The Ecstasy of Wilderness: Upper Wensleydale 24km Walk - Hawes

Being an Inn Way member, I was invited to free quarterly guided walks by the author - Mark Reid. Due to various commitments, I missed the previous 2 walks. Hence this time would definitely be a no-miss.

I stayed in Hawes YHA the night before, after hopping down from a train from Scotland. That morning, I headed to the meeting point - Dales Countryside Musuem, where there were a few walkers waiting. Not many (about 5), and I was the only 'young' (younger) one. Mark (and his pet dog, Elvis) was late, as earlier warned by the other Inn Way walkers who had been to walks with him. They had known him for quite some time now.

We finally set off, taking part of the Pennine Way before making a turn left along field paths and rough pastureland to Cotterdale, with a steady climb up onto Bluebell Hill (370m). I was surprised that all of them were fast walkers, especially Mark and a couple. Lots of walking usually, i guessed. Elvis was quite an old pointer, not very well trained/ obedient, as admitted by Mark, it being his first dog. It was not very strong, so Mark had to carry it over stiles/ ladders to get it over the fences. Quite a funny sight!

From Cotterdale, forest paths and tracks led steeply up onto the open moorland of Dry Gill Head/ tarn Hill where a narrow path led down to the abandoned farmhouse of High Dyke before dropping steeply down across pastures to reach Moorcock Inn at the head of Wensleydale. That was our 45min lunch stop, where I had a pint of beer. The rest had about 2 each. I am not a water drinker, somehow I do not have to drink as much as others usually..which I thought is a good thing...that means I will not have to bring lots of water with me and also less worries about looking for toilets. :)

When we left the Inn, the sun had grown brighter, making the air more humid and warmer. My thermometer had hit 27 degrees! The 'return' leg followed field and riverside paths as well as farm tracks all the way back to Hawes. We had another drink at another pub before going our separate ways. I headed back to YHA where I spent one more night before returning home the following morning.

Whether I had enjoyed the walk? Erm, felt it was a bit lengthy and boring after seeing too much greenery for hours. The group of walkers were not as sociable as I had expected, making me feel a little out of place at times. Nevertheless, it was the first time for me at Northern Yorkshire Dales and I had a good relaxing breakaway from the city. :)