In South Lakes U3A walking is such a popular activity that we have eight separate walking groups. From the Gentle Strollers to the Fellwanderers these vary in the length, height and difficulty of their walks.
All the groups meet on Thursdays (but not all at the same place or the same Thursday of the month) and start at 10.00 - 11.00 am. Members make their own way to the starting points, and we encourage car sharing to minimise parking difficulties.
Walks are planned and lead by volunteer members of the groups. Details of each walk are distributed to group members in advance, and are also available from the group coordinator and published in our Newsletter.
A brief description of each group is given below, in order of distance walked. If you would like more information about any particular group please use the form on the Contact Us page and you will be put in touch with the group coordinator.
Gentle Strollers
This group is for those who would like a shorter walk than the Strollers. The walks, mainly flat, are up to 2 miles. We usually start at 11 am, at locations which are, in most cases, accessible by bus. If you would like to join the group, or receive more information about the walks, please get in touch with the co-ordinator Gill Green.
Strollers
Strollers walk twice monthly (2nd and 4th Thursdays). We proceed at a comfortable pace, up to about 4 miles at mostly lower levels of bridlepaths, open terrain, pastureland (some with stiles) canal towpaths etc. We always take a coffee stop. Sensible walkwear, poles etc., is usual.
Amblers
Ambling along
There are three separate Amblers groups, walking in different locations, but with similar approaches. All three meet twice each month. Amblers walks proceed at a fairly gentle pace, are about 5 miles long without much climbing (maybe 500 feet or so, depending on the leaders). Along the way we stop for a coffee break and a picnic lunch.
Dogs are allowed on walks in group 1, but not in group 2. Amblers 3 is the newest and has the possibility of a pub or café lunch at the end of the walk instead of a break for lunch (particularly in the Winter months). A visit to a garden or historical site might be included during or following a walk.
Amblers Plus
Meeting once a month, we plan to continue our assaults on the gentler fells. Our aim is to conquer minor peaks (not more than 1000 ft. ascent) in easy stages.
Ramblers
Also meeting once each month, we enjoy rambles of about 8 or 9 miles, including a few hills. The walks reflect the varying preferences for scenery, terrain etc. We share a love and knowledge of our countryside, fresh air, good exercise and friendly conversation (if we’ve any breath left!).
Fellwanderers
This group’s walks are more challenging than the Ramblers Group and take place once a month on the third Thursday. We do go out all the year round and in all weathers. Members must be equipped for adverse conditions: weather and underfoot conditions are often very different at higher levels.
Walks are generally on the fells using paths and tracks, doubtless rough in places. Where possible we plan to include fell summits on our days out, some reasonable scrambling may be involved, for example Striding Edge and Swirral Edge or the Bad Step on Crinkle Crags. Mileage and climbing are variable depending on the terrain and the weather but is generally 13 – 19km (8 – 12 miles) and 750 – 1000m (2500 – 3500 ft) of climbing. We aim to be out for 6-7 hours, moderate walking. The route is tailored on the day to the weather and ground conditions, and indeed the wishes of the group.
We ask members to let the coordinator know if they intend coming. For safety reasons we aim to limit the size of the group and so places must be pre-booked.