In 1891, a Colne minister, the: Rev T.A. Leonard from the Dockray Street Congregational Church decided to take a group of about 30 men from the church for a short holiday to Ambleside, giving many their first taste of the countryside and fresh air.

From this initial holiday developed the Co-operative Holiday Association (it was "co-operative" in its literal sense, nothing to do with the Co-op stores). It later: changed its name to Countrywide Holidays Association.

The "Nelson CHA" began in 1907. Mill workers who had been on holiday together returned home and decided to continue their friendship by walking in the local countryside on Saturday afternoons. In those days and for many years following Saturday mornings you worked in the mill.

With the passage of the years social trends have changed so the club, like so many organisations, has adapted itself to reflect what people prefer to do in the 21st century.