Great English Walk Day 19 - 6 April 2018

Near Holmfirth to Ripponden
Walking 7.30am to 5.30pm
Distance walked today 13 miles
Distance walked so far 295 miles
Distance left 281 miles

I left this morning before anyone was about. So nice to have hot water. I even shaved.

I rejoined the GEW route after half a mile. The guide book was invaluable in navigating me through the streets of Meltham, although I diverted to find Morrisons for resupply.

It was easy walking to and around Deer Hill Reservoir. I was hearing gunfire. Looking at the map, I saw Danger Area and Rifle Range marked so realised I didn't need to dive for cover. There was then quite a steep, and tricky at times, descent to Lingards Wood, crossing a river and then the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and then a long climb back and forth to regain height above the valley before heading for Scammonden Reservoir. Some of the paths were boggy in places and quite slow going. The worst path of the day was off the A640, a bridleway by the Nont Sarah's pub. It was atrocious and deeply rutted and eroded.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal

It was then easy walking around the reservoir leading to a tunnel under the M62. After that, my route finding deteriorated somewhat and time was wasted. Eventually getting sorted out, it was a long descent to Ripponden and some of the paths were quite poor. I had hoped to reach Hebden Bridge tonight but this was now out of the question.

Towards Ripponden

On reaching Ripponden, I met Jim who asked me about my walk and, to cut a long story short, he offered me a pitch in his large garden on the edge of Ripponden and that's where I am. He and his wife, Eileen, have welcomed me into their home, gave me a gin and tonic and fed me. Lovely people and, after an evening of good conversation, I'm now feeling quite mellow.

The weather has been good today but disappointing mileage.