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On the Friday, 18 members arrived at Ingleton YH for four days of walking, climbing of three of
Lancashire's peaks and the 'undiscovered' Gragareth, which at 2057 ft, is the highest point in the
county. On the Friday evening some members spent time exploring Ingleton's 'hot spots'.
On Saturday fifteen of us commenced the climb of Gragareth and the following is a flavour of the
walk, where apart from towards the end, there were no paths, just rough and in parts boggy
scrubland. It started well with a gradual walk and climb until we reached a stone wall where we
looked for a 'nearby!' ladder-type stile. Still looking, and following the wall, we proceeded all
the way downhill again, over rough and boggy ground until near the bottom it was decided there was
no stile at all, so we all marched back up the hill till we came near to where we were earlier,
then climbed the wall. The name of the Grand Old Duke of York was mentioned at this stage! We
believe this was David's way to subdue anyone who might later have reason to complain of tired
limbs. The walk then eventually proceeded downhill, past deep potholes and through chest high
bracken, to find a boulder-strewn stream which we followed and crossed many times. After some
distance we left the stream, climbed up over very rough ground and gradually gaining height,
reached the summit ridge, several of us struggling on the way. At one stage later, whilst walking
along the ridge, two of our party were left leaning against a wall, while the others found the
trig point, After a short distance we left the hill via an escarpment, which was basically about
500 ft of near vertical descent. This we understand was to ensure that everyone's ankles and joints
would be as flexible as possible for the rest of the weekend. A path was found for the first time
which passed more potholes and eventually took us back. The walk of 13 miles (nearly 15 miles after
the detour) was hard and demanding but it was an achievement to look back on.
We then travelled to Haworth YH where Sunday saw us climb Boulsworth Hill at 1,706 ft., an 8 mile
circular walk from Wycoller Country Park, which among the highlights featured a nearly dried up
waterfall, and a stop at a working mill for tea. On Monday we met at Barnoldswick where a 6 mile
walk included a 1,310 ft. climb to the top of Weets Hill. This was the only time it rained, but
the heavy shower passed as we reached the top. The highlight here was when Mick Freeland claimed
he had seen a meadow pippet; but we gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Tuesday saw us take in Pendle Hill at 1,803 ft, offering spectacular vistas from the summit - a
very enjoyable 5 mile walk.
We then celebrated the end of the visit by stopping at the nearest Tavern before travelling home.
I believe everyone found the weekend pleasurable - the walks were varied and enjoyable in every
respect: the countryside was lovely, and David (Craddock) had made certain the weather was at its
best. He is to be congratulated on the hard work he must have put in beforehand to make the visit
so successful.
Michael Felce
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