Monday27 September 2010
Day04 Start - Hebden Bridge- OS Grid Ref:- SD 96810 27580 - Height:- 324.98m
Day04 Route - Hebden Bridge->Ikornshaw
Day04 Start - Hebden Bridge- OS Grid Ref:- SD 96810 27580 - Height:- 324.98m
Day04 Route - Hebden Bridge->Ikornshaw
Days Walk:- 15.38 Miles
Days Ascent:- 770.41m
Start Time:- 10:30, Finish Time:- 18:30
Walking Time:- 8hrs 00mins
Average Speed:- 1.92mph
Places of Interest:-Days Ascent:- 770.41m
Start Time:- 10:30, Finish Time:- 18:30
Walking Time:- 8hrs 00mins
Average Speed:- 1.92mph
Withins Ruins
Peaks visited:-
None
PHOTOS (DAY 04)
Click here to view a slideshow of photos taken on DAY04 Monday 27 September 2010DAYS JOURNAL (DAY 04)
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| Looking down into Colden Water |
The nights’ sleep had been interrupted by either the humming of the wind turbine or my aching legs every time I tried to turn over. Now I know why I was told to camp around the back of the farm. Other than that I had a good nights’ sleep. Again getting going in the morning was slow but the luxury of the remaining ½ tin of custard, left over from last night, made the cheese and porridge for breakfast a real treat.
By the time I was all packed up and back on the trail it was 10:30. A late start if I was to get anywhere near staying on schedule and reaching Ikornshaw16 miles away. I was offered a shower by the lady at the farm but I did not see the point of getting clean only to put back on dirty wet clothes again.
The first part of the walk was still up hill slightly to the top of Pry Hill, but I was still pleased that the worst was completed last thing yesterday. Very soon I was descending into the Colden Water and crossing the wooden bridge at the bottom. A proper climb of 100m in ¼ mile up to Colden and on to Long High Top got me sweating and shedding layers, but at least I was warmed up.
It was here I managed to stray off track for the first time in the 4 days since Edale, towards Stony Turgate Hill.
I was looking for a path off to the left after Mount Pleasant Farm. I had not noticed Long High Top Farm on the map and therefore took the first left instead of the second left. I did have my suspicions when this path was not as well trodden as the main track, However while the idea or attitude of mind of me being in step while everybody else is often a positive characteristic in this case it was not.
Some people would say I was lost, I would say you can't get lost in West Yorkshire , it was simply a slight detour off track which I managed to find near Green Hill and the arched barn mentioned in the trailblazer route guide. It was a timely reminder to concentrate especially as today was fairly misty touching on fog. Confirmation I was back on track was provided by the many fingerpost on top of Clough Head Hill, though the height of this one would not have been much good from a distance, but at least it was there.
This track led to the next significant checkpoint, Gorple Cottages which I had noted many times during my armchair preparations, I felt like I knew them well. Beyond Gorple Cottages was Graining Water which was crossed at the bottom of a very small gorge with The Packhouse Inn now visible on the other side as the fog began to clear. This would make a lovely spot to rest had the sun been shining.
On the other side I joined a road for a short while heading west until turning right along the Calder/Aire link, only for a short time and it was left after the woods towards Warshaw Dean Reservoirs. As I reached the dam at Middle Warshaw Dean I stopped for lunch, a Pro-Flapjack protein bar. Before I finished eating it I had turned really cold and put on my backpack, wrapped up warm and set off again after only 5 minutes rest.
The Pennine Way left the reservoirs half way along Walshaw Dean Middle Reservoir and it was off into the Moors again towards Dick Delf Hill and Withins Height, the county top of Bradford Unitary Authority. Not a major peak but one I would have liked to visit, however the thickening fog and the passing of time made me ignore this top, like all the others previously, even though I could just make out the trig point on my left. This was only briefly as the fog closed in again and I continued on towards Withins Ruins. These were first identified by a lone tree, then the ruins themselves appeared out of the mist. Claimed to have inspired Emily Bronte as the farm lived in by the Ernshaw family in Wuthering Heights.
The ruins marked the ½ way point for the days walk and at just after 2:30 and 4 hours walking meant I should be at Ikornshaw about 6:30. Nearly dark but as my resting place was a B&B; I wouldn't have to bother about setting up camp in the dark.
It also occurred to me at this point that I had not been thinking about my phrase from earlier in the walk ;- "You wanted a challenge... etc" Maybe I was getting into a routine and the walk was not going to be as tough as I first thought in the beginning.
