Day 4 Hebden Bridge to Cowling

 It hasn’t been easy to this point. They say you get fitter and the aches and pains begin to subside, I hope they do as today was tough and we are all a little weary. There is only a couple of other days along the Pennine way that have a greater ascent than this section apparently one of the hardest ascents of the whole walk a lung busting thousand foot climb in the first 3 miles. Having been dropped back at Hebden Bridge we returned to the Pennine way path we climbed immediately and it was tough but was in good spirits.

As we climbed ever higher we could see back to yesterday’s route 

From here we climb again then we take a very difficult path where it’s very uneven underfoot, but the fact it’s overgrown we couldn’t see where we were putting our feet so had to take it easy

it drops down to a beauty spot Hebble Hole here there is a very old clapper bridge

Eventually we reach Colden and we had to stop at Mays Aladdin‘s Cave where we picked up a few energy bars and cakes to help us on our way after a tough start.

We carry on over Moors these signs made us smile

. The next few miles are past or  along reservoirs 

Access roads are on half gravel paths beside them quite tough on the feet. We pass two of the three Wallshore Dean reservoirs 

before we turn away and climb the Moorland path up to withins height

And to the old farmhouse ruins of Top Withns, that many associate with Emily Brontë Wuthering Heights. Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse which is said to have been the inspiration for Wuthering Heights the novel by Emily Brontë.

The path now drops down across Moor land to Pondon. It’s got a rather contrived  path around the reservoir of the same name

then passing these cows

we then have another long ascent. It might only be 800 feet this time but it was tough with tired legs

then cross the heather clad Ickornshaw Moor.  Many wooden huts these are called cowlings they are used by shooters but what used to be a common right to shoot on these moors is now restricted. Also this stone built one 

and finally more up and downs to  cross with tiered feet and legs

and onto the village of  Cowling. here again was a very difficult situation for accommodation so had to get to Skipton where we were booked in at the Wooly sheep Inn

We walked 18 miles and almost 3500’ of ascent on todays route

What makes it all worthwhile is the incredible total we have raised for the mental health charity’Mind’ 

THANK YOU ❤️

If you want to donate you can here https://www.justgiving.com/page/steve-jane-kirsty-1704720779976? 

And remember all sponsors will be in the draw for the hand made by muse Elm Burr clocks

We will return the path at Cowling in the morning to continue our way.