Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes 14 miles 5.5 hours
Leaving the Crown in Horton was no hardship, I've never seen so many laminated A4 sheets of paper with big bold rules plastered all over the walls before. "DO NOT SIT CLOSE THE THE FIRE AS OTHERS WILL NOT FILL BENEFIT" or my other favourite "DO NOT SHOUT AS THIS MAY CAUSE PANIC"
We had breakfast with the wonderful Colin and Eve Smith who were so kind to drive up from Southport to see us. By the time we had finished eating, the walking party had arrived outside the front of the pub. Rob had been dropped off by Lynn who was to join us for the lovely walk through the Dales and arrive in the home of Wensleydale cheese.
Navigation was not going to be a problem today as the book noted that 'a packhorse with a sack over its head could find its way'. The landscape was beautiful, known as Karst, a term derived from an area in Slovenia and characterised by limestone scars, clints, revines and dried river beds. We even had the absolute treat of a proper path which allowed us to keep our heads up and soak up the views. As the track continued past Ling Gill Bridge, the landscape opened out to Ribblehead viaduct and Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
As I a had a little rest to wait for the boys to catch up, two walkers appeared in the other direction. Tommy and Danielle Ashbrooke had swung by on their way back to Switzerland to join us for the final leg of the day. It was wonderful to see them and our Pounding Party grew to 5!
We also bid fairwell to Pounding recuit Ray who is not taking a rest day and ploughing straight through to Kirk Yetholm. Good luck Ray!
Our decent into Hawes meant, party time! We went out for dinner with the Asbrooks and Suckleys to a fab pub called the Crown. We're now eagerly awaiting the Manchester contingent..and about to take our steaming clothes to the laundrette!
Day 8 done
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