The Rossendale Ramblers

Our programme of walks is organised on a yearly basis and at the back end of the year you will find the leaders huddled together plotting their favourite walk for the coming year. Many of the walks exploit the beauty of the local scenery but often we go further afield to the Yorkshire Dales, The Peak District, The Lakes or the Welsh mountains. On these occasions we share transport so that those without cars are not disadvantaged. Petrol expenses are also shared and charges are negotiated with the driver of the car. There seems also to be a tradition developed where a group of members go for a week to somewhere further away - last year it was Ireland, this year we return to Scotland - Glen Shiel to be exact.

Once a month, the East Lancashire Area Committee also organises a coach ramble to some exotic place where a number of walks of varying degrees of difficulties can be undertaken. These walks are very enthusiastically supported and there are usually four coach-loads of ramblers, all picked up from their home areas, that venture forth on a monthly basis. Sadly the coaches don't call at Haslingden any more so this has meant Rossendale Ramblers have to travel to Accrington to catch the coach. We also occasionally organise evening events such as slide shows and sometimes try to run map-reading classes for members aspiring to lead groups and at least three dedicated members of the committee regularly brave the elements on a Tuesday night to make sure the brewed-on-the-premises beer at the Griffin Public House, maintains its excellent standards.

Our main activity, of course, is our walks and this year the ranks of walk leaders totals 10, all enthusiastic and dedicated walkers keen to share their knowledge and experience with those that just want to walk and enjoy the beauty of the countryside and the conviviality of like-minded individuals. It is this conviviality and friendliness, even if we say so ourselves, that has attracted members from other areas to come and walk with us and the atmosphere on one of our walks has to be experienced to be appreciated. Whilst we do take care that everyone is safe, the leaders do not blow whistles or issue orders willy-nilly, rather there is relaxed oversight by those of experience for those of less experience. This means that no-one is hurried or made to feel inferior and we all look out for one another. We like to think of ourselves as welcoming and new members, or members from another group will soon be engaged in conversation and, if the going should get tough, given encouragement and assistance.

Last but not least, we produce a quarterly newsletter called 'The Rossendale Rambler'. In it you will find news, articles by members about anything loosely connected with walking as well as jokes cartoons and anything else the editor/producer feels appropriate to insert or has room for. Comments and contributions are always sought and letters, in praise or criticism, are welcome. If you are browsing this site, drop me an email and you could be the first to have it published!

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