17 April 2013: 24km. Started 09:00. Arrived 16:00.
I was woken by my abdomen churning and wondered whether it was something to do with a potential infection relating to whatever the air freshener was meant to be masking the night previously.
However I deemed myself sufficiently healthy to walk the relatively easy day I had planned. Initially there were multiple footpaths leading up to the moor so I followed the “acorns”. Despite this, I was informed by a dog walker at one point that I had strayed off the trail.
Soon reaching the moor, it was typical of the parts of the Pennine Way where I had already walked with blanket bog, some flagstones on occasion to save path erosion (and wet feet) plus a couple of reservoirs.
I reached Top Withens, reputed to be the setting for Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. However there is some dispute about this and I noted the disclaimer plaque fixed to one of the remaining walls of the ruined farmhouse.
Near this point I met the second person within two days who was aiming to climb to the top point of each traditional county – he was quick to explain to me that his journey would encompass Northern Island and the off shore UK islands.
Soon I was at my destination which turned out to be a popular overnight stop for a medley of walkers, incorporating a B+B and camp site. I discovered that Tom (the “man” from overnight at Crowden) had stayed there the previous night; he had managed two long days to my three short days, no doubt helped by an intervening overnight wild camp which is the advantage of carrying a tent. I also met the couple who I had seen at various places including on the summit of Black Hill. They were Peter (an electrician) and Liz (a carer) attempting completion of the Pennine Way but being aided by Liz’s mother who had until that night been transporting them between home and the trail each day. They had a tent on the site that night. I also met Arthur who had set out from John O’Groats on 14 March to walk to Lands End – he had done the End to End walk more than once as well as several other long UK walks. He thought that I might catch up with Brian – a day or two further on and planning a five month south to north End to End.
The only realistic eating place in the village was an Indian – where I opted for the scampi and chips as the best option to avoid any additional intestinal issues.
Where's Kathryn? 