David by the River Aire on Day 6 . . . approaching Kirkby Malham
Pennine Way Day 4 . . . Hebden Bridge to Ponden . . . Wednesday 5th August 2020
Looking across the Calder Valley to Stoodley Pike
Early 16th century farmhouse with stunning views across the Calder Valley
Stone-flagged footpath across Heptonstall Moor
Pennine Way Day 4 . . . Hebden Bridge to Ponden near Howarth
The ruins of 'Top Withins' on the moors above Ponden and Howarth
My B+B accommodation at Ponden Hall
Afternoon tea and cake in Ponden Hall
I later went down into nearby Howarth for my evening meal at The Fleece pub. I had half an hour to spare before my table booking so I enjoyed exploring the Bronte locations at the top end of Howarth including the church and the parsonage.
Pennine Way Day 5 . . . Ponden to Gargrave . . . Thursday 6th August 2020
Ponden Reservoir . . . setting off on Day 5 . . . Ponden to Gargrave
Looking back down the valley to Ponden from Crag Bottom
Pennine Way Day 5 . . . Ponden to Gargrave
East Marton . . . home to my 18th century ancestors!
Pennine Way Day 6 . . . Gargrave to Kirkby Malham . . . Friday 7th August 2020
Pennine Way sign-post in Gargrave
Pennine Way Day 6 . . . Gargrave to Kirkby Malham
Richard . . . walking from John O' Groats to Lands End!
I later went for a walk around the village of Kirkby Malham. It has a very impressive church for such a small community . . . unfortunately it was closed due to the current Covid19 restrictions.
Enjoying writing my journal outside my B+B in Kirkby Malham . . . 'The Victoria'
I completely agree with Clare Gogerty in her excellent book 'Beyond the Footpath - Mindful Adventures for Modern Pilgrims' when she suggests . . .
"Walking a path is a slow and deliberate undertaking and can't be
hurried. It offers what modern life is short of : . . . time. It's a chance
to press the pause button, give your mind a rest, and to look around."
As with my Camino, across northern Spain for 47 days last year, I found walking for 20 days on the Pennine Way a sheer joy! I felt so free to enjoy the passage of time that was created by the steady tread of my footsteps within the unfolding landscape of the Pennines. I know now I have discovered a new and exciting passion in my life . . . the powerful and liberating process of pilgrimage through long-distance walking!
So here we are at the end of Day 6 of my Pennine Way adventure!! I hope you have enjoyed this section of my journey so far? My next blog will cover Days 7 to 9 on the Pennine Way from Kirkby Malham to Keld.
** I would love to hear from you either by commenting directly to this blog or by secure email as outlined in the 'Contact' section of 'Beyond the Sacred Mountains'.
Regards
David