We had a slow start - luxury. Drove back to Horton so started at 10:30. The fact it was bank holiday weekend had totally passed me by. I wouldn’t have been able to tell you what day it was! There was a racing event, motor biking, and the usual 3 Peak events happening so the parking and traffic around Ribbleshead viaduct had to be seen to be believed.
Heading out on the Pennine Way was a different world. Not a soul around and everything quiet. Just the occasions curlew call. We stilled at Sell Gill to take photos of where water would normally pour down into the depths. Not event a trickle today. Everything is so dry.
And then everything changed - the 3 peak trail joined us and suddenly not only walkers but cyclist were buzzing around us. Up until this point, Martin found the walk disappointing as he’d seen these views before ferrying me back and forth; he turned back at 11:30.
The Pennine Way left the 3 peak track shortly after with the Ribbleshead viaduct coming into view - I wished Martin had stayed awhile longer. I stopped at the shake holes above old Ling - as dramatic as I’d remembered - for quick snack at 12:30. I planned to have lunch an hour or so later once I was a good half way along.
As I passed by the Ling National Nature Reserve, I noticed that a large number of the trees were ash and ash dieback had hit hard. It was beautiful to hear the songbirds but sad to see the state of the woodland. I steadily climbed up the old Roman Road - Cam Road - plenty of bike traffic up here, but was quite shocked by tadpoles in a puddle on the path! I took lunch gazing at the views opening up before me of the classic 3 peaks. But at the head of Snaizeholme, these views were trumped by the astonishing views not only of the three peaks but also the peaks of the Lake District.
I had remembered the descent to Hawes as long winded but that had been in fog. This was a glorious sunny day and the walk was such a pleasure. I had a final snack break looking up the valley before committing to the descent and it was clear that with more traffic, the way forward was much clearer than in the past. Nothing could dampen the sight of Martin appearing over the next bill and we continued together down to shares and the car.
How can this be a day 50… finally half way! And to tomorrow’s walk will take me to Keld where we will celebrate with friends who have figured so highly in my long distance walks off the last 5 years.
Delighted you are at halfway and in good spirits. Add a thousand to the Fund. Do use any available accommodation if the cold spell continues as poor nights will take their toll! Mum really liked Hawes and the valley east of Thwaite when we went over the Buttertubs Pass in the late 1970s.
ReplyDeleteMuch love Dad xx