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Eric and Barbara's Report:

Thanks again to John Brennand for this second XK8/R Forum run – which started where we left off on the last run in September 2007 – the Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green.

For last year's run the weather had started off cloudy but fine and warm and had deteriorated to drizzle.

For this run the weather started off wet with very poor visibility – and just stayed that way! What rotten luck, especially as the route took us through some very attractive scenery.

Ten cars started off after coffee. John had decided to split the convoy a little as some of the roads were going to be quite narrow – so he gave Eric the job of ‘leading' two others. This turned Barbara into a nervous navigator! – especially as part of the route was in and around Sabden – wouldn't that have been embarrassing – taking a wrong turn on our own doorstep!!

The morning run took us from Hurst Green, through Mitton, Whalley, Sabden, New Church and Barley (there are normally Pendle Witches to be seen here – but they must have been sheltering from the rain!).

On from Barley to Downham – which was the location for the film Whistle Down the Wind and for the TV series Born and Bred and where the public toilets are a pig sty, literally. This is a very lovely village – and as John pointed out, TV aerials are not allowed – not one in sight. After Downham we took in Chatburn, Sawley, Gunasgill and Tosside village (the smallest place in the world!), Wigglesworth and on to Clapham for lunch at the New Inn – and it was still raining.

Leaving Clapham we travelled on to pass the White Scar caves and lined up by the side of the road for a photo shoot with Ribblehead viaduct in the background, which is part of the Settle to Carlisle railway route. Dent was the next stop – and those who have been there will already know what a quaint place this to visit. The village of Barbon , then Kirkby Lonsdale followed en route to Hornby and finally our destination of “the good old Fenwick Arms”

Once again, we are grateful to John who had obviously spent very many hours preparing all the very many aspects of this run, not least the delightful route – and the most impressive paperwork.

Thank you John for reminding us what beautiful countryside we have right here on our own doorstep.

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