Further Information

GOC Transpennine - about our activities

Walking is our main activity, but we also cater for cycling (both on and occasionally off road) and canoeing, plus occasional social events. As well as day events there are monthly weekends away where we stay in hostels or, in summer, camp.

Which Walk?

Day walks usually average about 9 miles, though there are longer or shorter ones available. In summer we have some short evening walks of about 3 to 5 miles, with a drink afterwards.
Newcomers to walking are advised to start with one of the shorter walks, as the longer ones may be quite challenging, especially where the terrain is difficult or very hilly. Check with the leader if you are in doubt about what to expect. Some of the walks on our weekends away are a lot more strenuous, especially those in the Lake District or Snowdonia. If you want an easier walk to start with, the Cheshire Saturday walks tend to be shorter and are more likely to include a stop at a pub or tea shop.

What to Take

Always take a packed lunch and plenty to drink unless walk details say otherwise. Occasionally a lunchtime pub stop is possible but don't count on it, least of all in winter when daylight is short.
On rough, steep ground or in winter conditions it's vital to wear boots, which give more stability to the foot and ankle. For summer walks and on easier ground trekking shoes are often adequate though do expect wet feet if they aren't the waterproof type. Ask the walk leader what terrain to expect if you are in doubt.
British weather is often unpredictable even in the height of summer so pack a rucksack with waterproofs, extra warm clothing, hat and warm gloves. We don't recommend cotton clothing (such as jeans) - it soaks up lots of water and takes ages to dry, feeling very cold and uncomfortable next to the skin. Remember, what you need wear or carry does not always depend on the season. The weather and temperature can change surprisingly quickly with wintry conditions occurring at almost any time of year, especially on the hills. In Winter itself the need for extra spare clothing, a torch and spare batteries cannot be overstressed.

Weekend Events

Transpennine organises monthly camping or hostelling weekends throughout the year. Even if you are not staying overnight you are welcome to join us for the day provided you let the organiser know in advance. We are generally ready to walk by 9.30am so you may have a long journey with an early start.
To join us on a camping weekend you'll need to have your own tent and camping gear. This need not be too costly. The camp sites we use have full toilet and shower facilities but usually little else. Although our evening meal is often in a local pub, some basic cooking equipment is an advantage.
The hostels we visit are either part of the YHA network or privately owned and sometimes we rent the whole building for our exclusive use. Sleeping tends to be in small dormitories with bunk beds. At YHA hostels bedding is provided but it's often necessary to take a sleeping bag or other bedding to privately owned ones. Bring your own towel etc., though some hostels will hire you one if you forget.
Where we have sole use of a hostel you need to book with the organiser of that weekend. There may be a communal evening meal in the hostel or at a local pub but other meals are normally on a self-catered basis. You are free to take alcohol to sole-use hostels.
YHA hostels are often shared with other parties. It's usually necessary to make your own booking with the hostel but do always contact the weekend organiser first to ensure that plans have not been changed. Those who are not a YHA members will probably have to pay an extra £3 a night. An optional full meal service is usually available, with a self-catering kitchen for those who wish to cook. Most YHA hostels now sell wine and beer. Only unlicensed ones will allow you to drink your own alcohol.

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are welcome on most day walks. Be aware though that some landowners ban all dogs as do many camp sites. The YHA and most private hostels do not allow dogs either, although some of our dog-owning members let them sleep in the car.
Owners must be fully responsible for their dogs during the walk and observe the Countryside Code, using a lead where necessary. Please ensure that the risk of members tripping over your dog or its lead is minimised and do not expect other members to assist with lifting the dog over stiles as this can carry a risk of back injury and bites. Also be aware that if your dog is not well behaved, people may find it annoying.

Programme Planning

All our events are planned and run by volunteer club members. Each autumn the Transpennine programme for the following year is assembled. John collects and collates the Yorkshire, Lancashire and weekend events; Robert puts together the programme of Cheshire Saturday walks and Jim gathers the Peak District events. The details are then finalised and put onto the GOC website by Dave and Robert.
We are always keen for new people to run events. If you have an idea for a walk, cycle ride, weekend away or maybe a social event, please contact John, Robert, or Jim before November.
Although a consistent grading system would be difficult to implement, leaders are asked to indicate the length and strenuousness of their walks, especially if technical difficulty such as scrambling is likely.
To make any change to an event you are leading, please Contact Transpennine - only changes sent by the 7th of the month will appear in the next Outdoors magazine. Walk leaders are encouraged to pre-walk their routes. If you find that any of the details (e.g. length, strenuousness, start point) are wrong or inadequate, please send an update for the website. People are entitled to know what to expect!