Day 8 – Pennine Way – Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes

After a night under canvas at the back on the Golden Lion pub in Horton in Ribblesdale day eight became a game of two halves.

Horton was a hub of activity on our arrival day with a 3 peak challenge event finishing at the pub and an Oxfam endurance event running through the village.

Laying in our tents we were entertained by an impromptu guitar singalong session from the bunkhouse – well at least I was, Paul was asleep within seconds of his head hitting the pillow!

With camp crashed in the morning Kathleen joined us after a cosy night at Hawes YHA.

Conditions were dry with a forecast of potential showers.

A strong start with full weight packs saw us gradually climb out of Horton on an old drovers trail. A pleasant walk rewarded a few miles up with panoramic views of the 3 peaks – Pen Y Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside with the Ribblehead Viaduct in the valley.

With Kathleen looking after us we had time for both elevenses and lunch, a real treat for Paul and I!

Just before lunch we reached our 100 mile mark which was marked by a photoshoot from Kathleen.

As lunch was finishing the weather came in and wet gear was donned for the afternoon and descent to Hawes.

Three sodden walkers made it into the market place, accommodation at the Old Board Inn Hotel found, to be welcomed by a surprise visit from Fiona and the girls which was fantastic!

Tim and Jon our fellow PWer’s joined us for more tales of the trail and another day was conquered!

Total mileage – 107 miles.

Day 7 – Pennine Way – Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale – Into The Groove.

A pleasant stopover was had at Malham Yha and we were underway before 9am.

We were soon greeted by the magnificent Malham Cove, sheer limestone cliffs that was once a raging waterfall. But still a very popular tourist attraction.

Climbing round to the left of the cove we made height rapidly and energetically, we were both feeling good.

Soon we were in sight of Malham tarn which we left via the woods behind.

Moving swiftly and forever upwards we skirted around Fountains Fell to the col where Pen y Ghent came into a very imposing view.

It was still a good walk around the opposite side of the fell but we soon reached the road and another checkpoint where there was a fell race also taking place.

That explained why we were getting applauded every we time we passed organisers of the competition!

Harvey’s friend John joined us before we had lunch and contemplated our our assault of Pen-y-Ghent.

Our approach was from the southern side and involved a near vertical climb, probably not best attempted if you suffer from vertigo!

After our most strenous climb to date the summit was reached and the views all around were stunning.

We dropped down the other side and made along slow descent into Horton to reach our camping ground behind a pub – The Golden Lion.

All in all we were both in good shape and it seems now were well into the groove.

Day 7 completed and about a third of the way done.

Kathleen is joining us tomorrow and the forecast is mixed but we are both looking forward to it.

By Paul Courtney.