Blue Fox Walks is a non-commercial, non-political club formed in 2004 by me, Vinnie Anderson, and fellow enthusiast Jon Shedwick. Our aim is simple: to promote walking and encourage and assist walkers of all backgrounds and abilities … to enjoy what we believe is the richest and most charismatic nation on earth! With its unrivalled network of footpaths and diversity of countryside. All are supported by world-renowned mapping.
Based in the ideal location of North Manchester (with The Lakes, Dales, Peaks and Snowdonia within easy reach), we specialise in planning routes for groups, organisations and councils across Great Britain, tailor-made to suit exact requirements and specifications. Although our prime focus is walking, we also arrange other outdoor activities (esp. cycling), ‘challenges’ and events (including weekend breaks).
We have pioneered and perfected our unique style of leadership (“pairing”) … the group’s safety and comfort, especially for newcomers, are paramount. Relaying points of interest, providing pertinent information and ‘entertaining’ the party are also trademarks of our walks/rides.
Our very own thorough and first-class navigation course has proven to be ideal in-house training for any of our new leaders, those leading for other clubs and for anyone wishing to venture on the mountains and moors safely and with confidence. Over the last two decades or so, vast swathes of land for us to explore responsibly. We show that planning our walks involves far more than just joining up the ‘green dotted lines’… and I am not just referring to the uplands.
In the club’s early days, we produced an array of our own group walks. They ranged from ‘Family Strolls’ to ‘Grade III Scrambles’ (almost everything in between). The real success story was not the walks themselves, but the fantastic mix of people they attracted!
Although we haven’t abandoned group walks, it was time to draw breath and make time to pursue and fulfil our own individual ambitions. I’ve focused on teaching and writing, which has since become the mainstay of this website. I have built an impressive portfolio of routes (walking and cycling) and have painstakingly started to put them together in a self-led, easy-to-use format.
We have been going for over two decades now, and with age comes wisdom. All my “pioneering projects” are well underway, so I’ll keep working on the mammoth task of upgrading or completing them.
Some of my time is spent advising individuals and leaders on all matters walking; we have bought the latest digital mapping (in a range of scales) and are developing, drawing our routes, without infringing on any copyright issues … this will elevate us to another level. To keep in touch with the rambling fraternity, I have returned to leading the odd walk for other groups (freelancing!!!).
I have invited (and do invite) others to use this site freely to promote their own walking (or other) ideas … there is plenty of web space, and it is a great medium for communicating information.
We try to reserve Saturdays for ‘the hills’. If you read our ‘Club Articles’ Page, as it builds throughout the year, you will gain an insight into what we stand for and what we value … the adventures we embark on, the fun through experience and the respect of the outdoors we have and the incredible (sometimes unexpected) secrets that we uncover.
So, where are we now, and what are our plans for the future? … we have an amazing team and share a diverse range of ideas and aspirations, but I would like to modestly expand our group by recruiting several like-minded individuals.
Jon and I are heavily involved with local history walks. To complement these, we have delved into the world of video production. Although the walks and story content are of the highest quality, getting to grips with filming technology has proved daunting (we are getting there!).
I want to pay particular tribute to our past leaders; their diverse creative talents never ceased to amaze me! I very much hope I get the privilege of working with them again in the future.
OUR ORIGINAL LINEUP …
PATRON: Frank Search
CHAIRMAN: Chris Oliver SECRETARY: Vinnie Anderson TREASURER: Neil Winstanley
WEBMASTER: Wojciech Gonera
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Our gratitude goes to the following people, for their advice and support in setting up this club:
Nick Hunsley, Tony Dalton, Craig Maken, Tony ‘Potty’ Platt, W (Bill) J. & Danny M.
to be ideal in-house training for any of our new leaders, those leading for other clubs and for anyone wishing to venture on the mountains and moors safely and with confidence. Over the last two decades or so, vast swathes of land for us to explore responsibly. We show that planning our walks involves far more than just joining up the ‘green dotted lines’… and I am not just referring to the uplands.
Articles’ Page, as it builds throughout the year, you will gain an insight into what we stand for and what we value … the adventures we embark on, the fun through experience and the respect of the outdoors we have and the incredible (sometimes unexpected) secrets that we uncover.