Diary Day Nine

After an 8am start we were soon in Horton. It was The 3 Peaks Challenge today so there were lots of walkers about this morning. We soon left them behind as we climbed the track behind the Crown Inn. The Ribblehead Viaduct was soon in view and we stopped awhile to take pictures and video the glorious views. Onward, today was a long slog up the fells with a continuous upward gradient that drained both of us after yesterdays climbing. Legs, feet and backs were all complaining but we kept each other’s spirits up and battled on.

Ling Gill was a lovely spot and although early we decided to lunch sitting on a grassy bank by the bridge. Other Pennine Way walkers Mark and his brother arrived but decided to continue on. Onward and upwards we eventually arrived at Cam End and soon met a couple of Dalesway walkers and stopped to chat awhile. We may do the Dalesway next year. Upwards again following the Roman Road and then onto Cam Fell and Dodd Fell where we met a lovely couple resting and taking in the wonderful views. We chatted and they offered us encouragement by informing us that that rest of the route to Hawes was downhill except for the uphill bits. Although we laughed it turned out to be a pretty accurate description. Across meadow fields our feet were now on fire and were grateful for our arrival in Hawes at 4pm where Mark and his brother were sat outside the first available pub enjoying a well-earned pint. We wished them well for the rest of their journey and continued on to the Bulls Head Hotel. After showering we managed to obtain some thread and needles to repair Mo’s boots on our rest day tomorrow. Just been out for a wonderful meal, if ever-in Hawes visit the Wensleydale Pantry. Well we are going to get our feet up for a while and may go out for a drink later. Thanks for all your support it has help keep us going today. Keep encouraging everyone to sponsor us to help us onward to Kirk Yetholm.

Ta-ra for now Mo & Dave.