The aim was to see if I could actually do it again. I had completed numerous Dale's Way non stoppers before some years ago but had been forced to forget about them in the last few years whilst undergoing nhs waiting lists before finally having bilateral hip replacements.
Five weeks ago with Malc a mate of mine, I attempted it again and happily succeeded.
This time I was out to see just how fast I could manage it, like I used to without taking any rest stops, just short pauses for re-supplies and taking advantage of honesty facilities and any 1st aid.
Five weeks ago I had no problems, legs felt brilliant and were never even tested, just one small painless blister.
This time as I set out from Ilkley I knew straight away that things were going to be different. Legs unwilling I had to push them to get them going, not flowing at all and knew I was in for it. Clearly two hard days physical work prior then hurting my back doing a job on my cleaning machine in the van was not good preparation for what lay ahead.
A nice bright day spoilt by quite a strong cold headwind which would accompany me well into the dark of night before easing with the return of daylight as I approached Sedburgh the following morning.
The route nowhere near as busy as Easter week last time but the early stages between Bolton Abbey and Bursall very busy with groups of DOE award backpackers.
Reached Grassington, into the store to re- supply as this would be my last guaranteed place to do so as the only other shop I would be passing during normal opening hours on the route at Kettlewell would once again be closed by the time I got there, it closes at 2pm.
Bit overloaded, I then went to the bakery shop where I had to waste time in the queue as I couldn't resist their Yorkshire pasty and apple pie. Eating as I walked, it became apparent that the tight hamstrings and achilles tendon pain that had developed since the 19 mile point weren't easing off, in fact getting worse. I decided just to carry on and apply some Voltarol gel when in Kettlewell.
Usual peaceful scenery between Grassington and Kettlewell mostly walking on grass, stile clambering across numerous limestone drystone walls, some with those sprung gates atop that if not very careful can try and launch one off the wall quicker than intended.
Into the public toilets once there and gel applied, moving on swiftly. The miles towards Buckden passing without incident.
A mile ot two before reaching there, I suddenly heard something from behind. Upon turning around I was surprised and delighted to see Chris one of our small band of similar minded adventurous active friends. Chris much younger than me was with another pal Ian and their wives, staying in Kettlewell in their camper vans. He had noticed my updated tracker position and set off to catch me up. He walked with me the rest of the way to Buckden before turning about and back to his van. Just the pickup I needed at that point.
Past Hubberholme and Yockenthwaite, alongside the river that often disappears under the weird eroded limestone river bed to Beckermonds Bridge.
That awful steep tarmac road climb leading to and through Oughtershaw.
Then the track past Nethergill which was closed this time. The path through the moorland climb up to Cam Houses although often boggy wasn't too bad and during daylight his time.
The Sun was sinking behind the horizon as I walked the Cam High Road and passed through Gearstones.
Headtorch switched on before reaching the road at Dent Head.
The steep descent at Dent Railway Viaduct brought added discomfort to my hamstrings and achilles so I made the decision to walk the road all the way through Dent to Sedburgh. Not missing anything anyway, it being dark of the night, which lasted until a mile or so after reaching there around 3.30am.
I had considered packing up at Sedburgh, not wanting to cause lasting damage to my achilles but it was too early and although sore had not become worse as I was no longer pushing along, rather just keeping them legs going.
Crook O Lune Bridge was my next target and upon reaching there found Joe's Tuck Shop at Pool House.
The owner Alison pre informed me that she'd leave some goodies out. I found them with a little note. Another big pick me up, such a kind supportive gesture. The wine gums were wonderful but the mints topped them, wonderful, thank you.
Under the massive viaduct, eventually over and crossing the M6 and into the Lakes, not quite the Lake District, but near enough for me.
Before Burneside I called in at Sprint Mill and made a couple of brews of tea.
The route from there to Burneside is quite different to what it was last but one time I've done the route, it seemed to take a wider arc along the roads whereas it used to cut straight across a field to join the road.
No point in going into the village so turned off along the path to join the river Kent to Staveley.
From there it's just over 6 miles, a section I particularly like and different to 5 weeks prior, this time in daylight.
I reached the slate Dalesway bench above Bowness at 4.05pm, 32 hours and 22 minutes and 15 seconds, after setting off from Ilkley. Not my fastest or my slowest.
GARMIN Mini 2 Inreach measurement below:-
I've always believed that on a long distance route you end up doing more distance than stated in guidebooks etc due to all the little meandering that paths often do. However when measuring using electronic devices like garmin, strava etc the distance displayed at the end can be less than actually travelled. This is due to the device's interaction with satellite connectivity, not counting distance when pace drops below 1.6kph or when negotiating awkward stiles, a mini stop can be recorded and only restarted when it reconnect.
The only pauses I had were around 30 minutes re- supplying in Grassington and 30 minutes having two brews at Sprint Mill, the other almost 4 hours difference on Strava between moving time and elapsed time must be what it inaccurately accumulated as mini stops.
First one I've finished with an injury other than bad blisters but as I'm writing this two days later everything is already in the mend.
Actually there's an accumulation of fluid in both ankles and right one looks worse, however it was the left one that was producing pain.
After 10 Dales Ways, I'm probably done with the route now 🤔 but never say, never😄 and I've only done a West to East twice.
If you are of a mind to test yourself and physically fit with no medical issues.- if you don't give it a go, you'll never know.
Let me end by saying that of all the places worldwide that I've been and things that I've done, my first Dales Way walk with my wife over 8 days, remains one of the best and most memorable times I've ever had. It's a superb walk through wonderful country, take your time, take it in.
(at least first time 😉)
Finally a big thank you for all your best wishes, encouragement and donations to my just giving page for the Brain Charity.
My target of £500.. surpassed and £760.. reached.👍
Dave.
