G4OBK SOTA Activation SP-005 Pendle Hill 557m 9th Sept 2005





Pendle from above Newchurch on a better day - the start of my walk up SP-005


This activation took place whilst we were walking the Pendle Way - a 45 mile circular long distance walk that starts and ends in Barrowford. We were with The Pickering Walking Group, so the activation had to fit in with the last day of the four day walk. This meant it had to be VHF 2m only and that I would need to strike out on my own ahead of the group, which would allow me time to set up the SOTA beam and commence operating before the other ten walkers (including XYL Judy) arrived. It was proposed that lunch would be taken at the trig point and the group members could witness SOTA operation at its best. Friday dawned after a beautiful Thursday and was a dreadful day. Wet, with Pendle wearing its cap of mist.

Members of The Pickering Walking Group. I am second from the right.
The group is run by Pauline Hukin (second from left). For more information see:


North Country Walking


The 11 strong group set off from Newchurch, and we all stayed together until we reached Upper Ogden Reservoir. I then set out on my own with the intention of taking the shortest route through Boar Clough, which the other group members behind me were also going to take. However, at around SD 799406 on Barley Moor, I took the left hand path (not shown on map), and ended up taking a slightly longer alternative route to the top through Ogden Clough. I was glad of my GPS and the Explorer Map to confirm my position when things didn't seem to appear correct to where I thought I was! Going via this route from SD 797413 to the trig point meant the last part of the walk to the top was on a marvellous flagged path. I arrived 20 minutes before the group and set up in wet and cold conditions. Whilst being warm on my walk up it soon became obvious that I was ill equipped for sitting on top of a very wet Pendle Hill and soon became cold. Another two layers would have made all the difference! I lashed my Leki Pole and "Wasp Special" supporting the SOTA Beam to the trig point and operation on 144 MHz (2m) SSB commenced at 1155z. The following UK Stations made it into the log on SSB:

GW4BVE G4JZF 2E0NHM G4BLH G4OWG M0SGB

A change of mode to FM brought:

G0HDX G7LFC G0OXV/P 2E0GYO GW7AAV/P M3XMC M0KMO

Midway through the activation the walking group arrived but found it too wet to stay and witness the proceedings.

They took shelter in the lee of the hill by a wall, to eat their packed lunches. As she passed the XYL kindly provided mine which I attempted to eat whilst operating. After 30 minutes I had started to shake with cold, my teeth chattering uncontrollably, the summit was well qualified with 13 QSOs so it was time to pack up. As I was doing this Judy emerged through the thick mist to collect me. We eventually rejoined the group on the very steep path down around SD 807414. Once reunited the group continued the walk down to the cafe in Barley for a warm drink and a dry off.




Our excellent evening meal was taken later at The Bay Horse Pub at Roughlee. Highly recommended for good ale and food if you are in the area.






Philip Catterall G4OBK 06/01/06



SP-005 Webpage visits since 6th Jan 2006