Day 51 - Marsden to Hebden Bridge - 15.9 miles

From The Olive Branch we'd arranged a taxi for us to rejoin the Pennine Way at Standedge on Saddleworth moor.

We left the car park and walked into the cloud.
In the mist at The Dinner Stone at 451m (1480 feet)
It wasn't getting any better when we met 
Mark who was spending a long weekend walking North to South from Hebden Bridge to Edale. He recalled walking the route 40 years ago when he described it as like walking scross The Somme. 
The paving stones that have being a significant feature over our last few days at least give the peat moors a chance to recover.

On Denshaw Moor we meet a team from the National Trust who had been repairing a stile.
Francesca, Molly, Alec and Ian were carrying all their material and tools a long way back to their vehicle. We thought that Alec looked as though he should have been on his way to Jerusalem. 

At the trig point on White Hill 466m, before descending to cross the M62 motorway....
the roaring noise from the traffic is audible for miles either side of the motorway.

The paving stones are varied in both colour and surface texture.
As we crossed the A58, we decided not to stop off at The White House pub and pushed on as the rain really came on.
Walking past the Blackstone Edge, White Holm and Light Hazzels reservoirs wasn't the most uplifting in the heavy rain. It was cold...
but at long last we reached the trig point above Mankinholes ......
and to warm up we stopped for coffee and a soggy pastry
- delicious...
On past wind eroded rocks ....
...to 
the Stoodley Pike Monument - curiously built to commemorate Napoleon's exile to Elba.

Me, doing my Terry Pratchett impression.

We then dropped down steeply across marram and boggy farmland


It was lovely to get back below the tree line again

and at long last to Hebden Bridge. 
It had been a long, long wet day.

Total distance walked so far = 666.6 miles
Total ascent so far 79 963 feet

If you'd like to leave a comment, correct me on any detail or just nudge, it'd be great to hear from you. If initially it comes up as Anonymous, please just add your name at the bottom so I can see who it's from.

email: david.LL.thomas@gmail.com
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If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.

Parkinsons UK   - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas215

Just Wheels UK  - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.- 

- RNLI   - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas216

Comments

  1. Jess Birnie31 May 2022 at 23:41

    That looks like a long tough day. I was thinking of you both yesterday as the rain lashed down with thunder and lightning here in London. Sun is shining this morning which I hope it is for you too. I’m loving reading your blog and hoping I can catch up with you in person before too long. I’ve been to lots of the places you’ve passed through but what I especially love is hearing about all the interesting folk you’ve met along the way. Love Jess x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk3 June 2022 at 01:04

      Hi Jess. With all the walking you've both been doing, you and Colin should come and join me. Apart from anything else, I'll soon be up in your favourite country! Dx

      Delete
  2. Anonymous2 June 2022 at 01:19

    A soggy day! Robin

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2 June 2022 at 03:59

    Brave Brave people.
    '' We thought that Alec looked as though he should have been on his way to Jerusalem. '' - great comment- I laughed.

    Lazy neighbour

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk3 June 2022 at 01:14

      When we worked out how far across the moor he'd already carried it, I reckon he could have easily made it!

      Delete
    2. David's 2022 Walk3 June 2022 at 01:14

      Delete
  4. Mike D2 June 2022 at 07:41

    With all this rain for you lately, I’m remembering all the sunshine that first week or so along the coast. Probably better that way than to reverse things. Although the weather varies, it seems there are three constants: great views, wonderful people, and beer. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk3 June 2022 at 01:10

      Hi Mike. I reckon the beer improves exponentially any day after mile 14!!

      Delete
  5. Gareth2 June 2022 at 10:19

    It's good to hear of your progress David. It is brave of you and we are so proud of you. Love Pat and Gareth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. David's 2022 Walk3 June 2022 at 01:13

    Thanks Gareth. Aren't we lucky to live in a beautiful country with lovely people. Love to you both Dx

    ReplyDelete

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