Breaking News: The guys have done it!!!

All smiles at the finish line
full update on the last day to follow....

Day 4 – Gilsland to Eden Bridge

The night in the Greenhead Youth Hostel was an experience to say the least. On arrival the night before, after 22 miles of ups and downs along the wall, and with every inch of ours bodies crying out for a nice hot shower, we were informed by the owner “sorry, but the boiler has blown so there is no hot water at the moment”. Cold shower all around then, brrrrrrrrrrrrrr.


After this then Alan and Rob were woken at 1.30am (Simon was out for the count and not even a bomb going off would have roused him) by a still unknown man wandering into our room and picking out one of the spare bunks in our room! How strange. As Rob’s mobile phone alarm went off to wake us all up the following morning the guy jumped up and legged it for the door, never to be seen again. Still not sure what was going on, must have just been a Roman fantasist. Ahhh well glad we could help.

Some of us, that hadn’t been woken up by our intruder, were feeling fresh as a daisy to start day 4 and led the way along the wall. Heading for Birdoswald fort took as up and over Willowford bridge. The fort was the site for us to collect our 4th passport stamp of the walk so we stopped, stamped and took a few pictures of the remains of the fort. Not a great deal of it left now but there is a fortified manor house on the plot that is in the process of being converted to a YHA and is due to open in July so we only just missed out on staying there. Might have found that this place, being new, wouldn’t have had beetles scurrying across the cold showers. Oh the luxury!

After a quick break at Birdoswald to take on some water, we continued to Banks. Off of the wall now, we followed a narrow road through Banks village passing Bankshead farm. At this point, we are sorry to say, the Roman’s got lost. Yep, don’t know how we managed it but the trail, usually symbolised with an acorn sign at each style, suddenly stopped leading the way and off we went in the wrong direction. Not a great thing to happen after the mileage we’d done in the last few days, not to mention the mileage still to come. Realising the mistake the proper navigators, the ones that can actually read maps (Alan and Rob) got together to get us back on track. And that they did. A little ‘detour’ through Lanercost and we were firmly back on track and the acorn symbols reappeared.

Rejoining the wall now at Walton Wood we trekked on to meet Andrew who was waiting patiently at the Centurion Inn pub, much to his disgust though it didn’t open till 5.30pm. On the approach to the car we spotted that the same group of guys that had been tracking us the whole of the previous 3 days were now parked in their Landrover awaiting the arrival of their friends. We haven’t mentioned them until this point but they actually started out with us on day 1 at Wallsend, pulling into the car park at the very start only minutes after ourselves. They have told us that they have since seen us at Housesteads museum on day 3. Then today we saw them, and stopped for a chat, at Birdoswald, then a tower close to Birdoswald and now here at the Centurion!

So onwards from the Centurion. We soon got into our stride and began to push on with a lot of speed, flying on to Newtown 2 miles on and then four more on to Crosby-on-Eden. We covered these six miles in two hours. Much to Andrew’s amazement we arrived at his car an hour earlier than he had expected. Again he was sat out a pub, which was closed. (Oh dear) The support car for our fellow walkers we kept bumping into was parked in the car park again. We explained to their driver that we were now giving one final push to complete our intended 18 mile day and take us to Eden Bridge.

On we went trying to maintain the same speed with the wind at our backs and the sun in our faces onwards to Eden Bridge on the outskirt of Carlisle centre. This stretch is only 4 and bit miles and we wern’t feeling too bad, so we pushed on. Soon astride the River Eden, we found ourselves with a new friend. Shep the half blind sheep dog, was struggling to see his owner, who had traversed further up the bank, Shep kept us company for sometime, until the owner finally came back to find out were her dog was! Onwards and following the River, the walk was pretty undescript, the only high point being wading across a path of running cow poo, gross. Onwards and soon over the M6 and heading into Rickerby village. From there, through the park and towards the bridge over the Eden. We had to follow the riverside path, all the way round to Sands leisure centre. Alan managed to find a slight shortcut, to forestall his painful completion to todays journey. Arriving at the centre, stamping our cards and enjoying a very well deserved pint. Andrew arrived not much later and we headed off for our overnight stay at Vallum Barn.

