13 3/4 miles plus 3 mile walk to B&B
Weather - low cloud, rain and then more rain, cool and windy on tops
After our delicious breakfast we were on the path by 9 o'clock We couldn't see the tops as they were covered in low cloud. As we ascended the hillside the rain started and out came the waterproofs. We were close to Penyghent but could not see its magnificence through the murky clouds. We reached Hull Pot which was a spectacular sight - a gaping chasm opened up before us and we watched the water hurtling down into the depths. Why anyone would consider going down there I do not know - it looks to me like orcs might be lurking... Due to the poor visibility we then had difficulty locating the stile promised to us by the guide book. Another group of Duke of Edinburgh types were also looking for it. We located a patched-up gap in the wall and we all managed to scramble through; passing sacks, sticks and maps and then helping each negotiate the barbed wire and nettles. We left the girls and continued on our way up to Foxup Moor and Foxup Lane. Visibility was now down to 20 yards, the rain was pouring down and it was very windy but we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We were dry and warm (so far), we had the path to ourselves (we soon lost the DofE gang) and it was a joy to know we had a whole week of walking still to go. We splashed our way by Plover Hill and Penyghent which were lost in the cloud towards Foxup and Halton Gill.
At Foxup we met two teachers sat in a car and surrounded by maps and flasks of tea who asked us if we'd seen a group of 8 girls on the trail. 'Yes' we said, 'they're some way behind us but on the right track'. We then walked along a road to Halton Gill wishing we could find somewhere dry to eat some lunch. Then, as if by magic, a barn appeared with a covered area at the side with chairs and a view. Voila! Our wish came true and we munched our sandwiches whilst watching the weather from a lovely dry spot and as we sat and ate house martins flitted in and out of the rafters above us.
Next it was onwards and upwards, literally. 1000 feet straight up by Halton Beck to Horse Head. The clouds came down even more, the wind was stronger, the rain fell heavier and visibility was down to 5 yards. We did not see the promised fantastic views - not even the trig point. A gradual descent then led us to Yockenthwaite in Langstrothdale. (where our B&B was located( We decided to walk to Buckden as it was still early and see if we could get some tea and cake, We walked along the banks of the River Wharf, a route we had both done before as we were now following The Dales Way . We spotted house martins, swifts, yellow wagtails,pied wagtails and assorted ducks.
The path was muddy and slippery so we decided to leave the riverbank at Hubberholme and walk along the road to Buckden. The road was closed to cars as the water board were laying water pipes to the local villages. Until now all the properties in the area were off grid.The Geordie navvies guided us past the machinery and trenches and we arrived in Buckden to find the tea room still open. Cake and tea consumed gratefully whist we gently steamed - boots and waterproofs were dumped outside. Next to the tea room was the village store which unfortunately was closed. However, the lad from the tea rooms was the brother of the shop owner - he very kindly opened up the shop and provided us with lunch for the next day - good lad. No other places to buy food - even the three local pubs were closed (this was a Monday). We then walked the 3 miles back to our B&B and the less said about that place the better...
No comments:
Post a Comment