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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: vinny on 14:21:21, 30/09/14

Title: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 14:21:21, 30/09/14
Been reading the forums on the Pennine Way and its my turn next year. I thinking possibly April, between Easter and May bank holiday, looking at 15/16 day walking. I’ve read lots of your blogs and its made me look forward to it even more.  
I retired in 2012. Always liked walking but as they say, I didn't have that much time to do things like that.  
I did a lot of walking around Clwydian range of hills and got talking to fellow walker doing the Offa’s Dyke path and I said to myself thats for me. I did that in 11.5 day in 2013 and the Coast to Coast this year in 12 days I’ve done other hikes between 2 and 5 day so I think I’m fit for my age. Now to my  questions,      I’ll be 69 in May next year, should I be looking at doing the walk over a longer period of time? In all your experience of walking the Pennine way can i do it? I've read the Trailblazer guide book the 4th edition by Stuart Greig and I’ve got the maps and good a navigation. I do B&B and   don't do baggage transfer.    
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 17:03:39, 30/09/14
From the sound of your level of fitness you should be fine ... I did it when I was 60, using b&b's and no baggage transfer

http://penninewayat60.blogspot.co.uk/
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Diamond Backpacker on 22:30:50, 30/09/14
When backpacking the Pennine Way in 21 days in 2004 I saw a lot of very tired B&B walkers. Reading your post I think I would allow a few more days. It’s a constant slog and in bad weather parts are very challenging. Contours.co.uk and Macadventure have a B&B upper limit suggestion of 20 days. Financially for B&B walkers it must be tempting to limit the days but having walked all the national trails I do feel the Pennine Way deserves not to be rushed.  One or two days off during the walk should also be considered. It would be a shame not to finish because you were over ambitious.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 11:56:51, 01/10/14
Have to say I didn't find the PW a 'constant slog'.  More of a delightful walk through some lovely parts of our country.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 12:19:05, 01/10/14
Well Vinny, I beat you be a month, I will be 69 in April next year. In January I am doing the Spine Race along the PW, with 7 day time limit. Of course that is extreme, I know and wouldn't suggest attempting that as a walking holiday.
However I have walked the route twice in the last few years in 9.5 day S - N, and 8.5 days N - S. backpacking with tent etc.
I would think that anyone who can manage the C2C in 12 days, could manage the PW in 16. I think 21 days, as some people do it, would be breeze for you.
Stay active - Stay alive.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 15:47:15, 01/10/14
Thanks for all the advise,  I will take it all on board when I get round to the final draft,  
Sussamb I’ve read your blog and i was going to split the last 25 miles in to two but after reading your blog, I’m thinking of splitting between Greenhead and Billingham. with a 6 mile walk to Once Brewed would be like having a rest day.


Slogger. You must be fit. Thank for the advise plenty of time for changes.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 16:42:44, 01/10/14
I did the Pennine Way three years ago (or was it four?) North to South. Did the first stage in one go, a bit long but as long as you have water, should not be a problem. Fairly easy going, my memory is that there is no Lake District type mountains to worry about, just a couple of steepish hills to slog up and over. I did it over 14 days I think, carried my rucksack and tented (easy to find sites) on all but two nights. Mind you, I did have good weather. I have just recently hiked from Keld to Edale, camping over 7 nights and noticed it hasn't changed much. The section that always annoys me most is that when approaching Edale from the north, the last mile is uphill! I am 70 in April so if you are not burdened with ill health and poor quality feet, ankles and knees just go for it!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 12:54:58, 02/10/14
Thanks Youradvocate, for you advise I always have water. I got a Sawyer water filter before I did the Coast to Coast last year and it helped a lot, didn't need to carry as much water so that cut down on the weigh.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 12:59:47, 02/10/14
Cheers. If I remember correctly, there are no water sources between Kirk Yetholme and Byrness? I carried 2L and still ran out before I finished this stage, it was a very hot day. I now carry a water filter and have used it more than once, a good addition to my kit.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 13:08:41, 02/10/14
Plenty of water when I did that part ... problem was it was either pouring down on me or I was walking through it  ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:58:56, 06/01/15
As a recent "recruit" to the over 60s club; I have decided I need to do the Pennine Way before the legs fail me ( the feet are showing signs of revolt). Just started planning and thought I would let the 50th anniversary stuff pass then go late May/early June ( plus I need to limber up after an enforced LDW free 2014).
Couple of questions; possibly for Sussamb. I am not in any real rush but 15/16 days seems logical. The itinery seems to plan itself until you get to Greenhead on this sort of pace. How would you/anyone split it up after that with the benefit of hindsight? With one exception you seemed ok with your B&B choices?
I tend to walk LDWs alone as my mates are generally younger and still have jobs/holidays to contend with; but I had at the back of my mind starting a thread to see if anyone(s) wanted to follow a similar itinery and possibly joining up to walk legs together if (a) the weather was down and/or (b) the terrain of any leg justified it. I have not ventured north of Keld on the route. Having done a number of 10 day C2Cs and ODPs solo I just wondered if the start or finish of the PW justified this?

Regards

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 23:28:15, 06/01/15
Hi all for what its worth the average age of Pennine wayers is slightly older  than the average LDWer having chatted to thousands of Pennine wayers the reason seems to be that other walks fit into a two week summer holiday from work, while the average time for PW is about 16-19 days so a huge amount of folk `save it for retirement`. This is a generalisation of course we have had PWers from 8yrs old right through to a group of 6 walkers whose average age was 78. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 07:35:33, 07/01/15
Couple of questions; possibly for Sussamb. I am not in any real rush but 15/16 days seems logical. The itinery seems to plan itself until you get to Greenhead on this sort of pace. How would you/anyone split it up after that with the benefit of hindsight? With one exception you seemed ok with your B&B choices?

Yep, happy with the b&b choices I made, if you need further detail on them (phone numbers etc) just pm me.  From Greenhead the only change I'd make is to split the Cheviots into 2 chunks, it's a long final day and if the weather is bad (as it was for me) it can be knackering.  My evening in KY was slightly spoiled, as was the trip back, as I was still suffering a bit with exhaustion.  The added benefit is then 2 nights of Colin and Joyce's hospitality at Bryness  :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: pathcruncher on 08:18:40, 07/01/15
Hi Vinny,

From the walks you’ve done in the past, and the time that it has taken you, you could be OK with 15/16 days.

I walked my Pennine Way at 65 and did it in 17 days, but in challenging condition it was touch and go.

I would heed the words of Diamond Backpacker and give yourself a walk to remember.

Nice to hear that other walkers avoid the baggage transfer; I like to know that in case of an emergency I have everything I need  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 10:41:21, 07/01/15
Like you Johnyp, I've had 9 months off walking. Did my back in doing the Coast to Coast last April so this is the testing month for me to see if it hold up. If all goes well I'll be booking for a 15 April start, depending on B&B's, its the Malham and Hoton B&B's, must be 2 night on Friday Saturday, I'll have to see how it goes. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 10:42:52, 07/01/15
there is a youth hostel in the centre of Malham, if that's any help?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 21:02:33, 07/01/15
The YHA in Malham is pretty good. Used it doing the Dales High Way in 2012.
You are going a bit early me for me Vinny, but I will follow you planning with interest if you keep posting, knowing I will be 5 or 6 weeks behind you!
Thanks Sussamb, I will pm you re accommodation. I am grateful for your thoughts re the last legs. Think I will split the Cheviots into two days. As you and others have said; yes it can be done in a oner; and I have no doubt I could do it if I arrive in Byrness in one piece but it looks a toughie and to squeeze your last evening into a couple of exhausted hours seems a shame. I find it hard to stop chasing the clock but in this instance will force myself. Were there any sections you would have preferred to have walked in company; from a navigational or just plain boredom point of view?
Will be in touch soon to see about the two day option Colin and Joyce. Thanks for your comments too!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 22:23:45, 07/01/15
Were there any sections you would have preferred to have walked in company; from a navigational or just plain boredom point of view?

No.  To me it was a personal challenge to do it solo.  As for navigation, I'm pretty confident with that and had no problems.  Most difficult part was across Kinder, as I went up Grindsbrook, across to Kinder Gates then on to Kinder Downfall in poor vis.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:46:37, 27/01/15
That's me set. Accommodation booked. Start Thurs 4th June and hopefully finish on the 19th. Hope the weather gods look down kindly on me and the NHS get my calcified big toe joints corrected in time (the first session was really useful). After a blank 2014 for long distance walks I am looking forward to this. Even though I know in practise I am capable of doing it there is just that bit of apprehension; which makes it interesting. As Slogger says; keep active; keep alive.

john
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:59:00, 27/01/15
Good luck. I had an injection in my big toe yesterday, seems like we have the same problem. Doesn't stop me walking though so could be worse.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:35:03, 27/01/15
Like an old car; the parts wear out and you cant get spares. But as long as your brain keeps telling you to put one foot in front of the other; the rest is mostly pain. Got a couple of months to get ready now at least....
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 07:37:37, 28/01/15
Starting the week after you finish on 24th June but I am only a mere youngster at 55 but my walking partner has just reached the magic 60 and we will be back packing as much of the way as possible.

Have a great trip and let us all know how you get on and good luck with the toe, I sometimes suffer with the same problem even at my age!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: mananddog on 08:03:05, 28/01/15
I found the Pennine way a breeze on my JOGLE but I was quite fit by the time I got onto it. I loved doing it with just me and Dog but then again I do love walking on my own.

Videoman - Dog and I will be setting off on the Pennine Bridleway about that time with the occasional sojourn onto the PW where the PBW becomes boring. I am doing this as a change from the PW and partly because, being blind, Dog injured himself on the stiles on our last big trip so I wanted to avoid as many as poss this time. We might bump in to you.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 10:30:02, 28/01/15
Will do Videoman. Still a while away yet but it will arrive very quickly no doubt. With a bit of luck I may get another LDW by the year end. You two enjoy also. Being the 50th anniversary it may be a bit busier than usual. Don't mind a company on the odd day. What schedule are you on?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 14:29:02, 04/02/15
The B&B’s all booked. Starting my Pennine way on the 9 April and finishing no the anniversary of the Way opening on the 24 April. Training going well, did a 17 miler yesterday. Roll on Easter.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:29:34, 04/02/15
Nice one Vinny.
Looks like you are the same schedule as me. If you get a moment what are your stopping points and where are you staying? Can compare notes!
I think I have a bit of work to do after 2014 when I only did a few munros and some fells in the lake district. Seriously unfit. Did about 8 muddy miles today in just under 3 hours and not exactly weary but know I did it. Trying out new boots; a size bigger than normal to accommodate new inserts for my dodgy big toes and metatarsials. So of course my heels are slopping about.... when one things goes wrong it throws the whole equilibrium out!
Wonder how busy it will be given the 50th anniversary and related publicity. Don't expect C2C crocodiles at stiles but I imagine we wont have the hills to ourselves..
Four months today for me. Just  got to get an early morning lift to Edale as have commitments the day before. Thursday morning start for me. Getting a lift to Hebden Bridge from the M62 on Fri afternoon; then plan to get a cab back on sat am sans pack and have an easy stroll in for the third day...in theory..

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 18:35:36, 04/02/15
I am sure its well known but look out for Pennine Way signs that are written in both English and Japanese. Plus a wonderful coffee and cake shop in Gargrave. Well it was when I was there last year. Directly cross the main road as you enter the village, bus shelter on your right. Wander up the narrow street (its still the Pennine Way) for about 50 yds. Its on the left. I had cherry crumble (made on the premises) and ice cream twice!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:59:11, 04/02/15
are you using baggage carriers or taking your own stuff?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:35:41, 04/02/15
I have read about this cake shop on walkers trail reports; so with my well developed sweet tooth; I will be there! Thanks for the steer although I will get past the tourist invasion as swiftly as possible.
I am carrying and think videoman and vinny are too. Feel it is cheating slightly not too. That said I am not camping and so some may say sleeping in a bed at night is cheating; and I imagine I may use the odd track to avoid particularly unpleasant bog if the weather is down; so I don't want to claim too much of the moral high ground. Sherpavan only do baggage from Malham I understand.
16 days and around 14 kg. Should be ok he said confidently

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:45:48, 04/02/15
I don't think it's cheating as I think it's more important to enjoy your walk and if that means using a carrier, then so be it. I've used carriers and overtaken people carrying huge packs, and I don't recall seeing many of them smiling  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 20:56:13, 04/02/15
Will do Videoman. Still a while away yet but it will arrive very quickly no doubt. With a bit of luck I may get another LDW by the year end. You two enjoy also. Being the 50th anniversary it may be a bit busier than usual. Don't mind a company on the odd day. What schedule are you on?

Don't know what the schedule is as my mate who I am walking with usually sorts that out like he did when we did the C2C a few years ago and I just go with the flow as he has more time as he has retired to sunny Tenerife and he studies the guide books and maps, I just have a quick look.

I need to get some training in carrying a full rucksack which will probably end up around 14/15kg as I will be away for around three weeks in total and we will be camping as much as possible along the way. Hopefully I will do the Llyn Coastal Path beforehand which is only 95 miles but will hopefully get me back into carrying a full rucksack of this weight.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:43:00, 04/02/15
As I say it is just a personal thing. I have tried to engineer a lighter bag day on day 3. Just that at the end; having carried I can look at myself in the mirror and say I did it. Not sure I could if I just had a day bag. Bit like doing it in sections; to me; isn't doing it. But if someone with a day bag /doing it over a few years reckons they have done it, I wouldn't argue with them.
Have you done this one yet Bricam? Notice you did the C2C a couple of times last year but haven't noticed you posting about one this year. I think Sean who walked with you last year(?) was talking about a PW this year? I do like the C2C having done it a few times over the last four years and was initially only doing the PW to tick it off the list. I am looking forward to it now having  decided to go.

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 08:00:32, 06/02/15
I don't think it matters how you do it, either carrying a full rucksack and camping, Sherpa service or B&B, at least you can say you have done it and have the satisfaction of completing the walk.

I'm sure after a few days we will be saying we wished we had used a baggage transfer company or stayed in B&B's like when we backpacked the C2C a few years ago. I would say carrying the rucksack every day was one of the worst parts of the walk and were going to do it all again but over a longer distance. Must be mad!  :D
Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 09:23:34, 06/02/15
Spot on Alan.
And I most definitely will be cursing the pack along the way;
when it gets stuck in a stile; under an overhanging branch; when the water bag pipe stops working; when it is [censored]***g down and you remember the waterproof bag you need is at the bottom of all your clothes and you need to get it; when the wind hits you side on and the bag acts like a sail spinning you round; when the bag cover flies off on Gt Shunner Fell etc etc
I trust this irrational anger thing is part of the over 60s experience too ;D

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 12:40:07, 06/02/15
johnnyp the plan is:
Train from Chester via Manchester to Edale.
Thursday. Edale - Torside, Old House.
Friday. Torside - Standedge,  Carriage House.
Saturday. Standedge - Badgerfield, Badger Fields Farm, was going to stop at the Prospect End, but the lady is having a hip op.
Sunday. Badgerfield - Cowling, Woodland House.
Monday. Cowling - Malham, Miresfield Farm.
Tuesday. Malham - Horton, Crown Hotel.
Wednesday. Horton - Hawes, Herriots.
Thursday. Hawes - Tan Hill,
Friday. Tan Hill - Middleton. bad day for B&B’s but got in at Teesdale Hotel.
Saturday. Teasdale - Dufton. Brow Farm.
Sunday. Dufton - Alston, Cumberland Hotel.
Monday. Alston - Greenhead, Greenhead Hotel.
Tuesday. Greenhead -  Bellingham, Cheviot Hotel.
Wednesday. Bellingham - Byrness, Forest View   
Thursday. Byrness - Windy Gyle, back to Forest View.
Friday. Windy Gyle - Kirk Yetholm. Border Hotel.
Saturday. Train home 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:05:13, 06/02/15
I well be carrying my own kit. lets face it, you don’t need that much.

My Packing List 10kg. with Micro Spikes 11kg.

Wearing   
Underwear
Base Layer
Mid Layer
Socks & Liner Socks
Pants & Belt
Hanky's x 2
Jacket
Buffs X 2
Gloves
Boots
Walking poles
Gaiters

In Pack
Underwear x 2
Base Layer x 1
Socks x 2
Liner Socks x 2
Hoodie Top x 1
Mid Layer x 1
icebreaker Base Layer x 1
Pants x 1
Hanky’s x 4
Saddles for evening
Washing & Shaving Kit
Spare Lace & Booted cleaning kit
First aid kit
Head torch & spare Batteries
Micro Spikes depending on the weather?
Phone charger & battery pack with cables
Bevy Bag & Emergency Rations
Box for pack lunch
Flakes
Water bladder + Water
Camera & Charger
Compass & Maps + case
Whistle
Water Filter


A lot of the B&B's do laundry so you can get things washed.   

 

 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:28:15, 06/02/15
Must revise that list and add waterproof clothing because its going to rain at some point in the 16 days.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 01:09:04, 07/02/15
Vinny,
Thanks for that. Am going to investigate this water filter thing.
I too start on a Thursday and finish on a Friday thus avoiding weekends in Malham and Horton where 2 night bookings seem to be a minimum. Also travelling back from KY on a Saturday seems to work.
Like you am staying at Old House on night 1 and then Badgersfield Farm near Hebden Bridge on Fri and Sat. Got a lift from the M62 on Fri afternoon to Hebden; then a taxi back to complete the section back to Hebden on Saturday ( hopefully a more restful shorter day after the first two). Like you I am at Tan Hill on Day 8 and Greenhead Hotel on day 12. Then Forest View on nights 14 and 15 ( which I am really looking forward to). Any feedback would be great.
With my luck you will have warm gentle breezes in April and me blizzards in June!
Am at Winterhouse Farm in Cowling which is close to the route, the YH at Malham, Golden Lion at Horton, Ebor House in Hawes ( because I come from York), the Old Barn in Middleton, Coney Garth in Dufton and Lowbyer Manor Hotel in Alston.
The only bit I found awkward to book was at KY but managed to get in at Bluntys Mill.
So now it just a matter of doing the job. I reckon I am in at about 13 kg inc the sack weight and can do 10 day C2Cs on this basis ( although my feet are rather dodgy at the moment and I am less fit than a couple of years ago). Luckily I am being met by family at Tan Hill to get a change of clothes which will help; so I shouldn't smell too pungent at the end :D
Being tight, I am getting a lift to Edale on the start morning...on the basis that my son in law has my car for the duration of the trip!
Actually the cost has not been too bad compared to the C2C and given that it is the 50th anniversary. this does genuinely seem to be a quieter route these days.
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 10:58:57, 07/02/15
I stayed at the Cross Keys in KY, almost opposite the end of the PW and across the green from the Border Hotel.  Great b&b for anyone else struggling to find accommodation in KY. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Hazzer on 12:26:31, 07/02/15
Best of luck, Johnny, especially with the weather.

I backpacked three years ago (aged 63) and count it as one of life's great experiences. The weather was so poor that I went back the next year to see the bits that were hidden in the gloom!

I plan to walk it again in May, just before my 66th birthday.

High spot for me was an idyllic camp on Fountains Fell, with Pen y Gent framed by the tent door.

Given reasonable weather, I would always aim to do Byrness-KY in one day. The time soon passes (too quickly in fact) and the sense of satisfaction when you see the KY signpost after 10+ hours is great.

