It doesn't seem like 2 minutes since I was having my photo taken against the Pennine Way signpost that marked our entry into England, before all of a sudden, without even realising it yesterday, as we arrived at Edale, we had finished the thing. There was no big start/finish line, or anything to indicate that our companion for the last 9 days had come to an end.
So as we left Castleton this morning and it dawned on us that we had just completed probably 80% of the Pennine Way, we picked up the new trail that will be our friend now, the Limestone Way. Marked with white rams heads instead of acorns, the difference was immediate. As soon as we completed the climb out of Castleton, the terrain became much less steep and we were able to cover ground much more quickly. By mid day we reached Monyash where the roads got a bit busy, so we rerouted onto some quiet footpaths before reaching the Dovedale Trail. This popular river trail passes by caves and rocky stacks that must make for some great rock climbing.
Finally we ended the day with the usual search for accommodation and were mightily relieved to get a room at Ilam Hall youth hostel. I haven't stayed here since 1984, but the place is still going strong and a great place to stay.
So as we left Castleton this morning and it dawned on us that we had just completed probably 80% of the Pennine Way, we picked up the new trail that will be our friend now, the Limestone Way. Marked with white rams heads instead of acorns, the difference was immediate. As soon as we completed the climb out of Castleton, the terrain became much less steep and we were able to cover ground much more quickly. By mid day we reached Monyash where the roads got a bit busy, so we rerouted onto some quiet footpaths before reaching the Dovedale Trail. This popular river trail passes by caves and rocky stacks that must make for some great rock climbing.
Finally we ended the day with the usual search for accommodation and were mightily relieved to get a room at Ilam Hall youth hostel. I haven't stayed here since 1984, but the place is still going strong and a great place to stay.
Impressive stacks along the Dovedale Trail.
Statistics
Distance: 28.3 Miles
Moving Time: 9 Hours 47 Mins
Glad you found a room at Ilam Hall!
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ReplyDeleteHi Lawrence - we went to the Dovedale trail in '79 with Portfields - first time away from home!
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