Pen ultimate day. Gosh, where has the days gone. Good early start. Long walk ahead over the moors. Started by climbing, supposed to be the last climb of the journey, but someone said a couple more tomorrow, will see. Climbed up 1350 feet. Can do them a bit quicker now, must be getting fit!
Once up top (Yorkshire speak) I walked over Carr Ridge on to Urra Moor, leading up to the former Rosedale Ironstone railway line. Makes a good path, but it goes on for what seems like forever. After an hour of moor walking it apparently changes to Farndale Moor then eventually High Blakely Moor. Who decides where a moor ends and the next one begins? And how do they know where?
Saw some fantastic views, some grouse, lots of nesting birds and yes, more sheep!
And it's a good job Kathy wasn't looking for Heathcliffe on this stretch, she'd be there still! Now if it was Mr Darcy I would help her ( sorry wrong story, different county). Sorry back to days walk, I do tend to go in a daydream imagining Colin Firth as Mr Darcy! swoon!!!
The halfway stop came in sight. The remote Lion Inn at Blakey. 4th highest Inn in Britain. Not very nice outside but inside it's very quaint, and very popular with tourists. I was a good girl, didn't have a pint, just a large tonic water. It has been a very humid kind of day, no hot sun breaking through, but enough to make you cautious. (no,not like me normally!)
From there I walked over Blakey Ridge onwards to Glaisdale High Moor, stopping at a stumpy white landmark called Fat Betty. Ok, in the photo a friend took of me there, you will have to spot the difference! Which is me and which is Betty!
Tradition has it that you leave a sweet and exchange it for one left by previous walker. Which I did. I just won't be eating mine. Don't tell her will you?
Another mile or so further on you come to a section of the moor called Great Fry Up Lane. What a name. But the views overlooking Great Fryup Dale are breathtaking. You are supposed to catch your first glimpse of the sea from here, but it had misty look, and we couldn't make it out. Will see it tomorrow tho.
Another hour to walk to get off the moors, and it was the worst part of the stretch. There had recently been fires, and the land is so dry ( no rain here now for a few weeks) which made it very dusty and dirty. My legs looked like I had been down the pit at the end of it!
Finally Glaisdale came into sight. Nice little village. They certainly knew we had arrived. (I walked with 6 other folk today and we have had a ball)! First stop was a little butchers' that had home made pork pies in the window, so we all had to have one. We are well and truly starving! We have used some energies over these last few days! After we had shocked poor Glaisdale, we seperated to our separate B & B's for the night, arranging to meet at the only pub and food place for a few miles.
Arrived at my farm. The lady was very nice, cup of tea to greet me. Lovely farm, but sorry not for me. It's very very old, and all antique. Feels creepy, the house creaks endlessly. There is also a grandfather clock, and a rather loud clock on the landing outside my room, and if that is still ticking in the morning , then it will be a miracle!!!
Walked a mile to the pub (not an alcoholic honestly!) and met with friends. We were also joined by John and Julie, from Holmfirth who I have walked with a few times and Selwyn, the 72 yr old who keeps getting lost!
Think the pub wondered what had hit them. We decided as it was our last night together we would celebrate. So we have shared a few drinks, and a very good meal. (I didnt drink that much, honest!). There was a table with four ladies, we guessed the local Womens' Institute. They weren't impressed with us at all! If looks could kill then none of us would be finishing the walk! Their tuts' outdid our laughter!
Anyway, we abandoned early. Last 20 miles tomorrow, early start. We have agreed to try and keep together for the last day, will see. We are all tired today.
Here I am now, all ready in bed, updating you all. But I think I may be sleeping with the light on................ bump! what was that?
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