We got the train from Settle to Horton in Ribblesdale and, after a short run along the road, headed along the Pennine Way and up to the summit of Pen y Ghent. It was really foggy up on top so we didn't have much of a view but we couldn't complain because the day was lovely and warm and it stayed dry for us so a little fog wasn't going to dampen our spirits.
Going down off Pen y Ghent was really slippery so progress was slow but Chris showed us a grassy trod we could use to cut out the second half of the slippery walkway.
From there, we descended into Stainforth where there were some amazing grassy tracks to run down which felt like running on carpet. I absolutely love this kind of descent where you can go hell for leather, knowing that if you fall it won't really hurt and that there are no divots or pot holes to twist your ankle in. Chris and I behaved like children zooming down the hill and I couldn't resist the urge to have a bit of a race!
Eventually, after climbing a hill I don't know the name of and making our way through a field of cows (scary!), we arrived above the towns of Settle and Giggleswick.
The next mile or so was all downhill and we eventually arrived back into Settle.
Chris invited us back to his for tea and cakes which were very well received by all.
Thanks very much to Ed and John for the lifts to Settle and to Chris for the hospitality and for being our guide for the day.
Total distance - 12.25 miles
Great day out. I am already planning h next one!
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