Innerleithen to W. Linton (Baddinsgill Farm) 2 days

Weather today: Warm, overcast, occasionally sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 15.3

Total Miles Covered: 733.9

Things of Interest: The old drove road

Personal Comments: Leaving Peebles this morning I was apprehensive about the rights of way in Scotland. Today I had to plot a course over The Cloich Hills, as there are no public footpaths as such, I thought it was going to be a nightmare, wrong. I left the town by the A72 to climb towards the golf club. A foothpath sign said Upper Kidston, I thought it was my birthday. This is on my route. Further up the fellside another sign which read The old drove road to West Linton, I thought I had died and gone to heaven, this was perfection in route finding. I followed this all the way to Romannobridge, over some of the nicest scenery for some time. All day long I never saw a soul. The way which I had marked on the map last night, turned out to be the exact same route as the road, how coincidental is that?
There was no other way after R/bridge but to slog it out on a minor road to W. Linton, once there I saw Ross parked up. Because it was fine and sunny, I decided to press on for 3 extra miles, making less for tomorrow. At Baddinsgill, Ross picked me up and took me to the place where we were to spend the night, Broomlee Centre. We met Jackie and Shelagh who told us we could have a bed for the night, free showers, and they gave us mince and dumplings for tea, and for tomorrow's dinner, ham rolls, how kind is that. They say the Scots don't like the English, rubbish

Galashiels to Innerleithen

Weather today: Cloudy warm

Daily Miles Covered: 13.9

Total Miles Covered: 711.3

Things of Interest: The Three Bretheren

Personal Comments: Having stayed overnight on a car park in Gala. we were keen to set off. The day started misty but we were assured by locals it wouldn't rain. I found the continuation of The Southern Upland Way in the centre of Gala, so up we went. Ross and Kevin (Obby) were with us. The Borders are quite lovely with rolling hills everywhere you look, as you can tell this is my kind of country. Gaining height slowly, the views came along, and they were just as you would imagine in hill country. The light was quite flat so any photos would not do them justice today, but I still took a few.
The Three Bretheren is a hill where 3 county parishes meet, and at 464m. above sea level, today it was a little cool with a northerly breeze. The forests around here seem to stretch forever and beyond. We press on to Traquair, where there is a country house, legend states that a pair of gates called The Bear Gates have been locked since 1745 when the last person to pass through was Bonnie Prince Charlie, and will remain closed until there is a Stuart on the throne again, it could be some time!
2 miles down the road Innerleithen was waiting and so was Ross, we again settle for a space just out of town to spend the night.

Byrness to Jedburgh

Weather today: Heavy Rain am, Dry pm

Daily Miles Covered: 18.20

Total Miles Covered: 676.50

Things of Interest: Border Crossing into Scotland, Dere Street (old Roman road)

Personal Comments: Had two guest walkers today, Kevin O'Brien (Obby) and his wife Elma. They are up in the Borders for a few days on hol. We finally left the Pennine Way today having crossed the border into bonnie Scotland. Weather was dire on the tops but improved later.
We followed an old Roman road called Dere Street which took us over the Cheviot Hills on route to Jedbourgh.
Great scenery and plenty of climbing - ask Elma!
Now in Scotland, we will try and place blogs as often as possible but on some days, we will be unable to post anything due to no internet connection facilities, especially in remote areas.
Be assured we will keep trying to give all details of this "thrilling adventure!"
With England now behind us, we take on the challenge of Scotland! - somebody told me it was flat! Don't think so!!

Into Scotland on 29th May!

Weather today:

Daily Miles Covered: See below

Total Miles Covered: 656.30

Things of Interest: See below (Will give details when better internet connection)

Personal Comments: Appologies for lack of blogs for last few days! Very bad area for internet connection. Will update regularly again when possible.
We are doing well - we are in Byrness today (Wed. 28th May) and will be in Scotland (Jedborough) tomorrow.
656 miles completed! No major injuries!

