Friday 6th May 2011 (55 miles and 7382ft)

Ponden to Malham.

Big walk today and we are staying at Wharfdale camp site now for the next 2 days, which means a bit of travelling on the road for Annie, to keep ferrying us backwards and forwards, but it will be worth it, as the site and facilities look good and comfortable. Grassington is nearby which will be good for Annie and Alex who are having a cycling day today.

Annie and Horace dropped me off at Ponden reservoir at about 9.10am. Just enough time for a quick call to Di to check the events at Derriford. What can I say!

After 1 hour I have covered 2 1/4 miles and climbed 530 ft. Weather is fine.Lovely views and valleys with loads of bluebells.

Drop down to the A6068 just by the Black Bull Inn. But where is it? I can see a building that might have been s pub but it is now a furniture shop. What is happening in the world. What right thinking man would rather shop for furniture than enjoy apint. So this is Ickornshaw.

I climb back uphill and in the warmth of of the day a hare runs across in front of me.

After about 3 hours I have covered 7.3 miles and climbed 1,139 ft. Up and down, up and down and end here in Lothesdale which apporpriately has a pub called the Hare and Hounds.Stop for a pint of Theakstons Old Peculier and a pint of Orange and Lemonade.

Then climbing again, but a lovely walk to Thorton in Craven; stop for water at the shop-what shop? really not even a general store, so door knocking soon provides a litree of water. phew it is warm!

At 1.30pm I have climbed over 1900ft. Press on for East Marton. To my surprise I reach the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and in the heat enjoy a few minutes walkin g along the canal on the flat by the canal, alongside some very attractive boats. Then onto to Gargrove for more water and orange juice.

A beautiful stroll through meadows by the River Aire and for several miles through a series of small villages, followed by a steep climb out of Hawhills. Then high onto the hillside above the river towards Malham.

With only a mile to go I spy Horace trundling along the lanes, with Alex, Annie, Molly and Alan to pick me up. I almost sprint the last mile at the thought of a pint ...stop outside the Buck Inn in Malham for an hour, sampling the excellent selection of beers. The Black Sheep and Timothy Taylor are brilliant!

After two days of over 20 miles each, it can only get easier.. 23 miles today and 3070 ft.