(Beyond the call of Drewty !)
Walkers :- Martin, Anthony, Paddy, Jim D, John W.
We s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d the drew formula to it's limits as a 6 mile planned walked ended after NINE miles.
With only five walkers one car was sufficient to carry us all to a handy little car park in the delightfully attractive village of Pendleton which none of us had visited before.
A gentle uphill walk took us through this fascinating little village and out towards the first of the three "Halls" we would visit on our route.
Pendleton Hall
The track continued after crossing the Sabden road passing the hall (see above) and moving on towards "Mearly Hall" a short distance further on. The mass of Pendle Hill was our constant companion as it loomed, mist covered, to our right.
The well made farm track followed the contours of Pendle Hill making for easy walking. By the time we arrived at our second "Hall" it was time for coffee (or Tea) and so far we had hardly been impressed by our "Halls which were really only farm houses with grand titles.
Impressive gate-posts but still only a large farmhouse.
Here we are sitting on a well positioned telegraph pole immediately opposite the gates of Mearly Hall (see above) where Martin's "One Ton" rucksack contained his usual beverage which we all enjoy - "Fire Water". This had meant a short diversion and once refreshed we returned to our planned route searching for "Hall" number Three. As we approached number three an obviously D.I.Y. sign led us off the track and through a field which in a way was to our advantage as it took us close to the most impressive of the "Halls" a proper listed building "Little Mearly Hall".
Little Mearly Hall
As we had approached the hall we pondered what had caused the diversion. Our surmises that it was a "Bridge" problem on the track proved correct as we left the hall and continued on the route which now left the farmtrack and took to the fields .
As we crossed the field below the bridge, further evidence of flood damage was evident, as large swathes of the field were covered in boulder and gravel outwash. Serious damage for the farmer to sort out.
It was by now well after noon and a lunch spot was sought. Clitheroe was still a little beyond our comestible intake patience limits ! A rather damp but sheltered green lane just beyond a barn served our purpose well.
A couple of fields later and we were entering the outskirts of Clitheroe.
Clitheroe, of course, is a saucy lady and wears mini-skirts so we were soon in the centre and right next to the castle. A stiff but short climb and we arrived at the doors of the Cafe ( Sod the history ! We need caffein.) Here we were outraged to discover that a party had booked the cafe for sole use . WHAT !!! Even the two friendly receptionist agreed that this was beyond the pale. Ah well....we turned upwards and explored the smallest keep in Britain (or was that England ?)
Back down into the town and a search for the cafe surreptitiously recommended by the Castle staff. Onto the main street and down a little alleyway and there it was. 
Beverages all round - thank You - and then Chocolate cake purchased and consumed inspite of Lenten practices. Almost sinful.
Chocolate cake anyone ? Oh Yes !
With our alloted mileage now used up it just remained to tackle the rather tedious slog out through the suburbs (Mini, you will recall) and then back along the country lanes, uphill unfortunately, to Pendleton and the car park. Back at the car our Octogenarian "Superman" received the "Walker of the Week" award for a magnificent effort in completing nearly nine miles after a long absence incapacitated. Well Done !
and so to home ........
G.G.
G.G.
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