Fresh air, great exercise and new friends, all for £7.00 a year. Try matching that at a gym. Outdoor exercise has proved to be something that people are more likely to stick to than indoor exercise so why not join the Rotherham Rambling Club, Rotherham’s oldest walking club? The club is 41 years old this year and is still going strong.
I thought that I was very familiar with the Peak District until I joined the club to discover that I knew very little of it because some of the most beautiful parts are only accessible on foot. Also, the surrounding area of Rotherham has some stunning areas rarely seen. But the greatest discovery I’ve made is wonderful new friends because the social aspect of the club is just as important as the walks.
Everyone is welcome and you will not feel out of place if you come on your own as everyone is very friendly. We also try to have a ‘rehydration’ drink at a local pub after the walk before heading off home for a well-deserved shower.
Walks vary between about eight to 10 miles and are led and backmarked by experienced walkers, the walks being graded to take into account differing fitness levels. Walks occur every Sunday with the occasional midweek one. Most start at 10.00am and we are usually finished by about 3.30pm, depending on the length or terrain of the walk.
Short walking holiday breaks are a regular feature of the club. We have had holidays abroad in Tenerife, Spain, Mallorca, Poland and Jersey, and at home in The English Riviera, The South Downs, Seahouses, Braemar, Ilfracombe and Weymouth. Not to mention countless weekends in The Lake District and The Dales. This year we are going to spend four days in Skipton and two weeks on the island of Crete. Also, we have an annual Christmas lunch after a short walk to a variety of venues, usually entitled as a ‘muddy boots walk’.
See the website www.rotherhamramblingclub.co.uk for walk details and meeting points. The website also gives hints on what to bring on a walk, clothes and footwear. In your rucksack you need a snack, lunch and a drink. So, come and enjoy the fresh air, what are you waiting for?
John Bashforth
WALKS FOR MARCH
- Sunday 1st March — Start 10.00am — eight-and-a-half miles, graded moderate, circular walk at Pilsley, Hassop, Rowland. Meet at Calver crossroads, SK239749. Leader Phil Bates on 01709 546318, or 07973 404436.
- Sunday 8th March — Start 10.00am — nine miles graded moderate, circular at More Hall Reservoir. Meet at More Hall Reservoir, SK295957, postcode S35 OBN. Leader Jane Palmer on 01142 864580 or 07903 160593.
- Sunday 15th March — Start 10.00am — nine-and-a-half miles graded moderate plus, circular at Wardlow Cop, Cressbrook Dale. Meet corner opposite Monsal Head Hotel, SK185716. Leader Kevin Grundy on 07709 134517.
- Sunday 22nd March — Start 10.00am — 10.7 miles, graded moderate, circular at Hathersage, Toads Mouth, Carl Wark, Higger Tor, Burbage Bridge, Stanage Edge. Meet road close to Hathersage station, SK232812. Leader Mike Whittaker on 01709 545691 or 07980 196271.
- Sunday 29th March — Start 10.00am — eight-and-a-half miles graded strenuous, circular at Hathersage, Bamford Moor, Stanage Edge. Meet Hathersage car park, postcode S32 1BB. Leader Peter Haynes on 01142 697064, or 07717 610102.