This summit was activated on Saturday 4th October 2003 by myself accompanied by Jimmy & Liam.  Heading out from Macclesfield at 8.40am, we followed the A34, M60, M66, A56, M65, A682 and A65 to Settle, from where we turned signposted Horton-in Ribblesdale and drove into that very village.  Arriving at 10.30am, we were able to secure a spot on the popular pay-and-display (£2) car park immediately, and were shortly heading off up the Pennine Way.  We had decided to follow the not-so-steep and scary longer route up and around the Pennine Way to the summit, and this was a pleasant and easy walk, 3.25 miles and about 2 leisurely hours ("leisurely" is Liam's fastest walking speed).   Weather was pleasant - dry and sunny if a little chilly - but as we headed up the ridge on the final approach to the summit it was suddenly very windy indeed.   However, we were well sheltered from this on the other side of the wall on the summit, which was extremely busy with many groups and individuals.

We set up the SOTA Beam and FT-817 as fast as we could, in order to catch MW3EIQ/P on Snowdon NW-001 as he was about to pack up.  Alas, we were not quite quick enough, but at least that's another 10 points for the SWL log hi!  Nonetheless, we were soon into the swing of things with me working stations - each one an exisiting SOTA chaser in fact - while Jimmy did his photographer's bit.  We also made a start on the lunch we had carried up, as indeed Paul G0KAO discovered as he repeatedly passed it back to me just as I had taken my next mouthful of food!  Just as I was completing my 5th contact, and Rob G4RQJ was calling in to grab the chaser points, Martin M3ZOO and Liz arrived on the summit, also for a SOTA activation.  This was pure coincidence, us both being unaware of each other's plans!   After a chat with Martin and Liz, I decided to just work Rob and then disappear, with remaining chasers having the opportunity to contact Martin for the 4 points.   Jimmy, Liam and myself made rapid progress down from the summit, reaching the flatter plataeu below and calling back in to work Martin as a chaser just before he closed his own station down.  Our descent was enlivened by a display of sheepdog expertise, the sheep ascending the Pennine Way faster than the mountain bikers!

Finally, after completing the descent and depositing our walking poles, boots, rucksacks and waterproofs in the car, we nipped over the road to the Crown for one pint of Theakstons Old Peculiar and two glasses of corporation pop.  As we returned to the car, Martin M3ZOO and Liz were arriving back at their's (parked next to our's) and a summative chinwag ensued.

Thanks to the following stations, all worked on 2m FM with 2.5 watts: