The Yorkshire Dales - 19th-21st January 2007
Friday
The minibus arrived in Stainforth nice and early, and it was off to the Craven Heifer for a few pints...The transit, however, broke down just outside of Leeds. After a long and complicated phone call the not-so-intelligent operator at the breakdown centre, it was around 10pm before Paul & Beci made it to the Dales.
Whilst most of the Three-Peakers opted for an early night, others continued drinking up in the lounge. (Dancing) Paul was soon dozing by the radiator, crisps and Stella in hand. Estevao, (Driving) Paul and Michael took it in turns on the guitar. It was a late one, and I'm not sure that (Driving) Paul even made it to bed at all.... |
Saturday
The Three-Peakers were up at 6pm, although it was after 7am when they finally left! After leaving the bus in Horton, they headed up to Pen-y-Ghent...where they were promptly blown from the path. The wind was too strong for them and it was soon apparent they would have to turn back. At 10am they were already back at the bunkhouse, and after a quick shopping trip to Settle, it was time for one of Steesh's famous cooked breakfasts.
It was probably around midday when they headed out again, this time to the more sheltered and tame location of Ingleton Falls. After a brief pause in the car park, where they were almost charged £4 per head to walk, they moved to a separate car park and started the walk from a different (free) point.
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Meanwhile the rest, having been warned about the wind, had also headed to Ingleton Falls. Once the cost of the walk had been established, it was decided that an alternative walk needed to be found, but not before a quick game of football in the car park!
The medium walkers headed back to the Ribblehead Viaduct to take a walk through the valley. Taking the first footpath from the road did not prove a successful choice. The first stile lead staight into an impassable river. Following the wall in search of a bridge led the group over the top of a wall, but eventually a bridge was found. The map was of little use (probably because Vince was looking at the wrong side...) but after crossing a few random fields we found the bridge which should have led us to the correct path, well, what was left of it. The single girder crossing the river was not wide enough to cross, so we took the farm track back to the main road.
Cross the road we joined the footpath circumventing the base of Ingleborough. The views of both Whernside and Inghleborough were great, as were the limestone rock formations we crossed. Having crossed the road again, we headed into the shadow of Whernside...just as the hail started! It came down hard and fast, and there was nowhere to shelter at all. We sped up the pace and danced and screamed as our legs and faces were pounded....but despite the pain it was hilarious! It soon stopped, and we headed towards the viaduct. Just as the pub came into sight, the hail started again, soaking us to the bone - we arrived at the Station Inn dripping wet, but relieved. Hot drinks all round and a place by the fire to dry off and everyone was happy!
Back at the bunkhouse, some settled down to write assignments, whilst Beci & Dan (and a couple of helpers) prepared a great dinner of Shepherds Pie - thanks guys! After the crumble/bread n butter pudding, we all headed back to the pub. Some took up seat on the floor to listen to the folk bands, whilst others remained in the main bar. Those who left first found themselves walking back through a deluge and got absolutely soaked for the second time that day. The stragglers walked back under gentle snowflakes, although the snow would not last till the morning.
Sunday
Those who did not stay in the bunkhouse to study headed off to Dent for the assent of Whernside from the back. The wind and hail on the way was too much for some, who gave up before even starting and headed to the pub in Dent. The others headed up to the top, through the odd hailstorm, but enjoying the snow at the summit. They were soon down, and after a swift pint or cup of tea in the famous Hill Inn, it was time to return to Leeds.
It was a small group of just five who made it to Nazams, but hey, it was great anyway. See you on the next weekend trip! |
