Day 7 - Newfield Bridge to Rainscar House

Expecting sunshine and showers today as we head into the Yorkshire Dales.

Easy start from Newfield Bridge along a lovely river to Malham. Toby joined us again today

Total change to the scenery now with lots of green rolling hills

We arrive in Malham. One of the highlights of our walk with Malham Cove awaiting

We head towards the cove

As spectacular as expected. Quite something to see. Now we just had to get to the top of it!

On we go!!!! Not looking forward to this climb!

Is that a smile or a grimace from Sharon at the prospect!

The climb was tough, but the views magnificent

The top. It was tough but the rewards are the limestone stepping stones

Not to mention the view! We're we really on that path 10 mins ago? Ok - 30 mins ago!

And on we climbed heading for Malham Tarn next

Malham tarn. Very tranquil and a stop for lunch.

We then continued on over Knowe Fell and Fountains Fell which were very long tough climbs and could see the weather closing in!

It hit as we got to the top.....Snow!!!! Blizzard for 15 mins.... Didn't expect that!

Anyway we then made our way down to our wonderful Sherpa who was diligently waiting!!!! 

She's so good!!! 

A tough day!

Day 6 - Lothersdale to Newfield Bridge - 12 miles

Woke up to rain this morning. The forecast for the rest of the day is sunshine and showers, and it's very cold.

Our Sherpa is redeeming herself! She was up at 6.30 preparing our breakfast and our packed lunches, so she's back in the good books!

Anyway, we set off from Lothersdale with storm clouds all around us.

Toby is having a days rest.  He's fine, just a little exhausted! Can't imagine why!!

As we climbed up into the hills we came across these gorgeous Herdwick sheep and their lambs!!!

As we headed towards the moor the storm clouds gathered! Beautiful scenery though!

The top of Pin Haw Beacon! Bit of a slog up there but some spectacular views!

Then the hail hit which was like being pebble dashed it hurt so much! We weren't impressed! 

And as we looked ahead, we could see snow on the hills where we are heading next!

We then headed back down off of the freezing moor to Thornton in Craven. Back to pretty streams and a bit warmer!

And along the lanes at Thornon in Craven.  A totally different scene!

Until we reached the lovely Leeds and Liverpool canal 

Lovely to walk along the canal! No hills

Sharon enjoying the stroll towards an unusual bridge!

The bridge provided a dry lunch spot just as a passing shower arrived!

And finally.....
Our wonderful Sherpa was waiting to pick us up in plenty of time, so today she has redeemed herself totally. 

She saw us into the car, taking our bags, telling us to relax whilst she drove impeccably, 

to the wrong destination!!!!! (Put the wrong postcode in).

Frankie is currently updating her CV!

Day 5 - Pack Horse Inn to Lottersdale - 14 miles

Oh my!! We can't tell you how cold it was today.  Full thermal attire on the cards for today!  

The photo says it all for the start of the day and by the time we got up on the moors it was a bitter wind to boot!

Toby didn't need a coat as he happily joined us for another day .... And so Toby and Marcia set off!

We soon pass by Walshaw Dean reservoir and were already onto our second hailstorm!!! 

Positive thought.... Better than rain!

And onward up to the moors. Thank God for those stone walls as they give a bit of shelter from the wind!

And we leave another reservoir behind

Under the hood .... Sharon heads off across Wadsworth Moor 

And yes Sharon is under there!!!  It was cold!

Clock the snow on the ground as Marcia and Toby continue on. 

The moors are desolate but beautiful.

Lots of derelict houses dotted about here in Bronte country

And this derelict farmhouse was supposed to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights and its surrounding moors. No sign of Heathcliff!!!

And as you come down there is a dramatic scenery change

And we couldn't resist an Ahhhh factor!

And now for our Sherpa. She committed a serious mistake today. Failed in her prime duty. Was late to pick us up! We had spent a tough day in freezing temperatures, came down exhausted after 14 miles, and no sign. Half an hour late! We sent her into the kitchen to redeem herself.

We have now completed 5 days and 58 miles so we are well underway and really enjoying ourselves!!!!

This Sherpa is really getting an attitude though. Asked her to serve my dinner on a tray whilst I was soaking in the bath and she threatened to chuck it in with me!

Day 4 - White House Inn to Pack Horse Inn - 13 miles

A glorious start to the day, but we are beginning to ache somewhat!! The last few days are taking their toll and Sharon has a few painful blisters ....ouch!

We went off via Warland Reservoir which was beautiful in the clear sky and early morning sun.... But freezing cold 

Everyone will be pleased to know that Toby rejoined us today full of the joys of spring. 

Here he is following Marcia down the trail

We crossed loads of moorland heading towards Stoodley Pike, a significant monument in this area. The path was great and we were eating up the miles.

We finally came up to Stoodley Pike with magnificent views all around

Heading down from the monument, Sharon poses in front of a rare way marker! 

It's rare to find despite this being a national trail! Our GPS is doing its job and Sharon's map-reading is coming along!

 Total change of scenery as we walk down to the Rochdale canal at Mytholm

It was lunchtime and this was a perfect spot for a 20 min stop in the sunshine!

Toby agreed it was lovely among the daffodils.  He fancied a dip in the canal, but I advised him No! We didn't fancy trying to drag a wet dog out!

A pretty spot with the canal boats, but we needed to move on.

And the trouble with coming all the way down ....is you have to go back up! .

Ridiculous climb up and long crawl back up the hill!

A well deserved rest!!!! ....me and my boy!
(Whoever said Diamonds are a girls best friend....never owned a dog!)

And we weren't the only ones glad to be at the top! .... Back scratch heaven!

Colden water was the last river we came across and the last valley down ..... Then upwards again!!!

The last bridge near Pack House Inn. The end off our 13 mile day.

And whilst we each have a soak , our wonderful Sherpa is cooking dinner.

Look how thrilled she is with a new pair of oven gloves!!!! She's so good!