A HIKE up Pendle Hill in memory of Lakeland legend Alfred Wainwright proved a great success and something of an eye-opener to those involved.
Although Wainwright is best-known for his series of guides to the Lakeland Fells, he was a Blackburn man who also enjoyed walking closer to home, particularly on Pendle Hill.
During the war, when travel was more difficult, he formed "The Pendle Clu
b" – a group of friends who regularly explored the many routes across and around the Lancashire landmark.
This year is the centenary of Wainwright's birth and, to mark that milestone, long-time fan and former Clitheroe man Peter Burgess decided to lead a walk up Pendle by one of the lesser-known routes.
A party of 16 made the ascent, many of them members of the Online Fellwalking Club from as far afiled as Stafford, Hull and Whitehaven.
Mr Burgess, a Clitheroe Royal Grammar School old boy now resident in London, writes: "Most of the group, who are keen fellwalkers and more used to rockier Lakeland mountains, were surprised at the steep route alongside Mearley Brook, which proved difficult on greasy rocks and wet grass after the recent rain.
"Everyone was suitably impressed by the Scout Cairn and one keen member even found two 'geocaches', a kind of treasure hunt, with his GPS.
"I had time to explain the geology of the area by pointing out the ancient coral reef of Worsaw Hill and people enjoyed seeing the location for the film 'Whistle Down the Wind' from the upper slopes of Downham Moor.
"Lunch was taken beneath the 'Big End' before everyone gathered for a suitable group photograph at the windswept summit. The weather throughout the walk was extremely windy and there were a couple of hail showers later in the afternoon.
"The descent was made via Ogden Clough and the Clayton-le-Moors cairn, which commemorates the death of popular fellrunner Judith Taylor while on the Kentmere Fell Run of 1994. The descent was made in beautiful afternoon sunshine.
"The day was rounded off with a fantastic meal at the Post House Hotel, in King Street, Clitheroe, where proprietors Janet and John Spedding made everyone very welcome.
"Dinner was taken after a thrilling talk by Mark Richards, outdoor writer and protégé of Alfred Wainwright. Mark is famous in walking circles for his walking guides to Lakeland, the Hadrian's Wall Path and the Cotswolds. The evening was rounded off nicely with drinks at the New Inn.
"On Sunday, some of the group and many members of the Wainwright Society gathered at Blackburn Cathedral. An AGM and lunch was followed by a Remembrance Service of Thanksgiving for Alfred Wainwright, or 'AW' as he is known to most. He would have been 100 years old on January 17th, but he died in 1991.
"This was a moving event celebrating the life of one of Lancashire's, as well as Britain's, finest authors and outdoor writers. Readings were given by ex-Blackburn Rovers player Bryan Douglas, Lord Clarke of Windermere and writer and broadcaster Eric Robson.
"All-in-all it was a proud weekend to be a Lancastrian and Pendle Hill really blessed the walkers with a fantastic excursion.
"Finally, I want to thank my family, friends and Clitheroe for making everyone feel most welcome. I think many of the group will be back!"
