News

Due to the HM Government restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak our 2020 walks Programme has been put on hold until further notice. We hope to resume once the current guidelines are relaxed. In the meantime please Take Care and Stay Safe

The Annual General Meeting was held at 7.30pm in The Pepper Mill, Longton on Monday 3rd February 2020 with 20 people in attendance. We had a variety of walks during the year along with some old favourites, with attendance on a par with previous years.
More info here

This year we headed to The Ryles Arms at Upper Sutton, nr. Macclesfield for our Christmas walk and lunch in the hope that Santa was able to find us and put in an appearance. Which he did

We met our guide, Jean Bailo, atr the entrance to Piccadilly Station at 11.00 for a 2 hour tour of Manchester's Northern Quarter. This area retains a unique character and charm, one set to continue through its ongoing development and regeneration. It is home to countless independent fashion stores, record shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and the world famous Afflecks Palace, providing affordable outlets for independent designers and traders across four floors.

Following the city tour and a coffee break we continued the day with a tour of The Midland Hotel. The day culminated with a visit to GRUB FOOD FAIR combining top street food, lovely beer and smashing tunes

The Annual General Meeting was held at 7.30pm in The Pepper Mill, Longton on Monday 5th February 2018 with 19 attendees. Dave opened the meeting by once again thanking everybody for their contribution to the club during 2017. We had a variety of walks during the year along with some old favourites, with attendance on a par with previous years. More info here

The weather and problems on the roads into Leek curtailed the morning walk but it was enjoyable all the same. Sutton Hall again did us proud and Santa managed to beat the traffic and arrive on time to hand out the presents.

Our walk around the walls of Chester proved very popular. Not only was it informative thanks to the research done by Dave T but the finish was amazing at it coincided with the arrival of Chester's Midsummer Watch parade in the Town Square. Midsummer watch is one of Britain's oldest festivals - a tradition reflecting 500 years of the city's history and it certainly was a sight to behold.

What a day we had following Sir Gawain, Knight of the Round Table aka Trevor Woodward to find the chapel of the Green Knight near the Roaches aka Lud's Church. The weather was glorious and the views spectacular as we climbed the Roaches to be met with the gales of all gales as we reached the top. Lud's church was as dramatic as ever as the sunlight burst through the gap in the rock on our arrival.

The Annual General Meeting was held at 7.30pm in The Pepper Mill, Longton on Monday 6th February 2017 with 18 attendees. Dave opened the meeting by once again thanking everybody for their contribution to the club during 2016. We had a variety of walks during the year along with some old favourites, with attendance on a par with previous years. More here

What better place to see if we could see if Santa Claus is on his way than to visit The Cloud? We met at Timbersbrook Car Park at and from here we first looked at the Old Mill pond that fed the Silk Mill that was originally here before starting a steep and steady ascent to the National Trust site. We then went on to Sutton Hall where we were joined by Santa Claus.

The Annual General Meeting was held in the Old Mess Room, Trinity Old Exchange, Hanley, on Monday 8th February 2016 with 19 attendees. Dave opened the meeting by once again thanking everybody for their contribution to the club during 2015. We had a variety of walks during the year along with some old favourites, with attendance's on a par with previous years. More details here

It is with great sadness that I have report the passing of one of our colleagues, Jean Hancock on Saturday 9th Jan at The Maples, Care Home in Porthill where she had been a resident for nearly 4 years. More details here

The walk this year was a 4¼ mile circular ramble based on Sutton Hall. We met at 10:30 and left our cars before heading to Sutton Lane Ends, then on to Langley Hall and up to the low ridge above the village. It was then westward for about a mile before going down to the canal in Macclesfield suburbs and along back to Sutton Hall. See Santa's antics at Sutton here

Peter Durnall lead our Septembers walk in and around Greenway Bank Country Park with its rich heritage. More details here

Though the weather was not as kind as in previous years the Buffet was just as good. Joined by members old and new the conversation flowed as did the Pimms, Beer & Wine, culminating in an entertaining session for this year's challenge of once again how figure out how get through the locked gate from the car park.

From our meeting point in Longnor we headed north through the village turning off road towards Glutton Bridge and then down into the Dove valley. Crossing the river here close to its source takes us from Staffordshire and into Derbyshire towards Chrome & Parkhouse Hills. More here

This year we went to Oxford, for our day out taking in the colleges and historical sites that make up this University City. The sun shone as we toured Balliol College which includes Prime ministers: Herbert Asquith, Harold Macmillan, Edward Heath in its famous alumni and the location of a number of Harry Potter films. Then it was lunch in the town before a walk along the River Cherwell to ts meeting with the Thames.

