Vale Royal and Knutsford Ramblers set off for Arnside on a misty morning.

The A and C groups alighted the coach in a lay-by on the A6, it was a desolate place to start a walk but better areas were soon found.

The A group, led at short notice by Ray Brown, set off for Wharton Crag. From there they passed Leighton Hall and Moss (no Bittern today), over Gait Barrow to the Fairy Steps and Beetham before heading to Arnside via Stroth after 15 miles with 2000ft of ascent.

Brian Booth’s C party also headed for Wharton, then on to Yealand Conyers and over Leighton Moss to reach King William Hill, Arnside Tower and Arnside Knott before descending to Arnside after ten miles with 1500ft of ascent.

The D party, lead by David Eyes, took the coastal path to Silverdale before heading inland to Waterslack and then back to Arnside via Haggs Wood. The planned seven miles turned into nine due to flooding but the party returned unscathed, if a little weary.

Graham Reid also took the B group around the coast to Silverdale and then inland to Arnside Tower. The return took them over Arnside Knott and back to town past the railway station after 11 miles with 700ft of ascent.

The weather was glorious and those who climbed the small hills were rewarded with fantastic views of the Kent Estuary and beyond. Refreshments were taken, alfresco for some, in Arnside before the return trip. It was a great day out.

The next outing is on Sunday, October 26, to Longnor in Staffordshire. Contact Barbara Ward on 01565 651765 for details.