22.7 km (181.42 km) – Sunday 10th July.

We took a taxi back to Horton on Ribblesdale stopping at the famous Pen-y-ghent Café (which has been part of the Pennine way since it became an official route) where Joanne found a friendly café employee who fixed her broken rucksack straps with some industrial staples, before we started the day ( I hate to say it, but in the rain ). Joanne’s knee seemed a bit better and as the day seemed relatively flat she decided to come. Much of the route followed old pack horse routes over the Dales and the scenery was impressive – the guide book says ‘there is a feeling of being embraced by the three peaks of Yorkshire’. I’m not sure that we actually felt embraced but for a while we at least glimpsed the peaks (Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent) between downpours, as well as the famous Ribblehead Viaduct today. Joanne’s knee held out but we were both quite glad to reach the charming town of Hawes, home to Wensleydale cheese among other things. We watched Andy win the tennis before dinner and an early bed (as usual). We’re (or I am) having a late start so we can go shopping for new boots… (J) I had a go of Pauline’s poles for a while today and started fantasising about finding an outdoor shop at an oasis so I could buy my own pair. Pauline was dreaminge of a pair of new waterproof boots (her feet really are revolting at the end of the day, like props from a zombie movie 😂). We arrived at Hawes at 3.30 in time for checking in to our pub, buying poles for me, watching the 3rd set (well done, Andy) and having tea and cake. Dinner was good and we are now in bed watching Les Mis! Just perfect 😀