Lancashirewalks.com has just past the 10,000 hits record, doubling its visitors rate in six months.

The website was set up in October 2007 by retired teachers John Griffiths, 57 and Bob Clare, 58.

“From the start our aim has been to attract the inexperienced walker,” said John Griffiths over a pint of cask ale as the two celebrated the 5 figure milestone in the Cavendish Arms, Brindle. “Most walks are only 2 to 3 hours long and the descriptions are backed up by a gallery of photographs giving the reader a clear idea of the terrain that will be experienced.”

The two men set up the website after both had to retire from teaching owing to ill health. In 2006 John had a cardiac arrest while participating in a pub quiz. This came after a history of heart trouble and he decided to take early retirement.

The following year Bob had a stroke which left him partially sighted. As well as affecting his career it meant he was unable to drive. “I didn’t need the DVLA to tell me I was unfit to drive,” he recalls, “I knew I would be a hazard to myself and other road users.”

This is how their association came about. As an experienced walker Bob knew hundreds of walking routes in Lancashire, a number of which cover East Lancs. John enjoyed walking but hadn’t done it seriously for several years. So with John as taxi driver and Bob as walk leader, the two men set about their rehabilitation by exploring Lancashire.

It quickly occurred to them that they could create a website describing their walks. John, as a maths teacher, had well developed IT skills, while Bob, an English teacher, could provide the content.

The website was launched in October 2007 and took 10 months to construct with 52 walks – one for each week of the year. Since then the two have managed to develop new features on the website including Walk of the Month, more detailed maps, downloadable versions and are currently working on a project to translate some of the walks into community and European languages. “We are aiming to double the number of hits again this year,” said John as he finished his pint.