I'm a10-stone weakling, so it's no great feat.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 19:16:04, 07/02/15
My memory of Fountains Fell was horizontal rain!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 19:23:29, 07/02/15
Mine was vertical ... and very heavy.  I'd have liked to have sheltered for a while but there simply wasn't anywhere  :(
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:35:39, 07/02/15
Evening Jon,
I did try the X Keys first. Others have recommended it too. Sadly it was full; as was the Border Hotel and the Farmhouse. May be just that particular Friday but I was relieved to get in at Blunty's Mill which I had not heard of before. Would have been a shame to finish the walk and have to get a cab to Kelso for a bed.
I tell you what Hazzer; the more this thread goes on the more I feel like the youngster of the crew ( and I never thought I would think that again!). This is turning into a procession of geriatric venturers! and that is great.  Are you backpacking in May again? If so I am duly impressed. Best of luck needless to say. What is your itinery? No doubt you will keep us updated.
I was last over Fountains Fell in 2012 too but it was late August and possibly the only hot day of that year. Did the Dales Highway but veered off onto the PW from Malham to Horton to take in the 3 peaks en-route. Fountains is a fair old pull and looks easier than it is whereas Penyghent is the reverse in my view. Having done the 3 peaks again last year, I may just indulge myself by cutting over Bracken bottom (?) to Horton to have a nice early tea that day!

john
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Barney Clayton on 14:10:28, 08/02/15
We did the Pennine Way  a couple of  years ago  and agree Fountains Fell is a good place to get wet through. Cross Fell on the other hand was  sunny and clear (if still v blustery ). To keep you cheery, one of us was 61 and we managed to back pack and camp as far as Hawes, where our knees gave way. We then stashed our gear at a very friendly pub with rooms (the Crown) and stayed in B&Bs or Youth Hostels (the irony) for the rest of the walk. One bit of advise we would give, take a regular break every few days in you have time, even if you feel you don't need it.
Any campers out there that have stayed at the Horton in Ribblesdale  campsite with the huge marquee office? We were given a very warm welcome by the owners and an offer of a warming tot of Brandy - bit early In the evening but very heartening. Good luck with the PW , seems you have to be at least 60 to stand a chance of managing it!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:53:59, 08/02/15
Indeed. It would seem an enterprising soul could do ok opening a chemists about halfway to cater for failing body parts en route!
Trouble with rest days is that just over two weeks begins to slip towards three...
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 17:09:25, 08/02/15
 I don’t have time for rest days, my wife wouldn't like me being away more than two weekends on the run thats another reason for starting midweek.   
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:34:03, 08/02/15
I can't be doing with rest days, I just want to keep active and moving. One rest day means a day later finishing and getting home...to my nice comfy sofa and bed  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 17:43:54, 08/02/15
I remember the Horton campsite as well, in fact I remember it very well! Had a great time talking to the owner and drinking a few whiskies. It was after that when I made the vow to always erect my tent BEFORE I start drinking. I have been told that Friday and Saturday nights are the best for a good time, I didn't arrive until Sunday. I was very impressed with the 4-star furniture and the lighting arrangement in his large tent. Great fun.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:45:18, 08/02/15
it's a shame the toilets/showers weren't as posh. You can't beat the feeling of going to his toilets and walking into the cubicles and the floors are wet, you hope it's just water. I've ended up walking to the public toilets along the road instead.

Fantastic trying to get a shower when it's busy, you might as well forget it.

Stayed there many times but only as a last resort.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Stube on 18:47:54, 08/02/15
I walked the PW last year at 64 and camped all the way. I took three weeks including 2 "rest days" playing tourist. These days it really is an easy walk apart from six or so stiff climbs. The by now very extensive slabbing makes way finding easy, and apart from the odd sunken slab, you could just about hope to walk the whole way and keep your feet dry!  ::)
It's a far cry from the mid sixties when I walked a third of it over trackless virgin bog - a true nightmare. >:D
It's a pity you're not at Tan Hill on a Saturday - the place has a real party vibe then with live music. 8)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:40:55, 08/02/15
Feel a bit of a fraud now at only 60! :D
I suppose you can only play the bowling that comes at you Stube and I have read a mixture of views about these slabs; will let you know mine afterwards as; hopefully; will some of the other gentlemen doing it earlier than me. I must confess I don't fancy ploughing through bog for the sake of it; never have done.
I had heard Tan Hill was quite lively at weekends but also that Horton and Malham were two night bookings only at weekends in high summer so I sort of worked around that; plus my daughter (with granddaughter in tow) are coming up to Tan Hill for the night to deliver me some clean socks etc..so Thrusday night might be lively enough! 8). As long as they have cider and food!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:26:54, 08/02/15
Actually Stube, Your thoughts about the PW put me in mind of the Lyke Wake Walk that I first did in 1968 and it was like a motorway. On my return visit 44 years later I got "off route" as the track ran out; presumably through lack of use..It also felt a damn sight harder to finish!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Stube on 12:40:09, 09/02/15
Johhnyp, I too have mixed feelings about the slabs. The Dark Peak was my backyard growing up and I walked every where with a couple of friends. It was foolhardy to the point of idiocy to walk alone in those days.

Without the slabs there is no way I would have walked it on my own - a twisted ankle and you're stuffed, There still is no mobile phone coverage in the area by any network. The yellow emergency phone at the Snake Road is a satphone! that said, on Kinder midweek and in term time, with 20yd max visibility and horizontal rain (what a welcome back after 40++ years!) I still met more people than any other week on the PW - almost more than the rest of the walk!

Mobile phone cover is patchy all along the PW, and no one network is best. In the dales you need to be on O2, in the Cheviots on Vodaphone.
 
The "mature" slabs are remarkably unobtrusive, below the level of the surrounding heather and snaking across the moors finding the driest route! Newly laid slabs are pale and still surrounded by the peat morass made by thousands of passing boots. Beware the flooded half sized slabs in the half mile north of Hadrian's Wall - one misstep and you're thigh deep in the bog! I was lucky, but I met the consequences!

If you need them, there are outdoor stores in Hawes and Alston. The Pen-y-Ghent cafe in Horton also stocks some useful items - don't forget to sign the book!

Enjoy your walk, and I hope the weather is reasonable. I had a week of heavy rain, one of hot sun, and another of heavy overcast. The sun usually coincided with the biggest climbs! I even went over Cross Fell on the hottest day of the year. Exhausting!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:21:25, 09/02/15
Sherpa Van only carries bags now from Malham to the end, which leaves a gap. Plus, they say there is a minimum of 2 bags so I contacted Brigantes and they said it would cost £200 for the whole of the route which on my itinery would be about £13 a day.

Looks like I'll be carrying stuff if I do this in August then  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 20:45:29, 09/02/15
I'll be carrying mine as well at those prices, as expensive as public transport.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 22:04:54, 09/02/15
I'll be carrying mine as well at those prices, as expensive as public transport.

Agreed. I'm also doing the Hadrians Wall path and a company does it for £5 a day, much more reasonable.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 21:50:25, 10/02/15
Evening All,
As a lone walker (mostly), the injury issue is one that lurks at the back of my mind although the slabs issue hadn't really occurred to me in that regard ( more like wet rock scrambling further north) but I see what you mean. The Hadrian's Wall point about submerged half slabs is one that has been mentioned in trip reports but thanks for that too Stube; one to watch. Similarly I hadn't thought about outdoor shops as a possible alternative to carrying everything all the way.
Baggage transfer is certainly costly and helps a bit with my philosophical problem with not carrying. Other writers have mentioned the sheer effort and fuel involved in someone carrying my gear all the way. This hadn't really occurred to me; it doesn't seem too environmentally friendly.
I am looking forward to this one now; possibly more than other C2Cs and ODPs in recent years. My worries if any, are the perennial weather one ( hopefully not too many soakings and no successive days with any luck).
For the first time I worry about problems with my feet as a possible block to my finishing. Have never really thought I may not complete a walk before. These bunion shaped boots ( Hanwag?) are looking interesting as at present I am one size too big boots to compensate and this means heels being a bit loose even with insoles. Where there's a will O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 22:59:46, 10/02/15
You could try cutting down an old pair of thick walking socks. Cut the toe  part off, leaving the heel and the rest to take up the room around your heels.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:08:44, 10/02/15
Now there's a thought Dave. Am hoping for a stroll tomorrow so will give it a go. That could save a few bob. If it works there's a couple of pints in for you when next we meet on some trail somewhere ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Stube on 23:58:59, 10/02/15
Johhnyp, another way to save on carried weight is to post items up trail using the Post Offices's poste resturante service. If you don't collect they they send the parcels back home.The service is free apart from the initial postage. I used it last year on my trip. The last PO is Bellingham. Others at Alston, Middleton, Hawes & Gargrave.?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:31:54, 11/02/15
Evening guys,
I reckon with a clean clothes top up at Tan Hill I should be ok Stube, but it is a good thought; as is the cut off sock thing Dave; that was an inspired idea..genius! Did 16km this afternoon (admittedly on the flat) and my heels did not seem to move at all. Pity the rest of my feet and legs did not really want to move ???
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Hazzer on 10:35:20, 17/02/15
Yes, JohhhnyP, I shall be backpacking again in May, almost certainly setting off the 1st week.

In 2012 and 2013 I caught a train that arrived in Edale at about 3pm, and walked 9 miles to Doctor's Gate, just north of the Snake Road, where there's some wet grass amid the peat.  Unfortunately, there's no real seclusion there, as cyclists come along Doctor's Gate until quite late, and someone even stopped once to take a picture of my tent!

I've been thinking of getting up really early so that I can arrive at 10.30 and camp a few miles north of Crowden.

One resolution I have made: I am bypassing Horton by continuing along the track west after coming off Pen y Ghent instead of doing the pointless loop south, then north. In 2012 I had one of the nastiest meals ever in the P-y-G Cafe and in 2013 I camped at the village site, where I was kept awake until after 1am by rowdy drunks, so there seems no good remaining reason to leave the hills for this particular spot of "civilisation".

So my possible schedule is:

1 Oakenclough Brook (ish) - last camped there in 1984!
2 Pub tea garden on A62 or a few miles north
3 Aladdin's Cave at Colden
4 Cowling
5 Malham (probably north of)
6 beyond PyG
7 Hardraw tea shop
8 Tan Hill
9 Field beside river NW of Middleton where farmer comes round on a tractor
10 Dufton
11 Garrigill/Alston
12 Greenhead
13 Bellingham
14 Byrness
15 KY

In reality, probably 14 days of walking and about 50% wild camping.


All subject to amendment on the day of course, which is one of the great joys of backpacking.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 12:25:41, 17/02/15
Yep, seems good, I've camped a bit further on from Crowden, some very nice spots and views to match (hip flask of brandy compulsory for me) and last time bypassed the Horten (like it but it can be rowdy) section when coming south. Straight over the top of Peny Ghent and camped at Malham. I always have to get up at dawn, its my particular sleeping problem! I just pack up and go and then have breafast, have a shave and so on a couple of hours later. Enjoy your trip.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Hazzer on 12:39:49, 17/02/15
Shave?  Shave?

No chance!

That's one standard that I let slip on a walk.

I rather like the "before" and "after" pictures.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Campingman on 16:39:26, 17/02/15
I completed the PW aged 64 - Back packing.  Wild camped 18 nights. YH 2 nights. B&B 1 night. This is without doubt the hardest but most satisfying of all the long distance walks I have completed. I would urge anyone thinking of doing it to go ahead.

My pack weight was 27 kilos (Too heavy!) - I carried all my own provisions - totally self-sufficient.

Started at Edale, by the time I got to Crowdon I seriously thought about getting the bus to Sheffield and aborting but I carried on. During the first 3 days I fell behind my target distances by almost 6 miles, but soon made up the shortfall as my fitness levels increased.

Met some really great people on the way, both fellow walkers and others.

Wiyhout a doubt - the best adventure of a lifetime - DO IT!

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 17:15:43, 17/02/15
Campingman,
That wasn't in September 2008 by any chance was it?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Campingman on 17:27:25, 17/02/15
Slogger - no, 2012. Did you walk it in 2008?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 21:24:14, 17/02/15
Yes my first time. Reason for asking. I came across a guy roundabout the same age at Cowling struggling with what looked like his house on his back.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 17:29:15, 18/02/15
27 kilos?. You weren't in 2 Para were you Campingman? That is some weight to hump all that way. I'm taking about half that. Find that quite heavy enough for 20 miles a day.
I too think I will let the shaving thing slip Hazzer. Grew one of the South American Pimp style goatee beards during Movember. It then occurred that if I gently grew out the rest en-route it would look too bohemian at the other end. 8)
I do agree about Horton. It was a proper madhouse when I last did the 3 peaks in 2013. Am in the Golden Lion so don't expect a quiet night. Was a bit of a trek from Malham to Hawes without deviating too far from the route.
Looking at your route plan. I can easily see 14 days. The waiting round for breakfasts over a fortnight could easily add a day to the route.
Guys like you and Campingman and other backpackers have my utmost respect. wouldn't really fancy it myself at our advanced ages.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:58:24, 18/02/15
Must agree ....

Feel I'm too old now to be struggling to sleep in a tent when I can be in a proper bed somewhere. Done that .... got the t-shirt ☺
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 10:57:11, 19/02/15
I'm still OK about camping but due to advancing years I do keep a close eye on my rucksack and body weight and from experience have learned how important it is for the rucksack to fit me like a limpet, no chaffing movements and so on as I hike. I tend to hike alone and again, from experience I have not found that distance and duration is my problem but sometimes I suffer from losing the urge to go on. Now and again my mood drifts into the 'wrong place'. I am careful not to spend too long without human company, for me that can be a real downer. I am now experienced enough now to know what tends to happen to my mind set as each day progresses. I make every effort to recognise when the problem is creeping up on me so, will go out of my way to talk to anyone until this shadow passes. I met a bloke last year and we discussed our individual hiking mood problems and the solutions we try at some length, he tended to spend long periods in his tent during the day trying to sleep his mood away. I can't do that, I have to keep moving, sitting still and forcing myself to sleep, for me only makes matters worse. I really enjoyed the Pennine Way, its duration and demand on a hiker is something worth remembering.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 11:29:30, 19/02/15
My general hiking mood is 'on a high' all the way. I still prefer wild camping, I'm 69 years in a few weeks. Wild camping I tend to get a good sleep, on the other hand if it's been very wet for a day or two i do like a B&B with a hot shower. My problem is that I can be a bit of an insomniac and if I can hear snoring from an adjoining room, I have no chance of a good nights sleep, even after a few pints, whereas next to a noisy river or stream, wind through the trees and the like, I find soothing and relaxing. Plus you can stop, within reason, where you like.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Campingman on 11:41:06, 19/02/15
Johhnyp - not 2 Para. Did have an association with the British Army - if I tell you what I will have to kill you -lol.

Slogger - couldn't agree more - I have been known to sleep 9 hours in my tent (on the side of Pen-y-gent), from 20:00 to 05:00 solid.

My main tent - Pictorx2 (hydrostatic head 4000 groundsheet 5000) is a bit heavy at 3.45 kgs but really good. I used a one man tent with a hydrostatic head of 3000 costing £14 from Lidl when walking the Devon Coast to Coast last September. A bit cramped but stood up to the elements really well and pretty easy to put up.

I love walking in this country - the wilder the better. Pitch yourself against nature - with respect.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Stube on 13:02:15, 19/02/15
I camp because I like the freedom to walk as little or as much as I like on the day - I also have the habit of playing tourist if I'm in an unfamiliar part of the country. While I do wild camp, I prefer to stay at recognised campsites for the greater facilities - and they're usually closer to the Pubs O0

I'm fortunate in that I don't really suffer from mood swings, but I can "hit the wall" when I must stop regardless of where I am. This usually occurs if I'm still walking much after 8pm.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 14:34:30, 19/02/15
'Mood swings' - not good for the sufferer, but can be worse for the companion!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:09:02, 19/02/15
Yes; irrational outbursts of Anglo-Saxon are best done alone >:(( then you turn round the next boulder and a nice little couple are having their packed lunch!)
On balance I prefer alone but it will be interesting to see how it feels after a full fortnight ( I often think that Jogle would be rather like removing yourself from society for ten weeks or so). I feel more insecure alone when the weather is down but to be honest that tends to push me on rather than bring about a stop.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 19:30:32, 09/04/15
Well I'm on my way. Day 1 done. In Peel Arms having a beer & food. Frist day as gone ok a bit on the hot side, I even got sunburn on the back of my neck & run out of water. Had to get some out of a stream, I did had a filter. Looking forward to tomorrow and another challenge.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:02:12, 09/04/15
Well done Vinny. How much water did you start off with?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 20:31:45, 09/04/15
I started out with 2 ltr I up it to that after see what the weather was going to be like, couldn't believe how much water I went through. It's was so hot  from the start and not being used to the heat. It could be snow at weekend
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 07:36:53, 10/04/15
Good luck with day 2 and keep us updated.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 20:02:23, 11/04/15
Day two when ok, managed my water better and made good time. Downing my first pint by 15:30 at the Carriage House. Nice place to stay lovely room for £40. The views over the day was great, I really enjoyed the walk.
Day 3. Wake to rain and did it rain and as I walked back up to the path I could feel the wind blowing. That wind was with me all day along, with hail and rain but at the end of the day it was good. I'm staying at the Badger Fields Farm to night. The climb up from the A646 to Badger Fields is not easy at the end of the day's walk. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 20:18:24, 11/04/15
I hope you have better weather tomorrow and miss most of what is forecast.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:55:51, 11/04/15
Yep Vinny, it's quite a climb up to Badgers Field Farm.  Hope weather is kind tomorrow as your next day is a cracking part of the Way.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 20:23:55, 12/04/15
sussamb
The weather didn't get any  better. By the time I got to Cowling I was about done in. The wind and rain, most of it head on. Views didn't see any. Had to walk head down all the time. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:31:22, 12/04/15
Well done Vinny. Keep at it. That was a bad day weather wise. Going to get better
john
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:31:49, 12/04/15
ps roughly how long door to door?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 21:04:07, 12/04/15
johhnyp
Hoping to finish on the 24th the birthday of the Pennine Way if all goes well.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:23:41, 12/04/15
That's good going after only starting on the ninth, that will make about fifteen days in total.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:28:41, 12/04/15
Was thinking more about the hours taken to Cowling Vinny.
Anyway, guess you are off to Malham tomorrow. Best of luck have a good one. Forecast looks better
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 06:35:41, 13/04/15

Johhnyp, I started out at 08:00 and arrived at the B&B at 15:30. I didn't stop much, there wasn't much shelter and no pictures taking as I couldn't stand still in the wind.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 07:55:30, 13/04/15
Sorry to hear about the weather, hopefully it will even out a bit.  I had 3 and a half wet days on my 15 day trek, including a horrendous day when crossing the Cheviots .... I'd have swapped that day for any other!

Wish I was walking the PW again ...  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 15:22:14, 13/04/15
Vinny, weather improving especially from Wednesday with a prolonged heatwave on the way, by Saturday you will be sweating.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 17:59:34, 13/04/15
4 guys North to southing had a four hour blizzard on the Cheviot ridge yesterday they are aiming to be at Malham on the date of the Jubilee as this they reckon is the spiritual birthplace of the Pennine way. PS the weather is lovely here today. See you soon Vinny.  Joyce
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 19:00:15, 13/04/15
Day 5. Cowling to Malham, well after the bad weather of yesterday, today was a good walking day. It was back to green grassy fields which I hadn't seen for four days. I lost count of the number of stiles and gates there was, you must lose an hour or more walking time, there's that many. Did I enjoy it, yes I did. It was a lot different than the last four days but very enjoyable. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 19:12:13, 13/04/15
Hope you have good weather over Pen y Ghent ..... Looks like you will have 😊
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 18:15:11, 15/04/15
Day 6. Malham to Horton. Weather yesterday was very windy making it a bit challenging at times. Not a great distance in miles but I found it hard on the feet. One of the best days so far for viewers. If you need to phone home do it before you get into Horton, reception isn't very good.
Day 7. Horton to Hawes. Had an early start so I could go to the Pennine Way exhibition at the museum. Today was not very good, the mist was down and it was raining again. No views what so ever, just a plod a long in the wet. Hopefully that good weather comes along soon. In general I'm enjoying it, just the rain. Go away.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:47:41, 15/04/15
Doing well.  Fingers crossed for your weather :-)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 19:07:30, 15/04/15
Had a look at the weather for tomorrow and it's looking good, fingers crossed. Off to Tan Hill tomorrow, you read so much about it. Looking forward to it
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 19:40:37, 15/04/15
Tan Hill is like Marmite, some love it, some don't. I loved it!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:38:00, 15/04/15
Going well Vinny; soon be half way. Keep at it!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 21:07:38, 15/04/15
Keep up the good work.
Hope the weather picks up a bit for you.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 21:53:54, 15/04/15
Tan Hill owner and staff have a sense of humour, some appreciate it some don't, I did!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: ninthace on 21:58:45, 15/04/15
Tan Hill owner and staff have a sense of humour, some appreciate it some don't, I did!

