Tuesday 4th September 2018 - Great Whernside G/NP-008

Gig: Motown Gold

Venue: Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton

When looking for a suitable SOTA activation opportunity on the way to this gig, Great Whernside stood out a mile.  It was right on the direct (though not fastest) road route to Northallerton, and, despite it’s hefty 6-point SOTA banding, a very easy and quick walk.  Richard G4TGJ/P was heard calling CQ SOTA from Cracoe Fell G/NP-032, where I had been just two days earlier, so was worked for a couple of chaser points.  Just after this QSO, I noticed I was driving past the Rylstone Cross on the fell to the right of me - ie Cracoe Fell G/NP-032! 

As the satnav directed me through Kettlewell, I was reminded of just how stunning the landscape is in this area, and scolded myself for not visiting for a number of years!  At the top of the steep (1:4) windy road, I thought I was at the parking area on the saddle with Buckden Pike G/NP-009, but something didn’t look familiar.  I decided to get out and have a look - which was when I noticed the public footpath sign, stating “Great Whernside”, lying on the ground!  I was indeed in the right place. 

The footpath is well established on the ground on this route.  In places, it can often be boggy, but the ground was mostly still firm after our long spell of hot and dry weather this summer.  On the brief part of the ascent that is steep, the path seems to follow up a wide scar.  I recalled from the past that this can be very slippery and best avoided.  An alternative path could be seen working its way up to the left through the grass, so I followed that up (and down) with no problems.  Soon I was at the stile, which meant I now had an easy gradient along to pick up the ridge and then the summit.

It had been a number of years since my last activation here, and some happy memories of youth hostelling trips with Jimmy and Liam came back.  I was OK for time, so I set up the 20m GP for some FT8 operating.  Conditions weren’t the best, and I made just five contacts before deciding it was time to pack up and get to work.  The last of those five though was WB2REM, so at least I knew I was getting out.  As usual, my attempts to reply to the rich array of DX CQ calls came to nought.

The gig was a belter. The venue laid on a fantastic buffet of delicious food exclusively for the band before soundcheck.  The calories I’d earned from Great Whernside were soon accounted for, and more besides.  Motown Gold was out as a 10-piece band for this gig - keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, alto sax, tenor sax and three vocalists - so was a really satisfying gig to play.  Not so satisfying was the journey home - the fatigue kicked in and I stopped for 40 winks no less than three times.  I got home at 0730, greeting M0HGY about to leave for work as I did!