Malham Cove
A good nights sleep, a good breakfast and I was on the road at 9:30. It was a dry and sunny start again, although it was to cloud over by 11:30 and stay that way for two days.
I set off in the wrong direction (deliberately) to replenish my Mars bar supply at the village shop. The previous day had been a three-large-bar day and that was to remain the record!
Met Dave coming in the other direction and explained why I was heading south and not north. He was beginning to enjoy the walk after finding the first few days difficult.
Malham is at the heart of a great walking and pot-holing area, on the doorstep of the Three Peaks. It has a great atmosphere. Walkers were readying themselves for the day ahead, pulling on packs and studying maps. After Malham Cove, however, I saw few other people before Pen-y-ghent.
On top of Malham Cove
I climbed the path to the left of the Cove, a short, sharp climb, then picked my way across the rugged limestone 'pavement' to the footpath heading north into Watlowes Valley. Good views looking south from here.
Watlowes Valley
The valley heading north from the top of Malham Cove is quite spectacular .
Pen-y-ghent
The rugged scenery soon changes after the climb up out of the valley, and, after crossing the road a pleasant and gentle walk through the nature reserve of Malham Tarn before the path heads north and starts a long climb up Fountains Fell. The climb was fairly long and hard, marshy in places and very bleak. The views south are superb and well worth the effort, and once over the crest of the hill, Pen-y-ghent comes into view.
Pen-y-ghent starts to loom large
I stopped for lunch where the path turns north-west to west, on the north side of Fountains Fell. The view of Pen-y-ghent is superb from here. My foot was not feeling at all bad, the reduction in weight was certainly helping, and I began to feel confident again of reaching Kirk Yetholm .
I found the ascent of Pen-y-ghent fairly easy. It isn't steep until you reach the rocky bit near the top, and after 5 or 10 minutes exertion you find yourself on the shoulder and the summit comes soon after. The first part of the descent is very steep and rocky but soon eases and I reached Horton-in-Ribblesdale just an hour and a quarter after the summit.
My foot played up a little on this final descent but not nearly as much as on the previous day. This had been the best day. scenically, so far - a really enjoyable days walk. Two pubs to choose from here. I chose the Crown and the food is reasonable, the beer (2 pints of Theakstons) is good.
Rating for day out of 10 :-