Day 3, Chollerford –Gilsland

Starting an early morning, to give us the best chance of finishing our longest day of the walk , with a full English was just the thing. We departed around 7am from Chesters Walled Garden after collecting another stamp on our passport cards. It was certainly a day of ups and downs, and more ups and downs, literally. The wall carries on for what feels like forever in huge peaks and troughs, leading the way on to Bowness on Solway. At least now we are seeing the wall, up until this morning we hadn’t set eyes on anymore than about a 20 meter stretch! We had begun to wonder if we had come to the wrong place!!

You may notice at this point that the Romans are missing a pretty vital piece of their attire from our pictures of the day. Unfortunately this was down to a wardrobe malfunction, no not the same as Janet Jackson suffers from, but after 2 days of heavy use the hinges and bolts holding it all together had been put under severe stress. So much so that we needed urgent repairs to be carried out to enable it all to be usable for the next couple of days. Fortunately for us we have our resident driver, and all around armourer, Andrew on stand by (can he fix it? YES HE CAN!!) so we left the heavy stuff with him for the day and tasked him with getting it up and running for us for tomorrow, and boy are we glad we did!

The heat was already beating down and it was only 9 o’clock! Oh my god, we are going to roast today. Good job legionnaire Townend brought, along a supply of suncream, factor 30! We were soon smothered and set off. All up hill from Chesters and it was hard going to Tower Tye, here the levels slightly evened out and we came across a Mithras temple, very nice! Following the path we came across a couple of ladies, who appeared to be on their way to a shopping trip rather than an 84 mile walk judging by the next carrier bag one of the had in hand. They did though swear that they too had a driver that had gone ahead with the rest of their baggage. 10 mins later, we found Margaret and Charlie, who wanted to eat Robs fingers (Charlie the dog, not Margaret!). Margaret very kindly donated £20 to our cause, which is fantastic.

Legionnaire Taylor by this time had taken to Arabian techniques of taking the heat away, not having some linen to hand, a crafty t-shirt did just the job! The heat was very punishable, it was as promised, the hottest day of the week so far, though a nice breeze did keep us cool. The scenary is pretty amazing from this point as the Romans built the wall on the highest point for several miles. We Continued along at a fast pace, until we came to the first major port of call, no not the toilets but Housesteads Fort. Very impressive place, and had a very handy shop! From there it was a short 3 mile walk until we met Andrew. The hills at this point of Hadrians Wall, are as everyone promise’s, none stop up and down. 22 miles of this doesn’t seem like fun anymore. After a short food break, we continue along the path towards Sycamore Gap, only a measly 3 miles away. The walk there, was interesting as far as looking at the wall goes... To be honest, once you’ve seen a bit, it all looks the same! Sycamore Gap incidentally was the setting for a scene in the Kevin Costner, Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves film, you may have seen it yourself, it’s the part when Robin returns home from the crusades. Oddly enough coming to shore on the white cliffs of Dover but then running up along Sycamore Gap along Hadrian’s wall. Now that’s a walk!! (Must have got lost along the way somewhere.)

Now a long stretch took us to Caw Fields quarry. The route to the quarry was filled with yet more ups and downs which after 15 miles of the same started to weigh very heavy on the legs and knees. This coupled with the on going heat, showing no signs of letting up, made it all the more uncomfortable.

On the home straight though now with every instinct telling us to quit we headed on toward Walltown Crags, home to the noisiest sheep in the world! Bahhhhh this and Bahhhhhh that, they were going mental! This seemingly having nothing to do with anything either. No sheep dog around to spook them, no farmer to symbolise the possibility of a feed on the offing, and, given they were generally looking the other way, it’s difficult to put their mood down to our presence either. They were just crazy, enough said.

With the end at Gilsland in sight we pushed on eager to find the finish line were a nice cold pint lie in wait. Stopping briefly to take a couple of pics of the ruins of Thirlwall Castle we made the approach over yet another damn hill and rested our feet in the near by Samson Inn pub. Mmmmmmm beer....

Day III update

Adam here again...

As of yet I have not received an update for Day 3. This could be due to lack of an internet connection, after all they based in the wilderness now.

However, I do know they are all doing well despite aching limbs and feet. Day 3 and 4 may come today so keep checking back.

On a side note the online target has now been surpassed, but don't be put off, your donations are still very much needed for this great cause.

