Day 54 - Cowling to Malham - 15.8 miles June 2nd
After a breakfast of world-beating porridge, Jill very kindly dropped me off at Lothersdale so I could rejoin the Pennine Way and then took Sally across to Skipton for the train back to London.
We'd had a good week's walking but not without a number of wet days so this morning looked promising.
As I walked up from the road, the air was full of the sound of Curlews - a wonderful start.
Now as stiles go, and a little brain teaser first thing in the morning, this one has to be in the Premiership.
These impartial observers were clearly
On Carleton Moor I met Sue, Keith and Jasper who'd been out for an early walk. Both keen walkers they told me how they'd enjoyed being able to get out on the moor during lockdown. They'd been holidaying in Sri Lanka just before and arrived back on the first day of lockdown and described how surreal it seemed to have travelled half way around the world but then on getting home, not to be able to go to the corner shop.
Jasper is being looked after while his owner is away. .
Lapwings and Curlews really like this part of the world.
There's not much to beat the smell of mown grass in the sunshine.
at Town Hill Farm I was the third customer at Lucy's new walkers' oasis and honesty shop - only opened this morning. A brilliant idea.
Apart from picking my brain for suggested treats with which to stock the shelves (Soreen is my favourite) I picked Lucy and Jim's brains on sheep husbandry. Farmers are always going to be smart, they know which breeds to cross to get the most healthy and productive flocks. Jim explained.... A mule is generally based on a Border Leicester mother crossed with one or other beneficial father...Swaledale, Scottish black face, Texel etc
Lucy and Jim expect 300 lamb's this year and have cattle and pigs as well so now with their new walkers' shopping mall, they're going to have a very busy year.
Crossing their land is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. As I walked up to the embankmaent I heard the unmistakable pud pud pud pud of one of those lovely old dependable Lister engines - the type you even hear on old Greek fishing boats.
The canal is a haven of peace now but you can only imagine how busy this artery must have been in its heyday.
How the conversation moved on to Lytham and statues of Les Dawson I can't remember but it could have been something in the mug of tea!!
They were moored up close to the famous
double arched Bridge.
...... now there's a provocative thought !
Onward to Gargrave through meadows of buttercups, daisies and clover.
A promising sign!
I'd had the strength to pass the pub at Gargrave but couldn't resist the temptation of an ice cream watching the canal boats go by.
I'd finished it by the time I was walking along a narrow path by the river and met these characters. They'd definitely heard the one about possession and nine tenths of the law!
Janet and Robin had just moored up and were relaxing with a mug of tea / g&t while bracing themselves for the next set of locks. They're thinking of buying a narrow boat so were trying this 50 footer out for size.
They were moored up close to the famous
Or this one
Further along the river to Airton and Hanlith.
We have a lot to thank William Morrison 1836-1921 for his saving of Malham. Enlightened businessman, philanthropist, politician and social reformer.
I stayed in one his buildings, The Buck. Very busy with walkers and I had a lovely bed.
Total distance walked so far = 694.1 miles
Total ascent so far 83 147 feet
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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/
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
I thought I’d walked about 70 miles with you - though obviously not - but then again i walked from Buxton to Edale which adds 12 miles! Oh well it was lovely whatever!!! Love Sally xxx
ReplyDeleteThoroughly enjoying your educational nature (+agricultural!!) notes..and really envious of your sightings of lapwings and curlews as I haven't seen either for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteThe bird, in the first photo, that you're wondering about could be a grey wagtail possibly??Cariad mawr,TTXX