Seeing the price of beer there - I think they must have £3.90 for a pint of Old Peculiar.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 07:44:29, 16/04/15
Can't recall being surprised by the cost of beer when I was there in 2012 ... maybe I was too knackered to notice as that was one of my 'wet days' so I was just glad to have arrived!!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 21:29:09, 17/04/15
Two decent weather days Vinny. Hope you are progressing well
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 20:45:17, 18/04/15
Well I'm still going. Tan Hill never again, I had to pay for my room before I was taken to it. Having to find money out your bag in the bar, not on. Food took over an hour, wouldn't do early breakfast and beer at £3.90 a pint. It's a walkers pub, enough said. In Dufton tonight walk going very well, the weather holding out. Had a big day today, for me that is never done 20 mile before and with a 19 tomorrow it's testing time for the body.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 20:50:49, 18/04/15
Pleased to see your walk is going well and we will hopefully give the Tan Hill inn as miss if that is how you are treated.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 20:52:37, 18/04/15
Pleased it is still going OK. I am reading my Trailblazer guide each evening in time to your trip.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:55:18, 18/04/15
I'll be staying at the Bunkhouse at Tan Hill but can't see me having a few pints at that price or hang around waiting for food after a days walk  :-\

That'll be you over the half way now  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:05:21, 18/04/15
Wow. Tan Hill wasn't like that when I was there. Well done anyway .... Downhill all the way now 😊
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 21:10:43, 18/04/15
About 100 miles to go in 6 days. Got a few aches  and pains but I think I can walk them off. Hope so.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: ninthace on 23:02:42, 18/04/15
I can recommend the Stag at Dufton.  Friendly pub - decent ale
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 12:09:55, 19/04/15
I stayed in the Tan Hill bunkhouse. I wanted away very early so asked for a packed lunch in lieu of breakfast which I usually do at B&B as well, they were happy to oblige and had it ready before i retired for the night.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 12:46:03, 19/04/15
I stayed in the Tan Hill bunkhouse. I wanted away very early so asked for a packed lunch in lieu of breakfast which I usually do at B&B as well, they were happy to oblige and had it ready before i retired for the night.

Am I correct in thinking that a breakfast is included in the price of the bunkhouse? I hear conflicting reports.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 13:04:13, 19/04/15
I believe so, says so in 2 places on this page of their website

http://www.tanhillinn.com/bed-and-breakfastbbaccommodationtan-hillarkengarthdaleswaledaleyorkshire-dales-national-parknorth-yorkshire/5/
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:58:24, 19/04/15
Am stopping at the Bunkhouse on June11th, so I will report back. £25 B&B
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 07:30:28, 23/04/15
Not heard from Vinny for a few days, hope everything is ok  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 09:21:16, 23/04/15
Not heard from Vinny for a few days, hope everything is ok  O0
I was just thinking the same thing.


Shouldn't he be finishing tomorrow?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 10:30:06, 23/04/15
Ditto
 Started a fortnight ago today; which should be a tomorrow finish
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 11:47:24, 23/04/15
Should have reached Colin and Joyce by now ... so hope all is ok  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 13:57:18, 23/04/15
He`s Ok his phone dosen`t like our satelitte internet but he is going to try again tonight. Joyce
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 14:00:19, 23/04/15
Vinny's alive! (think Brian Blessed in Flash Gordon)


Thanks for the update Joyce.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:03:35, 23/04/15
Ah Queen ....  ;D

Thanks for the update Joyce.  Think he's staying 2 nights with you, wish I'd done that in 2012  :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 14:50:52, 23/04/15
I feel a bit daft now....I never realised (until now) that Forest View was actually the Forest View in Byrness where I'll be staying 1 night in August  :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:54:21, 23/04/15
No need to feel daft .... But go on if you want to lol
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 15:01:59, 23/04/15
No need to feel daft .... But go on if you want to lol

lol, I felt dafter last night trying to get my Etrex 20 to connect to the Macbook for ages without success. Macbook wouldn't recognise it but it was still sending power through the USB lead.

An hour or so later, after reading through many forums and posts (including some of yours on other forums) I gave up, went to put the lead away and noticed another almost identical lead. I'd been trying to use the one for my bluetooth headphones, grrr

Now, that's daft  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 15:47:26, 23/04/15
 ;D ;D ;D O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 20:24:04, 23/04/15
Well you must all be wondering how I'm going on. Second night at Forest View the walk ain't gone as would have liked it to. Feet problems, but we are at the last day tomorrow. Legs and feet have had it , we will have to see what happens tomorrow. I will get there one way or another. I think the problem was been the weather, to hot. Don't like walk in temperature like this, I am a cold weather walker. That is why I walk this time of year when it's colder.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 10:21:18, 24/04/15
Sounds like a tough one Vinny but by the time you read this I hope you are having a few at the Border Hotel!
Let us know
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 10:31:00, 24/04/15
Yep not far not so I'm sure you'll manage somehow. Good luck and enjoy that free half pint!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Daisy on 22:10:27, 24/04/15
 8)
Hi all,  good to hear there are so many retired folk walking long distances.  I have not quite got to the age of 60 yet and not able to retire for a few years yet but am doing the pennine way with my husband soon for the second time, that is weather permitting, over about 19 days (or at least attempting to as need to get back to work) backpacking with a few b&b's.  This should put me in good shape to do another and hopefully we shall also be walking in retirement.  What a thought.  Fantastic you are an insperation.  Well lets hope the weather is good for all of us for this 50th year of the path.  Good luck and good walking. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 15:00:31, 26/04/15
I finish the Pennine Way on the 24th got my free half of beer and certificate had a good night of celebration with two other walkers I'd meet on the way. Had a great time.
If I was planing it again I would take longer over the walk. Doing 20 miles plus a day is not good for my feet. I started getting blisters in my tenth day when the mileage increased the days got hotter. My feet sweet to much when it's hot, I could wring my socks out at the end of the day. Could be the boots, don't know time will tell. Something went wrong on this long distance walk. I've had the odd blister but nothing like this time 5 on each foot. Any way back home now and the wife on the case (feet) and I'm looking forward to planing my next long distance walk.
I must say thank you to Joyce and Colin at the Forest View for two very good nights stay with good food and a good pint of beer at the end of a long day. I know Joyce comes on the forum so thanks again.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 15:06:48, 26/04/15
Great to hear you made it, well done.  :)


I'm looking forward to a TR and details of where you stayed etc.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 15:17:00, 26/04/15
Well done Vinny. Cracking effort.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:50:21, 26/04/15
Yes well done Vinny; great effort.
Sounds like it was rough towards the end. I was thinking about that very issue of the mileage increasing at around day 10 and what might happen. Have had problems with my feet and one hand viz painful inflammation and have had a chest infection for the last three weeks so not much practise walking so far ( managed to get out today and have just five weeks to go) and was assuming the first week would loosen me up for the second!
Anyway, I think it is Hazzer up next; possibly next week some time? So may get updates whilst we read your report when you get round to it Vinny.
Get your feet up for a few days and reflect on your achievement; no mean feat

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 17:36:27, 26/04/15
Yeah, well done Vinny. Those bad blisters become all mind consuming and can spoil a good walk, but glad to hear that you enjoyed it overall.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 13:55:31, 28/04/15
Quick question
I have never had need to take on water from watercourses en route. I have water purification tablets which are almost no weight. Are these a valid alternative to water filters?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:18:29, 28/04/15
Sure.  They're a very good alternative, only downside is that they purify not filter so the water can be a bit chewy  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:59:25, 28/04/15
ah gazpacho soup!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:04:21, 30/04/15








My Pennine Way
9th to 24th April 2015
By Vinny


After a long deliberation I decided to go the day before and stay overnight the 8 April. I stayed at the Ollerbrook Barn B&Ba short walk to the Ramblers Inn for evening meal, good double room for £40, no single room supplement good breakfast. Food in the Rambler Inn good.


Day 1. Edale to Torside 15 miles 
After breakfast I made my way across the fields to the start,  The Old Nag's Head. I had only 268 miles to go to the finish.
                                                         
The lady at the B&B told me it was going to be hot that day, I though it's the 9th of April, I took note and added extra water. She was so right, it was hot and I had drank two litres before in got to Snake Pass, I put that down to not being climates and feeling dehydrated. I walked up to Upper Booth  and up  Jacob's Ladder on to Kinder Downfall some great views, I've never been in this area before. I pressed on and got my first taste of the slabs and there where many more to come over the next 16 days. I arrived at Snake Pass and found a running stream and filtered some water. Devils Dike the sunken way leading on to Bleaklow Head, the rocky path along Clough Edge looking down at the Torside Reservoir. What a splendid first day it had been, looking forward to the next and getting into the routine of sorting myself out for the next day.
I stayed at The Old House which is about a miles for Torside reservoir. The accommodation very good, lift to and from pub which you have to pay £3 for,  good room and breakfast. B&B cost £47.50.


Day 2. Torside to Standedge 12.5 miles
This day was all about reservoirs and moorland. Leaving Torside reservoir it was a climb for about 3 mile to Laddow Rocks, the views there are good. This was another lovely sunny day and a great day for walking moorland. One you pass Wessenden Head the reservoirs come one after the other, I finished my day at Standedge Cutting. I walk down the A62 to the Carriage House, the room was very good and a good meal in the bar at night. At the weekends breakfast isn't till 08:30 so they made me a sandwich and give me cereal to take to my room. B&B cost £40.
P.S The Great Western is closed.


Day 3. Standedge to Blackshaw Head 16.5 miles.
I left the Carriage House to walk back up the A62 to the path in heavy rain, this rain stayed with me all the way to Stodgy Pike. After the first two sunny day this one started with rain then the snow showers and heavy hail stones didn't make for pleasant walking. I crossed the M62 as quickly as possible as the wind was blow heard. I pressed on and soon came to the White House pub, the weather was getting a bit better now and by the time I reach Stodgy Pike the wintery rain had passed. I took this opportunity to find a sheltered spot from the wind at Stodgy Pike to have a late lunch and take the waterproofs off. The day was now like spring as I walk down towards Hebden Bridge, I wasn't staying there as I couldn't get B&B cheap enough. I got to A646 and for the next two mile climbed the 1000ft to my B&B at Blackshaw Head.
Stayed at the Badger Fields Farm on the Path. D,B&B £56. nice room great food, no beer.
 
Day 4. Blackshaw Head to Ickornshaw 16 miles.
The weather forecast for today is not looking good, and it was right. Its was much the same as yesterday but it never stopped all day, form one B&B to the next and I had to walk a miles to the B&B in Cowling.  There is not much I can say about to day it was very WET.
I did manage to shelter in the ruin at Within Farm, but by the time I had got to the B&B I had had enough. The lady at Badger Field B&B had phoned the lady at Woodland House B&B to see if I had got there the weather had been that bad, enough said.
Woodland House B&B in Cowling was my bed for the night and a very nice one to, at a cost of £39.50.


Day 5. Ickornshaw to Malham 17 miles.
I walk the miles back to the path in Ickornshaw in dry weather. Back on the path and the day was getting better, a bit wet under foot from yesterdays rain but who’s bothered its stopped raining. The first part of the day I climb up to 1266ft at Pinhaw Beacon the highest point day, I wouldn't say it was all down hill from there it wasn’t. Walked a long a bit of the Leeds - Liverpool Canal, it was a different with all the field and stiles and we all know what stiles are like. MUD and WATER all around them. Over all not as bad days walking but tired from all the stiles.
My bed for the night in Malham, Miresfield Farm £32 the cheapest on the Pennine Way not bad for the price. The beer in the Buck Inn at £4 a pint had me moving on to the Lister Arms which had good food and cheaper beer.


Day 6. Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale 14.5 miles
The day started off really well. With two tough climbs to do and things to see, the path out Malham up to the Cove and steps up the side. 421 steps and you know you've climb them. By the time I had got to Milham Tarn the wind had got up again and Tarn looked like the tide was coming in, I made my way to the the summit of Fountains Fell at 2185ft and the mist came down so it was waterproofs again.
As I come down out the mist I could see across to my next climb, Pen-y-Ghent which was in cloud. by this time waterproofs where off and walking in sunshine. The climb up Pen-y-Ghent went well even with the wind blowing so hard, I got to the shelter at the top, a couple where seat in there and by the side of the girl was a condom. It just came out “It looks like someone as been enjoying there self” the girls face went so red,  I thought I should go round the other side of the shelter and have a rest. On looking down the other side towards Horton and could see the path and how it had been improved since I was last up there forty years a go.
The Crown Hotel at £50 B&B not value for money. Beer £3.40, food could have been better. I did get early breakfast which you help yourself to in the morning as I wanted to visit the museum in Hawes.
 
Day 7. Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes 13.5 miles.
Day 7 started cold with a ground frost and then the mist appeared from out of nowhere and it stayed with me till I came down into Hawes and sun came out. Didn't see anything all day, a very disappointing day as far as view went. I had an early start so I could visit the museum in Hawes as they had The Pennine Way Exhibition on. It was very good and I enjoyed it.
B&B at  the Herriot’s £45 very good. Lots of places to eat in Hawes.


Day 8. Hawes to Tan Hill 16 miles.
Back to green fields this morning as I headed to Hardraw Force and then the climb started up to Great Shunner Fell its about 4.5 miles to the summit, at 2349ft its the third highest mountain it Yorkshire. Its about the same distance down 4.5 miles into Thwaite, didn't see any one from Hawes to Thwaite, thats how I like it. Lunch by the river as I watched ITV make a program about the Pennine Way, I meet up with then a few time after that, they didn't know when the program was going out on TV. After Thwaite the views you have over Swinner Gill and on to East Stonedale and soon into Keld. I headed back to the moors, Stonedale Moor with peat bog the takes you to Tan Hill where ITV was filming again.
I stayed at Tan Hill £50 B&B. enough said, never again.


Day 9. Tan Hill to Middleton-In-Teesdale  16.5 miles.
I was up about 0630hrs and looking out the bedroom window and so the mist coming in, I’d ask for early breakfast but with no response, so I didn't bother waiting till 08:30 for it.. I walked out the door of Tan Hill at 07:30 and you couldn't see 10 yards in front of you, the path was very hard to follow in all the bog and mist and I lost it more than once. It started to clear as I left Sleightholme Moor and by the time I got to Bowes Loop sign it was clear. I didn't take the Loop. I visited two more reservoirs today Blackton and Grassholme before making my to Middeton-in-Teesdale, I left the path and walked a  mile to my hotel in Middleton.
Teesdale Hotel at £40 with out breakfast, food and brink in the hotel, very good.


Day 10. Middleton-In-Teesdale to Dufton 20 miles.
Left the hotel at 7:30 and walked the mile back to the path, thats 21 mile to do today. This was a very cold morning ground frost in all the fields, I was looking forward today, a walk by the river. I got to Low Force then High Fence where the river got faster with waterfalls. The day was going well until the path become a scramble over the rocks and boulders, I made it in the end and soon arrive at Cauldron Snout. What a waterfall, good place to have lunch before the scramble up the side of it. Bit disappointed when I got to the top off the waterfall, a big dam. The sign at Birkdale  farm says 8 miles to Dufton. From the next finger post its a long slog up the next hill a track not good on the feet. What a surprise I got at the view at High Cup Gill, something I will remember for a long time.
I stayed at the Brow Farm, lovely room for £40. Good breakfast, Evening meal in the Stag Inn very good and a good pint.


Day 11. Dufton to Alston 19.5 miles.
Up to now I had one blister, nothing to bother about. As I left Dufton I recalled what I had read in the guide book “don’t leave Dufton without proper waterproofs, compass (GPS) food and water for the day” I had all that. The day was bright and looked like being a good day. Up the lane I went and started to climb up Knock Fell, I stopped to  admire the view of the Lake District. Lovely, I stopped once more and turned  round (yes I was out of breath) and the day was just about to change. Climbed a bit more and it was time for waterproofs, the day went down hill from there. By this time I’d got to Knock Fell summit at 2604ft it was freezing and the mist was that thick I couldn't see anything, not even a path. The mist lifted I sow a cairn and headed towards it, the mist was back. In the end I was going round in circles, I was lost. Had to get the map and compass out to find my way, I found a slab path and snow poles still very misty, I couldn't walk on the slabs as they where ice. I had to walk in the bog. I came to the road and started to look for the Radar Station, I found the fence but could not see the Station. I manage using my map and compass till I got down to Greg’s Hut from there the freezing mist lifted and I followed the path all the way down to Garrigill. The pub is open again Garrigill. I followed the river and the stiles into Alston. After todays walk I had a blister on each heel.
B&B for the Cumberland Hotel £50, food and drink in hotel very good.   


Day 12. Alston to Greenhead 16.5 miles.
I enjoyed walking in sunshine again, a bit of mud about but it was warm, first rest of the day Slaggyford. Here you get a choice of path Pennine Way or South Tyne Trail, I took the Pennine Way but as I watched to lady walking the other option the South Tyne Trail is quicker. Has the day progressed the path got boggy and when I say boggy I mean boggy, you think your following the path on Blenkinsopp Common but your not. I must have looked in distress as a passing Air Sea Rescue helicopter hovered over head till I give him the thumbs up. When you get to the trig point at Black Hill your out of the bog. From there I made my way down to the A69 and walk down into Greenhead. about a mile off route.
Geenhead Hotel was my bed tonight. £50 including a Sandwich for breakfast and one for lunch. Very good food and drink.


Day 13. Greenhead to Bellingham 21.5 miles.
I read today is a tough one if your going all the way to Bellingham, made my way back to the path adding another mile to my journey. Never walked any part of Hadrian’s Wall before so I was looking forward to it very much. Got a early start because of the distance I had to walk, on the road at 07:00hrs and didn't see any one till I got to Walltown Quarry from there on the Path where packed. What a walk it was, I could have spent longer but I didn't have the time, (should have split this one at Once Brewed) by  the time I got to Rapishaw Gap from Greenhead I’d walked 10.5 Mile and its all up and down hils. The path from here was a mixture between mud and a boggy slog. I stopped of at Horney Stead Farm there’s a sign for hot and cold drinks put your money in a honesty box, made a nice stop. Eventually after along walk I got to Bellingham after 11 hour day, my feet felt terrible and after the boots came off more blister.
Bed for the night the Chevlot Hotel £50, they do great food and breakfast was good too. Chemist across the road.


Day 14. Bellingham to Byrness 15 Miles.
Today was back to green fields, it made a change after moorland, forest paths, knee high heather paths. Its wasn't long before the path returned to its unusual state bog, bog and more bog I was glad when the forest path returned and a 4 mile walk into Byrness. Glad it  was a shorter day as my feet are bad.
My home for the next two nights, The Forest View Walkers Inn £99 for 2 nights D,B&B and a pickup and drop off along the path. Lovely food and a good bar.


Day 15. Byrnes to Windy Gyle 13 miles.
Feet all blister plastered up and I’m a way. The path climb very steeply till I got to Ravens Knowe at 1729ft and what a lovely day, must be the hot’s day so far. I left the mud behind and my first rest of the day was at Chew Green Roman camp. Never knowing if your in England or Scotland without looking at your map. The path goes up and down with lots of slabs making it easy going. Good for my feet, I soon got to Windy Glye and started to head down to Trows Farm for my pickup and return to Forest View for the another night.


