Think that’s it now, plan for the PW in 2017 is finalised, at least as far as accommodation goes. Last time I had the help of my wife who was able to pick me up/drop me off for the first five or so days which meant that I was able to stay in just 2 b&bs for those 5 days. This time she’s at work so I’m on my own, which required a rethink, plus a few of the b&bs I used last time weren’t available (closed or too expensive now) and some I’d decided last time I wouldn’t use again. All this has meant that I’m going to be throwing in some wild camps amongst the b&bs, so here’s the plan, would welcome any thoughts from those who know the area better than me:
Arrive in Edale Thursday, stay at Ollerbrook Barn, which is where I stayed in 2012 and highly recommend it.
Day 1. Edale to Crowden plus about 4 or so miles for a wild camp, maybe at Wrigley’s Cabin.
Day 2. Would have liked to stay at Badgers Field Farm, where I stayed last time for 3 nights, but they’re full so a b&b in Hebden.
Day 3. No accommodation at Cowling so plan is to visit Hare and Hounds at Lothersdale, then wild camp somewhere beyond it.
Day 4. Would have liked to use Beck Hall like last time, but too expensive for a single room, so using Miresfield Farm instead. It has mixed reviews but sounds perfect for me.
Day 5. Going to bypass the drop into Horton, and instead take the route past Hunt Pot, re-joining the route somewhere north of Sell Gill holes, and wild camp near Cave Hill.
Day 6. Stay at the Board Inn, Hawes. Last time I used Herriotts, but wasn’t impressed with it, and the Board Inn is cheaper.
Day 7. Hawes to Keld, staying in the bunk barns there. Last time I used Tan Hill, but hearing about the changes have decided to try somewhere else this time.
Day 8. Keld to Middleton, being picked up from there and staying at Fox and Hounds, Cotherstone, who will drop me back the following morning.
Day 9. Middleton to Dufton. The YH there if I can get a bunk, but they don’t take bookings until 3 months before unless you want the whole hostel, which I don’t! Failing that will wild camp.
Day 10. Dufton to Alston, staying again in Lowbyer Manor, great b&b.
Day 11. Alston to Greenhead, staying at the Greenhead Hotel hostel. Used Holmhead Guest House last time but expensive and not worth the money, although I now see they also have a camping barn.
Day 12. Greenhead to Bellingham. Last time I stopped at a horrendous b&b, now closed, so am booked into Lyndale Guest House, which has good reviews and which I tried to book last time but they were full.
Day 13. No contest, Colin and Joyce in Bryness.
Days 14 and 15. Considered numerous options here. Last attempt I crossed the Cheviots in horrendous weather, strong winds and persistent heavy rain pretty much directly into my face, and was slightly hypothermic by the time I hit the hut at Hen Hole. I was therefore keen to allow two days this time, especially having made up a day by doing Edale to HB in two days. One option was to stay at Bryness for two nights, availing myself of their pick up option at the half way point that they provide, but in the end decided I would simply leave late and overnight at one of the refuge huts, depending on the weather. This would enable me to get into KY early on the final day, and adjust plans should the weather demand. Final b&b would be Bluntys Mill, a change from last time as Cross Keys prices have increased substantially.