Day II, Heddon on the wall -Chollerford

After a wonderful nights rest at Houghton North Farm, We thanked Paula for a wonderful stay and with the generous donations from the ladies and gents there, the raw roman recruits set foot on the path to Bowness again. Rather an uneventful start, which was only broken up, when we entered a field with a bull in, having red tunics, wasn’t the best thing to have! A quick double step and we soon escaped any potential danger! We met soon a couple of guys, who were walking the same route, but in opposite directions. A quick photo and we were off. Only to be soon to be stopped for another photo stop, but this time the chaps, were going to Warrington!

6 Miles in and we arrived at our first checkpoint, the Robin Hood Inn, which handily was straight on our route. Bite of lunch and some emergency repairs to Robs armour and we were off, another 10 miles to go. The weather girl in the morning had promised us rain, but to this point none had materialised, not a patch on Keeley! So in the baking sun, we continue down our path. The path was very open and no shade was to be had. We were soon pouring with sweat, and badly needed some shade. Few minutes later and Nikki and Pip stopped us, for a quick photo and very kindly donated £20!! They assured us, that there was some woods up ahead which would provide lots of shelter from the unabaiting sunshine.

So with the encouragement that we may stop getting burnt soon, we continued! Across the road, back across the road, round a field. Now, I’m not a real roman, but I’m pretty certain that the Romans would have gone in a straight line! No wonder were all getting utterly knackered! The woods were soon in site, well after an hour! Another photo stop at the roadside cafe and some tissues to help control the Niagara falls from our foreheads and we trudge on.

Day 2 and we are really beginning to feel the pain, funnily, not from the rather heavy armour, but our feet! Onwards and upwards, we finally come into the woods, after taking on some emergency water from a very kindly couple from Maine, who donated £10, which is very good considering the exchange rate. Soon into the welcome woods, we managed to cool off significantly, we rejuvenated us to the extent that Alan was in the lead! The woods, though could not last forever, we were soon back to crossing the road, backwards and forwards on this never ending path. Now, we’ve been walking for a day and a half and we are still to see anything of this world famous wall... Wondering if it really exists or is just some tourist trap made up by the crafty Northumbrians, we to our amazement, cross the road again and find.. The Wall! Bring on the wall! Certain photo opportunity, the Couple from the states, caught us up, and took our picture! Our feet by this point were in agony, well Alan’s were.

How much longer! But knowing that there is only about 4 miles left and the thought of getting out of the sun spurred us on. All downhill from here (probably in all senses!) Another photo stop from a nice couple who’d slammed on their breaks, upon seeing some Romans, rubbing their disbelieving eyes. Not much further to go and we were soon in Chollerford and stopping at the next checkpoint which was Chester’s fort. Gladly picked up by Andrew, we were very shortly at our overnight destination and a very very very welcome shower! By the way, beep beep count today was 19.

Day I, Wallsend to Heddon on the Wall.

Alan, already in the tunic, (seems to be always wearing it), Rob and Simon quickly donned theirs in the carp ark. "Where's the start?" Andrew, our support driver, rescuer, and advance scouting party, quickly went to investigate, leaving the legionnaires to don the armour. All donned up, and clued up on where we start, Rob, obtained the wall passports, which were getting stamped at various points throughout the walk.


Off we set. Following the Hadrians wall path or the Route 72 bike trail. The route largely follows the course of the river Tyne. The smell of seaweed flowing through the air, well that’s what Rob said it was! Making excellent time and not feeling any major effects of the rather heavy armour, we soon find ourselves in the outskirts of Newcastle, St James Park on the horizon.

Continuing on along the river side we attracted lots of attention from the passing boats, sailing along the river. We waved our swords to all that passed and the good folk of Newcastle replied in kind. It's at this point we must point out just how welcoming and nice all the people we met were as we walked today. Every single person that passed gave a cheery 'Hello' or a nod of the head. Many took the time to enquire as to what we were up to and why we were putting ourselves through all this! Several also asked for permission to take a photo and some even wanted to pose with us - Say cheese!

On ward along the river side we could see an approaching battle ship. Curious to see its allegiance so hurried to take a look. Turns out it was a French battle ship so we stood guard and ensured the ship sailed passed, making sure it would be put off by the 3 Roman's patrolling the wall and would not try a sly invasion. Not sure there was really much chance but we made sure none the less!