Rearranged for the 23rd May, this walk took us to the quaint town of Tutbury with its medieval buildings and Norman Church. Then it was onto Hanbury site of the largest non-nuclear explosion in the UK. More here

Our first walk of 2015 saw us in Cheadle for a figure of eight walk from the Town Centre. The walk itself was from the town down into the Churnet Valley, along the valley then up to Kingsley Holt and over the fields back to Cheadle (Morning session will be about 5 miles). Read More here

The Annual General Meeting was held at the Pepper Mill, Phoenix Retail Park, Longton, on Monday 2nd February 2015 with 16 members present. Dave opened the meeting by once again thanking everybody for their contribution to the club during 2014. We had a variety of walks during the year along with some old favourites. Attendance had been on a par with previous years and we went on during the meeting to look at possible initiatives to increase the numbers coming along in 2015. Read More here

This year the Coach took us to just outside Wildboarclough and we began the walk by a descent into the delightful valley that leads towards Cumberland Brook. Keeping this to our right we continued to follow the brook to Clough Houses where we started a slow but steady ascent towards Shutlingsloe. Rather than climb what is the 3rd highest peak in Cheshire we continued our ascent but headed off to the right towards the path that eventually leads into Macclesfield Forest. From here is was a pleasant and welcome descent to the reservoir at Trentabank with its Heronry and our waiting coach. It was then onto Sutton Hall, where we sampled the delightful surroundings of the Hall for lunch with Santa Claus!!!
See Santa at Sutton here

26th August saw us travelling further afield for this months walk when we went to visit the site of the Battle of Bosworth. Starting at Market Bosworth Country Park we walked through the town towards the Ashby Canal and then along the towpath until we reach Shenton Station on the Battlefield Line where we stoped for coffee. From here we climbed Ambion Hill with its views of the Battle and it's Memorial Stone which marks the spot where Richard III was slain. After taking in the views we continued through the tented encampment and on to Church of St. James at Sutton Cheney were it is said that Richard took his last Mass before going into battle. This just happens to be opposite the pub where we had lunch. More details here

With a great turnout we were once again blessed with a lovely evening for our walk around Rudyard Lake. The food was superb and the view from the Activity Centre of the sunset amazing, so much so that we couldn't leave as somebody had locked the gates!!!!!

We rescheduled our June walk to July and on the 25th July went to visit the World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge along with the 12th Century Abbey at Buildwas. . More details here

On the 21st June we went to London for the day. Catching 08.12 train we arrived Euston at 09.46. Taking in Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus & Green Park, we arrived at Buckingham Palace in time for the Changing of the Guard. Onward through St James Park saw us at Trafalgar Square for lunch then it was on via the Thames Clipper to Greenwich and the O2. The Emirate's Airline took us back over the river where some went on to Stratford and the Olympic Stadium before return to Euston for our train home. More details here

Our first walk for 2014 saw us returning to the Peak District and that ever popular village of Hartington. Meeting at the market square in the centre of the Village at 9.30 before heading up to Reynards Lane, passing Sladen Barn and into Beresford Dale. From here we followed the River Dove downstream to its junction with Biggin Dale and then walk up to Dalehead. Before heading east to the Tissington trail, via Greenhead, turning north on the Tissington trail for approx. ¾ mile before heading south-west to the Waterloo Inn at Biggin for lunch.

The Annual General Meeting was held at the Pepper Mill, Phoenix Retail Park, Longton, on Monday 3rd February 2014 with 17 members present. Dave opened the meeting by thanking everybody for their contribution to the club during the last 12 months. As Walks Director he then went on to report on the events of 2013, attendance at which, like the weather during the year has been mixed. More info and AGM report here.

This year we started with a walk at Gawsworth (Harrington Arms) then enjoyed a pleasant ramble in the rolling Cheshire countryside, through arable farmland and pastures, crossing the Danes Moss Reserve, along the Macclesfield Canal to Sutton Reservoir and then onto Sutton itself, where we rejoined the coach. We then went on to sample the delightful surroundings of the Hall for lunch with Santa Claus!!!

There was a dissapointing turn out for this walk when met at the Public car park in the centre of the village before leaving the village on Reynard's Lane and heading for Beresford Dale and crossing the river up to Narrowdale farm.

