So,
Finished on Friday afternoon and if I never do another Pennine Way; at least I can say have done it both ways. Am in "not for a good few years" mode at the moment but no doubt that will change over the winter.
What have I learnt this time round?
1) Edale is a good place to finish ( nice pub to relax for a few hours and an easy train link home).
2) A 14 day PW is a good way to lose weight (10 kgs in my case apparently).
3) I will never, ever, be able to do a Spine.
4) 14 days is a fairly challenging for us elderly types.
5) the general outlines/high spots you remember from the first time are padded out by long less memorable sections you completely forgot about.
6) Some days feel harder N-S eg Mankinholes to Old House and others less hard eg Alston to Dufton. On balance I feel it is just a bit tougher N-S due to the preponderance of hilly finishes to days.
7) August is quiet and going south meant I walked alone all the way.
I was impressed with the number of solo women heading north
9) I was a bit concerned with the number of people I met at say 2pm, having walked for 6 plus hours to cross their path who confidently predicted they would get to the destination I had left early that morning, " by teatime" according to their guides.
10) YHAs are gradually getting less walker friendly and more focused on the cheap bed holiday market.
11) Tan Hill is not really a destination of choice any more.
12) it is remarkable how much new stuff you see heading south.
13) the wet summer has left the path looking a real mess in parts ( and the boggy ground adds considerably to effort required and times taken to complete sections).
14) Regardless of flagstones, this walk can be a brute in bad weather
It was great and I am proud to have got through it again
Will do a TR
Johnny