Time/Position: 1.23.30 (60 from 251)
Many years ago, I did the full Tour of Pendle from Barley - I still remember how long and complex the route was. We also did the fell relays here around more recently, still at least a decade ago! So it was a little surprising that hardly any of this classic race rang a bell, although that might just be the ageing process. Whatever, it was a really enjoyable event, which was especially pleasing given the extent to which I have been struggling in the hills recently. I was quite conservative in my approach, perhaps expecting more of a battering by the route and very conscious of recent struggles I've had in fell races - in particular, I'd anticipated a brutal sting-in-the-tail which never really materialised. I started fairly well, and tried to keep a decent pace going over all the way to the trig on Pendle itself, 24 minutes from Barley. Then comes a glorious looping gradual descent down Pendle Moor with Clitheroe far below to the west. This is boggy but really enjoyable with sunny spring-like skies above and classic northern English scenery throughout. Eventually, Apronfull hill is reached before a steep descent via Badger Well to the little lake of Churn Clough. Above this, a very steep climb ended quickly and gave way to contouring across to Stainscomb. Then the final climb up a shallow valley to Driver Height. I began to lose ground here, with at least 10 runners passing me, despite finding it easier than expected. But no matter, I enjoyed the very muddy and awkward descent back down to Lower Ogden and the lane back to Barley. Not a very appropriate St David's Day outing, but I was back on Welsh soil in good time!
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