Contact: Sue Harding
Email: saddleworthwi.walking@gmail.com
Members of the Walking Group have met on Zoom to discuss various walking options and to gather feedback about the length of walks and how far people might be prepared to travel to access them. A popular suggestion was to start a library of walks for members to do within their own support bubble where the directions would be available from the website with photos at pertinent points along the route.
When things get back to normal, you would be very welcome to come walking with us. Just let us know you are coming then turn up at the starting point, adequately equipped with appropriate footwear (preferably boots), and warm and waterproof clothing. If you feel you need more information to check how hard the walk would be, to ensure that you would be fit enough, directions to the starting point or any further advice please contact us at saddleworthwi.walking@gmail.com
Members and visitors who walk with us are responsible for their own conduct and safety. Neither Saddleworth WI nor any walk leader is responsible for any accident or incident that may occur.
2020 WALKS
All walks subject to change.
Walking Group 11/11 Challenge
The Walking Group are pleased to announce that we now have some walks planned in support of the Royal British Legion’s 11/11 Challenge. We have so far identified 11+ memorials that you may wish to visit over the next few weeks either as part of our small WI walking groups or as individuals within household bubbles. These include:
- The war memorial in Uppermill
- The silent soldier silhouette at Dobcross
- The silent soldier silhouette at Denshaw
- The memorial at Pots and Pans
- Commonwealth War graves at Friezland Church
- Commonwealth War grave at Lydgate Church
- The war memorial at Austerlands
- The war memorial at Waterhead
- The war memorial at Lees Cemetery
- The war memorial at Stalybridge
- The silent soldier silhouette at Grotton
- Three war graves at the Independent Churchyard in Delph
The aim is to visit as many memorials as you can. We would be pleased if you could wear your poppies whilst doing so and take some selfies when you arrive at the various places of interest. We will post these on Facebook or the website. The Royal British Legion has been struggling for funds this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions so it would be nice if members could donate or sponsor those who are walking. Anyone wishing to donate or sponsor should contact us by email and details of how to pay will be given.
Stalybridge War Memorial Circular
Saturday October 31st
Meeting Time: 10.00am
Meeting Place: Sandhills parking (nearest postcode SK15 2QE nearby Scout Hut)
Length/Duration: 6 miles/3-4 hours
For those not wishing to use Satnav the easiest route would be to follow Huddersfield Road from Saddleworth. Pass through Millbrook and then Copley Leisure Centre and school on your left. When you see St Paul’s School and the Lockside Medical Centre on your right the car park will be very soon after (before you reach the main traffic lights onto Mottram Road).
Involves ascending/descending along well-maintained gravel paths. One section along the river bank is slippy in places. All gates are open and via narrow gaps in stone walls or between wooden posts. One stile, one step high with pole to hold. Three busy roads to cross.
This is a repeat of Friday 23rd October walk for those who were unable to take part. It was a very good walk with guide Alison providing lots of local history.
Please respond by email to saddleworthwi.walking@gmail.com to secure a place or via our WhatsApp Group.
Lydgate, Grotton, Austerlands, Waterhead, Lees War Memorials Circular
Sunday November 1st
Meeting Time: 10.15am
Meeting Place: The White Hart, Lydgate
Length/Duration: 6 miles (approx 2 hrs 30 mins)
Some stiles and muddy paths
Find full details of the walk HERE which can be printed out if you wish to do the walk independently.
Please respond by email to saddleworthwi.walking@gmail.com to secure a place or via our WhatsApp Group.
Remembrance Sunday November 8th
We are planning a circular walk around Saddleworth on Remembrance Sunday November 8th starting at Friezland Church. Details will be published here shortly. We should be able to accommodate 12 people in two groups of 6. Including leaders this will mean 5 spaces on each.
Please respond by email to saddleworthwi.walking@gmail.com to secure a place or express your interest in any of the above. Any further questions please email or What’sApp the group.
Christmas Lights Walk
This will hopefully still take place in December. Details to follow.