Week 4 - The Big Hike

There’s a lot to be said for keeping an excel spreadsheet! Otherwise I probably wouldn’t remember half the places we’ve been.?

Our last rest day was in Mytholmroyd near Hebden Bridge where I stayed with an old friend who I know from a trip to Iona many years ago. We had great conversations, food, drink, and even watched a movie together.?

And then we were off again, walking through Hebden Bridge and past the National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags. Up and up we went, it wasn’t steep but constant and I hadn’t anticipated it so got quite grumpy. It was a bit of a theme in the first days of week 4: grumpiness. Mostly because the footpaths were once more well hidden and more than once we got dunked into moor holes. Wet, smelly, and highly unpleasant.?

The week also provided great lessons: even if you can see your surroundings and the lay of the land you can’t always trust what’s beneath it. And when walking in fog, which feels like uncertainty manifested, putting one foot in front of the other is going to see you through. Clarity does come.?Eventually.

There were sunny days, too, and lovely encounters. Especially, with two other hikers who I met as I finally managed to “jump” onto the Pennine Way. They were quite a bit faster than me but the dogs liked them and wanted to stay with them so I upped my tempo. We had the same destination the next day, too, and met up for supper. Until then I had underestimated the joy of companionship - especially from those who are also hiking.?

I was a bit sad when we said goodbye. Due to my continuing difficulties to find accommodation along the Pennine Way, I was going off piste again. And then absolutely delighted upon meeting them in another town where they’d done a rest day. And we said goodbye again knowing we’ll keep in touch.?

Now it’s onto planning the remainder of the Pennine Way. I’m diverting again during the next week as I pre booked but will try to have as much walking done on the Pennine Way as possible. Why? Because it’s well signposted. It’s visible without a lot of guesswork. And that’s important especially in the adverse weather we’ve been having and which is forecast for the next week.?

There’s a sense of the proverbial fog lifting for me. I’m still fretting somewhat. Mostly about money which is unnecessary, but it’s an old pattern that I’m still trying to shake off. Knowing and trusting that I have what I need. And I’m excited to see if someone might join me on my journey. Or if it’s just too wet.?

?

Current tally for the Big Hike: 450km (280 miles) and in case you wondered: that’s more than the whole Pennine Way ;)?

I want to close this week’s blog with a huge THANK YOU to everyone who is following my journey and sends likes, love, care, and comments my way. It always puts a smile on my face. Thank you!