Today was a longer walk, so we paced ourselves with stops to enjoy the snacks we purchased in Haworth before the long climb back on to the moors. Our route was more varied than yesterday, and the grey skies gave way to bright sunshine by midday. We were accompanied for much of the day by the call of the peewits as they flew over us. The second part of the day was largely undulating pastures, with plenty of steep climbs. We were delighted on crossing the brow of a hill to be told by walkers coming towards us that there was a lovely pub at the bottom! This was a welcome brief stop, before continuing to our destination.

Our friends Max and Ros had invited us to stay for two nights, which was very welcome, partly because we had been unable to find accommodation in Thornton in Craven. And of course we were glad of the opportunity to spend time with them both. Ros met us and drove us back to their lovely home in Ilkley, where we enjoyed an evening catching up with them.

A Backward Glance

Beginning of our walk to end was across large open spaces up and down hills under a big sky gradually shedding it’s thin grey veil from it’s cerulean face. Pleasant walking all day with panoramic views across the wide Yorkshire landscape from quiet hills of splendid isolation. Near the end of our walk we did meet two walkers cheerfully climbing the steep hill towards us, greeting us with the words “Pub just down hill”. I could have kissed them both hard right there and then, but my attention was distracted by a square halo just behind their heads emblazoned with the words ‘Hare and Hounds’, so I wasted not a moment and for the first time that day Carol chased behind me as we quickly made our way towards the unexpected manifestation.