Standedge to Hebden Bridge 17 miles in 9 hours
Well when the lovely Eric and Susan saw us off this morning, it would be fair to say that we were not expecting it to be as tough has it was. We started off over the Saddleworth moors towards the M62 which was another boggy plod to start the day. Not our favourite part of the Pennine way but some previous knowledge of the area did help mange expectations! We summited white hill which offered views over Toddy but little else as the peaty bogs required full concentration for accurate foot-eye coordination.
The Pennine Way then let up to a path which made a welcome change to the bog hopping of the last two days. Although the rain came in for the next 4 miles while we walked past Blackstone Edge and White Holme reservoir without too much of a strain. That was still to come! Our lovely gravel path eventually turned back into sunken slabs over Coldwell Hill, we have mastered our 'tap and trod' technique with the walking pole before foot.
For those who have missed previous blogs, Dad had a bit of a incident with some young bullocks during a Pounding the Pennines session in the Dales. Today, whilst avoiding bogs on sunken slabs, Dad was presented with the opportunity to make Bovine peace. It was a true case of man against beast..of which man frantically waving walking poles forced beast into the bog.
From this point we were feeling pretty tired and although Stoodley Pike was standing proud in the distance, it still felt a long slog to the horizon. The sun came out and shone into the Hebden Valley which was really beautiful, showing the moors to our back and the Pennines to our front. IF at this point I knew what I know now..I'm not sure I would have made it to the digs tonight! The next 5 miles, to take us to a grand old total of 17, required us to decent steeply into the valley and climb straight back up again the other side to Badge Fields Farm. Digging deep into Smith reserves, we climbed the side of a waterfall and out again on the Farm. The arrival was a bit of a blur but Miram showed us our room..and the first BATH..Radox has never felt so good!
Tomorrow is to Pondon..which I understand is 10 miles..I could not be more pleased right now!!
Feel free to comment on the blog..we are LOVING your messages and encouragement. Your support is keeping us going!!
White Hill
View onto Stoodley Pike
Doe Stones
Only this far done!!!
Popples
Day 3 done
I have to admit the photos marking the completion of your days is genius work! Loving it and thinking of you. xx
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