Woke up to sunshine on Saturday, and hoped we might get lucky. I was on my way to Wycoller for the launch of Pendle Walking Festival - one of the biggest free walking festivals in the country.
I parked at the main Wycoller car park and walked the 500 metres into Wycoller. It’s been a couple of years since my last visit and I am always surprised by how tranquil and picturesque the place is. Why I am surprised I don’t know, but it’s one of those places that when you walk into the village you think - aah now I remember why I like it so much, I really should come here more often!
The launch was scheduled for 10am in the Aisled barn, another lovely building complete with picture windows overlooking the ruins of the old hall. Although slightly early, we were met with hot drinks and biscuits, which, as the weather had turned to rain, were very welcome.
Over 80 people attended the launch, which was opened by Cllr Marjorie Adams, Mayor of Pendle, all ready and prepared to tackle any of the walks. There were even international visitors - Spain, France, Germany and America were all represented. Some people were staying with friends and family but a number staycationing in local holiday cottages. All had discovered the festival online and felt that the best way to get to know an area was to participate in local guided walks. If you are like me and love walking you can find out more about the walks and festival walking here.
On Saturday, the first day of the festival, there were four walks planned to start from Wycoller ranging from ‘The Bronte and Pennine Way’, and ‘The Forgotten Landscape’, both a ‘Hard’ 10 miles, which apparently are classed as hard because the terrain can be difficult when it’s wet and windy. ‘Fosters Leap’ a moderate 9 miles, and ‘Lumb Spout’ an easy 4 miles. I can’t say that I was too surprised that the majority were split between Lumb Spout and Fosters Leap, however I was impressed at the number of hardy souls, who were ready to attempt the challenge of both of the ‘Hard’ 10 mile walks.
As for me, I was waterproofed and booted all ready to tackle the most difficult of the walks, only to go to the loo (a spotless, outdoor block behind the barn) come out of the building and slip, on the wet stones. After a swift check to make sure no bones broken and more importantly nobody to witness the embarrassing incident, I limped back to the car to nurse my cut eyebrow, bruised ribs and wounded pride... but I will be back to walk another day...after all the festival has many walks over the next 9 days, and maybe even I will manage to complete one without falling over!!....I blame the coffee...or maybe it was the biscuits....
Nikki Duckworth
I've been to Wycoller quite a few times recently and keep being drawn back (perhaps the Pendle witches have cast a spell on me!). I love the Atom Panopticon and the Fredericks ice cream from the teashop in the village.
Posted by: Barbara Howorth | 10 September 2009 at 04:55 PM