Bronte Country

Mum said this morning that if you'd asked her where she thought she might like to return to after the walk, the last place would probably have been Hebden Bridge. But how wrong she would have been. Having only travelled through on wheels, the impression is of a dark, satanic mill town. On foot, it is full of charm. Yes, a little grey, and yes, the architecture leans back to our industrial past. But it is full of small shops, eateries, and places to stay. It even has it's own theatre, which, last night, was showing an Alan Bennett play. They were very tempted, but just too tired, poor lambs.

Inevitably, having descended into Hebden Bridge, there was a climb out. We used a road, that was so steep, that motor vehicles were not allowed on it. Good progress though, well cobbled, and easy to get a good rhythm.

We walked on small quiet roads to rejoin the Pennine Way 4 miles in. Easy going with chance to enjoy some stunning views on a beautiful spring day.

Some more reservoir walking through to lunch. We never knew there were so many reservoirs up in the Pennines. Worryingly, many are low and some even empty, but optimistically, we have decided to assume that they are empty in advance of some sort of remedial works.

Back up on to the moors and to Top Withens. Now Top Withens was reputedly the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. It's an isolated farm house in the middle of the moor. Dad said it would have to be the right sort of weather for Heathcliff, or he might be told to 'go away'! Apparently Top Withens is very popular with Japanese tourists, and this would appear to be borne out by the use of Japanese hieroglyphics on the footpath signs.

From there, a relatively short step down into Ponden, to another reservoir and our abode for the night.

We have been well looked after by a multitude of lapwings, curlew, skylarks, and latterly oyster catchers.

Thornton in Craven tomorrow and another night camping, mum's excited, dad's not. I'll just eat Burns.

Keep spreading the word

M
xx