A Surprising Revelation
Or a temporary aberration?
Up early and eager this morning. After considerable dithering over which of the 3 peaks to attempt, I have finally decided to ascend Ingleborough, on account of the fact that I can walk there from the cottage. It later transpires that I had parked in an awkward spot, blocking access for the owners, and it would have been better if I had moved the car, but such is life.
I had intended to follow an AllTrails circular route but ended up doing a straight out and back after chatting to a fellow traveller. This was an interesting revelation for me: I really enjoyed chatting with random strangers who stopped to talk on the route. Now, it’s not unusual for walkers to greet each other, but everyone seemed to want to have a conversation today. Usually, I would avoid this like the plague of course but, whether I was just in an exceptionally good mood at unexpectedly being here, or whether the people I met were just particularly friendly (they were) and disarming, I don’t know, but the barriers definitely came down. Maybe I actually like people? Interestingly, after having a pint at lunchtime and then heading out for a further walk, I was far less amenable, so maybe there is a clue there!
Anyway, it was a beautiful day for a stroll to the top of Ingleborough. Not too strenuous other than some balance issues over rocks near the top. The views from there are spectacular, with Whernside and the Ribblehead Viaduct on one side and a view out to the coast on another.
Sadly, I was so pleased to make it to the top, that I forgot to go and look at the iron age settlement! Oh well, next time…
On a roll now, I decide to head back into the village and do the waterfall trail. Stopping at the cafe at the entrance, my initial intention of a quick drink and moving on is waylaid by a light lunch and a pint, meaning that I set off on the trail sleepier than intended and misanthropic balance restored.
It’s a beautiful trail with more spectacular waterfalls than some trails that I took in Canada (obviously without the deep blue of glacial water, but none the worse for it). I had thought that this would be the easy walk but there are certainly some challenging rocky outcroppings and tree roots to befuddle a mildly sleepy person, too tired to lift his feet!
Feeling 15 miles or so was my limit (definitely not 3 peak ready!), I head back to the cottage for a recovery session in the hot tub before popping out for a pint or two and some food in the Craven Heifer, soaking up a glorious evening.
