Distance - 6.6 Miles
Geocaches - 4
Walk Inspiration
Settle down Blogfans. For that is where we are for today's walk. Settle, North Yorkshire.
And it is easily 2014 Walk of the Year. I declare the competition over.
Our B&B is in the centre of town. Our neighbour's are a Cask Marque Real Ale Pub and a Lingerie Shop. Everything the discerning rambler could want in life and according to the last trip advisor reviewers - "Added a certain spice to their stay".
 |
| Yorkshire Pants |
The walk is from our front door. A quick look around the town to spy where we want to eat and drink tonight. We could have stopped for a cup of tea, but Sonia didn't trust herself to not have cake and therefore struggle to make a start on the walk.
 |
| Settle Centre |
So start we do - heading up and out into the surrounding countryside. Its just too beautiful, with constant views of the Yorkshire three peaks. I have so many photos.
From a navigational sense, it couldn't be easier, as we wind our way between dry stone walls. Although others are having problems, as our first conversation is with a couple of shy ramblers who want to know how far it is to Settle. Around 30 mins. Of course, we meet them at GZ for cache 1 of the day, so pleasantries and directions exchanged, we make the find.
 |
| Heading out of Settle |
 |
| First Team Shot with the Selfie Stick |
The further we get out of town, the better the views of Ingleborough to the left and Pen-y-Ghent ahead. Plenty of photo stops.
 |
| Ingleborough |
 |
| Pen-y-Ghent Ahead |
Our first destination is Catrigg Force - a waterfall that is loving described in the guide and according to the cache description - the place where Elgar wrote "Land of Hope and Glory". Having taken Sonia to see his grave, I have now taken her to see where he wrote his hits.
We see a family on their way back from the falls and I ask if they are worth the visit. He does not paint a great picture saying that "you cannot see much". Full marks to his teenagers for coming with him but they look bored. We can only assume that they did not find the path down to the bottom.
It is a superb location. See junior Mapp's - if you had stuck with your parents, we would have shown you the sights properly.
 |
| Catrigg Force - Worth the drop down |
Photos taken, we make our way back to the path, leading us to a mountain road. The sun comes out, making the views even more stunning.
 |
| Even better in the Sunshine |
 |
| Lonely Tree on the Mountain Road |
A path materialises on the left which leads us to the caves,
I get a pace on, as I am excited to get to Victoria Cave. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of mammoths, bears, reindeers and hippos. I ask Sonia if she wants to take the short detour but she says that "I will google it later, as I want to sit on this rock and eat my malt loaf".
 |
| I went in Alone. And found the cache |
With my ambition to be a pot holer sated and Sonia full of Malt Loaf, we just have to make our way back to the town. Its a lonely path back but absolutely stunning views, with high cliffs and more stone walls on the perimeter of our paths.
 |
| I could, happily, live here |
Settle comes into view from our high ground. Sonia tells me that it will easier to run the steep path downhill and off she goes, her little legs going ten to the dozen, leaving me to take the last few photos of the day.
 |
| All good walks should finish with a high view of our town for the night |
Arrive in the town and we will have that missed cup of tea from earlier, settling on Ye Olde Naked Man.
 |
| The Pubs can wait till later |
They take their tea seriously in Yorkshire. Its 3:30pm and packed. We share a table with a 92 year old on his iPad. Sonia asks him for the wifi password and we get engaged in a lovely conversation - hence the determination of his age.
And what a fella - a former royal marine who has been everywhere we have been. He gave me one piece of advice that I will remember for a long time. In the marines, he was taught to "adapt to survive".
I hope I get to 92, sitting in cafes using the latest technology amusing strangers.
No comments:
Post a Comment