Day 16. Windy Glye to Kirk Yethholm 13 miles.
Another lovely evening at Forest View and a lift back to Trows Farm.
By the time I got myself back up to Windy Glye it was 10:20, the wind had pick up so I up a jacket on. I started off on the path. I was in Scotland (how did I know, the slabs are on the English side of the fence)
I was walking well today my feet feeling a lot better so I made the most of it and pushed on passing the Kings Seat at 1748ft. I had decided not to do The Cheviot with my feet, and stopped lunch at the refuge hut and found shelter from the wind. What great view there is, I started off again to The Schil 1972ft  and soon so a sign to Kirk Yetholm 4.5 miles not long after another sign, high or low route sign. I’ve come all this way, its got to be the high route. So 4.5 miles to go, I’ll crawl it if I have to. The high route is not to bad, just one climb up to White Law and I was nearly home and dry. By now I was so happy to have made it.
I soon checked in and bag drop in room and boots off and in the bar where I meet up with two other Pennine Way’er’s I’d meet along the Way.
Border Hotel £50 B&B very good food and the beer is good too. If not staying at the Border Hotel, I’d book a table to eat as it was packed.
I used Border Taxis to get to the station £40. 
P.S. Would I do it again NO, I don’t walk the same paths twice, there are other walk I would like to do. Did I enjoy it, YES, had a couple of bad day but all in all I enjoyed every minute of the Pennine Way and I would say to any one thinking of walking it. Go for it. 








   
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: geordie33 on 13:10:18, 30/04/15
Congratulations.I have just turned 60 and living in the area I do bits of the Pennine Way regularly.The thought of doing it all on successive days leaves me in a cold sweat.Most of it is fantastic though.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 13:13:29, 30/04/15
Vinny


Thanks for taking the time to do a report, particularly the accommodation information which I am going to steal.
Great stuff, so pleased you had a good time.  O0


pictures?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:18:26, 30/04/15
geordie33 and Ridge. Had a great time, now I'm thing of my next walk. I'll have to talk to the wife first
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:18:08, 30/04/15
Well done Vinny. Great effort. Thanks for taking the trouble to write a report, brought back memories!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 17:20:00, 30/04/15
Nice one Vinny. Why not walk it North to South next time, It's a different walk and the way I prefer.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:53:46, 30/04/15
Any reason(s) why that you can share?  Am considering that when I walk it again in 2017, but thinking it through and knowing I prefer to walk uphill rather than down S to N seems better in that respect  :-\
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 22:43:49, 30/04/15
Thanks Vinny for taking the time and trouble to write it all up and very well done. Sixteen days is a great achievement.

Starting on 24/6/2015 and hopefully backpacking as much as possible but will use an occasional B&B when we need a night off and a bit of comfort so may even use one of the places you have used.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 23:47:05, 30/04/15
It was good to read the trip report, especially as I'll be staying at some of the places Vinny did. Hopefully when I do it in August it might be a bit more solid underfoot  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 10:06:18, 01/05/15
Very well done! I can just imagine how great you must have felt at the end. Its not a 'stroll in the park', thats for sure, but for me, when I did it, it certainly felt like a real personal achievment and something to savour for a long time. Over the past few years I have managed to do it twice, S to N and N to S. On reflection, if I did it again would be to hike North to South, no major reason why, its because I live in Portsmouth, it felt like I was walking home rather than away from home.

Blisters can be a real pain and when I first hiked the Pennine Way they made my life miserable. However when I think back, its the overall memory of the hike, the people I met and the effort that was demanded of me that still keeps me having warm fuzzy feelings about it.

Your day by day account also reminded me of the times I got myself in a jam or two en route, got lost, hiking through bogs and the very nice experiences of the little towns and villages that I passed through. Thanks for your account and the memories it has stirred in me.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: adalard on 16:12:53, 01/05/15
Congratulations! This has been an inspiring read, Vinny - I hope to do this myself one day. I've really enjoyed following your progress and the final trip report too, of course. Hope you're enjoying a well-earned rest and enjoying all your memories, and that there is a guaranteed source of beer now within strolling rather than hiking distance!  O0 :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 14:33:11, 02/05/15
Any reason(s) why that you can share?  Am considering that when I walk it again in 2017, but thinking it through and knowing I prefer to walk uphill rather than down S to N seems better in that respect  :-\

That's a good question. I like to do all my LPDs in both directions, as obviously the view in front is different, the up are down, and the downs are ups, all making it a different walk to going the other way. The only things remaining the same are possibly the overnights. Not saying they are always better as a lot can depend on the weather, and I did have lousy weather on PW, South to North, but a heat wave North to South.
With the PW for me it is also starting at the furthest point and walking nearer to home.
The Cumbria Way is the same starting in Carlisle and finishing in Ulverston, which is also a better place to finish.
Ive yet to do the West Highland Way and Offa's Dyke the other way, but will do one day.
The only one that Ive not liked as much going the other way is the Dales Way.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 14:38:34, 02/05/15
I guess one of the reasons someone wouldn't want to do a walk again the other way is because they might prefer to use the time doing different walks  O0

With the Pennine Way, I imagine it would feel different finishing at Edale than you would at Kirk Yetholm?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 17:02:00, 02/05/15
Thanks both.  Think I will try it N to S next time 😊
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 17:29:28, 02/05/15
Thank you all for all the comments on my trip report.  
I take it all in what you all say about walking everything both ways. Yes its a deferent walk all together I can see that.
I’ve got into long distance walking to late in life to do them all both ways, I will keep going till the legs give up, because I love it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: midweekmountain on 09:02:24, 03/05/15
OMG just had a funny turn when I saw the price of those B&B's
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 09:15:10, 03/05/15
We are one of those B&Bs we charged Vinny £49.50 per night and that covered his single room with it`s own brand new shower room/WC,  full english breakfast a 2 course home cooked meal and a 16 mile bus ride from or to the halfway point. I accept that a tent would be cheaper. We are not here to rip off walkers we are here to try to allow as many people as possible to complete an ambition/dream as possible and the fact that the Pennine way is celebrating 50 years proves that we must be doing something right. Sorry rant over. Joyce
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: midweekmountain on 09:28:22, 03/05/15
We are one of those B&Bs we charged Vinny £49.50 per night and that covered his single room with it`s own brand new shower room/WC,  full english breakfast a 2 course home cooked meal and a 16 mile bus ride from or to the halfway point. I accept that a tent would be cheaper. We are not here to rip off walkers we are here to try to allow as many people as possible to complete an ambition/dream as possible and the fact that the Pennine way is celebrating 50 years proves that we must be doing something right. Sorry rant over. Joyce

Looking back at your posts I note that you never missing an opportunity to use this site for free advertising I seem to remember this site should not be used for commercial purposes.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 09:32:33, 03/05/15
I will be staying at Byrness in August, booked through the YHA and my single room was only £29 and I was very happy at that price then and I still am now  O0



Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 10:47:02, 03/05/15
Looking back at your posts I note that you never missing an opportunity to use this site for free advertising I seem to remember this site should not be used for commercial purposes.

I have just looked at a list of my posts and I refute your allegation. However thank-you for prompting me to re-read my posts they brought back some good memories. Joyce
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 11:30:02, 03/05/15
I am always fascinated after such a walk what are our instant snapshots that comeinto our brains as time goes by. Today, my mind instantly remembers, having a bite to eat, then a sleep in the old bus stop in Cowling, Alladins Cave shop, long wet grass between Garrigil to Alston, (reminded me at the time of a scene from the film Gladiator) walking away from Hadians Wall to Bellingham the hut on a sunny hot day between Byrness and Kirk Yetholme. Good memories!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 13:12:47, 03/05/15
Re: B&B charges. For single rooms and single occupancy of larger rooms I expect to pay around £50.. for B&B alone without evening meal, and have found that is usually the going rate in most places.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 13:19:13, 03/05/15
I guess one of the reasons someone wouldn't want to do a walk again the other way is because they might prefer to use the time doing different walks  O0

With the Pennine Way, I imagine it would feel different finishing at Edale than you would at Kirk Yetholm?

Yes you are probably right regarding time constrictions etc. That is one of the reasons I like to do my trips in less days, so that I can do more than one trip per year. Finishing in where most people start is obviously going to feel different, but just as good, some times better.
When I went South - North I got my certificate of finishing, in the Border Hotel Kirk Yetholm, when I went the other way, I got my (Different) certificate of finishing in the Old Nags Head, Edale. Not that I collect them, they were just offered, so i took them.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 17:55:35, 03/05/15
I am walking the Pennine Way starting the 4th June. My camping days are well behind me. Mostly using B&Bs with I think three bunkhouses/hostels thrown in. The average cost of the B&Bs I have booked is £45 which tends to back up Dave's thoughts. The cheapest is £37.50 and the most expensive, £70.00 (my fault; I was told Hawes was hard to get a room in during June and it was the last call of the day so I took the double room as I couldn't be bothered to hang up and look around so I could have brought the average down a couple of quid by hunting about).
This seems reasonable to me assuming the accommodation is of good standard. Looking at my previous walks it is certainly cheaper than the C2C and on a par with Offas Dyke.
Am staying at Forest View for 2 nights and taking advantage of the halfway pick up and drop off. This plus dinner for a daily average of £44.50 sounds good to me in relation to the other places.
I have no axe to grind and tend to the view that you get what you pay for. Pre booking I expected to pay around this figure and given the remoteness of some of the route it seems pretty good. Aren,t some of the places on the WHW for example quite pricey because they are remote?
If my arthritic joints and wheezing chest subside in the next few weeks I am sure I will enjoy!

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: altirando on 17:57:48, 03/05/15
Fifty quid?  Reminds me how much better value an alpine holiday is nowadays.  I would not waste time and money on a British holiday (sorry b&b people but you are no longer a cheap holiday alternative).  Of course I can remember a time when b&b was about 12/6, old money.  And I think when I cycled across northern Spain years ago it was the equivalent of five or six shillings!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:13:56, 03/05/15
Fifty quid?  Reminds me how much better value an alpine holiday is nowadays.  I would not waste time and money on a British holiday (sorry b&b people but you are no longer a cheap holiday alternative).  Of course I can remember a time when b&b was about 12/6, old money.  And I think when I cycled across northern Spain years ago it was the equivalent of five or six shillings!

The £50 in this case also included a 2 course meal, which according to the many reviews on Trip Advisor is not only good value but also tasty. Oh, plus the transport to and from the point a walker finishes for the day back/from the B&B.

A B&B nearer the start offered to take me to the "local" pub for only £3. Sorry, but I'd rather eat my own sandwiches than pay extra  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:33:48, 03/05/15
Just a quick question Vinny,
Did you find any problems stocking up with food etc along the way as I understand some shops have closed in recent years at the northern end?
For example, do you recall there being a shop in Dufton?
ps hope the blisters are clearing up

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 11:21:31, 04/05/15
Why is it when I read or hear the word Dufton, I automatically think of Homer Simpson? Could be Duff beer perhaps?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 11:47:32, 04/05/15
Why is it when I read or hear the word Dufton, I automatically think of Homer Simpson? Could be Duff beer perhaps?

Doh!!!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 14:25:14, 04/05/15
I will approach this village with a whole different perspective now!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sparnel on 22:17:28, 04/05/15
I stayed at the camping site last year in Dufton (great wee site) and I don't recall a shop. The cafe was about to re-open..............
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: les+heidi on 12:07:04, 05/05/15
When we've been in Dufton we purchased some food for the next day in the pub and in the hostel, there was no shop. Its good to hear a cafe will be opening though.
Regarding Forest View, I think £50 dinner bed and breakfast plus a 16mile 'lift' is excellent value.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: walking pole on 15:09:05, 05/05/15
When we've been in Dufton we purchased some food for the next day in the pub and in the hostel, there was no shop. Its good to hear a cafe will be opening though.
Regarding Forest View, I think £50 dinner bed and breakfast plus a 16mile 'lift' is excellent value.


me too, and as i suspect that most people who do the pennine way it is probably a lifetime ambition so why not make it that bit more enjoyable, not everyone is lucky enough to walk 29 miles or carry a tent and such, not sure where you get picked up and dropped off but if my math's is correct it will be a 64 mile round trip for the driver which round my area is a lot more than a tenner so that 50 a night looks good to me,  and im certain that when i do it s-n in the next couple of year's i will be using that service even tho i will be carrying a tent and such for later on, be a nice way to start a great walk
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 10:29:08, 06/05/15
Johnyp  
I didn’t stock up with food till I got Hebden Bridge the next restock was at Hawes and Middleton-in-Teesdsale. I was in Dufton on Saturday night, Sunday morning and didn’t think the shop would be open. I stocked up for my last time in Bellingham and Joyce at the Forest View made me a sandwich.   
Hope that helps.  
Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:53:13, 06/05/15
Thanks Vinny and others. That helps with the planning. Was the driest April for a while Vinny apparently. June not looking quite as good

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:13:48, 06/05/15
I believe there is also a Co-op in Alston  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: les+heidi on 21:48:18, 06/05/15
when I last went to Alston there is a large petrol station on the left as you walk into town, it has a good size supermarket built in.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 14:43:35, 09/05/15
The petrol station and supermarket are still there in Alston, just off the path if not stopping there.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 15:36:11, 09/05/15
The petrol station and supermarket are still there in Alston, just off the path if not stopping there.

The 2nd half of the walk seems to be fine for shops (mostly Co-op's)  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: JohnnieT on 18:51:47, 31/05/15
It's amazing the difference one letter makes, Billingham is in Cleveland and Bellingham is in Northumberland. You said you were good at navigation. I before E is it?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: mike knipe on 22:44:22, 31/05/15
The Dufton shop closed about five years ago. You'd have to stock up in MIddleton in Teesdale then Alston - where there is, as another poster posted, a co-op. There's also a new supermarket at the new petrol station on the Southern approach to the town (the beer section is bloody freezing, though, so wear a coat!).  There's a café at Bowlees and pubs at Holwick and Langdon Beck where you might be able to buy butties/chocolates etc.  And I understand that the pub at Garrigill has reopened and according to it's website is open daily except Wednesdays noon till 11:00 pm. Which is good news innit?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:25:06, 01/06/15
Looks pretty good; top up every couple of days.
Start on Thursday so getting fairly excited now as you do. Listening to the rain bang down as I write; at least it looks good weather-wise until over the weekend. Have resisted the urge to pack and unpack too much. Just need to twiddle my thumbs for 48 hours or so; then off into the wide and hopefully blue yonder!

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 22:52:53, 01/06/15
I know what you mean. Just sitting in the caravan waiting to start the 95 miles on the Llyn Coastal Path tomorrow in training for the PW starting on the  24/6/2015. Good luck and don't forget to let us all know how you go on.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 22:54:59, 01/06/15
I know what you mean. Just sitting in the caravan near Lllanberis waiting to start the 95 miles on the Llyn Coastal Path tomorrow in training for the PW starting on the  24/6/2015. Good luck and don't forget to let us all know how you go on.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:04:56, 01/06/15
Thanks for that Videoman; appreciated. Hope your practice walk goes well too. Will try and drop a line off here every day or two and will write something up at the end; assuming I get to the end. Need to work out how to format and post these fancy trip reports first ( so If anyone can help that would be great).
As usual it seemed an age away when I booked up in January then all goes silent then it is right in your face.
Will be interesting to see how many are doing it in this 50th anniversary year. Like walking solo but would'nt mind the odd bit of company over the rougher bits.
Anyway what happens happens. Am determined to take as much in as I can rather than do what I normally do and look at my boots and grind it out quickly

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 06:58:29, 02/06/15
Yep, good luck!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 14:13:27, 02/06/15
johhnyp

 
Have a good trip, hope its not to hot for you. Look out for the boggy bits, with all this rain it won’t have dried out much.


Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:19:33, 02/06/15
Cheers Vinny and Jon,
Yes the first few days look ok so hopefully by the time I get to bogs up north they may be a bit less unpleasant; speaking of which did you go via Gib Shiel to avoid the brown stuff around Padon Hill en route to Byrness?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:43:31, 02/06/15
I did.  Bit of a drag along the road but worth it in my opinion.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 21:06:29, 02/06/15
Re: the Gib Shiel route. I took that route during my 1st PW and it was a good alternative, as the moorlands in that area were particularly badly flooded, even the bridge at Byrness was under water.
I don't know what state the forest track is in at the moment from Gib Shiel, but it was in very bad order during the January 2014 Spine race, and many wheel tracks were under water. See short videos.
http://youtu.be/MQxZXSWQJzc (http://youtu.be/MQxZXSWQJzc)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdWJrrwzxe4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdWJrrwzxe4)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:37:12, 02/06/15
Thanks Dave,
Looks a tempting option! ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 07:15:04, 03/06/15
Tracks were in better condition in June 2012 so you should be okay!

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/sussamb/Pennine%20Way%20June%202012/Gibshiel%20Forest_zpspu1pghnr.jpg)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 12:41:24, 03/06/15
johhnyp
I stayed on the path but it was very bad.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 16:52:30, 03/06/15
The bad order of the track from Gib Shiel 'since' 2012 is obviously down to forestry vehicles destroying it. They laid tree cuttings across in an attempt to prevent further wheel damage, but obviously failed big time. I am wondering what the forest track after Ladyhill before Bellingham is like too, again see photo for January 2014 condition, surely they would have done something about by now, especially being a National Trail and all.
https://ogeerunner.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/the-mud-road.jpg?w=630 (https://ogeerunner.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/the-mud-road.jpg?w=630)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:32:12, 03/06/15
Oh joy!
Anyway here we go. See you in due course

john
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 15:47:51, 04/06/15
Good luck, enjoy, hope you've got your wellies!
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:05:56, 05/06/15
First two days done. Got to m62
Hot and humid. I did slightly underestimate these sections. The track is quite rocky and broken.ground. This and all the little steep grounds slow you down. Only doing 2mph average.
Second day is as tough as the first
Body and soul hanging together ok
Two nights a badgerfields farm now.so a nice.short day back to Hebden Bridge tomorrow then hopefully a few beers in the afternoon with a bloke camping.who got to white house in one day. Think he is going to slow up somewhat from now on!
Right, lights out
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:06:53, 05/06/15
Groughs
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 22:34:00, 05/06/15
Good luck, got all of this in a few weeks time.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 07:47:03, 06/06/15
Good news, Miriam will look after you I'm sure, good b&b ... Just watch the track up to the farm from Hebden Bridge, steep climb and easy to go wrong.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 15:06:19, 06/06/15
johhnyp.  


Glad your doing OK. Badgerfields B&B is very good, one of the best on the way.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 19:54:11, 06/06/15
You have a treat in store videoman. Hope it brings back a few recent memories vinyl.
Guilty as.charged Jon, took the aw route by the graveyard and came to grief..only 400 metres.offline happily!
Very windy on the tops today. Hard to stand at Stoodley pike.
Body parts holding together thus far. Hebden Bridge is a rather fashionable place...
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:24:55, 06/06/15
Sounds like the wind I had there, had to shelter round one side to eat lunch.  Glad all going well.  Lovely old bridge shortly after you leave the farm tomorrow 😊
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 09:58:01, 07/06/15
am still watching this thread with interest and taking valuable notes e.g. bog avoiding  O0

2 months til I start mine, time is moving quickly. Just hoping for a really hot summer to dry out the route then for it to cool down (but not rain) when I do it. Ok, not much chance but my 2nd Coast to Coast only had a few hours rain in the 12 days and that wasn't even heavy enough to put my waterproof trousers on  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: geordie33 on 16:11:55, 07/06/15
I was on a section on Friday north of Alston near Lamley.Very boggy stretch of about a mile.A detour up a minor road is possible but that would be cheeting.Scenery fantastic though.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 17:56:13, 07/06/15
Dry so far bricam. Also dry underfoot.
Hebden to cowling today. Bright but cold.breeze good walking weather.
First two days the hardest.. Third day more gentle.
Today's was a nice walk, not a pushover but pleasant.
Food options a bit limited.
Malham beckons...
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:06:22, 07/06/15
I would say that that the walk is still.fairly quiet. Only met a couple of pennine wayers and they were camping. Not sure one of.them.will make it
Other than top withins, met no-one today.
Also  you can't.really build much speed up as the ground is mostly broken up and rocky. About 2mph including stops
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:53:26, 07/06/15
Pleased to see things are going well for you and the weather has been kind. Perhaps a strange question but are you wearing boots or trail shoes?
Cheers Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 11:43:57, 08/06/15
Boots.  Mammut t.
Mid weight but quite solid
Bit risky on ankles otherwise..
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:32:28, 08/06/15
johhnyp.  