Although it was foggy (and boggy) navigation and progress was fine because of the flagstones that had been laid to protect the route. In no time I was passing Upper Heights Farm a campsite under consideration during planning. It was closed so it would not have been an option if I wanted to. Onwards to Pondon and Pondon Reservoir, another option to camp at Ponden Hall, but ignored as still plenty of light left at nearly 3pm.
Continuing north, east of Dean Clough saw a serious climb to Far Dean Field Farm and onto Crag Bottom. The climb continued up Thornton Hill and onto High Wolf Stones nearly 250m in 2¼ miles taking over 2 hours, time to think of options if do not reach Ikornshaw in daylight.
Fortunately from High Wolf Stones it was mostly downhill across Ikornshaw Moor. The one difficulty was thick damp fog but the path was reasonably clear across boggy terrain being made easier by intermittent flagstones.
Within 30mins I had crossed Ikornshaw Moor and was on its edge marked by a lone stone hut which was boarded up, so no chance of shelter even if needed. Following the wall at the edge of the moor I pass several hunting cabins, again all of which are looked. As I reach Further Dean Hole I think I can see Ikornshaw through the mist and gradually encroaching dusk. Although I always aim to be settled by dark, it is too close to not press on to the finish.
After steep descent into Andrew Gutter and similarly steep ascent up the other side or the last climb of the day I contoured along Eller Hill with Dean Brow Beck below until reaching Lumb Waterfall.
A sharp turn at the bridge over Ikornshaw Beck at Lumb takes me to Lower Summer House after which Ikornshaw on the A6038 comes into sight down the slope less than 300m away.
Winterhouse Barn and warm bed for the night should be on the left only another 300m to the right along the A6068. As I approach the building is not lit up. An unanswered knock confirms nobody is in.
No problem I think I will check another B&B, referring to Trailblazer Woodland House in Cowling nearly 1 mile further on is the only other option. I call but get an answer machine and a mobile number. I get a pencil ready and call again to write down the number. I then call the mobile and before it starts to ring my phone dies, flat battery.
Oh no, here I am on a busy road; starting to rain, tired and wet with sweat, feeling the cold of the night air, with no obvious campsite, official or wild. So I knocks on the next door cottage, as the door is answered a car pulls up and I think it is the B&B owners. It is not it is the ladies husband coming home for his tea and worst of all the B&B is closed they have gone on holiday. The lady kindly calls the other B&B and worse still they are also on holiday.
It turns out the people in the cottage I have disturbed are relatives of Winterhouse Barn owners and she says I can camp at the back. At this point, like last night , I am disappointed of being denied a warm bed once again, but am grateful of somewhere to pitch my tent.
I am shown the driest place and off I go into what is a well known routine. Forget dry clothes though because it is now raining hard, pitch tent, unpack backpack etc. The phrase "you wanted a challenge..." returns with the added line "So stop bloody moaning and get on with it"
The bonus today was a shower in the outhouse behind the B&B. The room was cold but the water was hot. Taking off my clothes made me realise I hadn't washed for 3 days. The strong smell of ammonia from sheep/cow dung along with traipsing through never ending bogs was well and truly ground into my socks and trousers.
After the shower I wash my clothes from the previous 3 days and hang them up, saving today’s’ for tomorrow in case they do not dry. I then buy a pint of milk from the people in the cottage and return to the tent for my evening meal of rehydrated chilli con carne followed by stewed apples and custard. Absolutely brilliant all washed down with 2 hot cups of tea made with fresh milk.
Once again the shower and hot food make me appreciate the simplest things in life. An AA battery and i-charger gives my phone enough life to call home and catch up on facebook.
Settling off for another night under canvas I feel I am destined to spend the rest of my life in a tent, having not found a bed since leaving home 5 nights ago.
Tomorrow I am definitely staying in a bed. So get up early and head for Malham 19 miles away.
MAP DAY 04
By the time I was all packed up and back on the trail it was 10:30. A late start if I was to get anywhere near staying on schedule and reaching Ikornshaw16 miles away. I was offered a shower by the lady at the farm but I did not see the point of getting clean only to put back on dirty wet clothes again.
The first part of the walk was still up hill slightly to the top of Pry Hill, but I was still pleased that the worst was completed last thing yesterday. Very soon I was descending into the Colden Water and crossing the wooden bridge at the bottom. A proper climb of 100m in ¼ mile up to Colden and on to Long High Top got me sweating and shedding layers, but at least I was warmed up.
