A day of two halves. We awoke to sun… And we were immediately hopeful that the forecasted rain had passed by. But within a few minutes the clouds were over, and a drizzle started. After breakfast it became apparent the bad weather was in, and so waterproof clothing was donned.

We set out via the chemist for some more blister plasters (for me), and then followed the Pennine way sign out of town… Which was only partial. It would point one way, and when you followed you would arrive at a t-junction with no clarity on where to go next. Took some time of consulting with the map book, and the gps / map on the iPhone to get out of Hawes.

We climbed out of Hawes, and the rain came down. Then as we got higher, the wind started … Tricia was walking ahead of me and I saw her blown off balance a few times. The path was initially not good either, soggy ground, and before you knew it we we had wet boots, as well. It was not a pleasant experience… The tops of the hills were covered in mist.

In these conditions there is only one thing to do. Keep plodding on. The rough track at least eventually become an old drover road/route, and soon the quality underfoot improved, which meant that we able to at least pick up the pace. We stopped for a break just after 11… Water and a banana, and ploughed on.

The rain started to ease, and about 1:30pm we stopped for lunch at ‘Ling Gill’ bridge, once used as a packhorse bridge, renovated in the 1700’s. With the weather being clearer and warmer I was able to dispense with the rain coat. We got to Horton in Ribblestrode about 4pm, not bad after 14 miles and a late start.

Tricia took particular interest as we were now in the Yorkshire Three Peaks territory. Tricia is doing the three peaks in September. Tomorrow we do Pen Y Ghent, on of the three peaks. Can’t say I am looking forward to it… particularly as the weather forecast is pants.

Foot update: The horrible blisters on the back of my left foot that were causing me a lot of discomfort seem to be healing. Hoorah. My big right toe is now a mess though :-(.