Bowes to Middleton-in-Teasdale

Weather today: Sunny, warm out of the cool east wind

Daily Miles Covered: 12.50

Total Miles Covered: 575.50

Things of Interest: Redshank, several very large reservoirs, Hannah
Hauxwell's 'High Birk Hatt Farm, Lapwing chicklets.
Personal Comments: Now in County Durham, we left Bowes at 08.30 climbing immediately over the A66 and down into Boldersdale where the large reservoir of the same name was upon us. We continued along the never ending Pennine Way where Lapwings swooped close to us continuously to protect their young.
We also saw Redshank and Red Legged Partridges and Lapwing chicks today.
We later reached a place called 'High Birk Hatt Farm' where Hannah Hauxwell lived for nearly all her long life without electricity and gas. The BBC made a film about her called "Too long a winter" about the severe winter of 1962/63 when she had to survive with just a log fire and not much more!
This site is now called "Hannah's Meadow" and is owned by the Durham County Trust in memory of this extremely hardy lady.
The Pennine Way later brought us to yet another huge reservoir called 'Grassholme' in Lunedale - we climbed up once more from here to the high fells before seeing our first sight of Teasdale, quite stunning.
We dropped down into Middleton-in-Teasdale where tonight we are meeting Laraine and Janet (our respective partners) who are coming up till Sunday morning - that means a day off from walking tomorrow but back at it seriously on Sunday!

Keld to Bowes (Co. Durham )

Weather today: Cool NE Wind Fine

Daily Miles Covered: 13.7

Total Miles Covered: 563

Things of Interest: 13 Pheasant chicks

Personal Comments: Overcast start to the day, with rain threatening, but it never came. We came back to Hawes from Keld yesterday to watch the Champions league final on tv. Off we set this morning to the exact same spot where we left it last night. Keld is the crossing point for the PW. and the Coast to Coast walk, so as you can imagine there is some quite lovely countryside around here. Severe uphill climbs were first on the agenda, taking us across a limestone terrace overlooking the village itself, and good views back to where we were 2 days ago. Always climbing for the first hour we soon came across Tan Hill Inn the highest pub above sea level in Britain. Now as you know people, Phil and myself are strangers to these hostelries, so as it had some noteriety, and it had to be 6.00pm somewhere, we thought we would have a look inside. No chance, it was shut due to a water failure, well, we didn't want one anyway!
Next across Sleightholme moor, a great expanse of peat and heather and nothing else. Just about half way across I came across a female pheasant led flat on the footpath. With wings outstretched, and her tail pointing backwards, we had eye contact. Within 5 seconds she had flown off to reveal 13 baby pheasants huddled together for warmth. I soon had the camera out and took a few shots, we didn't linger.
Still following the PW. we could see the busy A66, lorries everywhere. Our route took us on to Bowes. In Bowes we spoke to a lady who directed us to the village hall, where there was some spare land, just enough for a campervan and a tent, roll on teatime. Middleton in Teesdale tomorrow night.

Hawes to Keld

Weather today: Cool and bright

Daily Miles Covered: 11.70

Total Miles Covered: 559.30

Things of Interest: Great Shunner Fell, Thwaite

Personal Comments: Last day today walking with our two walking mates from Ossy - Frank Mitchell and Mick Wolstenholme. They've been with us for the last 4 days but must now go home.
We left Hawes at 8.30am and walked into Hardraw (famous for the Hawdraw Force water falls).
There has been little rain in the last few weeks so we by-passed this site and headed to the start of the accent to the top of Great Shunner Fell. This is a 2,200ft. + mountain which stood in the way of us and our destination of Keld.
We climbed to the top in just under 1 hour 40 minutes and admired 360 degree panoramic views of spectacular Pennine peaks including what is to be our last view of Pendle which could be seen in the far distant south.
We dropped down to the pretty hamlet of Thwaite (not a brewery in site!!) and finally reached our destination of Keld where the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast paths cross.
Enough walking for today - we're off now to find a pub with a large TV screen to watch the Euro Championship final - it has to be done!

Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes (Wensleydale)

Weather today: Sunny, cool

Daily Miles Covered: 13.9

Total Miles Covered: 547.20

Things of Interest: Sell Gill Holes

Personal Comments: Having woke up to another bright, but cool sunny day, nothing was going to spoil our high moorland walk to Hawes via the Pennine Way. With Frank M. and Michael W. in tow we all left The Crown Inn at Horton by 8.30 am. Following the PW. we soon gained height to have the best views of Ribblesdale, across to Ingleborough and Whernside. Years ago when I first did the PW. I remembered a place called Sell Gill holes, where the water cascades down a pothole and disappears 50 ft. below. It was different today, it had dryed up, due to lack of rain. We all had a look around and off we set. Frank's dog Stanley had vanished, nowhere to be seen, He couldn't be far we said, but we couldn't see him. Frank M. looked down the pothole, and there 50ft. was Stanley, he had chased a rabbit, and gone over the edge, disaster. He seemed ok as he was moving about, and barking I tried to get down, to no avail, so we rang The Mountain and Cave rescue, a number got from the emergency services. They were there in no time and rescued poor Stanley, from a fate worse than death. I don't think he will be off the lead for a while.
Phil and I pressed on for the trek to come. Everything we talked about had a topic about the dog and how lucky he was. Up on the Cam High Road with the wind biting, Wensleydale came into view, with the lovely village of Gayle below us. The route was just as I remembered 33 years ago, with one difference!. In Hawes, Tuesday is market day so the town was very busy, with people selling their wares, Phil bought me an ice cream and we sat down and rested for 20 mins then off to find a site for the night. I don't want anymore days like today.

Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Weather today: Sunny, Cool

Daily Miles Covered: 12.1

Total Miles Covered: 533.3

Things of Interest: Peregrine Falcon & A Green Woodpecker

Personal Comments: Left Malham early, at 8am, back on the Pennine Way to Malham Cove. We spotted a Peregrine Falcon & a Green Woodpecker as we assended 170+ stone steps to the top of Malham Cove, en-route to Malham Tarn. We had great views over Ingleborough and Penyghent and eventually we dropped into Stainforth. Then we followed the Ribble Way to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and we had the pleasure of Michael Wolstenholme, our regular partner from Oswaldtwistle. We had a great day ending up at the Crown in Horton.

Posted on behalf of Phillip Chippendale

Gargrave to Malham

Weather today: Sunny & Cool (Sun 18th May)

Daily Miles Covered: 6.73

Total Miles Covered: 521.2

Personal Comments: We left Eston Farm campsite at 8.50am to meet Frank Mitchell and Michael Wolstenholme at 9.00am - They were ready, so we set off following the Pennine Way. The views to the north were unsurpassed for beauty. These northern hills have something about them, they always seem to draw me along.
We followed the River Aire for quite a way - a lovely walk to the village of Airton. In Malham at the campsite at Townhead, thanks to the farmer and his wife we had a free pitch - very pleasant people.

Posted on behalf of Frankie Boy

Cowling to Gargrave

Weather today: Cold and cloudy

Daily Miles Covered: 12.00

Total Miles Covered: 514.90

Things of Interest: Fox and Deer (No, not a pub!), Panoramic Pennine Views

Personal Comments: Picked up the Pennine Way from Cowling and quickly gained hight heading for Cowling Hill. Stayed high until dropping down into the extremely attractive hamlet of Lothersdale - described by Alfred Wainwright as "one of the jewels of the northern England".
We climbed from here on to moorland heading for Pinhaw, a well known popular trig point summit.
We descended from here heading for Thornton in Craven where we were met by my two friends Michael Frost and Keith Prosser (fell running friends from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers).
They joined us for our walk as we continued on the Pennine Way finally arriving at East Marton on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Here we crossed paths with two guys both called John (one a vicar), who were travelling from John O'Groats to Land's End and has reached this point after only 43 days - inspirational!
From East Marton, we marched on to Gargrave - our overnight stopping point.
My lower shin problem had improved slightly, thank goodness making the walking easier!
We met our walking mates Frank Mitchell and Mick Wolstenholme in Gargrave for a drink or two! - They are spending the next few days with us on some of our walks and social activities!!
On route today we saw a fox, some deer and splendid views of Pendle and in the distance could pick out Peny-Ghent and Ingleborough.