Travelling further afield again for our August walk took us to the North Coast of Wales. From where we admired the spectacular views over Anglesey, Snowdonia, The Great Orme and the Dee Estuary all in one walk.

The sun shone again for our annual social event on the shores of Rudyard lake. Where we sampled all the delights the lake has to offer with a stroll in the early evening. Before returning to the Activities centre for a buffet supper and sit on the balcony to watch the sunset with a tipple of our choosing.

On the 18th July we walked to the border of Derbyshire, Staffordshire & Cheshire, as they meet at the delightful spot that is Three Shires Head. Starting at the small car park (free) near to the Youth Hostel at Gradbach at 09.30 am we walked through pasture and moorland keeping the banks of the River Dane to our left as we rose up towards Turn Edge, onto Panniers Pool, over the Packhorse Bridge with its graceful waterfall, that make up this hidden treasure.

The walk took in the Anderton boat lift, an ingenious Victorian device for lifting narrow boats between the river Weaver and the Trent and Mersey canal. After walking long the canal towpath with its views over the valley and over tunnels, we peeled off through farmland and pastures ready for lunch at the Stanley Arms. As this point the heavens opened, so the majority retired to the the warm & dry of the visitors centre, while others continued on to explore the Anderton Nature Reserve.

From the meeting point we walked up to Admaston with its views over the Trent Valley before cutting across fields to the charming hamlet of Stockwell Heath. From here it was on to a vantage point looking out over the River Blythe, past trout hatcheries and working farms to Abbots Bromley for lunch at the Goats Head. An old black and white timbered building of tremendous character that dates back to the 1500s with its references to Dick Turpin..

In keeping with this year's theme of walks involving Waterfalls & Weirs we walked from Brough Park Leisure Centre to Tittesworth. From Meerbrook we cross the fields to Park House farm and made our way to the Abbey Inn via Back Hills Wood and the aptly named Abbey Wood. After an excellent meal returned to our cars via the banks of the River Churnet.

We are now starting to make plans for our annual weekend away, this year we will be based in Masham, North Yorkshire. Click here for more information and booking details.

The coldest March Weeekend in 50 years did not deter us as we met at Stoke Station. After our arrival at Euston we travelled by Tube to Westminster Pier and took the Clipper boat service to Greenwich. From here we walked under the Thames to Island Gardens and then on via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Canary Wharf, before returning again via the DLR to Tower Bridge and then onto Westminster via the Thames pathway, taking the Globe Theatre, St. Paul's and BT Centre. Click here for more information.

The Annual General Meeting was held at the Pepper Mill, Phoenix Retail Park, Longton, on Monday 28th January 2012 with 13 members present. Dave opened the meeting by thanking everybody for their contribution to what was another successful year for the club. As Walks Director he then went on to report on last year's events, which for the most part were well attended. For a full report Click here

This year we started with a walk to take in the views from The Cloud above Congleton before going on to sample the delightful surroundings of Sutton Hall nr. Macclesfield for lunch, where we were joined by Santa Claus.
Click here to see if there really is a Santa Claus

We explored the delights that are the Derbyshire Dales around Bakewell on our Sept walk. When we walked through the town up towards the quaint hamlet that is Over Haddon. Then onto the remains of Magpie Mine, one of the most famous lead mines in the Peak District, before Lunch at the Cock & Pullet in Sheldon.

The walk itself started at Trevor Canal Basin and from here we walked to admire the world heritage site that is the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, the highest and longest aqueduct in the UK. Taking the tow path across the Aqueduct itself we eventually reached Offa's Dyke path which lead us towards Chirk Castle. Moving from the Castle grounds took us to the border between Wales & England along the River Ceiriog valley and the Pub for Lunch.

Once again the sun shone for our annual social event on the shores of Rudyard lake. Where we again sampled the delights the lake has to offer with a stroll in the early evening. Before returning to the Activities centre for a buffet supper and sit on the balcony to watch the sunset with a tipple of our choosing.

Starting at the Staunton Harold Reservoir Visitors Centre our walk took us along the north shore of the lake before entering the grounds of Calke Park, close to Betty's Pond. From here we walked past the Stables to the front of the Abbey itself, before going on to explore the recently preserved Deer Shelter. After walking down the main drive we climbed the stile into the newly created Wetland area before entering the National Nature Reserve. Leaving the park at this point we continue on to the village of Ticknall where we stoped for lunch at The Staff of Life.

