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A6 Over Shap Fell

In the days before the M6, drivers heading to Scotland were forced to negotiate the treacherous climes of the A6 over Shap Fell where they could experience all types of weather. They nicknamed the area "The Jungle", and the infamous Jungle Cafe was founded there in the 1930s.

These paintings and others are for sale on this site

To commemorate these epic journeys a monument was erected at the highest point of the route of the A6 over the fell.

Visit the British Commercial Vehicles Museum website.

This route was long-feared by lorry drivers passing between England and Scotland (this was of course the principal route to Scotland from the western half of England until 1971 when the M6 finally bypassed it), because of the devilishly long climb (and descent when coming home). Many vehicles didn't make it many vehicles were wrecked on this route (or in the valley below!), particularly during winter. There are a number of viscious bends (many of which were improved over the years), and this was (and is) a legendary piece of road to many. The story is now told on video which can be ordered though Andersons Newsagents in the village.

I've sat in me cabin and broiled in the sun,
Been snowed up on Shap on the Manchester run,
I've crawled through the fog with me 22 ton
Of fish that was stinking like blazes.
From London to Glasgow to the Newcastle quay,
From Liverpool, Preston and Bristol city,
The Polones on the road give the thumbs sign to me
For I'm champion at keeping 'em rolling.

The A6 runs from today from Luton in the south, however in times past it ran from London going northwest to eventually end in Carlisle. You can read more about the A6 by visiting The A6 and M6 Website

Visit Rural Roads for pictures of a drive along the A6 from Shap

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