Todmorden to Cowling

Weather today: Overcast cool

Daily Miles Covered: 18.4

Total Miles Covered: 502.9

Things of Interest: Top Withens

Personal Comments: The van is now sounding like a van again, not like a traction engine, well done Peter Lynch (Broadfield Garage, Oswaldtwistle). Back at Todmorden, a little later than normal, we set off down The Rochdale Canal at 9.40 am. Today we pick up on the famous Pennine Way, some say infamous PW. The path down the canal is easy walking, so for 3 miles we made good progress. Once on the PW. the path became really steep, passing little hamlets of all shapes and sizes, where people exist on the hillside overlooking The Calder Valley. There are fantastic views over the valley, for little effort when climbing.
Once on the top where it levelled off, the views over to Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall were unsurpassed. We don't have time to dally as the wind from the north east is quite cool. By lunchtime we make Gorple reservoir, so we take 30 minutes for sandwiches, and time to reflect on what was ahead.
4 miles further on we arrive at Top Withens where Emily Bronte conceived the idea for the novel Wuthering Heights. I haven't read it myself, but I know the tale. The area is perfect for a story like this, bleak moorland, millstone grit, and streams pouring down every gulley. I'm sure all the sisters loved it around here.
Down past Ponden reservoir, and on over Ickornshaw moor, to Cowling, where Ross had the kettle on, a good brew after 18 or so, went down well

Delph to Todmorden

Weather today: Bright, cooler with strong cold wind on the hills

Daily Miles Covered: 13.70

Total Miles Covered: 484.50

Things of Interest: Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale Canal, Canadian Geese Goslings

Personal Comments: Walked today with painful lower shins plus a strained left groin sustained at the end of the walk in Todmorden. Climbed high out of Delph and crossed large areas of moorland and reservoirs before descending under the M62 and into Hollingworth Lake near Littleborough.
Picked up the Rochdale Canal on north side of Littleborough and walked (or in my case 'hobbled') along this very attractive canal path for approx. 6 miles before arriving in Todmorden. I made a quick dash to the chemist to buy some full strength 'Ibuleve' to hopefully ease my painful lower shins (by now hot and swollen).
The campervan has recently developed an engine problem! and because of our close proximity to home, is going into Broadfield Garage, Ossy for a couple of days for repair so 2 days off walking. This will hopefully give my body chance to recover sufficiently enough to continue our journey from Todmorden on Friday.

Charlesworth to Delph

Weather today: Warm Sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 12.00

Total Miles Covered: 470.80

Things of Interest: Falcon tunnel

Personal Comments: Another warm start to the day. It was a day for map reading all day, we had to head to through Greater Manchester area, via paths, bridleways, and canals. It's an area full of heritage from an industrial age when coal was king. Railways were built to tranport coal to woolen mills, the canals were also built to transport everything including coal over the Pennines. We left Charlesworth to find The Hudderfields Canal 5 miles away which would eventually take us to Uppermill. Gradually by way of paths and minor roads, we found ourselves in Mottram in Longendale, trying to cross the busy A57, it makes you glad that you're not working anymore when you see all the traffic that is around.
Over the road, sanity returned as we climbed towards Matley and on to Millbrook. A young man pointed us in the right direction to the canal, and from there on it was plain sailing!. Towards Mossley we suddenly came across the Falcon Tunnel it followed the canal for 2oomts. or so it was relic of a time gone by, pitch black, if you have fear of damp dark places, don't go there. Back in sunshine we continued on the towpath to Greenfield and then to Uppermill for lunch. Afterwards we found something called the Delph Donkey, a disused railway to take us all the way to Delph. It was a victim of the times when Dr Beeching swung his axe sometime in the early '60s. The late Queen Mother apparently rode on it once, and slept on it in a quiet siding. Once in Delph, a quiet village, we phoned Ross, and he was there in no time. Phil had arranged for us to stay the night in Shaw, at Rob and Ruths place, longstanding friends of his. Ruth welcomed us with a beer how nice is that.

