Made really good progress on clearly marked, dry path. I reached the famous refreshment van on the A672 ("I'm famous all over the world, me") and was waiting for my bacon and sausage buttie when I heard, "Hello, Pete". I turned round to see Graham Sharp, a fellow End to Ender, who I bumped into a couple of times over 3 weeks ago in Cornwall. We had a good chat, exchanging tales and plans. Then it was over the M62 footbridge
and onwards on a good track. Gyp insisted on climbing up to the trig point on Blackstone Edge. A very unusual example that is not on the ground but on a giant boulder.
After a stop at the White House Inn (orange juice) it was off down waterworks roads, the easiest part of the Pennine Way according to AW.
Just before Stoodley Pike I took the paved trod down to Mankinoles
only to find that the campsite has closed! This will inconvenience many Pennine Way backpackers. Luckily I knew that you can camp at Todmorden Cricket Club.
For anyone doing LEJOG or Pennine Way this is a good stopover. Basic facilities with loads of hot water, friendly staff and real ale at £2.20 a pint. Recommended - especially as there is no real alternative for miles.
I am constantly heartened by how pleasant and helpful people that I meet along my travels generally are. I have often asked for directions when in towns and every single person I have asked has been helpful.
A good example of unsolicited kindness was shown today. As I sat on the grass outside my tent, waiting for the warden to turn up, a lovely lady asked if I would like a cup of tea. She then brought out a cup of tea and a slice of almond cake. A few minutes later she appeared again, this time carrying a folding chair for me to sit on. One of the real joys of this trip is meeting such people.
Oh dear you must look bad if she thought you needed a chair!!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha..she probably thought you looked a bit thin!! Glad to see you're being looked after :o)
ReplyDeleteOver half way. Heck. Any idea how much that has cost me in side bets?
ReplyDeleteAnyway I hope you are counting the number of pints you have supped. And I don't mean Orange either.
I think I will have to start a book on the total.
No doubt it will put the Gallon Walk to shame!
Throw a stick (1) to Gyp for me.
I still cannot get over you not telling her about the walk she was about to do.
The weather is getting up towards May average now. Has Gyp started to moult?
Keep those miles a coming.
I thought I should comment on this one too so I didnt feel left out! Keep up the good work!Im planning a walking trip round the world for you next year so i can keep the car... joke. Also just to let you know I have just submitted my final assignment of the year! yes it is 4:50 am! Good luck for the coming weeks, and take good care of the dog!
ReplyDeleteHi Pete,
ReplyDeleteMust have been a great feeling to have reached the first 500 mile stage, You're really going some now!
I still look forward to reading your blogs, your descriptions truly bring life to where you are and how you feel. I'm still envious!!!
I had to laugh when you rattled Zoe's cage about camping(or not!). You also are getting your share of 'home comforts' to keep you happy!
As you will have noticed, we are back home after our pilgrimage to Wensleydale. The weather was reasonable but cold for us. The festival lived up to all our expectations and we were among the holidaymakers you described as 'only there to get ratted', for some of the time. One can only consume so much Black Sheep before the system revolts!!....here's to the next time...........
Last day away we went to Hawes market. Two inches of snow fell and laid just a mile further up the fells. We had sleet and hail showers on the way. Hope it improves before you arrive in Reeth area.
Another song to annoy you:....'Keep right on to the end of the Road'
RAY.