Ahhh, training..Do we really need to train for a 84 mile, 5 day walk?
An unequivocal, Yes. Sitting on the sofa watching sports or being in the pub discussing training, doesn’t actually qualify as training apparently. Hmmm.
So, We find ourselves in Bolton Abbey land, almost like re-visiting the scene of a crime. Though this time, there would be no Romans, there would be no startled car drivers. We were here to do a job, and that was to get fit.
We, (well Rob) parked up in the Strid car park, and we set off down to the strid and followed the path as far as Cavendish pavilion. The snow drops were out in force, the Ransons (wild garlic), were just emerging, providing lots of opportunities for me, the team photographer, to stop and shoot. Down to the bridge past the ice cream munching munchkins (it really was too cold for ice cream) and up into desolation valley, it's called this because a long, long, long time ago, there was a flash flood which destroyed the oak forest there. So onwards and upwards, through the pine plantation and out into the open moorland, where the grouse are tame and the call of the curlew spirals through the air. Wasn’t long, before a group of aged ramblers, were whizzing past… “I’m 75 you know, you should be much faster than us” Hmmm, maybe we really should do a lot more training. Inspired by the ramblers, we picked up the pace for the last 2 miles to the top, sadly disappointed that there wasn’t a bacon butty stall at the top, that the ramblers had promised. A fantastic panorama from the top of Simon's Seat, certainly worth the 5 mile walk up there. Sadly, as well as the wonderful scenery, we could also see snow clouds and they were coming our way! A quick lunch and set off on the return leg, via Howgill. 2 hrs later, we were sat in the car, pondering a pub lunch!
The next training walk took place on Sunday 26th April, quite a while since we’d last ventured out. What a glorious day, not a cloud in the sky. This time, it was decided that we’ll go by train to our destination of Ribblehead. Waiting for the train in Leeds, we met Stan, a veteran walker, “oooh, that Hadrians wall walk, is really tough, Some of those inclines are only as wide as this platform you know,”. Filled with his confidence, we boarded the train, which duly arrived at Ribblehead at 10.45 (late as usual!). “Oh my, how cold is this? It was much warmer in Leeds”. For this training walk, we had decided to weigh down our rucksacks with at least 10 kilos to mimic the weight of the armour. We set off from the station heading north to Whernside. Wasn’t bad going, we even found a small lake, which Rob was certain looked like a map of Europe. To the top of Whernside, bite to eat, quick chat we the invigilators for Duke of Edinburgh award and we were away, should be easy, all down hill from here, well, nearly. All I can say, is that, when someone has gone to the trouble of making stairs, up/down Yorkshire’s tallest peak, use them! 6miles in and at the bottom of Whernside, heading to our secondary target of Ingleborough. Now, none of us have done this walk before, so, after a lunch break in a field, we cunningly let some chaps pass us so we could follow them.
They led us, to what can only be described as a mountain goats trail. A 150 feet climb over 30 feet forward. “Oh my god, that can not seriously be the way up”
Oh yes it is. But then, when you get to the top of this vertical cliff, there’s more!
The top of Ingleborough was windy and cold, and we were utterly knackered (well two thirds of us were). The weight was beginning to show, feet were not picking up properly, a couple of ankle sprains later and we were at least walking on steadier ground, heading towards the finish line at Horton in Ribblesdale. Now the problem with using trains, became apparent. The last direct train was at 6.08 and we had at least 2hrs walking left to do. Should make it. But lets hurry just in case the pubs open. Which indeed it was! Arrived at the Crown Inn, in time for a quick pint, before hobbling to the station and the last train home. The additional weight has certainly showed us that this isn’t going to be a walk in the park, by any means.
Alan
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