Miller's Dale to Charlesworth (Nr. Glossop)

Weather today: Very warm and sultry

Daily Miles Covered: 18.20

Total Miles Covered: 458.80

Things of Interest: Views of the long Pennine Range ( 270 miles long! )

Personal Comments: We left Miller's Dale in the Peak District and quickly found ourselves in a real jungle called 'Monk's Way'. We battled through this tough,rocky terrain(we ended up climbing up a dried up river bed full of great bolders) to pick up the Limestone Way.
Following this, we arrived at Peak Forrest in the high Peak District, well aware of sweating bodies and sunburnt legs and arms. Frank is getting brown legs for the first time in living memory!
We picked up the Pennine Bridle Way and soon faced a "severe" climb up onto the high Pennines to arrive at 'South Head', well into the high peak district.
This area was being roasted in strong sunshine as were we. We finally started a descent into the very picturesque village of Hayfield. Loads of folks were supping lager, but we resisted (having such strong willpower!) and marched on. Through Little Hayfield, we started a serious climb once again and ended high up ducking to avoid incoming planes making their approach into Manchester airport.
Following the Pennines, we finally walked into Charleswoth (Near Glossop), where I was able to wash my feet and legs under a pub hosepipe before applying loads of Ibufen Gel to sooth and relieve my suffering leg/ankle tendons which had been "complaining" to me for most of the day.
My internal medication for very sore tendons was 3 pints of Robinson's bitter in the hostelry where we are staying over night!

Alstonefield to Millers dale

Weather today: Muggy, overcast, then sunny

Daily Miles Covered 15.9

Total Miles Covered: 440.60

Things of Interest: Derbyshire dales

Personal Comments: This really is a bonny part of the world. If you like spectacular gorges, clean rivers, where fish swim around readily seen, then this is the place for you. Villages like Alstonefield, where time as passed it by. Thorpe nestling in the limestone peaks near to Dovedale, Derbyshires premier dale. Youlgrave, Monyash and many more, too many to mention in fact. All of them in an area easily accessible, and where do most of us go, to the continent, ah well don't say I didn't tell you about them.
We followed Dovedale for a short while until it turned west for Hartington, we went up Biggindale, unusual in itself, as it was dry, no river or stream went down it. Limestone country lends itself to many different wild flowers. Today we saw in profusion, Common Spotted Orchids, Cowslips and a particular species of wild Thyme, which all help to make the day more interesting. After Biggindale we passed through the village by the same name, and The Waterloo inn, where last night the landlord Stuart, dished us up sirloin to die for.
The Tissington trail was very busy, its a cyclepath also for horses and walkers, on it you can make good progress, and we did. After that we went on The Pennine Bridleway, for 5 miles or so, and realised, the point where we arranged to meet Ross was in total 23 miles away. A quick phone call was in order, and met him at Millers dale, Another delightful place to end a walk

Rocester to Alstonefield (South Peak District)

Weather today: Very warm and sunny!

Daily Miles Covered: 14.50

Total Miles Covered: 424.70

Things of Interest: Entering the Derbyshire Peak District

Personal Comments: Left Rocester heading for Asbourne in Derbyshire - crossed the River Dove before entering the town. Ashbourne boasts being the gateway into the Derbyshire Peak District so we quickly found the 'Tissington Trail' (a disused railway line) which leads you into this beautiful national park.
Two miles through the trail, we picked up a track which led us to a very attractive village at the edge of the park called Thorpe. Passing through Thorpe, we entered this beautiful national park which really is quite stunning.
We quickly found ourselves in Dovedale where the River Dove makes it's way through a stunning valley with high rocks and cliffs on both sides. We followed this river for 5 miles or so and wouldn't have minded walking further, given the chance.
We arrived at Milldale (another stunning place), then climbed up and out of the village and ended the day in yet another beauty spot called Alstonfield.
We've got free camping here thanks to Frank's expertise in promoting Macmillan Cancer Support!
Great opportunity to catch up on washing using their outdoor cold water sink - smashing!
Should be in West Yorkshire area in a week or so!

