After downpours the previous day it was heartening to gather in glorious sunshine, which lasted on and off all day.
In light of his recent heart surgery, Derek opted for an easy? contouring low level walk ( 7-8 miles!) via Cray to Yockernthwaite stone circle, then back via Hubberholme on the Dalesway to Buckden for an extended assessment of the refreshment facilities there.
The rest set off up Buckden Beck for the summit of the Pike, passing a dead stoat? mink? on the path. The several waterfalls were spectacularly full and necessitated many photos.
The steep sides, limestone crags and waterfalls of Buckden Beck. Photo by Tony Crosby. A brief refuelling stop was taken at the lead mines. I was agreeably surprised how much footpath restoration has been done on the summit and approaches. The way is no longer a muddy boggy trudge. The summit cairn too seems to have been redesigned/relocated since my last visit, or is that just failing memory? After lunching on the slopes out of the cool breeze, we joined Derek’s route at the White Lion (closed for renovatio
Graham and Tony diverted to enjoy the fine view from Wharfedale Cairn. We briefly considered a diversion to scale Strands Gill, before deciding to press on to Yockenthwaite and a tea stop at Hubberholme. Sharing the Dalesway back to Buckden with a party of mainly (manly?) ladies embarked on repeating Wainwrights pre-war walk from Settle to Hadrian’s Wall. We met Derek on the way who had long since exhausted the Buckden dining options. About 10 miles. Another good day out; thanks to all.