pendleton fell running

We spent a few days in a lovely caravan in Pendleton north Lancashire. This was our base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

The area of Pendleton itself is very beautiful. I took the opportunity to explore the area on foot with some asaren running.

Pendleton is walking country, or better still fell running country.

Pendle Hill dominates the landscape. Its 1831 ft (583 m) tall and shaped like a big whale. The hill is famous for witches and it’s not surprising in this eerie landscape.

I picked up a local walking map. There is a whole network of paths up and down and around the hill. But the one that interests me is the one I can see from the caravan while having a beer studying the maps. Like a scar cutting steeply and diagonally up to the peak.

Up at 5:30. Glass of water. Drive through the small villages of Roughlee and Barley. A small “Public Bridleway” sign. This could be it. Park up. Photo of the sun coming up. Run up the lane. Lots of rabbits. More sheep. Two cattle grids. A couple of farms. Turn right. Another sign. A steep road going up. Bingo!

This track goes straight up! Rocks packed together like a dry stone wall. I want to run up, but the best I can manage is “brisk hiking”.

I reach the top in a surprisingly short time. The “Beacon” marks the summit. Fantastic panoramic views. Rain clouds to one side. Sunshine the other.

The top of the hill is Barley Moor. A wide expanse of peat and heather. Perfect for running on. A fell runner’s dream. I run along the whale’s back and down to the tail until boggy conditions and the first drops of rain turn me back.

Down the hill. Back home. Shower. Put the fire on! Breakfast to the sound of rain falling on a tin roof. Perfect!

Thursday’s training: Pendle Hill fell run (1h 20 mins)

Friday’s training: Pendle valley run (1h)