2020. Our walking year

Published by Morley Ramblers on 8 January 20218 January 2021

In January, our walk programme was disrupted by flooding. Our walk leaders coped with changes in routes and travel times, but as soon as the weather improved nobody predicted the extent of the restrictions to come….

Lockdown reminded everyone of the importance of walking for our physical and mental health. We got to know and value new walking routes through our urban environment; and we saw that a cleaner environment was a realistic future aim.

We set up Zoom meetings and we devised virtual walks; and as soon as rules allowed there was an immediate appetite to organise group walks again.

From the beginning of August and through September our walk leaders have offered a mixture of walks in our wonderful parks and open spaces, plus some further adventures to the countryside as far as the South Downs. Our October/November programme met with the further lockdown postponement, but a regular 12 or more ramblers are now again keen to join in each week up to the maximum number agreed by the leader.

The pleasures of walking are not available to everyone. And those of us who enjoy it so much may be limited for some time to come by our willingness to travel and mix with others. The hills might seem that much steeper for a while. And our valued network of pubs and cafes may look noticeably different in future. But Morley College Ramblers, together with a massive network of other walking groups, will continue to provide a means of joining together for one of our favourite activities.

Our boots are made for walking … onwards to 2021.

Tony A, Rambles Organiser

Below are some of the photographs commemorating our walks in 2020. If you have any photos of some of the other walks we did, they can be added to this gallery. Please send them to Janet V.