October 30th 6+ Miles
WALKERS :- Harry, John R, Paddy, Martin, John W,
Anthony, Vic
We met at Blessed Sacrament in Ribbleton and were soon on our way to write our own chapter of "Mist Over Pendle". We were caught by surprise at our abrupt arrival at the car park at "Nick O' Pendle" John was angrily horn-blasted by following motorists as he turned sharply and with little warning. Anthony sensibly drove on until he could turn round and come back. Soon, cars were parked, gear clambered into and we were on our way up the track to the summit. The "Mist" was decidedly "Over Pendle"and the magnificent views were magnificently obscured. Beyond 50 metres or so NOTHING could be seen.The rough track led us steadily but gently upwards.Anthony surmised that we needed to have the "inclination" to conquer this moorland giant . After a couple of miles the track narrowed to a well defined but decidedly "thin" path. It was not long before we were walking carefully along the precipitous edge of OGDEN CLOUGH. (perhaps a little hyperbolic that sentence but vertigo hovered for a while !) Some distance below the darkly peat stained stream tumbled down the Clough. John was inspired to recite Gerard Manley Hopkins poem "INVERSNAID" He didn't think anyone was inspired to listen ! The narrow path led us steadily up the clough, crossing numerous little rivulets and rocky corners until it eventually arrived level with the stream. This was crossed (not without some difficulty) and a kissing gate followed by a short scramble, led us to a PAVED footpath . Again a gentle but steady climb and the ghostly outline of the triangulation post apeared through the mist. LUNCH ! As we finished munching and slipped our rucksacks back on, the mist began to clear and glimpses of the magnificent views finally appeared. A short pause for a group photograph and then we began the downhill track back the way we had come. The long trek back began to tell on the knees of some of us as the uneven, rocky nature of the footpath was relentless. As the afternoon began to bow before the coming evening the sun tried valiantly to come out (not successfully) and the mist continued to clear. Marvellous views spread themselves before us.
The popularity of the "Hill" was evidenced by the number and variety of fellow "Tacklers. These ranged from superfit lunatics who ran past us to family groups who were perhaps ill-equipped for the rigours of the moors.
A good but quite strenuous walk at times spoiled but occasionally enhaced by the romance of the mist.
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