Your having good weather apart from the wind. Malham tonight, the miles are clocking up. I’m living the PW all over again with you.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 17:16:08, 08/06/15
Hot today vinny. Hard work. 8 hrs.
If you have a heavy pack I would definitely use boots.videoman. I have turned my ankle a bit even in these.hope.it clears up..the cider is helping.
At Malham.yea. Been.done up. Nice place.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 18:16:59, 08/06/15
Pleased to see things are going well despite the heat and at least the cider is helping. My mate and I were going to use trail shoes and he still is but I walked approx. 40 miles last week in a few days and ended up with blisters even with my new expensive insoles for the first time ever whilst walking so it will be back to boots for me. Will be carrying a heavier pack around 10/12kgs as camping as much as possible/or we feel like!

Good luck and keep the updates coming.

Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 21:44:47, 08/06/15
johhnyp.

I found Cowling to Malham hard going with all the stiles and gates but it as to done. Tomorrow the steps out of Malham. I'm a beer man myself but it cider help go for it. Big hills tomorrow for you to look forward to, you can do it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:47:13, 08/06/15
Malham to Horton is the only bit of the Pennine Way that I've walked before' and it's an enjoyable one.....once you get to the top of Malham Cove  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:52:18, 09/06/15
I had done this bit too bricam. 7.5 hrs. The first bit is stunningly lovely. Went steadily as possible to nurse the foot. Got it in a bucket of water at the golden lion as I type!
Doesn't hurt to touch. Mild ache on the flat. [censored] on the down.slopes. Right on.the top.of.the foot where it flexes. Still the rest is holding together quite well. It's only pain. Most people get some issue I imagine.
Cloudy and cool
 Dry again. Mildly moist coming down off fountains fell
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 17:05:04, 09/06/15
Yea yesterday was a bit of a drag in places vinny. I normally don't mind farmland too much but the constant map.checking slows you down.. Also the guide.says there are lots of places.to refuel but in reality there is only gargrave.
 That is practical without wasting lots of time. No shops today just walking
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:08:56, 09/06/15
Agreed. It was my least favourite part of the walk, although I did detour to Townend Farm Shop and Cafe ... Well worth it too!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 22:05:45, 09/06/15
johhnyp.

John, do hope the foot feels better tomorrow. Not a bad days walk tomorrow, it was very mist when I did this bit. Not a view all day. Shops and cafes in Hawes you'll be able to full your rucksack up with goodies. Best of lock for tomorrow. Your probably in bed now, I was.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 15:42:50, 13/06/15
Any one Heard if Johhnyp is still plodding along the the Pennine Way?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 19:51:50, 13/06/15
Hope so but his last message was four days ago.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:19:18, 13/06/15
I am lads. Can't get onto the site these last few days.
Am at Dufton.
Bit of a struggle. Got the foot strapped etc at hawes along the painkillers etc
But slow going as a consequence. Took me 9 hours today from Middleton.
Got the first rain today.
Cross fell tomorrow...
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 16:37:33, 14/06/15
johhnyp.


John, glad to hear your still going. You had a long tough day today. Do hope the foot is holding up. Are you splitting tomorrow or going all the way to Bellingham in one go like I did. bast of luck which ever your doing.


Vinny


Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:16:20, 14/06/15
Good to hear you're still going.  Bit of a slog up to Cross Fell but a lovely part of the PW.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:31:38, 14/06/15
Jon,
I think I had the fiends fell day. Wind,  rain, driving rain, mist.
Freezing cold but pleased to navigate ok.
Was I glad to see greens hut to warm up and put some more layers on.
Can.see how easy it is to come to grief
Didn't see a soul all.day.
Still.having to nurse the leg along
 Shin now a problem too
Think the.railway track tomorrow to rest it a bit before the long Bellingham walk.
80  moles to.go!



Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:33:42, 14/06/15
Greggs
Miles
Predictive text!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:28:17, 14/06/15
Really pleased to see your still going and the best of luck for the next few days if your having trouble with your foot and leg.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 22:07:16, 14/06/15
Think the.railway track tomorrow to rest it a bit before the long Bellingham walk.

I went that way as my b&b was at the far end of Alston so didn't want to double back, although I only used the early part of it as I wanted to stay on the PW as much as possible.  The walk from Alston to Greenhead is relatively easy so should give your leg a bit of a rest.  You'll need it when you face the Bellingham section, particularly the part along Hadrian's Wall.

Hope all goes well.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 14:43:59, 15/06/15
Just stood above the a69 now. Went across Hartlebury and blenkinsopp commons in the event
They are wet but not impossible

Just a bit pointless really
.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 15:38:14, 15/06/15
Enjoy your pint in the Greenhead Hotel  O0

Good going, trust the leg is better  :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 16:33:41, 15/06/15
I stayed in the Greenhead Hotel hostel a couple of years ago. It was very good. Anyway I had two good pints of beer and lots of food which was also very good and then slept like a log until morning. Good Luck!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 17:50:51, 15/06/15
Thanks guys.
Just nursing the leg on as best I can. Day at a time and slowing up deliberately after about 15 miles to avoid things getting.g worse.
Past 200 miles now and.feeling positive now.
Greenhead hotel is good
 I also really liked the lowbyer hotel in Alston..best on the route so far. Tan hill is under new management and needs a bit of work doing on it. The.Cockerel at coney garth in Dufton makes for a short nights sleep
Someone asked today what my favourite day was.
Can't.actually answer that..but cross fell in bad weather was the most memorable!

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 17:55:11, 15/06/15
Nearly there then if passed the 200 mile mark and well done. Hope the leg doesn't slow you down too much but the end is in sight now.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:03:46, 15/06/15
I also really liked the lowbyer hotel in Alston..best on the route so far.

I agree with that, said so in my blog after doing the PW in 2012.  Glad you enjoyed it too  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:29:04, 16/06/15
Bellingham tonight.
I have drafted a book on roman york bit would happily never see hadrians wall.again!
Was a.tough day
 Took 10.5 hours.
Just an aside. As a softie b&b merchant I do feel a bit short changed. I reckon I have had only two proper breakfasts enough because I have to leave about 7.30 am and it is too early for the proprietors. They mostly live off walkers and you would think that they would make the effort.
Anyway hobbling on. Only.45 to.go!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:56:24, 16/06/15
I know what you mean about breakfasts. You just want to get up in the morning, have something to eat then head off but in many places, you end up sitting about until it's the time they designate for breakfast.

I think this is why I prefer places like Hostels for long distance walks because if I'm awake at 7am, I'll just get ready and go, can't be bothered waiting til maybe 9am and then find out the breakfast wasn't worth waiting for anyway.

Glad you're near the finishing line now  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:05:49, 16/06/15
Nice one Johhny.  I agree about the Hadrian's Wall section but with it behind you now you are on the home strait.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 21:17:39, 16/06/15
john yo, Your doing well. I did the same as you Greenhead to Bellingham, it's a long day and like you say, no early breakfast. Not very good when it's there living. The owner of the Greenhead Hotel was saying she didn't know what the Pennine Way was until the crew  that was recording the Pennine Way program was staying there.

Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:53:35, 16/06/15
Good luck over the next few days and hopefully the leg will hold out. Looking forward to hearing you have made it to the end.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 19:09:14, 19/06/15
Well guys I am.sat in the bar at the border hotel waiting for my dinner. Going to have a few tonight rather than try and.shoot off.home. Not.sure what to say really. An unremarkable Pw in terms of speed or incident
 But it was chock.full.of.events.for me and I am.quite weary.
Odd that life is going on all around me.here in bar and I have got this special thing that everyone is oblivious of.
In truth I am pretty chuffed with myself.
The last day was tough with a big climb from.trows farm to.start. But it was over in 6.5 hrs.
Limping a.bit after coming down.from auchope .cairn too.fast. So last few miles a bit of a struggle.
Will.write.something up undue course if someone.can.advise.as.to what software to use to post a trip report

John

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 19:54:07, 19/06/15
Hi John,
Fantastic achievement and very well done especially after your few problems with your foot and leg recently. Have a few beers tonight and enjoy the moment and then start planning your next adventure.

Four days to go before we start next Wednesday.

Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:10:42, 19/06/15
Yep well done. Good to hear you made it and look forward to a fuller report when you're up to it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:55:20, 19/06/15
"Unremarkable Pennine Way" did I hear you say? There's nothing unremarkable about your achievement.

Flippin well done to you for continuing when you were in pain and generally a huge well done on doing something that most others couldn't complete.

I also look forward to hearing more.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 21:08:32, 19/06/15
Well done John, it's a slog we know, an achievement too. Enjoy your evening.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 09:57:37, 20/06/15
Well done, most people I come in contact with never venture more than 200yds from their cars. I think the Pennine Way is rather special, its a real test of who we are, especially when the weather is against you as well. Any camera tourists around 'that' tree on Hadrians Wall, the one filmed in Kevin Costner's Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 15:40:01, 20/06/15
johhnyp.  


John. What a great achievement, well done. Another one for the over 60’s. Every time you hear the Pennine way mentioned you will relive it all over again.
JOB WELL DONE


Vinny


Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:51:22, 20/06/15
Thank you everyone,
I do genuinely appreciate your positive comments. It is a slog Dave and I now understand what you mean by that. It does make it a bit special. Spare a thought for the people who cant quite get to the end. I met a few and reckon that more fail than succeed. My heart goes out to a guy, mike, that I tried to help on when he was struggling. Late 60's; camping; obviously not a lot of cash and he finally had to submit to shin splints at Byrness. The right decision as the last section would have shattered him.
Anyway am going to have a long sleep and get my head round it all.
You next Videoman. Will be urging you on. Just remember not to press to hard at the start. Conserve the body; it is a bit a battle against the days.

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:00:10, 20/06/15
Am doing Hadrians Wall walk just now and did a section of the Pennine way before coming down to Once Brewed  O0

Looking forward to actually doing Pennine way.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 19:15:26, 20/06/15
Hadrians wall with a big.pack was one of my less pleasant Pw experiences!
There were hordes of.people round that flipping tree. All looking at the sweating mumbling idiot staggering by!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:35:41, 20/06/15
Hi John,
Counting down now as only three days to go before our Wednesday start and then pain and hardship, we must be mad. Just been trial packing my rucksack and weighing every item and will be around 9.5kg plus any food and water. Wife's thinks I'm sad weighing every item and mad for doing the walk.

Will try and post updates whenever I can.
Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 22:53:45, 20/06/15
Wives are like that, mine thought I was mad too!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 10:42:52, 21/06/15
Ive done the Hadrians Wall section whilst on the Pennine Way four times now, but what's this about 'that tree'. I just can't think where it is?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 11:21:39, 21/06/15
Sycamore gap. About a mile from Rapishaw where you leave the wall.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: rural roamer on 17:25:27, 21/06/15
Well done John, we're hoping to do it next year.  Just about to start Hadrians Wall on Thursday, will look out for the tree!  What's this about a slog round Once Brewed? What are conditions underfoot like up there? Here in Suffolk it's very dry, too dry, but I guess it's a bit wetter up north.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: geordie33 on 18:24:12, 21/06/15
I have done 3 walks this week including the North Pennines which is not a million miles from the wall area.The ground is very dry at the moment.We have had a very poor summer in terms of temperature but not especially wet and the wind has dried things up
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:19:34, 21/06/15
Well done John, we're hoping to do it next year.  Just about to start Hadrians Wall on Thursday, will look out for the tree!  What's this about a slog round Once Brewed? What are conditions underfoot like up there? Here in Suffolk it's very dry, too dry, but I guess it's a bit wetter up north.


Hi, I'm doing Hadrians Wall at the moment. There is no mud, just pleny of sheep and cow poo to try and avoid. Before Heddon, it's all tarmac and between Heddon and Once Brewed, it's quite short grass and nice to walk on. After Once Brewed, short grass and lots of farmland. I expect the rest of the walk to be similar but so far no mud on my shoes and glad I didnt wear heavy boots.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:54:56, 21/06/15
Weather forecast looks good Alan, and the ground is pretty dry so all looks good. Would still wear boots tho..
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:03:56, 21/06/15
Hi John
Thanks for that and hopefully the weather will be kind to us. Definately sticking with the boots now after the blisters a few weeks ago with the trail shoes. Two days to go!!!!!
Cheers Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 15:18:04, 23/06/15
Best of luck Alan.
Enjoy it. You are a long time not walking the pennine way.
Keep us updated when you.can
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: AdanClinton on 09:15:31, 24/06/15
You are a good example for me ,when I'm at the age of 60 ,I will follow your steps ,haha
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 14:48:36, 27/06/15
Whilst we wait for videoman to report in, I am pondering what LDW is next for the newly qualified pennine wayer. Maybe half.the SWCP?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 10:21:54, 28/06/15
Best of luck Alan.
Enjoy it. You are a long time not walking the pennine way.
Keep us updated when you.can
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 19:24:37, 28/06/15
Hi everyone, very poor phone signals so far but just completed day 5, Cowling to Malham and sitting in Listers Arms having just finished our meal. Staying in b&b tonight after 5 nights in tent. Several blisters already which is the first in my life and what feels like several hundred midge bites. Will try and update whenever possible.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 22:20:28, 28/06/15
Good to hear you're doing well, look after the blisters though.  I met a guy at Middleton who pulled out and when I saw his feet I could see why, they were just a mass of rubbed skin and blisters.  His own fault, he'd bought a new pair of fairly cheap boots just for his PW attempt!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:58:38, 28/06/15
Good to hear from you Alan. My phone barely worked the whole walk. EE is apparently the city boys network which claims to cover 99% of Britain. They must mean population because it seems to only cover 50% of the landmass.
Anyway get on top of those blisters fast. Some warm weather on the way. Just writing up a journal of my walk at the moment and I reckon Malham is the end of the beginning of the walk. The second phase; to Middleton; is fun so enjoy.
Keep us updated

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 18:21:25, 29/06/15
Hi everyone,  Day 6 Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale and around 15 miles covered today. Sitting in Golden Lion about to order a meal and have a few well earned beers. Malham Cove and Pen-y-ghent done today. Forecast hot for the next few days so plenty of fluids and blisters hopefully under control. Next update hopefully tomorrow phone and wifi willing.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 19:00:56, 29/06/15
As Vinny says; you relive it all again! Seems like yesterday..because it almost is!
Fairly steady day tomorrow to build up for Shunner Fell

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 10:35:43, 30/06/15
Videoman
Alan, It's all coming back once again. All what you have to look forward to and the memories of my blisters, glad you've got them under control. Looking to more reports. Off to Greece tomorrow beach holiday, hope there's wifi so I can follow your progress.
Best of luck.

Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 18:32:09, 30/06/15
Have a great holiday in Greece Vinny.

Day 7, 14 miles Horton to Hawes. Left at 7.00am and arrived in Hawes at 12.30pm hot and bothered. Sitting in Crown Hotel in Hawes with a beer. No phone signal again but free wifi in pub. Keld tomorrow (my midge hell last time there on C2C).
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: One F on 20:34:17, 30/06/15
Have a great holiday in Greece Vinny.

Day 7, 14 miles Horton to Hawes. Left at 7.00am and arrived in Hawes at 12.30pm hot and bothered. Sitting in Crown Hotel in Hawes with a beer. No phone signal again but free wifi in pub. Keld tomorrow (my midge hell last time there on C2C).


 8)  Double whammy spot. Eyup from Mr Innov8er  ;D


Al stop stalking yer now  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:46:54, 30/06/15
Good idea to start early. Must have been a grueller in this heat.
Same again tomorrow I guess. At least there may be a breeze on shunner fell. Where are you stopping after keld? Are you trying for Middleton? Long one in this heat

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 19:45:47, 01/07/15
Day 8 Hawes to Keld and only 12.5 miles. 7.00am start again and hot and humid.  20 miles tomorrow to Middleton and another 7.00am start. Must be mad!!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:19:09, 01/07/15
Still reading this thread with interest knowing it'll be my turn soon  O0

I;m doing Hawes to Tan Hill then Middleton the next day.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:41:32, 01/07/15
I did that.  I hear the Inn is under new management, would be good to hear what you think.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:29:22, 01/07/15
Bricam,
I think the lads are in for a toughie tomorrow. The walk to Tan Hill is a good hour and a half. The section from there to the A66 is ok dependent upon which route you take; but it is quite a tough ten miles from there into Middleton on a hot day. I did Hawes to Tan Hill and reckon that is the way to go

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bobdelon on 07:49:56, 02/07/15
old thread though. interesting read
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: les+heidi on 15:34:24, 02/07/15
Agree with Johny, Tan Hill stop over makes the days either side easier (relative !). Keld maybe a better bet if taking in the Bowes loop.
Enjoying this thread, bringing back good memories
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 13:06:05, 04/07/15
My walk finally finished in Middleton in Teesdale due to problems with my knee. After 17.5 miles from Keld it decided it did not want to walk pain free any longer and the thought of 21 miles the next day was not going to happen.

So my walking partner and I spent the night in Middleton in Teesdale and I left him reluctantly to carry on, on his own yesterday as the has a time schedule to follow.

Took two buses and three trains to get back home.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 13:09:17, 04/07/15
It'll be there another day but must be a bit of a blow for you.  With a knee issue you did really well to get that far. Enjoy the rest now and the memories of the days you did accomplish. Great effort!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:58:07, 04/07/15
It's a shame you have had to stop your walk for now but I hope you can return to complete the part you still have to do at another date.

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:39:22, 04/07/15
First off Alan, how's your mate doing? Must be around Alston somewhere now. Must be a bit awkward for him in a way. I know I felt for some of the people who I met on the way who had to drop out; and we were just ships passing in the night as it were.
I am very disappointed for you mate to have walked the best part of 150 miles and be forced to stop because part of your body wouldn't co-operate. I was lucky in that it was my foot not my knee. I have to say that once something starts to go then other issues follow and with more than 100 miles to go the chances are some related issue would have got you anyway. You sort of know you cant go on I guess; I never actually got to that stage.
As Sussamb says, it is a good effort anyway and you will have good memories of the ground you did cover; in tough weather circumstances I reckon. Mon, Tues and Wed this week must have been hard. It will be there next year to finish off or start again as you choose.
Easy for me to say in a way but don't be too despondent you did well and I am sure you will complete it soon.
I am writing up a report which I will try and post on here. Hope you will do too Alan.
So it is Bricam next...

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 21:46:15, 04/07/15
Hi John, my mate is a seasoned walker and would have done the walk on his own as he started last year but equipment failure led him to pack in at Keld. I actually strained the medial collateral ligament in my left knee some ten weeks ago and was seeing a physio for six weeks and could only manage light training and it was touch and go up to four weeks before we started if my knee would be OK. I think it was 20 miles with a full pack as we were camping which finished me off. We did have some hot weather and the midges were bad in Crowden and horrendous in Keld as I react quite badly when bitten by them. Would I complete the second half in the future, well I don't know as I did not enjoy the walk as much as the C2C we did four years ago but it is something to think about for the future.

Look forward to reading your report as you managed a fantastic achievement by completing the walk but not one to be undertaken lightly.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 10:33:05, 05/07/15
So it is Bricam next...