With the threat taken care of we proceeded and eventually made it in to the Centre of Newcastle, passing the Millennium Bridge. Rather impressive and an obvious photo opportunity. After this we carried on along the river side again and under the other Tyne bridges. Alerted to the fact there were plenty of seagulls perched on the rafters of the bridge we were about to walk under, and lots of 'splats' on the floor beneath we got moving hoping to avoid getting a nasty surprise. Alan wasn't so lucky. Poor Al, got one smack on the front of the chest plate of his armour, eeeeeewwwwww.

A quick wipe up later we headed on to pass straight through Newcastle and sticking to the cycle route. Along the road side we weren't able to avoid plenty of car horns beeping (27 in total!) as the traffic followed passed and plenty of people waving as they went by.

Back off the main road and along 3 more miles of cycle path route (still no sign of the wall by the point!). Yet more people asked for photo's, one young lady giving Rob a real cheeky grin as she passed on her bike, naughty boy! He protested against our jibes many times with "I didn't do anything, just smiled and said Hi". We soon brought him back in check, there was walking to do!

This wasn't the end of the picture taking, as another couple of ladies asked for a photo with us. Must admit that by this time the helmet was weighing very heavy on the old bonce so we'd taken to just carrying it in hand for a while to give our necks a rest. Needless to say when you then get 'Oh wow look at you guys! Can i have a picture with you please? Err helmet on please, come on make some effort', that's all you need to slowly bring your hand to the sword handle and think 'If only...'. Just kidding, always happy to take a pic, just so long as we get a sponsor from people. Leaflets handed over, we pressed on.

The cycle trail seemed to go on forever. Now the aches were starting to get more intense and so we started hoping the end would be just around the corner. "Let's have a look at the map. It must be the end soon" was said plenty of times as we willed the right turn 'across a golf course' that the guide book we had promised. Finally it arrived, and with people teeing off and skewing shots at the sight of the Legionnaires approaching over the green, we made the necessary cut through and diverted through the woods following the yellow arrow signs from the trail.

Now on the outskirts of Heddon-on-the-wall we were really starting to feel tired after a day in armour and a 5am start. The rain began, just a shower, but it didn't make it any more appealing. We struggled on uphill, dragging ourselves along, knowing that the comforts of Houghton North Farm B&B lay only a few more metres ahead. We saw a sign, "Houghton North Farm 500m on the left". See.

Up hill again though it wasn't easy but we pushed it to get out of the rain. Thankfully up and around the corner our rendezvous point was in sight, The Three Tuns pub, and Andrew was parked in the car park waiting.

Once at the B&B and with the armour off, everything started to feel much better. Very achey shoulders, but the feet and legs still had life in them yet. Our hostess was fantastic, a couple of cups of tea and a piece of lemon drizzle cake later and the aches started to fade.

We jumped in the shower and set back out in search of a good meal, finding one in the local pub. Carvery, yum yum!

Back here then to write up our events of the day, and of course get a good nights kip *Yawns* It'll be another long day tomorrow...

The Final Countdown

As the boys gear up for what is a mammoth task ahead, they surely will be feeling the pressure. The heat has now been turned up to full. There's no time for practice or preparation anymore. This is it. With that tension and pressure comes a huge wave of support. As Simon said on the radio, the total of money raised will come in around at a whopping £2,500, a far cry from the initial target of £1,000.

I would personally like to wish them all the luck in the world, as I know they have all worked hard.

Lets hope for some good but not too good weather and if you do happen to see them, cheer them on.

The online target stands just short of£50 now, so keep those donations coming, and get behind Alan, Rob and Simon.

This is Adam Townend (Simon's brother) signing off, but I will be hopefully posting day to day updates from the boys (fingers crossed for technology)

First YEP, now BBC Radio Leeds

Here is a little radio interview Simon did for BBC Radio Leeds.

listen below



or if you encounter problems download the .mp3 file here

***Hold the front page!*** Hadrian's Wall Legionnaires patrol Millennium Square, Leeds (Monday 15th June 2009)

This week the Yorkshire Evening Post met us on Millennium Square in Leeds so that they could take a few snaps which then appeared in the following days paper.





See the article online here: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/video-and-audio/...

Final training walk – Castleford to Leeds

On yet another bright and sunny morning we were up at the rise of the sun and preparing to march for the day….. Well for twelve miles anyway.

The starting point was at the old roman settlement of Lagentium (Castleford to us now). Situated on the main Roman road running between Lindum (Lincoln) and Eburacum (York). The plan was to walk to Leeds following the route of the River Aire and Calder navigation.