It was here I managed to stray off track for the first time in the 4 days since Edale, towards Stony Turgate Hill.
 |
| A useful sign on Clough Head Hill, but a bit of a job to spot from a distance! |
Some people would say I was lost, I would say you can't get lost in West Yorkshire , it was simply a slight detour off track which I managed to find near Green Hill and the arched barn mentioned in the trailblazer route guide. It was a timely reminder to concentrate especially as today was fairly misty touching on fog. Confirmation I was back on track was provided by the many fingerpost on top of Clough Head Hill, though the height of this one would not have been much good from a distance, but at least it was there.
 |
| Gorple Cottages east of Gorple Lower Reservoir |
On the other side I joined a road for a short while heading west until turning right along the Calder/Aire link, only for a short time and it was left after the woods towards Warshaw Dean Reservoirs. As I reached the dam at Middle Warshaw Dean I stopped for lunch, a Pro-Flapjack protein bar. Before I finished eating it I had turned really cold and put on my backpack, wrapped up warm and set off again after only 5 minutes rest.
The Pennine Way left the reservoirs half way along Walshaw Dean Middle Reservoir and it was off into the Moors again towards Dick Delf Hill and Withins Height, the county top of Bradford Unitary Authority. Not a major peak but one I would have liked to visit, however the thickening fog and the passing of time made me ignore this top, like all the others previously, even though I could just make out the trig point on my left. This was only briefly as the fog closed in again and I continued on towards Withins Ruins. These were first identified by a lone tree, then the ruins themselves appeared out of the mist. Claimed to have inspired Emily Bronte as the farm lived in by the Ernshaw family in Wuthering Heights.
 |
| Lone tree to south Withins ruins |
It also occurred to me at this point that I had not been thinking about my phrase from earlier in the walk ;- "You wanted a challenge... etc" Maybe I was getting into a routine and the walk was not going to be as tough as I first thought in the beginning.
Although it was foggy (and boggy) navigation and progress was fine because of the flagstones that had been laid to protect the route. In no time I was passing Upper Heights Farm a campsite under consideration during planning. It was closed so it would not have been an option if I wanted to. Onwards to Pondon and Pondon Reservoir, another option to camp at Ponden Hall, but ignored as still plenty of light left at nearly 3pm.
Continuing north, east of Dean Clough saw a serious climb to Far Dean Field Farm and onto Crag Bottom. The climb continued up Thornton Hill and onto High Wolf Stones nearly 250m in 2¼ miles taking over 2 hours, time to think of options if do not reach Ikornshaw in daylight.
Fortunately from High Wolf Stones it was mostly downhill across Ikornshaw Moor. The one difficulty was thick damp fog but the path was reasonably clear across boggy terrain being made easier by intermittent flagstones.
 |
| Coming off Irkornshaw Moor No shelter here, all boarded up |
After steep descent into Andrew Gutter and similarly steep ascent up the other side or the last climb of the day I contoured along Eller Hill with Dean Brow Beck below until reaching Lumb Waterfall.
A sharp turn at the bridge over Ikornshaw Beck at Lumb takes me to Lower Summer House after which Ikornshaw on the A6038 comes into sight down the slope less than 300m away.
Winterhouse Barn and warm bed for the night should be on the left only another 300m to the right along the A6068. As I approach the building is not lit up. An unanswered knock confirms nobody is in.
No problem I think I will check another B&B, referring to Trailblazer Woodland House in Cowling nearly 1 mile further on is the only other option. I call but get an answer machine and a mobile number. I get a pencil ready and call again to write down the number. I then call the mobile and before it starts to ring my phone dies, flat battery.
Oh no, here I am on a busy road; starting to rain, tired and wet with sweat, feeling the cold of the night air, with no obvious campsite, official or wild. So I knocks on the next door cottage, as the door is answered a car pulls up and I think it is the B&B owners. It is not it is the ladies husband coming home for his tea and worst of all the B&B is closed they have gone on holiday. The lady kindly calls the other B&B and worse still they are also on holiday.
 |
| Irkornshaw early evening. Winterhouse Barn just off picture to right behind wall along A6068 |
I am shown the driest place and off I go into what is a well known routine. Forget dry clothes though because it is now raining hard, pitch tent, unpack backpack etc. The phrase "you wanted a challenge..." returns with the added line "So stop bloody moaning and get on with it"
The bonus today was a shower in the outhouse behind the B&B. The room was cold but the water was hot. Taking off my clothes made me realise I hadn't washed for 3 days. The strong smell of ammonia from sheep/cow dung along with traipsing through never ending bogs was well and truly ground into my socks and trousers.
After the shower I wash my clothes from the previous 3 days and hang them up, saving today’s’ for tomorrow in case they do not dry. I then buy a pint of milk from the people in the cottage and return to the tent for my evening meal of rehydrated chilli con carne followed by stewed apples and custard. Absolutely brilliant all washed down with 2 hot cups of tea made with fresh milk.