The rain held off as we enjoyed an ideal day for walking the hills around Hanchurch, Acton & Whitmore. Meeting at the Car Park in Trentham Gardens we walked through the Estate to start our climb to what remains of the Seven Sisters. Lunch was at the Mainwaring Arms in Whitmore before returning via the Anglo Saxon hamlet of Acton, Hobgoblin Gate, Hanchurch Pools and on to Trentham.

Meeting at the Car Park outside Beeston Castle we traveled in convoy to our start location. From here we climbed Bickerton Hil and on to the remains of the Iron Age Fort. Continuing along the Sandstone trail took us to Mad Alan's Hole and on to the highest point on the trail, Raw Head, from where we could just about see Chester Cathedral and Dee estuary but low cloud prevented us seeing further afield..

The walk took us east to Alton Castle and then on to view Croxden Abbey where we had time to look at the impressive remains of the abbey of Cistercian "white monks" and towering fragments of its 13th century adjoining church and 14th century abbots lodging. We then continued on for another couple of miles to the Raddle Inn at Hollington for lunch.

The A.G.M. was once again be held in the lounge of The Thistleberry Hotel, Newcastle on the 6th Feb. The minutes of which can be found here.

The snow between Leek & Buxton did not prevent us travelling on to Baslow where we walked the Curbar and Froggatt Edges before lunch with Santa at the Devonshire Arms.

Starting on the 6th Oct we stayed at the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel at Embleton with walks along the coast and into the Cheviot hills during for our time there. For more information on the event contact Linda via the web site.

September found us walking through Biggin Dale crossing Dovedale and on to Alstonfields with lunch at The Watts Russell Arms in Hopedale, a charming eighteenth century stone built inn set in the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park renowned for its good food. After which we returned back through Alstonfelds  towards Beresford Dale for 3.5 miles to our cars in Hartington, taking in the famous Cheese shop on route.

What has become our annual social event took place on the 3rd August this year on the shores of Rudyard lake. Where we once again sample the delights of the lake with a stroll in the early evening. Before returning to the Activities centre for a buffet supper and sit on the balcony to watch the sunset with a tipple of our choosing.

Frank Clark & Doug Wilson arranged July's walk in the Peaks. On a wonderful bright and sunny day it took us through Water-cum-Jolly Dale that links Millers Dale and Monsal Dale which is one of the most attractive short dales in the country. Here the river began to widen to form a large millpond, which the path skirts round under impressive overhanging cliffs. Lunch was at the Red Lion, Litton. A 17th century pub with a cosy and relaxing feel.

A repeat of a walk a number of us did as a small group last year. Travel to the walk was by car, which may have deterred some as once again the numbers were down on other walks. This did nothing to damped the spirits as we once again experienced some wonderful weather and glorious views that the Malvern Hills offer.

The weather did nothing to dampen the beauty of the Derwent Valley as we walked from Cromford to Crich. We ascended the eastern slopes through various woodlands with stunning views over the valley to its highest point the Crich Monument. And then saw trams as we crossed the end of the line from the Crich Tram Museum, before an entertaining lunch at the Cliff Inn.

Dave Turner & Keith Martin once again did us proud with a great walk along Kinver Edge through what is a hidden gem of a valley to the Cat Inn at Enville. Doug Wilson & Pete Durnall are arranging the next walk to Cromford and we will publish those details nearer the time.

Destinations such as Kinver, Cromford, Malvern Hills & Litton are all included in this years programme along with our weekend walking in Northumberland.

The AGM was held at the Thistleberry Hotel Newcastle on the 7th March. Membership fees will remain at £20 per year with guests contributing £3 per walk subject to a maximum of 2 walks when membership will be required.
Click here for more details.

Sutton Hall was the venue for our Christmas lunch this year. Prior to a great lunch we walked from Teggs Nose into Sutton via Macclesfield and the canal.

Great weekend with some super walking on this ever popular weekend  event in the lakes.

The walk started and finished at the Staffordshire Way car park by the side of The Knot Inn at Rushton Spencer. In the morning we walked 6 miles via Bosley Minn to the Ship Inn at Wincle for lunch. Then 3 miles along the River Dane and the Dane to Rudyard feeder and back to the start.

Those that came along on the 4th Aug where able to sample the delights of Rudyard lake in the evening. When we took a stroll round the lake before returning to the Activities centre for a buffet super and sit on the balcony to watch the sunset with a tipple of our choosing.

