Dales Way

Ailie, Chris and I left at 7.30 for the 2.5 hour drive to the place we’d agreed to meet Margaret. She decided we should park further along the route than the lay by I’d found. She sounded pretty stressed and ready to go so we went along with it. We left Ailie’s car where she suggested then all got into hers to drive to Bridge End about 20 minutes drive away.

It was a glorious sunny day so we were in shorts and sun hats at once. We made good time, walking through meadows, cow fields and along the river Lune. Having the route on my phone was much easier than a paper map and the instructions from the book which is very out of date. We went under a huge viaduct and over pretty bridges, one of which was over the M6. It felt we’d crossed a watershed to get to the other side of that.

Eventually we hit the road where we’d left the car. Margaret and Chris were sure it was down the high but looking at the map I thought up. Ailie chose to go with them down the hill. After half a mile I could see her car so phoned them. They had to turn round and plod back up the hill. The car was baking hot. We drove back to get Margaret’s car then we all drove the 30 minutes to the stables accommodation Margaret had booked. We had 3 stables. Chris had a large double room, I have a small one with 2 bunk beds and the other 2 are sharing another small with 2 bunk beds.

The there’s a shower in each and a microwave and kettle so we’ll eat the veggie lasagne soon. The main Glasgow to London train line is directly out the back of the cabins. Margaret is cross but she booked it. I like the sound of a train.

Chris was really weary by the end of the 10 miles so we are not doing the remaining 14 tomorrow. We’ll do 8 to Staveley tomorrow and the last 7 to Windermere on Friday. Then home.

It’s a beautiful evening. The blip is Margaret - she’s a fast walker. Ailie and Chris were further back.