Once again the shower and hot food make me appreciate the simplest things in life. An AA battery and i-charger gives my phone enough life to call home and catch up on facebook.
Settling off for another night under canvas I feel I am destined to spend the rest of my life in a tent, having not found a bed since leaving home 5 nights ago.
Tomorrow I am definitely staying in a bed. So get up early and head for Malham 19 miles away.
MAP DAY 04
The red highlighted part of the route just after Long High Top is where for the first time in nearly 4 days I had a small detour off route!!!
ROUTE CARD DAY 04
| LOCATION | HEIGHT | DIST | ASCT | EST TIME | |
| Badger Fields Farm Campsite | SD 96810 27580 | 324.98 m | |||
| Badger Fields Farm Campsite->Badger Lane | 0.11 Mi | 0 m | 00:03:00 | ||
| Badger Lane | SD 96756 27448 | 314.68 m | |||
| Badger Lane->Colden Water | 0.49 Mi | 16.4 m | 00:16:00 | ||
| Colden Water | SD 96762 28201 | 246.90 m | |||
| Colden Water->Colden | 0.34 Mi | 64.1 m | 00:16:01 | ||
| Colden | SD 96627 28641 | 308.30 m | |||
| Colden->Long High Top | 0.27 Mi | 62.1 m | 00:14:00 | ||
| Long High Top | SD 96558 28976 | 368.25 m | |||
| Long High Top->WP0002 | 0.65 Mi | 5 m | 00:20:00 | ||
| WP0002 | SD 96281 29715 | 341.46 m | |||
| WP0002->Footpath to Clough Head | 0.10 Mi | 7.2 m | 00:03:01 | ||
| Footpath to Clough Head | SD 96214 29845 | 348.61 m | |||
| Gorple Cottages | SD 94681 31256 | 299.76 m | |||
| Gorple Cottages->Well Hole Cottages | 0.70 Mi | 43.9 m | 00:25:00 | ||
| Well Hole Cottages | SD 94908 32052 | 286.13 m | |||
| Well Hole Cottages->Wallshaw Dean Lower Reservoir | 1.18 Mi | 54.7 m | 00:40:01 | ||
| Wallshaw Dean Lower Reservoir | SD 95764 32969 | 298.44 m | |||
| Wallshaw Dean Middle Reservoir | SD 96498 33322 | 319.33 m | |||
| Wallshaw Dean Middle Reservoir->Wall to Dick Delf Hill | 1.38 Mi | 137.6 m | 00:55:00 | ||
| Wall to Dick Delf Hill | SD 98004 34814 | 448.46 m | |||
| Wall to Dick Delf Hill->Upper Heights Farm Campsite | 1.48 Mi | 10 m | 00:45:00 | ||
| Upper Heights Farm Campsite | SD 99456 36239 | 351.23 m | |||
| Upper Heights Farm Campsite->Buckley Green | 0.48 Mi | 0 m | 00:14:00 | ||
| Buckley Green | SD 99834 36715 | 280.83 m | |||
| Buckley Green->Ponden House Campsite | 0.77 Mi | 41 m | 00:27:00 | ||
| Ponden House Campsite | SD 99009 37124 | 263.04 m | |||
| Ponden House Campsite->Little Wolf Stones turnoff | 2.29 Mi | 221 m | 01:30:01 | ||
| Little Wolf Stones turnoff | SD 97432 39354 | 427.44 m | |||
| Little Wolf Stones turnoff->High End Lowe Spring | 1.19 Mi | 10.6 m | 00:36:01 | ||
| High End Lowe Spring | SD 96935 40965 | 349.00 m | |||
| High End Lowe Spring->Lumb (Waterfall) | 1.10 Mi | 29 m | 00:35:01 | ||
| Lumb (Waterfall) | SD 96478 42004 | 272.95 m | |||
| Lumb (Waterfall)->Lower Summerhouse Farm | 0.35 Mi | 12.3 m | 00:11:01 | ||
| Lower Summerhouse Farm | SD 96622 42538 | 253.94 m | |||
| Lower Summerhouse Farm->Ikornshaw A6068 | 0.18 Mi | 0 m | 00:05:00 | ||
| Ikornshaw A6068 | SD 96594 42816 | 218.38 m | |||
| Ikornshaw A6068->Winterhouse Barn campsite | 0.15 Mi | 0 m | 00:04:01 | ||
| Winterhouse Barn campsite | SD 96789 42915 | 201.16 m | |||
| Total trip | 15.32 Mi | 770.4 m | 08:56:01 | ||
| Est Time: 2.0 Mi/hr, 600 m ascent adds 1hr | |||||
| Magnetic variation : 4o | |||||
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