We arrived in a deserted Castleford at 9.20, thanks to Barbara for sacrificing her Sunday morning lie in to give us a lift. Quickly strapping out packs on to our backs we were off for 9.30. We meandered across to the river and stopped to admire the bridge, well known as it was part of a recent Channel 4 programme hosted by Kevin McCloud of Grand Designs.
Fairly Impressive, although I didn’t see the bench that slowly rose from the floor. It wasn’t until I was towering over Simon that I realised I had walked on to the bench. Duh!
Simon was in his element, Hailing from Allerton Bywater he was close to home, He rejoiced in telling us about the bridge, hastily pointed out the wrecked boot that had gone over the weir, then led us away towards the right path.

After a quick, “I’m sure you can go this way. Though I would normally go that way. Ah, lets go that way!” Simon got us to the path we would not divert off until we reached Leeds.
So we were on our path, the sun was beating down on our back, the breeze was blowing in to our faces, it was a great day for a stroll. Everything was good and we set a good pace.
It wasn’t long until we came across a tyre dumped in the middle of the field. Simon decided it would be fun to roll it along with us for a while. That was until it fell over the first time and we couldn’t be bothered to stand it back up. We had moved it the great distance of 10 meters.

Onwards we marched on making great time the first mile disappeared and we had only been walking 20 minutes. A quick “Come on lads this is a great pace” from me seemed to encourage Simon and Alan to surge on.
Then we came to a field, not just any field but one with horses in. The very same horses that had chased me across the field a few years previously. I nervously climbed over the style and walked boldly onwards. Keeping one eye on the horses while chatting away to Simon. To my distress one of the horses looked up as we got closer and began to walk towards us only stopping after a few yards to graze on a large clump of grass. Phew!!
We raced past them and turned around to watch Alan walk passed, we had crossed the style and was highly amused to see the horses creeping slowly behind him. Thankfully we all got through unscathed.

So onwards again. Down a wild path with nettles and grass that towered above Alan’s head. Through a small patch of woodland that made a great tunnel around the path and into clouds of menacing midges. We were still making great time we reached the old open cast mine, which has now been turned it to a nature reserve. It was easy walking now down the Transpenine trail and we quickly reached the mariner at Lemonroyd. Not wanting to stop we headed onwards.
10 minutes later we decided to stop and have a break. For once Alan had sandwiches and not just twix’s. We sat there for a while and I looked at the time realising we had covered 5 miles in just over a hour and half.

After a break we set off again, refreshed and eager to get to Leeds we passed Woodlesford Lock and pressed on. That’s when Alan stopped for yet another photo opportunity. There swimming around were a couple of swans with several signets. So we watched as Alan took a few snaps.
“Right we need to catch those two just going around that corner.” I said. A quarter of a mile ahead a couple were just rounding a bend in the canal. Rising to the challenge we speeded along. Slowly catching them.

In no time at all we had reached the A1 – M1 link and were powering onwards, stopping only to take a photo of a part of the path where Alan thought he may catch a ghost on film.

We reached Thwaite Mills and was surprised to see the time. 12.50 and we were only a mile out side of Leeds. This was the fastest we had walked in our training. So when we came across a stone circle, which looked like a poor attempt at a miniature Stonehenge we stopped for a picture opportunity.
Simon bottled being the sacrificial figure on the alter so I braved the climb up and posed for Alan to take a quick snap.

From there on in we trudged along at speed until we came to a part of the path that disappeared into the undergrowth. Alan donned his Fedora hat to venture in, swinging a branch in front of him to cut the vegetation down. Simon and I followed glancing over our shoulders at the gate to a car park and the footpaths that would take us in to the city centre. After battling with the nettles and long grass for 15 meters Alan decided to jump through the fence into the car park, comically catching his hat from behind him as it caught on the fence and fell to the floor. We turned around and took the easy route.

20 minutes later we strolled across Millenium square to a join the WAGS, who had been sat waiting for us in the pub.

Training walk 6 - Hebden Bridge to Hardcastle Crags and beyond.

This time, Centurion Rob, couldn’t make the walk, So Centurions Al and Simon, offered the opportunity to our better half’s to accompany us on this one.

What a weekend, it was one of those rare hot sunny weekends, temperatures up in the mid 20’s, not a cloud in sight. Of course having the WAG’s along, made sure that we were smothered in sun cream. Very wise too.