With Dave being away on holiday in July, Doug Wilson itook us to enjoy the delights of the Peak District. Taking in Elton with lunch at Birchover, we continued on to Robin Hoods Stride and Youlgreave via the Limestone Way.

It was with regret that we have had to cancel our Coach walk to the Malvern Hills in June. The low numbers interested would not have made the journey financially viable for the club. A number of us made are own way to Malvern by car for the walk and had a great time. The rain held off and the cloud cleared so we could enjoy some of the best views to be had in England.

What a delightful day as the sun shone to enjoy the beauty of the Goyt Valley. Starting and finishing at Bunsal Cob car park the walk took us around the headland and across Wild Moor at the top of the valley, before descending and crossing the Packhorse bridge. After which we continued along the shores of  Erwood and Fernlee reservoirs into Fernlee itself for lunch and the Shady Oak. Before returning to our cars via the disused railway on the opposite shore..

With destinations such as the Malvern Hills, Lathkill Dale, Rudyard Lake and the Lake District you can expect another great year of walking with the STAR's on what is our 20th anniversary.

The AGM took place on 22nd Feb at the Thistleberry Hotel Newcastle-u-Lyme. The dates of the 2010 walk programme was agreed but some of the locations have yet to be finalised. Linda Curtis was re-elected as chairman, with Doug Wilson as secretary, John Hammond as treasurer and Dave Turner our Walks organiser. The Club accounts were agreed and a decision taken to increase our membership fee to £20.

Starting in Hathersage we enjoyed a 4.5 walk in the hills around Bamford before arriving at the Rising Sun Hotel for our famous Christmas lunch where we were joined by Santa Claus ...

The walk is a 9.5 mile circular was led by Peter Durnall (5.5 miles in the morning followed by 4 miles after lunch.) starting and finishing at Longnor Market Square car park. The walk took in Croudicote - Pilsbury Castle Hills - Sheen - Lower Boothlow - Manifold Way and Longnor. Further details here

The morning stretch of 5.5 miles took in Blakemere Moss Lake, Old Pale Heights (from where it is said, you can see 7 counties on a clear day), part of the Sandstone Trail, to The Boot Inn at Willington for lunch. In the afternoon the 4 mile walk starts from the pub, up Boothsdale (Cheshire's Little Switzerland), around Kelsall and back toward the start. Further details here

After 5 weeks in the saddle Bill Barker and Eddie Colclough have completed their marathon cycle ride from Boston (MA) to Key West (FL). Covering a total distance in excess of 2500 miles they finally arrived at their destination on Monday 15 June. Congratulations to both and to everybody who has sponsored them on this epic trip.
You can read Bill's blog of their journey here

This is the third walk of the new season and a coach was provided. The walk covered a 9 mile circular starting from Arnside. (4 1/2 mile am--4 1/2 mile pm). Arnside is a coastal village on the estuary of the river Kent. (Cumbria-Lancashire border) Further details here

Starting this week Bill Barker accompanied by Eddy Colclough will cycle from Boston down the Eastern seaboard of the USA to the Florida Keys. During the ride they will pass through 11 States covering a total distance in excess of 2500 miles. You can check on their progress and pledge money to this worthy cause via this site here

Recommendation is one of the best forms of generating interest in any activity and as club we are always looking to recruit new members. We will soon be looking to start a poster campaign in Telecom House Hanley but in the meantime if you know of somebody who would be interested in trying one of our walks as a guest and maybe joining later then please pass on the details of our new website.

A 10 mile walk taking in Greenway Bank Country Park - Knypersley reservoir - Rock End - Whicken Stones - The Troughstones, Staffordshire way and Gritstone trail, Nick of the hill. Lunch at The Talbot before returning towards Mow Cop to Biddulph.

To cover an increase in Insurance, postal and coach and other charges it was agreed at the AGM that we raise the annual membership to £17/year. Guests when accompanied by a member will still pay a nominal fee per walk.

The STAR's website will help to publicise our activities, help to recruit new members and with the increased use of email reduce our running costs.

Following on from his last epic bike ride in the States, Bill Barker is again off on his travels. For 6 weeks during May/June 2009 Bill accompanied by Eddy Colclough will cycle from Boston down the Eastern seaboard of the USA to the Florida Keys. During the ride they will pass through 11 States covering a total distance in excess of 2500 miles.
You can follow his progress here. If you would like to sponsor Bill who is riding for the Donna Louise Trust you can do so on-line here or direct via Shelia Turner or Malcolm Jennings during one of our walks.