Day 36 Standedge to Todmorden

 

With a general feeling of optimism ( a planned flat day with one downhill section), Garry strode off on the Pennine Way from Standedge after being dropped off by Mark.

                                                

Garry fell in behind three other hikers (of varying ages, 63-65), and the battle was on for first place.

Hiker 1 (who had difficulties with his paper map blowing around) was followed by a thin legged man, who fell over. Garry gave him a hand with his bloody knee and nose. He was OK (if a little unhappy). Hiker 3 seemed to be struggling to navigate the correct length of his poles. Garry was in 4th position whilst all spoke pleasantly to each other. Garry slowly moved forwards and took over pole position, and the others were not so be seen again.

Garry walked on Saddleworth Moor today, with good paths so need to step in the boggy parts.

There were three trig points during the first half, one with a stunning view at Blackstone Edge.

A milestone moment was crossing over the M62, we are properly in the north now!

Garry bumped into another End to Ender, Fiona (with her friend Jevan) who are both walking North to South. She was going to reach her half way point today. They swapped advice about some of the routes along the route.

Me, Vicki and Mark (and Alfie) met Garry after he'd walked 7.5 miles near Blackstone Edge Reservoir. We all walked on well marked pathways along the Pennine Way, passing a number of reservoirs (all very low water levels). There were some stunning views across the Yorkshire moors. 

 
We all stopped for lunch and unsuccessfully tried taking some selfies using my selfie stick!

After lunch, we continued the Pennine Way, and then began a long descent towards Mankinholes.  It was a well paved pathway. After Mankinholes, we walked through Lumbutts Wood and then back to the Airbnb in Todmorden.

Of course we had to stop for a coffee and cake at Mr Beans cafe in Todmorden. Again, some unsuccessful selfies using the selfie stick! Thank you Denise, for the coffees.

 

Garry walked over 15 miles today and the rest of us walked 8 miles.

Tomorrow sees Veg Junior aka Tom Deacon, join Garry for the planned (likely wet) walk from Todmorden to Ickornshaw, near Cowling. Me, Vicki and Mark will also join for some sections.

This is going to be a hard day, with 18 miles of walking and over 3,000 feet of ascent!