Present: Dave Bone, Dave Shotton, Iain McCallum, Phil Ramsbottom, Chris Thickett, James Hoyle, Lester Payne, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, John Dobson, Dave Wylie, (Dave Bish on Flyby).

Twas a dull grey January Morn that the intrepid meet leader drove his rusting chariot under the grim portals of the windswept Padiham heights car-park to find a group of KMC carts huddled together, drivers mostly inside. Such dull transport, single ticks for a stout band of KMC, fearing the worst after days of storm. Shortly before departure, the throng were blessed by the short appearance of the Bish. Not of the group, he was going to run/fly round after some work in his carriage. An inaudible fanfare and the gaily waterproofed assembly splashed their way up the road.

A slight correction of aim deep in the woods, and we were back on the farm tracks - which way - the white or the yellow arrows? Take the white and cross the thundering thoroughfare into the fields. Yes, into, if only we too had the power of flight, but nay, we had feet of clay. Underfoot was inadequately described as 'soft', and pitiful attempts of drainage were crossed, eyes ahead on the aiming point of a metal 'tree'. With relief the group gained the relative safety of a cart track and turned hard right - solid ground at least somewhere under the surface. On like chattering starlings, the bulk of Pendle Hill ahead, thrusting into the rapidly moving blanket of grey.

No stopping this group of witch-hunters, without a glance into the sheltering ravines for a snack-stop, we swept across the Sabden Super-highway and onto the ridge. Perhaps because a strong wind was behind them? Conversing merrily, oblivious to the terrain, and so making good time, we followed a black path over the rise and into the backside of Pendle hill (Barley moor - though no self-respecting grain would grow here). Following the water-course the hunters were deeply involved in the ups and downs of a slaistery trail so were startled by a yellow apparition overhauling them on the left. It was the Bish (of suspect mortality) on a fly past. With an accusation of the group having exceeded the speed limit, amid an expectation of an earlier meeting, this apparition drew ahead and steadily faded into the gloom.

A quick snack cum lunch stop in the minuscule shelter of a tumbled wall, and then it was on the grey-slabbed road to the summit. The Trig point offered no hospitality, nor shelter from the spirits shrieking into the group's ears and pushing them about. No Broomsticks were seen, though in the close visibility there could have been a whole squadron of Witches above our heads for all we knew. However, I understand that Broomsticks aren't very controllable in high winds so the Broomsticks, or their modern equivalent, were likely grounded some miles away. The team at this point had their feet firmly (well, just about) on the ground. A slight hint of drizzle in the air, but not wet in the same league as days before.

Leaving the spirits behind temporarily, the team swept off the hill and bounced uneasily down the cobbled trail slanting down the escarpment face. At some point we must have missed seeing the Hero Duncan and fair lady Vicky on the hill, the demons having drawn a grey veil between us. In procession round the hill, and lo, an evilly erected wall in front of us. The Evil ones weren't going to stop a team of climbing hunters though, and so with obstacle tackled head on, we gathered for a restorative banquet on a quaint wall bridging the valley, constructed by the good burghers of the town for their watery needs.

The homeward stretch now, a steady climb onto Spence Moor, and then it was just a case of choosing a way off. With much wending about, the hamlet of Sabden hove into view. A minor altercation - follow the walled track or the signed path, settled by the leader finally striding down the track, and so the heroic group clattered into Sabden. The temptations of the flesh were ignored and with jaws set the group strode out of the village past the hostelries.

The team straggled back to the transportation, after a last uphill flog, in good time with daylight left (uncharacteristic for the leader). Disappointment at no sighting of the yellow clad Warlock Bish - the car park puddles could have been pressed into service as ducking pools? Thanks to all the plain ordinary humans who came along - may all your witch-hunts be successful.

I haven't done a form of this circuit over and around Pendle Hill for some time, so here's a moderate walk, all on tracked (or flag-stoned) terrain to shake off the long break.

Park at Padiham Heights, at the top of the ridge south of the village of Sabden at 786368 - if coming up from Padiham, turn left at the crossroads at the top of the hill, then area on right. Meet 10am to be away 10:15. Triple tick if you arrive on a Broomstick.

Quick idea of circuit: Continue W along the road, then after crossroads, a path down hill to cross Sabden Brook. Rising traverse due W to Wiswell Moor, turning right to follow the path beside the ridge which we continue to follow over the road, then taking the stream (there is a path) up the backside of Pendle Hill, curving round to the summit. A rapid knee tearing descent E, then head S to Ogden Reservoir. Cross the dam, up the hillside, then follow the ridge up to Spence Moor. Before the outward route, wend down paths to Sabden, and back up to the car park on a short footpath. Distance around 11miles, but if not long enough, I can be inventive. Anyone caught flying around will be given the standard water test for a Witch.