John

6 weeks today I leave Edale....not that I'm counting  :D

I'm only 49 so hope I'm not cheating on the thread. I've already learnt a few things from it  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 13:56:14, 05/07/15
No problem bricam, just hop half of the way like us oldies have to do!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 16:31:26, 05/07/15
Bet you are looking forward to it.
A fortnight ago I reckoned I wouldn't want to do it again for a few years; not so sure now if I had 16 days free!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:18:16, 05/07/15
Bet you are looking forward to it.
A fortnight ago I reckoned I wouldn't want to do it again for a few years; not so sure now if I had 16 days free!

I am, I just want the 6 weeks to be over and be on my way.

The problem about doing it again, or any walk this length is the fact you could do a couple of different walks in the same amount of time and you might prefer that. Saying that, I've done the C2C twice and will do it again..and again if I can as I enjoyed the walk but it's also nicer when you know the way and where you will stay/eat/drink/shop etc instead of much time planning.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 17:21:47, 05/07/15
Don't wish it starting too soon .... All too soon it's over although the memories are always good, wish I was starting it again in 6 weeks!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:08:00, 05/07/15
That's right Jon. It seems like five minutes since I booked the accommodation back in January. Happily the walk is still very vivid in my mind as I write it up. You are in a bit of a time warp when doing it then suddenly emerge and time is flying again. In reality, I will probably do the C2C again next year; for the fifth time. Like you Bricam, I do enjoy that walk for some reason whereas the PW was more of an experience if that makes sense. I normally do it in 10 days so it is less disruptive domestically. I may well do it e-w this time; possibly starting at Ravenscar so I do a two day reverse LWW at the start. it is good in a way when you know it off by heart and don't need to spend time poring over guide books. The alternatives are part of the SWCP or a N-S ODP. Nothing else really appeals at the moment. You will enjoy the ODP Jon. It is more pastoral but very pretty
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 19:33:13, 05/07/15
Tough luck Alan, but what can you do? The heart is willing but occasionally the body lets us down. It's a shame you had to stop where you did, as I enjoy the route beyond Middleton more than the first half, apart from the first day, Edale to Crowden.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Belle on 12:32:38, 10/07/15
Starting the PW (S-N) in early August. I have finally caved in to persuasion from 'himself' who has wanted to tick this one off for some time.

We came late to LDW but in the last ten years have worked our way through C2C (most sociable); West Highland Way (single most unpleasant day over Rannoch Moor); End to End (surreal); Two Moors (we cheated and missed out the middle); St Cuthbert's Way (our pick as the best intro to LDW); Cumbrian Way (majestic); Hadrian's Wall (special); South Downs Way (sweeping).  We stay at b&b's/pubs although we regularly discuss the possibility of camping!   

This thread has been very helpful, thank you, and half the time I feel heartened by the comments and the other half I reconsider the wisdom of ascending one hill in order to go down and climb up another.  Unfortunately our longer days seem to coincide with the most testing ascents and although the majority of the accommodation fell together nicely we have been left with a couple of days where I am hoping for perfect walking weather...

I see that there is a new edition of the Aurum book due out this month which I hope to pick up.  I am interested in the various options in bad weather - somebody mentioned avoiding the bog after Tan Hill (presumably by going east along the road and then cross country on a marked track?).  Is there anywhere else that is recommended (yet still sticking to the essence of the route?).  I often wonder about the area around Penyghent and Horton (our home stamping ground) where following the new Three Peaks Path for a short way makes a good route if one was looking to go from Malham to Hawes without having to enter Horton village). 

Finally, is anyone else starting early August - I think you are starting in the second week Bricam?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 13:17:15, 10/07/15
Ive used both the alternative track/path after Pen Y Ghent and it is a good if you don't want to visit Horton and saves a couple of hours. I have also used the track avoiding the bog after Tan Hill during an exceptionally wet day. A couple of miles road walking then turn left down the good track to re-join the official PW at another good track avoiding all the bog. I don't think this detracts from the main route, however there isn't any other obvious route.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Belle on 14:21:05, 10/07/15
Thank you for that, Slogger.  I am in awe of your stamina having looked at your Spine Race blogs - I don't think I am going to have to hold back himself from attempting that.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: ninthace on 17:11:06, 10/07/15
Ive used both the alternative track/path after Pen Y Ghent and it is a good if you don't want to visit Horton and saves a couple of hours. I have also used the track avoiding the bog after Tan Hill during an exceptionally wet day. A couple of miles road walking then turn left down the good track to re-join the official PW at another good track avoiding all the bog. I don't think this detracts from the main route, however there isn't any other obvious route.
Dave.

For info, the Tan Hill - A66 section is really dry at present - that is too say, soft in places but very few squelchy bits and they can be got round
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 00:44:04, 11/07/15
Just been writing up a report on my PW last month and amongst other things considering where I would shave two or three days off the 16 days I took if I did it again. One would certainly involve avoiding Horton and doing Malham to Hawes in one day. Horton is a bit of a tourist honeypot in summer; especially 3 peakers and the route involves a significant detour to go into and come out of Horton. As Dave (Slogger) says you would save a couple of hours just using the  3 peaks route on past the turn off for Horton after Penyghent and the walk to Hawes is not too testing thereafter.
It would be a 25 mile day; so about 11 hours but not massively tough.
The bogs are dry at the moment; so Sleightholme is probably ok. It is just a bit of a hassle navigation wise in mist.
I would probably save another day by doing Crowden to Mankinholes and thence to Cowling.
Finally I might do Bellingham to Lamb Hill Refuge Hut and sleep in my survival bag. Only issue is possibly arriving there and it is full but the chances are fairly small.
At the moment there isn't much point veering off the official route as the going is pretty dry.  You could cut off part of the "detour" to Dufton and go from Langdon Beck by road to Alston; but that seems to defeat most of the purpose of doing the PW. You would certainly miss out on some of the most memorable bits (Cauldron Snout. High Cup, Cross Fell etc).
I hope the weather holds for you and you have a great time. Keep us updated.

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Belle on 07:55:54, 11/07/15
Many thanks Ninthace and Johhnyp; I think you have backed up my thoughts on the route and as yours is knowledge based that is extremely helpful.  As we come from the Ribble Valley we are intending to enlist slave labour and have a lift to and from home for a couple of nights which means we have a much better choice of stopping spots there.  Agree completely on the Dufton, Alston zig zag; the other half is a bit of a purist about sticking to the path on a LDW and any deviation that great would definitely crack him! I will, indeed, keep you posted.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 09:09:17, 12/07/15
Finally I might do Bellingham to Lamb Hill Refuge Hut and sleep in my survival bag.

I'm shocked, you'd miss Colin and Joyce that way  :o :o ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 09:19:05, 12/07/15
It was a hypothetical plan Jon. Don't think I fancy doing it in 13 days!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 09:44:54, 12/07/15
I'm actually considering doing it again in 2017, 5 years after my last one.

Looking forward to your TR!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 14:13:29, 12/07/15
Just need to insert photos
And work out how to put it on the forum site.
Not a computer geek sadly!
I may have another go in a couple of years..maybe north south as it would feel a very different walk.
About the same day count though, maybe a day less at 15.
Not sure about next year...possibly a reverse c2c or first half of swcp
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 14:47:35, 19/07/15
Back from my beach holiday and been reading through the threads.  
So sorry Alan ( vodeoman ) to read your Pennine Way finished in Middleton in Teesdale. Like John ( johhnyp ) my problem was my feet not my knees. Hope your knees are better.
Alan did your mate finish the walk?


Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 16:58:23, 19/07/15
Hi Vinny, yes he finished in fifteen days after I had to pull out as I was not holding him up any longer. We had originally planned eighteen to nineteen days with possibly a rest day somewhere along the way.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:16:29, 21/07/15
Evening guys
Have been trying for a while to post my trip report. With no success. Have it in pdf and word format; neither of which will load even when compressed. Not sure what gpx files are. Can someone give me some step by step info has to what to do
Thanks

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:43:38, 22/07/15
I believe all you need to do is to prepare your TR in Word then copy/paste into a post or new thread  :-\
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 20:42:07, 23/07/15
Right clicking in a post doesn't give the option to 'Paste'.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 08:43:47, 24/07/15
I get that option, and Ctrl + V works also  :-\

Using IE11, guess other browsers could be different.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 12:51:12, 24/07/15
Could be, I'm on Firefox.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 14:37:14, 24/07/15
I'm using Firefox also but the "paste" option is there for me, as long as you have already copied something, otherwise it will be blank  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 19:20:17, 24/07/15
No, all I get is a box with this inside:-
Save Page As.........
This Frame.............
View Page Source......
View Page Info.........
Inspect Element......
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:26:01, 24/07/15
No, all I get is a box with this inside:-
Save Page As.........
This Frame.............
View Page Source......
View Page Info.........
Inspect Element......

ah, I see what you mean but that's if you click on a post in the forum, not when you go to write a post in the forum.

If the person is wishing to post his trip report, he should copy the report from his Word document, then start a trip report and right click in the bit where you type, then the paste option will appear.  O0

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 18:34:22, 25/07/15
No again, that is the what appears when trying to 'post' when I right click to attempt to 'Paste' something that I have copied, maybe this is the same problem that the poster of this thread has too.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 07:31:41, 26/07/15
3 weeks today I shall be setting off from Edale on Day 1.

4 weeks today I'll be leaving Tan Hill on Day 8.

5 weeks today I shall be heading home after staying the night at Berwick youth hostel at the end of the walk. (As it's a Saturday I finish the walk and no bus on a Sunday in Kirk Yetholm, I had to head for home on the Saturday but probably wouldn't be able to get the last train home so decided to stay in Berwick and continue home next morning)

Not sure what I'll think about when it's over as it's in my thoughts every minute, lol.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 08:57:45, 26/07/15
Looking forward to it too, reports by others reminds me of my trip .... Forever in my thoughts.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:31:10, 31/07/15
http://theslowwalkeryork.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://theslowwalkeryork.blogspot.co.uk/)
Evening all. Hopefully attached is my trip report. Posting this has been more traumatic than the walk itself in some ways; so I hope it works! Some of the photos seem to have slipped slightly out of sync but it would probably take me another fortnight to sort the problem out. I also did not tag them for reasons of technical incompetence. I reckon those who have done the PW will know where they are and those about to do the PW will soon find out.
Anyway; hope you enjoy
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:36:13, 31/07/15
Downloaded and will read over the weekend, thanks for persevering with it!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 23:03:00, 31/07/15
I intended reading a bit of it now and the rest later but I ended up reading the whole adventure and am dying to get mine started in 2 weeks. I just hope I don't meet any "Mikes" along the Way  O0

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to share your adventures.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 23:14:53, 31/07/15
Hi John, thanks for taking the considerable time and trouble you have taken to post your trip report of the PW and Iook forward to reading it when I have a spare hour or so after looking at it briefly this evening. Fantastic achievement as I only made it to Middleton due to my knee injury and I can appreciate how difficult it was for you to finish with your own injury problems.
Cheers
Alan
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Cyberhiker on 09:23:42, 01/08/15
Well done John! I rarely post on here but wanted to say that having just completed the PW I thoroughly enjoyed reading your account and identified with many of your feelings, particularly post walk. I walked it with Alan (Videoman) until Middleton where unfortunately he was forced to pull out with a knee problem. I carried on and finished it in 15 days, I camped 11, BNB'd 4 & had a bunkhouse to myself in Garrigill. The extra night was at Cooper's campsite in Edale before we started the walk. I really enjoyed the walk, although 'enjoy' is probably the wrong word for the last day from Byrness to Kirk Yetholm, which was pretty awful with 10.25 hours of mostly driving rain, fog and wind and horrendous bogs. As I was wearing trail running shoes, I wasn't concerned with keeping my feet dry but just concentrated on not disappearing up to my neck in the peat, which at times was quite difficult. The whole experience I found quite emotional and I'm still 'circling the airport' nearly a month later. I've put together an album of photos HERE (https://picasaweb.google.com/118035221835607060191/PennineWay201502)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 09:33:08, 01/08/15
Wow, some nice pics ... thanks for the link.  Am away today so hope to read the rest of John's trip report later today or maybe tomorrow, have got up to Malham so far and thoroughly enjoying it  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 14:39:47, 01/08/15
Well done John! I rarely post on here but wanted to say that having just completed the PW I thoroughly enjoyed reading your account and identified with many of your feelings, particularly post walk. I walked it with Alan (Videoman) until Middleton where unfortunately he was forced to pull out with a knee problem. I carried on and finished it in 15 days, I camped 11, BNB'd 4 & had a bunkhouse to myself in Garrigill. The extra night was at Cooper's campsite in Edale before we started the walk. I really enjoyed the walk, although 'enjoy' is probably the wrong word for the last day from Byrness to Kirk Yetholm, which was pretty awful with 10.25 hours of mostly driving rain, fog and wind and horrendous bogs. As I was wearing trail running shoes, I wasn't concerned with keeping my feet dry but just concentrated on not disappearing up to my neck in the peat, which at times was quite difficult. The whole experience for me I found quite emotional and I'm still 'circling the airport' nearly a month later. I've put together an album of photos HERE (https://picasaweb.google.com/118035221835607060191/PennineWay2105?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbZo6LfsrevyAE)

That comes up as 'Page not found'.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Cyberhiker on 15:27:14, 01/08/15
Don't know what happened there, it seems to be working now though!

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 17:15:00, 01/08/15
Well John (johhnyp), thats a good trip report. I walked it with you all the way, really enjoyed it.
I reviewed me kit when I got home as you did and the only thing I didn’t use was an icebreaker base layer. I needed the gaiters.
The weather and the time of year as to be a big factor in what you pack. There is that much new clothing and equipment out there to choose from, some of it very lightweight. 
I’ve change most of my kit over the last five year to get the weight down and its down to 11kg.
I like you, if I did the PW again would try to do the last 26+ miles in one and if its to much you can alway stop at Mount Hooley YHA Bunkhouse, they provide bedding.


once again great trip report


Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:32:57, 01/08/15
Great write up, thanks John.  Your weather over Cross Fell sounds like mine and I was grateful then in particular for my GPS since, as you say, the route is fairly indistinct and difficult to see in poor vis.

Lowbyer Manor is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best b&b's on the PW, deciding between it and Forest View isn't easy as they are both so very different, so I'm glad you managed their fine breakfast!  Thankfully I made breakfast at all my b&b's and not sure how I would have coped if I hadn't  ;)

The Cheviot part is a tricky one.  My crossing was in fairly awful weather, hence my contention that next time (in 2017 I hope) I will seriously considering splitting it, but your point about the additional mileage is valid and in good weather crossing in one shouldn't present too much of a challenge. If only we could book the weather along with the b&b's  ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 21:27:32, 01/08/15
Glad the link worked guys. Thanks for the kind words and thanks Gary for your pics, which brought back very recent and vivid memories. It is reassuring that our experiences of the different legs of the PW all feel pretty much the same. Lets see how Bricam sees it over the next few weeks.
Six weeks after the event, my feeling is now that I want to do it again interspersed with, "that's a fairly tough old boot" and I think I fancy a nice easy C2C next year. I guess that in another six weeks I will be champing at the bit.
Then the question is which way? As Slogger has said, I reckon it would be quite a different walk the other way. The Cheviot question would sort of answer itself that way round; although the first eight miles would be an interesting start  ( btw anyone; how much easier is the low level route than the high level as a way to ease yourself in?). After a gap of five years Jon, s-n again may feel like a new experience again but if I go again in 2017 a walk of that length the same way may grate a bit.
The people at Lowbyer say they are selling up sadly.
Forgot to mention it
The immediate question is what to do in what is left of the summer. Still a couple of months left and whilst I wont get a long pass out; I may get a week but I don't fancy Hadrians wall and a one week c2c is a bit beyond me. Possibly a walk to Keld then a couple of days down the PW closer to home...

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:47:22, 01/08/15
Have you done the Cleveland Way Johnny? I suspect you have with it being near you but if not, this would be a good one for you to do, not just for the walk and scenery but also because it's easier to get to the start and finish for you.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 21:51:41, 01/08/15
The people at Lowbyer say they are selling up sadly.

That is a shame.  Hope it's taken over and run in a similar way.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:32:57, 04/08/15
I'm getting more excited each day. I'm in the stage where I'm thinking that in less than 2 weeks, I will be on my way. I booked it in February and it seemed a long way away but now it's nearly here.  :)

Have made 1 change to my itinerary after much thinking. I'm now going to walk from Malham to Hawes in one go and not split it into 2 days and stay at Horton overnight (will cut off the corner before Horton and join the 3 peaks path for a bit). To be honest, I was dreading the thought of staying in that bunkhouse and this also means I don't have to think about taking a sleeping bag. I also didn't fancy the food from the pubs after the reviews and comments I've seen so Hawes sounds a better choice all round.

The YHA was an extra £10 for the night but it also means I can have a rest day in Hawes as I wasn't supposed to arrive until the next day.  O0

I just want to set off now, there's only so much planning and intelligence gathering that you can do, lol
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 13:59:46, 05/08/15
Must be agonising now Brian, counting down the days after listening to us going on about it all summer. Just remember when it actually happens to enjoy every step as far as possible as it will end; eventually!
Anyhow I was pondering your suggestion of the Cleveland Way as a quick finish off of the summer. Presumably you have done it fairly recently. I wont get much time free to do it; five days probably ie a Mon - Fri. Do you reckon it is reasonably doable in that time. I am familiar with the C2C elements of the walk and some of the cliffs and reckon with a light pack it could be done without being too much of an ordeal. Could even stop at Scarborough as I am not too desperate to technically comply with the official route ( would prefer to of course). What are the hostelling options for this sort of itinery?

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:57:25, 05/08/15
I'm now going to walk from Malham to Hawes in one go and not split it into 2 days and stay at Horton overnight (will cut off the corner before Horton and join the 3 peaks path for a bit).

Will be interested to hear how you find that, it'll be a long day  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 15:12:00, 05/08/15
Must be agonising now Brian, counting down the days after listening to us going on about it all summer. Just remember when it actually happens to enjoy every step as far as possible as it will end; eventually!
Anyhow I was pondering your suggestion of the Cleveland Way as a quick finish off of the summer. Presumably you have done it fairly recently. I wont get much time free to do it; five days probably ie a Mon - Fri. Do you reckon it is reasonably doable in that time. I am familiar with the C2C elements of the walk and some of the cliffs and reckon with a light pack it could be done without being too much of an ordeal. Could even stop at Scarborough as I am not too desperate to technically comply with the official route ( would prefer to of course). What are the hostelling options for this sort of itinery?

John

I did it starting from Filey in 5 days but I was walking quite fast. There are hostels at Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay (YHA Boggle Hole), Whitby along the coast. At Staithes I stayed at a place called Trig 49, it's a camp site but they also have little chalets for £35 a night which have 2 single beds, shower, tv, kettle etc, towels.

From Staithes I then stayed at the camping barn at Kildale, it's very basic but there's not much choice. From Staithes over to Osmotherley YHA and the next day finish at Helmsley, which has a YHA if you wanted to stay the night but it also has a bus to York  O0

Mileage from Filey starting point was -

Day 1 Filey to Robin Hoods Bay = 24 miles all coastal = 8hrs 30
Day 2 RHB to Staithes = 19 miles all coastal = 7 hours 20
Day 3 Staithes to Kildale = 24 miles, half coastal = 9hrs
Day 4 Kildale to Osmotherley = 19 miles of ups and downs = 7hrs 45
Day 5 Osmotherley to Helmsley = 19 miles easy walking = 6hrs

Must admit, I was walking quite fast  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 15:13:20, 05/08/15
Will be interested to hear how you find that, it'll be a long day  ;)

I've walked from Malham to Horton a couple of times in 5 hours so hopefully the next bit will be about the same. If it's a killer, at least I'll have the next day to rest now in a nice Hawes pub or cafe  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 15:46:54, 05/08/15
True .... And there's a cracking fish and chip shop there where you can eat in.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 16:05:16, 05/08/15
Yeah, great trip report, enjoyed reading that. As regards to a North - South trip and starting, when I did it that way I took the high level route and was surprised how easily you gained height, there wasn't any real steep bits. I prefer the high level route which ever way you go. In contrast I found the low level route rather disappointing and quite boring in comparison.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:49:50, 09/08/15
I'll have finished day 1 this time next week, excited just doesn't cover it. After months and months of planning, reading, more planning, more reading, I just want to get started  :)

Hoping for a nice hot week before I go to hopefully dry out some of the boggy places out a bit  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 22:20:32, 09/08/15
There with you in spirit ... just remember it's as simple as putting one foot in front of the other until you reach the Border Hotel O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:01:16, 09/08/15
Easy tiger,
Not long to go now! End of this month you will be thinking "where did that all go?"
Every time you put one foot in front of the other try to savour the moment ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:11:36, 13/08/15
bricom2096


Enjoy your Pennine Way, you've waited along time for it to be your turn. You've had to put up with us go on about it, all the good and the bad points we've all had our say now its your turn to tell us what you think about it.


