Wrinkly’s christmas Run Thursday 21^st December 2006

At 10am on Thursday 21^st December 2006 thirty-nine runners/walkers met up at the Calderbank Country Lodge, Oakenclough, near Garstang. The day was cold and misty but calm - ideal for running.

The Runners, led by the “Boss” (for those who are not in the know, he keeps the route to himself just so that he can keep up with the others), started their run up Delph Lane, reversing the Caldervale 10. The first mile was up hill to Rough Moor; not the best of starts for the Wrinkly Crew. At the top it was left down the road towards Bleasedale Tower, unfortunately some of the faster runners had run past the turning so they had to retrace the steps. (When are these people going to learn? You don’t pass road junctions, way markers or signposts, ’cause you’re certain to be going the wrong way on a Wrinkly Run!! ) In fact poor Alex disappeared into the distance. We dispatched the ‘Human Foghorn’, (Club Chairperson), but even he couldn’t stop Alex, who was never to be seen again - until the finish.

The road past Bleasedale Tower and on to Bleasedale School goes gently downhill, ideal terrain for the Wrinklys. On reaching the school we turned right along the road to Higher Brock Mill.

At Higher Brock Mill we met the main road; here we took a right turn towards Tootal Hall. For the next two miles the road is undulating; there are a couple of sharp climbs, but nothing too severe. We passed Tootal Hall and it was not long before we came back to Delph Lane on our right, it’s the opposite end of the lane to which our run commenced. It’s a right turn again and up the lane we went.

We were now back on the Caldervale 10, but this time running the same way as the 10. Yes, it was that ‘Tarmac Mountain’ round about the 7 mile stage; the toughest hill on the course. “Boss” and one or two of his fellow senior citizens, by now had dropped their pace down to an even slower very slow crawl: (“Where do they put them Stannah Stair lifts?” “Obviously not where you want them,” came the reply.) By now it was time to reminisce about the times when they used to run all the way up at the Annual, Good Friday, Caldervale event. They must have long memories. (It’s good to know senility has not quite set in yet).

The next target to aim for was the road end that took us to Bleasedale Tower, because, from there on in, we knew it was all down hill back to Calderbank Country Lodge. Even the slower Wrinklys managed to up the pace to 10-minute miling at this stage.

The total distance of the run was 7.2 miles; it was a great route, highly recommended and some excellent company to boot.

The Walkers were lead by ‘Super Wrinkly’, Les Ward, (where does he get all that energy from at his age?) They took the same route as the Caldervale 10 Fun Run and, on their way, they called at Mike Carter’s house to give him the Christmas Edition of the Club Magazine. (Most people will know that Mike was the first ever Club Chairman). It’s nice to know he is still in good health.

On completion of the run/walks it was a quick change and into the Lodge where thirty one people sat down to enjoy a Three Course Turkey Lunch and five others opted to have a Bar Snack. We were, however, all allowed to sit in the Dining Room together. Everyone agreed that the food was very good and excellent value for money. Dave, Kath and Bertie sure missed a good feast, or, was that the reason why they had to leave us after the run? Scared of putting a little weight on eh!

Calderbank Country Lodge has two superb hosts in Rowland and Lesley. If your looking for a base for your next training run, try this one, you will be made most welcome.

Check their web site www.calderbankcountrylodge.co.uk

P.S. I almost forgot to add, their Bowland Cask Ale goes down well after a few miles running too.

Written by: John Whiteman (Self-appointed. Boss Wrinkly).

Submitted: 24^th December 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

click here to see photographs