A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GROUP
The group was formed in 1997 and has met regularly since then to enjoy fellowship, exercise and fresh air as we walk in the countryside. Together, we have climbed hills to experience wonderful views. We have seen a wide variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, animals and birds in their natural surroundings. We have encouraged each other to carry on as we encounter rain, steep slopes, muddy patches, stiles, gates and other obstacles. We all think it has been worthwhile!
In addition to local walks once a month, we have also arranged at least 20 walking weekends further afield once a year. These excursions were mainly to the Lake District, but also to Snowdonia and the Peak District.
More recently, as we grow older, we have found that our walks need to be shorter and less challenging than they once were. Sadly, we have also had to face the loss of several stalwart founding members of the group. They continue to live on in our memories, aided by the many photos that have been taken over the years. Some of our past activities and future plans are briefly recorded below.
1997 to 2015
The group was very active during this period, with local walks completed almost every month and a weekend in the Lake District enjoyed almost every year.
Diary for 2016
Saturday 19th March – Llandegla
Saturday 9th April – Corwen
Saturday 14th May – Llanberis – We raised £550 for Blind Veterans UK on this charity walk. Thanks to all our sponsors.
Saturday 11th June – Hilbre Island
8th-10th July – Lake District weekend
Saturday 10th September – Gresford area
Saturday 8th October – Bunbury
Saturday 12th November – The Plassey
Diary for 2017
Saturday 11th March – Llanferres
Saturday 8th April – Hawarden
Saturday 13th May – Pontcysyllte
Saturday 10th June – Rhewl
Saturday 8th July – Minera
Tuesday 18th July – Holt
Tuesday 8th August – Erddig
3rd September to 5th September – Lake District
Saturday 14th October – Whitegate Way, Cheshire
Diary for 2018
Saturday 10th March – Nant Mill, Plas Power Woods and Bersham
Saturday 14th April – Grindley Brook, Whitchurch
Saturday 9th June – Brenig & Alwyn Reservoirs, Cerrigydrudion
20th to 22nd July – Lake District
Thursday 9th August – Erddig
Saturday 15th September – Nesscliffe
Diary for 2019
Saturday 9th March – St. Asaph
Saturday 13th April – Llanarmon yn Ial
Saturday 11th May – Ruabon
Saturday 14th September – Aber Falls
Saturday 12th October – Colemere
Diary for 2020
Saturday 8th February – Chirk Castle
The walks planned for March to September all had to be cancelled, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday 10th October – Marford
Diary for 2021
Saturday 15th May – Ty Mawr Country Park
Saturday 12th June – The Mere, Ellesmere
Saturday 11th September – Delamere Forest
Diary for 2022
Saturday 7th May – Maes y Pant, Gresford
Wednesday 22nd June – Holt
Thursday 7th July – Acton Park
Saturday 3rd September – Llangollen
Diary for 2023
Saturday 4th February – Llangollen to Horseshoe Falls and Llantisilio Church
Saturday 4th March – Rossett to Cook’s Bridge and Trevalyn
Wednesday 3rd May – Bickerton Hill (1)
Saturday 3rd June – Malpas
Saturday 2nd September – Bickerton Hill (2)
Diary for 2024
Saturday 3rd February – Llangollen to Horseshoe Falls and Llantisilio Church
Saturday 4th May – Chirk
Saturday 14th September – Trevor
2025 and the future
The group will continue to meet, but probably less frequently than in the past. Whenever a member wants to arrange a walk, they will circulate the details by email to all other members. We would, of course, be pleased to welcome new members to the group if anyone is interested.