Good Luck


Vinny
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 15:08:15, 13/08/15
lol, going after you lot has meant that I've gained a bit of knowledge that I didn't know before e.g. a shop in the campsite at Crowden, which I didn't know about but might be a stopping point for me to get some goodies on Day 2  O0

I will certainly enjoy the experience, no 2 days will be the same and it's not just about the walk.  :)

Am at that "have I got everything? do I need this?" stage so I can't wait to set off for Edale and just do the walking without the planning.  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 17:15:08, 13/08/15
Have a great trip Bricam and pass on my regards to Colin and Joyce at Forest view Byrness if you pop in there.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: videoman on 17:31:46, 13/08/15
I would'nt rely on the shop too much at Crowden as when we camped there six or seven weeks ago it was very poorly stocked and not to be relied upon.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:28:18, 13/08/15
I would'nt rely on the shop too much at Crowden as when we camped there six or seven weeks ago it was very poorly stocked and not to be relied upon.

Nope, not relying on it for anything major, just maybe a can/bottle of soft drink and a bar of chocolate.

Will pass on your regards Dave to Colin and Joyce.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:43:26, 13/08/15
Sunday morning eh Brian? Staying there the night before or travelling on the day as you are only an hour away on a Sunday am?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:21:42, 13/08/15
Sunday morning eh Brian? Staying there the night before or travelling on the day as you are only an hour away on a Sunday am?

The earliest I could get there by train on a Sunday was 11:48am and this would have been too late. During the week I could have got to Edale before 8am so I'm staying at Edale on the Saturday night and set off in the morning. Prefer it that way  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:51:16, 14/08/15
well, all sorted and all packed, which gives me a dilemma. I can manage to cram everything into a 35L backpack but it's not as padded on the shoulders. However, it's more than a kilo lighter than my 65L rucksack, which I found to be quite restricting on my Cleveland Way.

I think I go with the backpack as there's nothing extra to put in it during the walk apart from maybe some food items here and there. Decisions decisions  :-\
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Ridge on 19:45:59, 14/08/15
Have a great time, I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:53:47, 14/08/15
Got the waterwings packed brian?:-o
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:54:20, 15/08/15
Best Wishes and have a great walk Brian
Am envious even after the passage of just 8 weeks or so
Keep us updated

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 17:48:16, 17/08/15
Had a walk along part of the Pennine Way with Brian Yesterday.
Here's a link to my short blog (Photoshop has stopped working, so only way i could display photo's)
http://sloggermeetsbrian.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://sloggermeetsbrian.blogspot.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:52:35, 17/08/15
Always scary when you pass 2 total strangers and one says "Are you Brian?". It was indeed a pleasant surprise to meet you Slogger and walk some of The away with you. I met that other bloke about Standedge (or Standsted as you call it) and he seemed a bit lighter.

Am now sat in a pub in Mankinholes after 26 miles today but quite nice paths, only downside was getting to the White House pub gasping for a pint only to find out they didn't open for another 2 hours, grrr.

So far, so good  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 20:16:48, 17/08/15
Hi Brian,
Standedge is a bit like crossing a runway isn't it,  ;) Jack must have got there fairly early after a short day, I wonder if he did camp on that little spot I told him about. One foot in front of the other, eventually you get there.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Belle on 10:45:59, 20/08/15
We got back from our little trek yesterday afternoon. A thoroughly enjoyable time with some great company along the way. I find there is a serendipity about walking - just when you are hitting a low, a fellow walker catches up and pulls you through.

The weather was mainly good. Two absolute wash out days; one of these coincided with the Alston - Haltwhistle section and a bundle of us took to the South Tyne Trail instead. The railway makes for extremely speedy walking and, tbh, it would be difficult to find much foot pleasure on that sort of day so speed was of the essence. The Viaduct was a high point!

Ground state: Sleightholme soft but not over boots (we took alternative that day as pushed for time). The new stonechip roadway from Birkdale (Cauldron Snout) to the soft above the Maize Beck bridge is horrid as is the road after Greg's Hut to Garrigill (that last bit finished off my boots and I had to get a new pair in Alston). Apparently Blenkinsop is over boot tops. Soggy bits from the Wall through to Horneystead but nothing too bad (especially if it isn't raining at the time). We had dire reports of bottomless pits after Padon Hill as you approach the forestry and we went via Gibshiel instead; others that came through said that it was knee high but manageable (once again this was on a sunny day - knee high on a sunny day is ok, but when the water comes from above as well it could be a bit of a last straw moment).  Underfoot conditions on the last section are nothing new if you have survived the previous 12 or so days.

We split the last day and stayed with the wonderful Joyce and Colin. In retrospect we should have gone for it as the first day was truly beautiful; wonderful views and the tops a perfect place to be.  The second day was the complete opposite and the Refuge Hut was an absolute life saver. Whilst we were there a fellow walker fell in through the door so we broke out all the supernumeraries we had been carrying for the past 250 odd miles - hats, gloves, winter waterproofs, emergency chocolate(!) - and slogged through to the end, but it was definitely a head down and keep placing the feet day. The boots are still drying out.

Best bits: the meadow flowers are superb (especially the meadowsweet); the Cheviot goats; the adder curled up beside the path; some glorious views on the penultimate day and previously over High Cup Nick; the fast jet pilot that waggled his wings at us whilst we had our second breakfast on Cross Fell; the company (we kept crossing paths with a number of people but two especially).

Many thanks to all on this thread and the helpful advice.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:51:45, 20/08/15
Seems to have got a bit damper since late June Belle. Well done on completing. Sounds like you had good company. It was fairly quiet in June ( until the Cheviot section!)
Where are you Bricam? Mankinholes on Monday night so, assuming you did Malham to Hawes in one day; I am guessing you are there tonight? If so that is good going for five days. My phone is on EE and I could not get a signal for days around there. Hope body and soul are all holding together.

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:54:23, 20/08/15
I am indeed in Hawes. Left Malham at 7:15am in the rain and arrived in Hawes about 5:30pm in dry conditions. It stopped raining after Pen-y-ghent so the waterproofs came off and it felt better. Phone App said it was 28 miles. I found the section between Ling Gill bridge and Hawes to be boring and soggy after the long forrestry track.

Bit worried about the above comments about the sogginess still to come for me :-/

Rest day tomorrow, that's why I changed my schedule to miss out Horton.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:31:34, 20/08/15
Good going, great effort. Enjoy Hawes, nice place to pause :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 18:39:29, 21/08/15
Brian, good going, hope you are not enjoying Hawes too much (hic!) Tell me have you had any further problems with midges since that first day? It's got me wondering whether that re-seeding, grass growth and all the ponds, on Kinder plateau had anything to do with it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:50:33, 24/08/15
Dufton Brian?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:46:19, 24/08/15
Dufton Brian?

Are you stalking me? Lol

Yes, in The Stag at Dufyon having tea and using Wifi

Best days walk so far, the previous days have seen waterlogged paths and soggy feet but todays paths were drier. The good effect of all the rain falling was the Forces and Cauldron Snout were very impressive and High Cup was the icing on the cake.

Yesterday from Tan Hill, very desolate and no highlights
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:08:11, 24/08/15
Just checking haha :D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 13:39:38, 25/08/15
Brian (brican2096)
Glad to hear your doing OK and enjoying the Way.
Been thinking of you with the all the rain.
Best of lock with rest of your walk.


Vinny

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:26:03, 27/08/15
Quick update. Greenhead to Bellingham was today, I think walking Hadrians Wall in June helped as I knew what to expect and I found it a bit easier than I was expecting but maybe the wind behind helped too.

The woodland paths were muddy and soggy in places but easily avoided. Nearly a mishap nearer the end when I came to a stream and could see no way to cross apart from straight through it. I walked upstream about 50 yards and saw a bridge hidden in the trees so I guess I came off the path slightly which isn't difficult through fields.

Am in a Hotel tonight, big huge bed and bath much appreciated after many bunk beds en-route.

Hopefully my next update will be at the end on Saturday. No pains, niggles or blisters yet.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 22:45:48, 27/08/15
Great to hear all going so well, looking forward to hearing more later.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: April on 07:17:56, 28/08/15
Ah, I have missed this thread so I am joining your journey a little late. Enjoy the Cheviots on Saturday  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 11:44:59, 31/08/15
Just a quick update now that I've got home and back to post-walk syndrome. I finished the walk although I had a splitting sore head the last couple of days. No blisters, aches or pains to speak about, just tingling feet at night which made it a bit uncomfy sometimes to sleep.

Will be doing a trip report during the week. In short, it was a challenge, not as physical as the C2C or as scenic (unless you enjoy days of desolate moorland) but probably more mentally challenging.

I don't expect I'd do it again as there are many more walks I'd like to do instead of spending 2 weeks doing the same walk.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 11:46:41, 31/08/15
Glad home safely and well done!  Look forward to your TR.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Jac on 11:48:39, 31/08/15
Congratulations - on to the next :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Andy Broadley on 11:49:46, 31/08/15
Welcome back Brian. Looking forward to the TR also.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 14:38:57, 31/08/15
Well done Brian, have a good rest now before the next walk.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:02:38, 31/08/15
Well done Brian
Two weeks is really good going.
I understand what you mean about the mentally challenging bit.
Anyway, bask in the good feeling about a job well done.
Await TR in due course

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 20:03:20, 31/08/15
Well done Brian, you found it easier than C2C!? I will keep an eye out for your trip report with interest.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 11:14:42, 12/09/15
Well done Brian, you found it easier than C2C!? I will keep an eye out for your trip report with interest.
Dave.

I haven't forgotten about my trip report by the way  O0 I was creating a website before I left and this takes a lot longer to do that a blog plus I have other walks to add onto the site. I'll post a link to the site in the next couple of days although it's far from a finished product but a trip report of a long distance walk is something a bit too large for a forum.

Slogger, I found the Pennine Way physically easier than the Coast to Coast, maybe because most of the previously hard bits seem to be covered now in slabs making the hills much easier than they would have been originally, it was more walking than climbing whereas the C2C had a lot of climbing.

Mentally though it was harder than the C2C possibly because I was walking on my own and some days the surroundings were quite boring so it felt like just getting from A to B
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 12:14:33, 29/09/15
I know this is a bit off thread, but I did say I would do a TR on an Offas Dyke Walk I did in 2013. Hope this is of interest, Sussamb and possibly Andy Broadley as I think you said you may be doing it. Sadly I can,t find the photos.
John
http://theslowwalkeryork.blogspot.co.uk (http://theslowwalkeryork.blogspot.co.uk)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 13:57:31, 29/09/15
Cheers, will read that later, only 3 weeks or so and I'm off :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 14:18:22, 29/09/15
Will read that later also. Am thinking that Offas Dyke will be my summer holiday next year  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 19:40:08, 29/09/15
I enjoyed that John, it brought back many memories of when we did it many years ago, although our schedule after Knighton differed slightly to yours. We took 11 days too, but had a day off in Knighton, and stayed in B&Bs in the more usual stop-over places. It is a route I plan to do again, next time, North to South.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 19:52:46, 29/09/15
I'm doing it north to south, will do a TR if I can once I'm back :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Steverossi on 20:05:21, 20/10/15
Hi
Am new to this, but bought the Donkin book 50 circular walks.
Have so far done from M62 to Hawes. B&B every time, but will do hawes to kirk next year, better weather ! Then get back to Edale to go North to M62.
Will that still count a shaving done it ? Walking with the dog is great, he never answers back, but conversations somewhat one sided.
Think I need advice about finishing across Cheviot. Have stopped the circulars now, and plot pick up points with buses.
Would hook up with someone next text year if any one wants a man and his dog. Average pace is 3 miles per hour.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:29:01, 20/10/15
Have you set off yet Jon?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:31:22, 20/10/15
No mate, leaving Thursday  :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 19:32:40, 21/10/15
Steverossi, it counts as having done the route when you do it in sections, but obviously not as a 'through hike'. Many walkers do it and other routes, a section at a time. All depends on how you want to do it and have the time to do it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Islandplodder on 19:56:08, 21/10/15
I met a couple who were doing the Pennine way in stages; they left the car somewhere where the trail crossed a road, walked as far as they felt like, then walked back to the car, I think by the same route.  They were not that far from the end, and I reckon if they finish they will have done the trail twice.  I'm not sure how they were going to tackle the Cheviot Ridge though.
Doing it as a series of circular walks sounds interesting.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 17:10:59, 24/04/16
Its just a year ago today that I finished my Pennine Way hike.
I’m doing Ok with my AF ( Atrial Fibrillation ) doing longer day walks now. Whether I’ll be able to do 20 mile days back to back again I don’t know but I’m thinking positive.


The next time it will have to be The Pennine Way for the over 70’s.


Good luck to you all on this years long distance walk.


Vinny
 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Belle on 17:48:03, 24/04/16
That is excellent news, Vinny. Good luck with the walking - we will look forward to your starting that 'PW for the over 70s' thread in due course!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 18:33:12, 24/04/16
Good to hear Vinny  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 15:40:24, 25/04/16
Well done Vinny. Keep at it.
Heading off to "Baltic" Minehead on Saturday to start my stroll to Penzance the next day. Nice choice of weather. It was probably warmer on Cross Fell last year! :D
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 16:18:34, 28/04/16
I went to the pub last night and had four pints. I got home at 10.00 and in a 'mad' moment decided to hike and camp The Pennine Way again! I last did it in 2011.

I went online and saw a fare from Portsmouth to Edinburgh for £32. I couldn't resist it!

I'm starting from Kirk Yetholme on May 25th and hope to stagger into Edale about 18 - 20 days later.

Anyone else planning to hike the route at this time?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 16:49:56, 28/04/16
Wish I had the time!  Hope you have a great trip though, still have plans to do it again next year  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 18:52:21, 28/04/16
Thankyou. I've just watched Julia Bradbury's 'Walks with a View' about High Cup Nick. Nice to see Dufton on screen, inside the local pub (been there) and the route up to the top. She manage to do it on a fairly sunny day.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:11:01, 28/04/16
I haven't decided on my summer walk yet, other things might take priority but maybe doing this again is a possibility mainly due to less time to plan after doing it before.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 22:00:55, 23/05/16
I planned to start to hike the Pennine Way early in the morning of 25th May 2016. Change of plan, I will now start early in the morning on 26th May 2016. My son and his girlfriend live in Edinburgh and they think they need to feed me before I set off!

I last hiked the Pennine Way North to South in 2011 and since then I have always tried to hike a new route. I'm hoping that, because I now know where I'm going, I may get a different kind of hiking experience? I am going to try to seek out new pubs and eating places on route and visit some old haunts as well. Tan Hill pub springs to mind.

I use a rain skirt these days rather than waterproof trousers and I hope I have now overcome its main weakness, the material flaps about in the wind and if its really raining hard at the same time I get wet knees. I plan to use the rain skirt in light rain, with my Marmot Precip, but if I have heavy rain I will use my Vaud Poncho on top. The Vaude Poncho also flaps about in wind so one of my wife's friends has sown a continous weighted hemline to it. I hope that this will solve this products design fault as well?

I am very hopeful about my Osprey Exos 48L, I have tried it out already on the Dales Way and it proved to be supremly comfortable, I hope it performs as well over a longer period?



Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: vinny on 15:13:39, 24/05/16
youradvocate, Enjoy your Pennine Way, hope its a good one for you.  
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: rural roamer on 14:45:01, 25/05/16
Good luck, we start on 22 June, so you'll be finished by the time we start from Edale.  Be good to hear how you get on
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 16:16:41, 25/05/16
Feeling a bit jealous at all of you getting out on the PW  :(

Hope you all have a great time though  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:59:37, 25/05/16
Feeling a bit jealous at all of you getting out on the PW  :(

Hope you all have a great time though  O0

I know that feeling  :) I still haven't arranged anything for my summer holidays and one of the options is the pennine Way again but North to South....hmmm
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: HikeyMikey72 on 23:38:46, 25/05/16
Youradvocate. I found when the osprey exos 58 was fully loaded and wet the past few days that the shoulder straps were constantly coming loose. (Every 5 mins). I am carrying 10 - 12kg when dry. I only ever used it for lighter training runs but this has now become annoying.  Maybe Im doing something wrong and somebody can correct me? Anyway Im 5 days into PW camping en route and so far have enjoyed only 1 day.  That first few days and rotten weather out of Edale nearly broke me. In hindsight i should have used a baggage service, brought a warmer sleeping bag and anticipated the lack of food in places. Tbh Im yet to feel the love. I took a day off and went to see family in Leeds, dry out and cheer myself up with alcohol and carbs. Good luck tomorrow....
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 06:45:41, 26/05/16
Sorry to hear you're not enjoying it.  Hopefully it'll improve for you.  Even when I hit bad weather, including a very bad final day, I enjoyed the PW, one reason why I'm planning a return visit next year  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Mick wmexile on 09:50:14, 26/05/16
Youradvocate. I found when the osprey exos 58 was fully loaded and wet the past few days that the shoulder straps were constantly coming loose. (Every 5 mins). I am carrying 10 - 12kg when dry. I only ever used it for lighter training runs but this has now become annoying.  Maybe Im doing something wrong and somebody can correct me? Anyway Im 5 days into PW camping en route and so far have enjoyed only 1 day.  That first few days and rotten weather out of Edale nearly broke me. In hindsight i should have used a baggage service, brought a warmer sleeping bag and anticipated the lack of food in places. Tbh Im yet to feel the love. I took a day off and went to see family in Leeds, dry out and cheer myself up with alcohol and carbs. Good luck tomorrow....

Stick to it Mikey, try and think positive. As I start my P.W. next thursday I don't want to hear things like this :( . To be fair, I will be e bit more comfortable, my wife is travelling with me, meeting up each evening in b&b's etc. Make it so easier for me (I hope) just treating each day as a day walk. Good luck, theres a beer waiting at the Border Inn for you.... go and get it
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 10:29:44, 26/05/16
I had terrible weather during my first PW in a September but still enjoyed it tremendously. Perhaps Mickey, you were a little unprepared especially with logistics of food and water supplies, I had no trouble as had planned ahead and knew when to carry more in areas of scarce supply. I hope you enjoy the rest of the trip.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: tonyk on 11:14:29, 26/05/16
Anyway Im 5 days into PW camping en route and so far have enjoyed only 1 day.  That first few days and rotten weather out of Edale nearly broke me.

 Long distance walking can be tough.With the PW its best to accept that bad days are going to be the norm and the good days are a bonus.That way you will accept things as they are and not get too depressed by the conditions.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 11:33:48, 26/05/16
Long distance walking can be tough.With the PW its best to accept that bad days are going to be the norm and the good days are a bonus.That way you will accept things as they are and not get too depressed by the conditions.

