep but direct agent up Mires Beck to Birkhouse Moor. The initial views eastwards of Ullswater, Place Fell and the High Street range are scenic. But as soon as the path "tops out", walkers are treated to an incredible vista of the glacial landscape that has formed the eastern face the Helvellyn group.

Following the climb up onto Birkhouse Moor, there is a bit of respite before reaching Striding Edge. Not for the feint hearted, this scramble requires concentration, skill and a head for heights. This is a traverse to be respected at all times of year, but is a hell of a lot of fun in the right conditions.

Our time on the ridge allowed for some geological reflection, the glaciation and rock formations are impressive and interesting. But it was a busy day and we had to keep moving. Following a lunch stop at the col after the "bottleneck", it wasn't long before we claimed the summit of Helvellyn to take in a new panorama to the west.

Swirral Edge was next to tackle before taking in Catstye Cam and heading out of the glacial hanging valley via Red Tarn Beck and back to Glenridding on the road that passes the YHA.

Great fun and a rewarding experience. Thanks again to Janine and Tom for booking on the activity, being exemplary company and for displaying really confident conduct while taking on a serious mountain route.

15/08/2024

WEDNESDAY 14th AUGUST 2024 - Two Lads from the The Bridge Hotel, Horwich.

⛰ Two Lads (389m).

🥾 7km, or just over 4 miles, with 280m ascent.

⏱️ 2 hours.

At large on the moor with Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society. It was a really fun, chilled evening with lots of laughs and an amazing atmosphere throughout the group. The weather was absolutely grand, which also added to the enjoyment.

Our route lead from the Bridge up Gingham Brow, through Arcon Village and up the access road that leads to Winter Hill. We turned off across to Two Lads and enjoyed some epic views before making out way down to The Pike Snack Shack. Leoni had kindly opened especially for us and so there were pasties and hot chocolates galore! From here, there was simple return to Horwich via Ormstons Farm, Wilderswood and the Cinder Path.

Really enjoyed myself, thanks to everybody in the group for being such good company, as always!

Details for next Wednesday will be announced on Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society in the next few days. There's also the Monday Mooch taking place, please see the Facebook profile for details.

Cheers and see you all soon, COLIN.

14/08/2024

Hello everybody, hope you're all well and enjoying this fine summer weather (it's about time we got some).

I've been lucky enough to guide some really lovely clients over recent weeks. If you have been out on one of my activities, thank you for booking a space and I hope you enjoyed the experience.

There are lots of different exciting things going on right now and I thought I'd just send a bit of an update around tin case any of you guys are interested. Full details of everything detailed below can be found on www.moorstomountains.co.uk, including newly updated events pages with galleries and other information.

# This Saturday, 17th August. Lake District. My guided walk will take in Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Swirral Edge with a couple of satellite summits. There are still two spaces left at £55.00 each This is not a walk for beginners and will require some hands-on scrambling, but is very exciting and fun.

# Wilton Fest 2024 - Saturday 31st August. West Pennine Moors. I am delighted to be running two seperate guided walks as part of this free community event in Bolton aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. Both my outings are fully booked but I would encourage anybody to check out www.wiltonfest.uk and get involved if you can. It's a great event and the organisers have worked really hard to pack loads of activities into the day.

# THE THREE TOWERS - Charity Fundraising Walk - Sunday 15th September. West Pennine Moors. Lots of bookings are rolling in for this charity fundraiser. While the organisers are still discussing a few logistical plans behind the scenes, promotion is out and anybody is welcome to sign up to take part. The entire walk is 40km, or 25 miles, although there are options to join along the way and complete shorter stages. All funds raised will be equalliy distributed between Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, The Woodland Trust and Rivington Heritage Trust.

# Ben Nevis guided walk - Saturday 28th September. West Highlands. I have just two spaces left on an excursion up to the summit of the UK's highest mountain. We will be taking the "Pony Track", the route is fairly steep and clocks quite a bit of ascent, but is very enjoyable.

# October onwards... I will soon be announcing some specially planned Autumn Walks that I have designed to make the most of the seasonal changes in floara and fauna, all set in locations that look their best in Autumn. Please stay posted for updates.

Thank you very much for reading and thanks to all who continue to support my mission to help people get out and enjoy the great outdoors through Moors to Mountains.

Best wishes, COLIN.
MOORS TO MOUNTAINS.

14/08/2024

Both of my guided walks as part of Wilton Fest 2024 are now fully subscribed. Thank you to everybody who has secured a space, I'll look forward to meeting you on the 31st for a fun, informative experience in the West Pennine Moors.

Please do help to spread the word of this fantastic FREE event. Whether you're into climbing, bouldering, walking or just being outdoors, get behind WIltonfest, tell your friends and show up on the day. The organisers have put a lot of effort into making it so packed with activities and it's going to be an amazing day for all involved!

14/08/2024

What a glorious day! It's Wednesday and that means I'll be going meeting my mates in Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society tonight for a bit of a wander. This week, we are off from The Bridge Hotel, Horwich. to ramble over Two Lads with a stop off at The Pike Snack Shack for refreshments. The walk also coincides with Niall Mcfadden Music 's open mic session at the Bridge.

All details are on the walking group page. If you're coming along, see you later on. There is also a weekly Monday Mooch that you can get involved with and, again, all info can be found on the walking group page.

13/08/2024

SUNDAY 11th AUGUST 2024 - Rydal Caves and Grasmere.

⛰️ No summits, high point 140m.

🥾 10km, or 6.miles, with 210m ascent.

⏱️ 5 hours 40 minutes.

So on Sunday, I had organised quite an easy but very scenic route around two of the smaller Lakes, taking in Rydal Caves, the Coffin Trail and various valley level paths. Thanks to Angela, Christine, Dave, Denise, Geoff, Heather and Marc for booking onto the activity and coming along to enjoy a fine summer's day in central Lakeland.

This area is famous for being the stomping ground of the Lakeland Poets, being William Wordsworth, Simon Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. We began the walk beneath Rydal Mount, a former home of Wordsworth, and made our way beside the River Rothay to Rydal Water before climbing up the slate covered path to the Caves.

The two cavernous quarries are in fact man made and are site of good quality slate extraction, formed when a volcanic caldera filled with mud and sediment around 400 million years ago.

Our route then led across the hillside and gradually down to the water's edge of Grasmere itself, where we followed the flat shoreline into the village.

Following a spot of lunch and soft drinks at Tweedies Bar and Lodge , it was time to make a return to Rydal. It was now very hot, around 24°, with hardly any wind. The surrounding hills and woodland stood out in a luscious green and while the heat made walking uphill quite a sweaty affair, we were glad of the tree cover.

Passing Dove Cottage, another Wordsworth property, we ascended the hillside and joined the Coffin Trail, and ancient route used to carry the deceased from Grasmere and Rydal into Ambleside. This path is steeped in superstition with tales of spirits or entities visiting walkers. This led us straight back to Rydal Mount.

Given the weather, the company and the varied conversations we had throughout the walk, I would say that was pretty much a perfect, relaxing day out spent in the Lakes. Thanks again to my wonderful clients for coming along.