22.2km, 461m ascent, took 4.75 hours
This day's walk is a repeat of one of the best days of the Pennine Way. I had told myself then, that I'll be back to see High Cup Nick again, and here I am again! I had chosen a sunny day for this walk, hoping to capture the best photos possible - however, it turned out to be too hot (can u believe that it hit 28 degC!!?!!) I was fearful of getting a bad tan, so I was all 'wrapped up' throughout the hike, despite the scorching heat trapped beneath my jacket. It even caused my nose to bleed...Far too hot!!!
For reference to the route, refer to my previous blog at: http://dodo-the-rambler.blogspot.com/2009/08/day-1320-pennine-way-429km-langdon-beck.html
I got myself at Langdon Beck YHA (starting point), after a hassle of hopping from a coach (Newcastle to Barnard Castle) to a bus (to Middleton) and finally to a private van (to Langdon Beck). I got my food supplies from Middleton Co-Op.
The hike began at 1.30pm, and I 'cheonged' all the way (running/ jogging/ brisk walking). I knew the route too well by now - it was my 2nd time here, and I didn't have to refer to any maps. I had taken 6 hours to complete 22.2km last year which was already considered fast. Hence I expected an ETA of 7.30pm. Despite several pauses for photo/ video shoots, I completed the same distance in 4.75 hours this time round. My stamina had indeed improved (after yesterday's Hadrian's Wall hike), but the main reason was the lighter backpack, and maybe the familiarity of the route too.
Crossed some muddy places as well as several streams/ waterfalls, but the boots and gaiters kept my feet dry. :) I hardly saw any souls along the way, probably due to a weekday. Hence I'd got the wonderful peaceful surroundings all to myself.
Excitement wasn't as great when I approached Cauldron Snout (waterfall) and High Cup Nick (the 2 highlights of the day). I guess there are many things in life that we just have to do it 'ONCE in a lifetime', and walking the Pennine Way is one of them.
I stayed in Hall Croft B&B (4-star) for the night: wonderful facilities and hospitality. I would be catching the train from Appleby back to Newcastle tomorrow morning, and the B&B host offered to give me a lift to the train station which was 3 miles from Dufton. How sweet!
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