Agree fully.  To me part of the challenge of long distance walking is coping with the weather, and part of me would feel cheated if conditions were too perfect every day  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: HikeyMikey72 on 13:45:50, 26/05/16
Cheers for the pep talk folks. To be fair when i read back on that it looks total doom n gloom. The Dales have lifted my spirits and Im heading towards Hawes and my final day Friday at Tan Hill. I only had 10 days to play with. It has been dog rough at times & harder than expected camping it. Met some smashing people and witnessed a bit of (as the yanks say) trail magic along the way. I will be coming back in August to complete it with a more open mind and dry clothes....  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: rural roamer on 14:56:22, 26/05/16
After pretty bad weather when we did the C2C (and we still really enjoyed it) I'll be going with the expectation of bad weather again.  Perfect walking days are probably few and far between, in fact I'd probably struggle more if I was walking in 30 deg! Having said that we did have perfect weather in the Peak district a few weeks back.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: nod2 on 14:55:00, 01/06/16
Completed the Pennine way on the 23rd of May. This was my first attempt at it. Had a fantastic time met some really nice people. I only walked 10 days out of 16 on my own. I had good weather mostly, only one really bad day, on Stoodly Pike it was blowing a gale, raining sideways and nearly blew me off. Hardly any boggy bits even on the Cheviots.


Really glad to complete but at the same time sad it was over, Thinking what to do next, maybe Offas Dyke.
Has anyone done it and is it worth doing.


Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: nod2 on 15:56:33, 01/06/16
Completed the Pennine way on the 23rd of May. This was my first attempt at it. Had a fantastic time met some really nice people. I only walked 10 days out of 16 on my own. I had good weather mostly, only one really bad day, on Stoodly Pike it was blowing a gale, raining sideways and nearly blew me off. Hardly any boggy bits even on the Cheviots.


Really glad to complete but at the same time sad it was over, Thinking what to do next, maybe Offas Dyke.
Has anyone done it and is it worth doing.
That should read 6 days out of 16 on my own :D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 16:53:42, 01/06/16
I had wind and rain along to Stoodley Pike too  :)

Glad you enjoyed it.  I did Offa's Dyke last year and although I'm glad I did I didn't get the same satisfaction I got out of the PW, which I'm hoping to do again next year.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Mick wmexile on 11:48:33, 03/06/16
I've finally got my Pennine Way hike underway, started yesterday Edale to Torside. Was going to start today (friday) but a good friend, Lew got in touch a few weeks ago saying he had a day off work. As I was planning to get picked up and return home that day (I live in Derbyshire) it was no problem to change it. Anyway, what a fine start for me, NO RAIN at all, wonder when that will change. I have started a t/r blog  (https://mickwmexile.blogspot.co.uk/) which I hope to update as often as I can, providing wi-fi is in accommodations.
 
So its back up to Torside tomorrow and this 65 year old can get get on with the task inhand
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 16:23:43, 03/06/16
Hope weather kind to you :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 19:41:37, 05/06/16
DEcided to take half a day off and use a computer for a bit of leisure. The weather on my start day at Kirk Yetholme was dreadful, high winds and heavy rain most of the day, was made even worse because the boots that I bought a few months ago (WATERPROOF Keen Targee 2's) leaked like a SIEVE!!!

I hiked to the Byrness Hostel in one day, my feet were truly a mess with blisters on the balls of my feet and heels and they looked very crinkly and sickly! The people in charge of the hostel put my boots and socks in their dryer. The next day my socks were dry but the boots were still damp, but at least it was no longer raining. I hiked on but as soon as I walked on soggy moorland my feet became wet through again. By the time I got to Hadrians Wall (hobbling!) I was not a happy bunny at all!

Whilst walking through Wark Forest I met two blokes who I chatted to. One started talking about the Spine Race so I said do you know Slogger? Know him said one, he's one of my mates! So if you read this Slogger he and friend seemed to be doing fine, Sorry, forgot their names! I also met a couple who had walked the Stevenson Trail in France. First time I've met people who, like me have done this, we spent ages talking about our love of the route and the experiences we had.

My wet boots problem has dominated me my thinking and my mood, I get like that sometimes. In the end I managed to buy some Nicwax leather waterproofing spay and just poured the liquid contents equally into each boot and waited until the liquid started dribbling through to the outside. Each boot had about 5 different exit points so this annoyed me even further! I then poured the liquid back into the container and just left them to dry (more or less) in the sunshine of that day.

I emailed Keen's (not a word so far) and the online shop I bought them from, again not a word to date. Maybe I was sold a pair of seconds?

My waterproofing idea seems to have paid off. At the moment my feet are dry and seem to be healing as well. I have had to walk though some boggy bits and so far water has not got in again. It hasn't rained so that's been helpful.

I've discovered I am now nervous of cows. Since my experience on the GR10 in France last year when one charged and biffed me in the chest, I found that on one day I completely lost my nerve to walked through a herd, so did it the hard way by walking around their field.

Apart from that I've enjoyed good beer and good food. Its so cheap 'up North' I have paid £2.60 a pint, £3.75 where I live in Portsmouth! If I go to a seafront pub I can be charged £4.50 a pint!

My Exos 48 has performed very well, my load has carried very well. I also have had no problems with harness slippage. Once tightened thats where it stays.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: youradvocate on 19:49:34, 05/06/16
I must tell you all that the husband and wife team at the Byrnes hostel are, I believe, are the best! So kind and helpful and I felt honoured to stay there. I arrived a bit late but they immeadiatly offered me food and drink, volunteered to dry my boots and socks and were so very helpful in every other way. A great place and a great couple!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 22:32:38, 05/06/16
Yes Joyce and Colin at Byrness are the two nicest, honest and most helpful hosts I have ever met in more than 55 years of walking.
The two guys you met in the forest were Malc and Adam, the two that put me through purgatory recently during our Spine training the eldest of them is Malc who is 15 years younger than me and a stronger mountain walker i have yet to meet. They are also both very good Ironman Triathletes. Both relatively new to ultra distance walking, although Malc has finished the revised Spine 2015. Adam is a complete novice to it. They called it a day in Bellingham due to Adams skin parting company with the soles of his feet. Their target was Hawes to Kirk Yetholm in 4 days, they in fact managed 121 miles in 3.5 days.
I got a call from them at 8pm just as I was about to pour myself a Bacardi and Coke. Stranded in Bellingham, not the easiest of places to get away from.
I'm coming to get you i told them, next think I'm hammering it up the motorway and arrived at the pub in Bellingham 140 miles and a little over two hours later.
They stuffed a pile of notes in my hand, I told them I didn't want that much but they were having none of it and insisted.
I dropped them off at home at around 1.30am the following morning after a 280 mile round trip.
I didn't mind, in fact I quite I quite enjoyed the drive up while it was still daylight and I know that they would do the same for me, that's how it is with us.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: nod2 on 14:22:44, 29/06/16
Completed the Pennine way on the 23rd of May. This was my first attempt at it. Had a fantastic time met some really nice people. I only walked 10 days out of 16 on my own. I had good weather mostly, only one really bad day, on Stoodly Pike it was blowing a gale, raining sideways and nearly blew me off. Hardly any boggy bits even on the Cheviots.


Really glad to complete but at the same time sad it was over, Thinking what to do next, maybe Offas Dyke.
Has anyone done it and is it worth doing.


Finished Offas Dyke on Wednesday, really enjoyed the walk but didn't get great weather. Hot humid , with a few big thunder and lightning storms (very scary when your high up  :o )
It took me 12 days, quite hard going at times

Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 00:53:40, 15/08/16
Oohh Slogger and your Advocate you make us blush you say such kind things. I have missed this forum while I have been too busy to keep up. I have had a lovely summer meeting all of you guys as you passed through our neck of the woods (or more accurately Forest). Joyce & Colin
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:45:09, 09/07/17
Evening,
Going to try for a second PW this year; north to south this time. I do recall Slogger reckoning it feels like quite a different walk this way round. One benefit is I get to enjoy Colin and Joyce's hospitality early on this time ;). Start 4 weeks on Saturday. I am going to shave a couple of days off the schedule this time. Firstly will do Hawes to Malham in one (never really liked Horton). May go a bit off piste here as I go up Penyghent on a regular basis. Secondly, Mankinholes to Old House, Torside. This is a bit of a trek and the old PW route from Swellands Reservoir to Black Hill shaves about 1.5 miles off the total. Anybody been over that path recently? Is the sogginess worth the effort?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: tonyk on 08:24:11, 10/07/17
This is a bit of a trek and the old PW route from Swellands Reservoir to Black Hill shaves about 1.5 miles off the total. Anybody been over that path recently? Is the sogginess worth the effort?

 Not recently but I have done it many times in the past.IMO it is a far better route as it keeps to the high ground.A lot will depend on how the weather has been for the previous few weeks.After a very wet period it can become very soggy.

 
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 14:45:28, 10/07/17
Certainly the current route has quite a bit of gradient in it and as I recall from two years ago isn't the nicest section of the route. As you say Tony the old route seems to stick to higher ground. Unless it pours down for the next month I may well give it a go. It's just over miles in total. What could possibly go wrong... ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 14:45:55, 10/07/17
4
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 20:15:58, 10/07/17
Johhny, yes I prefer it North to South, however that may be due to the incredibly good weather apart from the last day that i had compared to the very wet and windy conditions when I did South to North. If not bothering with Horton, you can go along the much improved track which leaves the PW before Sell Gill Holes on the left at a gate (the 3 Peaks race route) heading directly for Pen Y Ghent.
Dave.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:10:38, 11/07/17
Looking forward to it now Dave. I reckon some of these days will feel quite different N-S and the beauty is that I can have another  run the "normal" way in a couple of years and it will hopefully feel different again. In the interests of variety I reckon I will try all the original routes also if it ain't too wet.
I must admit I got quite hooked on going off piste on the SWCP every now and again. It broke up some of the Cliffside monotony for an hour or two. That is a good track you mention near Penyghent. Think I did it a few years ago on the three peaks. Not sure whether to go a bit further across country to Malham. Know it isn't purist but there are a few routes round there that I haven't done.
Just the weather forecast to wait for...
John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:34:38, 11/07/17
Beware going off piste on Kinder.  In 2012 I took the original route up Grindsbrook and had no issues but there have been major attempts to halt erosion so this year I was faced with water filled ditches impossible to cross so had to make many detours to get around the heads of ditches.  Reckon it cost me a good hour  :(
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 20:32:17, 13/07/17
Yes Sussam, I think this was the day before you set off, when I came over the top from the Downfall heading for the top of Grindsbrook.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOjDtyXfRpYcDf0vcieOVuV8YKijfhzstp5wVUw (https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOjDtyXfRpYcDf0vcieOVuV8YKijfhzstp5wVUw)

Although i suspect with the amount of re-seeding since then, the Peat may well be grass covered.
(https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOjDtyXfRpYcDf0vcieOVuV8YKijfhzstp5wVUw)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:29:38, 16/07/17
Thanks Guys,
It was just to get a bit of variety into the second run really (and to cut a couple of miles off the Mankinholes - Old House section). I did Blenkinsopp but not  Hartleyburn last time; didn't do Padon Hill and took the track to Sleightholme farm so I have a few bits to do this time. Will do the old route to Black Hill as it looks interesting and think about Kinder. Have got a train from Edale at around 6pm and want an hour for a quiet pint at the end so will see how the clock is at the Downfall.
Have'nt walked since the middle of May so am going to ease myself into it and stay two nights at Colin and Joyce's O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:21:51, 05/08/17
Six days to go before the off and the predicted heatwave from Spain has not arrived. In fact weather forecast is mildly moist to put it kindly. Has anyone been on sections of the PW in the last few days, and how wet are the wet bits?

john
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 22:43:07, 11/08/17
Off we go. Great weather forecast. :-[
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 06:12:43, 12/08/17
Hope it improves for you  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: rural roamer on 10:21:21, 12/08/17
I think I'd almost feel cheated now if I managed a LDP with no bad weather!  ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 19:42:45, 18/08/17
In Middleton. The path has been very wet making progress slow..but I guess this is more the real PW. Keld tomorrow..more moistness! It does feel quite a different walk heading south
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 16:55:48, 19/08/17
Hi Johhny, I bet today was rather wet and boggy underfoot on the way from the track to Tan Hill, or did you take the track to the road and down that to the Inn?
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:31:58, 20/08/17
It was dave. To be honest though it has been wet all the way including the cheviots and around Bellingham.  Cross fell/knock fell too. Slows you up. Great view of cow green that I didn't see when heading north.
Ground conditions a bit better south of tan Hill.  Btw tan Hill was a mad house yesterday..hen parties from Newcastle etc.
In hawes tonight..Malham tomorrow so an early start. Finish Friday...hopefully
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 20:31:05, 22/08/17
Sorry to hear you've had a wet one, hope last few days are drier for you  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:40:04, 22/08/17
Thanks Jon. Oddly the weather has been ok. No prolonged heavy rain other than day one from ky. Seems to rain at night. Just the ground conditions making it tough going although it is a bit drier south of tan Hill.
Adds an hour to each day based on what I did in 2015.
At cowling tonight then mankinholes yha tomorrow. Never stayed there. Longer day to old house after that then the normal last day..fingers crossed.
It is worth doing it n-s different views and perspectives. Malham to cowling is harder than vice versa for example. Bit slower next time!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 15:45:40, 27/08/17
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.
8) 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
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Islandplodder on 11:50:59, 28/08/17

Looking forward to the TR.
It's making me think of doing a N to S Pennine way now......
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 12:34:46, 28/08/17
I have done a few multi day walks and I always enjoy walking them in both directions. Although it's the same walk, it actually feels like a new one as the scenery is different both ways and some days feel easier/harder than in the opposite direction.

I haven't done the PW from North to South but threads like this and trip reports tempt me  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 12:53:02, 28/08/17
Looking forward to the TR.
It's making me think of doing a N to S Pennine way now......


Me too ... have said I will do it every five years so 2022  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Slogger on 23:15:55, 29/08/17
Well done Johnny, some good points, looking forward to your TR.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:53:36, 05/01/18
https://theslowwalkeryork.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/johns-pennine-way-north-south-august_3.html
Very late but as promised, a TR from my 2nd PW undertaken during a wet August last year. Being north to south and, having an off piste day, I hope it is of some use/interest.
Best wishes

John
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 07:37:46, 06/01/18
Thanks, I for one will study it with interest as my next PW will be N-S  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: Islandplodder on 10:25:18, 06/01/18

I enjoyed the trip report.  It made me wonder if I could manage a N to S.  I know what you mean about feeling that one day you ought to do the Cheviot Ridge in a oner, we meant to but wimped out the day before when we realised that Joyce at Forest View would pick us up half way.
Don't know why you style yourself slow walker on your blog though.  A 14 day Pennine Way doesn't suggest slow to me!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:52:31, 06/01/18
The blogs and comments bought back lots of memories, some bad but mostly good. Not sure if I'll have a go again? Last time, in heavy rain and fog I missed the path from Gregs hut to Dufton, ended up on a 7 mile detour. I also chose to hike the section from Haltwhistle to Alston, I wouldn't do it again, except for a couple of places I was very bored.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 23:37:36, 06/01/18
It does seem to take me longer than most of other blogs I read to cover the distance in question. Now whether this is the accuracy of the blogs I read or some other reason (eg the faster walkers are using baggage transfer), I am not sure but I do seem to eat up the hours on trail! This year for example on the SWCP (hilly) and the PW (boggy) I did just under 3.5 kmph average and just under 4kmph walking pace. I read people saying they do up to 5 kmph. This does seem quick to me over long distances/multi days but if true it leaves me trailing in the wake a bit: hence my self styled title!
Over the years I do seem to be very consistent in my pace. I know that I deliberately shorten my stride length and pace on up slopes to preserve gas in the tank as it were and I use two sticks on down slopes to preserve my knees; this may well be the cause. I don't rest a lot too ( I don't think). Being a solo walker, I wonder whether being in company helps one keep up a faster pace?
I quite like writing these blogs as it helps bring back memories. I was pleased to have done the PW again this wet summer but on reflection it was more of a slog and less fun on balance than in 2015 ( when there were more walkers about). In contrast the SWCP was mostly a very pleasurable walk despite the inclines!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 23:51:15, 06/01/18
Hi John it was great to catch up again. North to South is always a lot more lonely than South to North and August is usually the quietest month as people are not keen on walking in the exreme heat (hee hee). Most walkers `do` the Pennine way in 15 to 20 days so 14 is quite short although in the awful conditions last August it probably seemed more than long enough. There are lots of people walking it this year especially in May and June so if we don`t find a buyer in the next 3 months it looks like it is going to a fun walking season. Good luck with whichever trail you are doing this year. Joyce & Colin
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 11:25:21, 07/01/18
I reckon the PW is not going to give you up easily guys! As a walker, I hope you don't go but as a human being I hope you can a work a way out so you don't work yourself to a frazzle.
It was definitely a lonely walk last year. That and the bad conditions made it seem remote. Maybe this is more of true PW experience. I will have another go fairly soon; probably the normal way and in May or June. I still have to do the Cheviot run in one go! Colin may just have to see me again :D
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 11:26:04, 07/01/18
Enjoy the Spine race!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 13:47:15, 07/01/18
I reckon the PW is not going to give you up easily guys! As a walker, I hope you don't go but as a human being I hope you can a work a way out so you don't work yourself to a frazzle.

Yep, me too.  Hope it works out for you guys either way, will be sad though to do the PW again without you there  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:57:35, 07/01/18
https://theslowwalkeryork.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/johns-pennine-way-north-south-august_3.html
Very late but as promised, a TR from my 2nd PW undertaken during a wet August last year. Being north to south and, having an off piste day, I hope it is of some use/interest.
Best wishes

John

Just finished reading it, great TR so thanks for posting it.  I'll be following in your footsteps next time I do the PW, scheduled for 2022  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:31:16, 07/01/18
I still haven't decided what to do for my main summers walk, maybe I better not read this until I have decided and planned it or I'll just be more tempted to do the Pennine Way again (this time N to S).

It will be sad to see Forest View sold, even if the new owners keep it as it is at the moment as you will always associate the establishment with Colin and Joyce, though I fully understand how difficult it must be to keep it going.

I do hope any new owners keep it the way it is because it will obviously make the Pennine Way harder to plan as there's nowhere else along this section so it would require other local B&Bs etc dropping off and picking up walkers.

Anyway...do I read it now????  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: forest view on 19:57:18, 07/01/18
That is why we cancelled the contract with the Estate agent they were trying to sell it to someone who had bought hotels off them in the past!! but it needs to be an `only hotel` for it`s owners so we are now trying to find it`s new owners ourselves. We are not looking for someone to buy it we are looking for the right people to buy it. So if any of you are on facebook a friend is putting it on Forest Views facebook page in a few days time (she has flu just now) please when it  goes on can you share it with as many people as possible and ask those people to also share it so that if anyone is looking for an escape to the countryside with a job and a home for life they will see it.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 20:35:06, 07/01/18
I certainly will and it is quite a different walk N-S Brian; so in a way not really doing it again!
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 20:43:13, 07/01/18
I certainly will and it is quite a different walk N-S Brian; so in a way not really doing it again!

Agreed, I've done quite a few LDP's in both directions as it's always different going in the opposite direction, plus the scenery.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: High Way Chris on 17:29:32, 09/01/18
If you fancy a shorter Pennine Way take a look at the Mid Pennine Way http://www.midpennineway.uk/
Lots of fantastic walking but a bit less daunting.
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 21:30:39, 09/01/18
In truth I quite like the PW being a little bit daunting O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: sussamb on 14:22:58, 10/01/18
 O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: bricam2096 on 16:00:46, 10/01/18
In truth I quite like the PW being a little bit daunting O0

I agree. The attraction of the PW is because it isn't easy and the length of it. A shorter and easier version would not have the same feeling as when you reach Kirk Yetholm or Edale at the end of your trek. It would then just be another long distance route,
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: tonyk on 16:43:14, 10/01/18
In truth I quite like the PW being a little bit daunting O0

 The Shed awaits you! The route was desribed by Wainwright as being the real Pennine Way and only  suitable for the most resolute and determined of he-men carrying food and shelter on their backs.If you fit that desription you can have a go. ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way for the over 60's
Post by: johhnyp on 18:34:51, 10/01/18
 O0