Hixon to Rocester (Derbyshire)

Weather today: Sunny, warm

Daily Miles Covered: 13.8

Total Miles Covered: 410.20

Things of Interest: Nigel Wood


Personal Comments: 6.30 am. awake and up and about. We stayed overnight on a pub campsite in Hixon. Phil put his tent last night, so there were only two of us in the van last night
It was lovely sunrise, calm, again there was no one about. Our neighbours, BP, and Rob came across to wish us well, we had our photo. taken on a trike, a machine with a VW. air-cooled engine, if I was 21 again!
We left Hixon with the sun shining, soon, Ross left us with a problem with his knee, he made it back ok. We soon made Drointon, and left it behind at the six mile mark. Approaching Uttoxeter,
there was a problem, I went one way Phil went t'other. This time I was wrong, we soon met up again. Uttoxeter seemed a busy place, we only skirted it, but it looked ok. We passed by the racecourse, and left it behind. We could see the busy A50 so we found a way under it and lunchtime came. Sandwiches were eaten with relish, I think it was brown sauce! Packing up afterwards I realised I had lost my phone, it must have dropped out of my pocket getting over a stile maybe. I walked back a mile or to no avail, disaster. I rang O2(with Phils phone) cancelled the contract, and thought what can I do, nothing. We carried on up Dovedale and soon came to Rocester. As we were changing our boots Phil's phone rang, it was Nigel Wood who had found my phone in Uttoxeter. This super chap drove 6miles or so, met us in Rocester, gave me my phone, wouldn't take a penny for his troubles, how lucky was that people, unbelieveable. Well done Nigel, hope The City make it back at the first attempt (Leicester)

Lapley to Hixon(Staffordshire)

Weather today: Warm and sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 14.8

Total Miles Covered: 396.4

Things of Interest: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, Trent and Mersey Canal, Shugborough Hall.

Personal Comments: Very warm day with blue skies and sunshine. Enough to make Frank wear his shorts! Followed the Staff's Way, then onto the Staffs/Worcs canal under the M6 - then onto Cannock Chase. This area is very attractive with trees, valleys, streams in abundance.
We rejoined the Staff's Way and dropped onto the Trent and Mersey Canal. This canal and the other one already mentioned is really attractive and popular with narrow boats ever present.
We ended up in a small place called Hixon where a small campsite was a haven for us which just happened to be next to a pub!
I put my tent up for the first time today in a few weeks. I'm getting better at erecting it now - it only takes about 30 minutes instead of about 45 minutes last time! (The record is something like 4 minutes).

Seisdon to Lapley (S. Staffs)

Weather today: Rain 'til 2.00pm. Hazy afterwards

Daily Miles Covered: 14.3

Total Miles Covered: 381.6

Things of Interest: Shropshire union canal

Personal Comments: Lowering skies meant that rain was not far away this morning as we got up. No breakfast promised so we set about making our own, and of course sandwiches for lunch. The Staffs way was our route again today. Map reading is a problem when its raining, and today was no exception. We covered field after field full of sticky red mud, ankle deep, but we press on. Our first call of any distinction was Codsall, a small town in Staffs. it was bucketing down, there weren't many folk about. Due north we passed over the M54, there were plenty of folk about here, in cars though. Still going north we came upon Brewood on The Shropshire Union Canal. It became fine for a short while, so we had a pleasant lunch on the towpath, in hazy sunshine, it didn't last long. Following the towpath n.n.e. we came across an aquaduct which passed over Watling up Street (A5) now tell me what did The Romans do for us? The A5 at this point is as straight as a die. People were packing up their belongings from their barges, going back to that place tomorrow, we don't talk about.
3 miles further on we left the towpath for a small village called Lapley, I decide, because I read the maps, and where there is a P.H. on the map thats good enough for me. What the signs dont tell you, is when they are shut, and this one was., horror of horrors!. We had to ring Ross, and he took us to another one in Wheaton Aston, hurray. Free pitch for the night, and maybe a beer or two.