CLUBS & SOCIETIES
THE three walking groups are amongst the best organised and supported groups that are part of the busy programme of regular activities organised by Ashbourne u3a.
THESE are all lead by very experienced walkers who spend a lot of time sorting out different routes that challenge a range of different interests and abilities.
ALL the walks finish with either lunch or a drinks break with members thoroughly enjoying their social get togethers.
Safety is always paramount in identifying the routes used, including distance, gradient and the number of styles encountered. This is always very clearly noted in the online information available so that members can identify which group suits their level of fitness best.
The Strollers group meet fortnightly on Monday afternoons. They particularly enjoy generally flat’ish walks of between 2-3 miles around the beautiful villages in our local area. Recent walks have included Tissington, Snelston and Ilam.
Their next two walks in April include Cromford Canal and a loop around Carsington Water. For further information please contact their leader, Karen, via the link on the website.
The Walking Group meet fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. They specialise in mid- range walks of around 5-6 miles within a wider radius around The Derbyshire/ Staffordshire area.
On their most recent walk 16 members enjoyed a circular adventure of approximately 5.6 miles. This was from Parwich to Tissington, Newton Grange and Parwich Lees, starting and finishing at the Sycamore pub for a lovely lunch.
The group leader Ian notes this was a longer walk than usual, with plenty of mud. Their next two walks are around Thorpe and Nether Heage.
The Hiking Group meet Monthly on a Tuesday and enjoy longer and more challenging walks, often of 1012 miles on rougher and steeper terrain.
The group enjoyed a lovely walk last week on a beautiful sunny spring day. They set off from Millers Dale car park and started by walking through the nature reserve.
They then climbed steeply to Priestcliffe and on to Brushfield and followed the skyline path along the northern edge of Monsal Dale. The group then dropped down to the Monsal Trail near the viaduct, then made their way to Cressbrook Mill and up the steep hill to Cressbrook village.
Members then followed another skyline path, this time along the edge of Millers Dale, before dropping down to the riverside path from Litton.
They then passed Ravenstor, then had a quick drink in the Anglers Rest, before climbing back to the Monsal Trail for the last half mile. Their next two Hikes include Baslow and Rowsley.
The three walking groups welcome new and experienced members. For further information about their program of walks or about any other u3a activities please look online and check the range of information.