TRAVELLER'S TALES
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The Shap Story from the Transport Archive Series is a revised edition of the 1994 booklet first published to coincide with the unveiling of the Shap Memorial. It contains a wealth of fascinating archive photographs dating back to the turn of the century.
The book tells the story of how a 16-mile section of the A6 from Kendal to Shap village became a legend among CV drivers. Heavy hauliers had to use this route because the tunnels and the bridges on the railways were not suitable for large loads. It developed into a major route in the 1920s and at its peak was used by 9,000 vehicles a day. Winter was always a problem and vehicles could find thems&es snowed in for days at a time.
Fortunately, the convivial hospitality of the local people made up for any inconvenience suffered. The Shap Story contains reminiscences of local people as well as former drivers, conjuring up memories of the Jungle Cafe, the steep climb up Strawberry Bank and the famous Leyland Clock.
A remarkable story emerges about a dating escape by two Luftwaffe pilots in the war: the pair hid in laundry baskets being transported by lorry from the Shari Wells Hotel. As the vehicle climbed the A6 they scrambled out and made their way to the railway where they jumped aboard a train and went on to steal a plane. When forced to land for fuel they passed themselves off as Dutch airmen and took off again. But their luck ran out when they had to land a sec and time, were caught and returned to Shari Wells "for the duration". The opening of the M6 in 1970 changed the read for ever and the area has now reverted to its rural tranquility.
The Shap Story is available from Gordon Baron, Shap Memorial Trust, 16 Lynton Avenue, Leyland, Preston, Lancs P85 2HY. It costs £7.35 including P&P.