So, we gathered in Leeds train station, decked out in our shorts, awaiting our express to Hebden. For once, engineering works had gone in our favour and trains, were direct from Leeds to Hebden! So, we took the 9.02 from platform 11a, fully provisioned with tea and a sandwich for the 30 minute ride.
Arriving in Hebden Bridge station, which has been kept in the Leeds Manchester Train company colours from the 19 century, the station has not drastically altered since then, which is good to see. Makes a great change from the bus style shelters at most train stations.

Our route starts from the train station car park and goes across the River Calder ,through the park, across the Rochdale canal and up to Hebden Bridge’s main square, well its more of a triangle. From there, we cross Hebden Water and follow the path. It was here, that we encountered the mysterious durkey. A cross between a duck and a turkey. Though the WAG’s, (Lynsey and Barbara) insisted it was a Tuck. We follow the road until we come to Salem Bridge. We cross over Hebden Water yet again and follow the path up past the archery club and eventually come out at Midgehole and the Blue Pig club. Not sure why the 80’s film Porkies came into my head at this point!

We come to the start of Hardcastle Crags just another 200 yards further onward. Lynsey was most happy, to see the ice cream van arrive and begin to set up shop for the day. She knew that if she got through the walk, her ice cream would be waiting at the end! Descending to the stream, we come across a fallen tree, a victim of one of the many floods the valley witnesses. After a quick log hugging session, Simon comes across something, which rebuffs everything my mother told me about money growing on tree’s. Simon, feeling the need, deposited 2p with the money tree. Fingers crossed his investment will grow.

The path ends at Gibson Mill, which is good, because the ladies needed to pay a visit to Yorkshire most environmentally friendly toilets. A couple of banana’s , twix’s and a nettle emergency later, we set off. Following the ‘blue’ route, we soon came across the mill pond, which had some little ducklings and, obviously, we had to stop and see how cute they were… hmmm. We also found some nice damsel flies and even managed to glimpse a couple of Newts, though the photo hasn’t come out that well. Now, I’d convinced everyone, that due to the baking hot weather, there wouldn’t be much mud on this walk. Sadly I was soon getting a lot of stick from Lynsey and Barbara, due to the rather muddy path. Don’t worry, this’ll be it, Won’t be much more mud today. So we traipse along the pathway, following the stream, across a few bridges and we head up the hillside. The path, was obviously at this point, not often used. Unsure of the actual directions, path finder Al, decides to just follow the stream, until we come to crossing point. Out of the woodland and into the open moorland, the path was becoming more and more difficult to see, some would say, that it had in fact disappeared entirely! Here we come across a nice little sunny stopping point, sunbathers on the other side were enjoying the rays. Such a nice scenic place, we decided to finish off the twix’s and banana’s and apply a little more suncream.

Now, eventually we crossed the stream of death (lynsey’s name for it) and as I was utterly lost, but not wanting to let on, we went up a very steep 3-1 incline. It wasn’t a path!
but at the top, there was one, phew. So, after a confident “ I told you, the path was here, that hill was just a little short cut” we set off.
I don’t know where I went wrong, but at some point, I lost the real path (Again) It must have gone in a different direction. We ended up by the streams edge and doggedly following it downstream.
We were then stopped in our tracks by a vast area of bog. Oh dear. “you said they’d be no more mud” A few prods here and there, showed that there was no way around it. We’d have to walk through it and hope its not more than ankle deep. Barbara to her credit, was first to attempt the crossing, deciding that speed would be the better way. Faster than a speeding bullet, she was across. Ankle deep and mud splattered but across. We all followed her route and we all get caked in sticky gooey mud. “Some people pay for this”. It didn’t help. I was in trouble for getting them dirty. The ‘path’, after another 200 yards of mud, water, slippery rocks and twisted tree roots, came to a final end. Faced with walking in the stream or climbing up the 20 feet of embankment. One look at the faces told me It was up the embankment. Myself up first of course and I was shocked to find a well used path at the top.....

So, down the uneventful (not much fun) path and back to Gibson Mill. It was another mile and the icecream van, was still there, selling his Yorkshire Dales icecream.
Back to the Blue Pig (couldn’t see any) and retraced our steps into Hebden, arriving at the pub slightly redder, muddier and more tired than when we set off.