L2L Day 40 Hebden Bridge to Cowling - 12 miles

Straight out of the door, it was quite a shock to the system to have a stiff climb through the cobbled streets of Heptonstall and a relief when we got to the Top oth Town.


The weather forecast for the day was pretty miserable so we were kitted out for the worst.

The materials and the weather must have dictated the form of the cottages which sit very harmoniously in the landscape.


There's a healthily radical history to this area and blue plaques commemorate key figures.


The start of today's walk was going to be a bit of a pilgrimage to get some sandwiches at May's farm shop - a 'famous' stopping off point on the walk.


Her reputation is that she sells everything and anything you could possibly want. Well into her eighties, May is a phenomenon.



Then back down the track to the Pennine Way to get up to the moor and my first Orange poppy of the walk.



Crossing Graining Water just below Gorple Lower reservoir.



Following the Pennine Way, we crossed fields and tried not to disturb the nesting lapwings. In one field we counted 20.



We eventually found some shelter to enjoy a picnic of May's delicious home-made sandwiches. They were worth the walk!



Climbing up on to Wadsworth Moor we passed 3 reservoirs 


and met Andy who was walking the Pennine Way North to South. 


Andy was on day 11,  having camped most of the way down and was hoping to finish in three days. He's a tougher man than me!




By now we were walking into the wind and higher on to the moor we were in low cloud and the visibility reduced.


Descending onto the other side of the moor, the visibility quickly improved 


and we walked to a building that was reputedly the inspiration for Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.


And then contnued down along the trail. But we weren't done yet!!!


In trying to find the quickest way to Hawarth we managed to find an awkward and steep descent and then ascent which we didn't really really need at this stage of the day.

However, Hawarth was the reward.



A very attractive main street with very photographable buildings. Unfortunately, the coffe shops had closed at 5 but we did find a very good bar.


Than a cab to our accommodation in Cross Hills.







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