Day 2: Grassington to Buckden (12 miles)

Tuesday 24 April, 2007

I had a leisurely start from Kirkfield and shopped for fruit in Grassington before heading for the new route out of the village, avoiding Town Head Farm. The weather was dry and set fair for a dry day.

Up until that point I thought I was the only walker on the way Then I met two Leeds ladies and walked with them much of the way to Kettlewell. They were staying at the same digs in Buckden.

The walk to Kettlewell is along a high limestone terrace, giving improving views down into the valley and up towards the dale head, with Great Whernside and Buckden Pike lying sentinel over the Wharf: a taste of Dales walking at its best.

After a soup and roll break at the Racehorses Hotel a further riverside walk, pleasantly accompanied by herons and curlews, brought the day’s exertions to an early close at the Romany Cottage. The welcome there was warm and genuine, with the evening being enhanced by an improved Buck Inn.

Despite a gentle two days of walking my feet were beginning to complain: no blisters, just sore toes and heels.

Accommodation: Romany Cottage, Buckden, Skipton, BD23 5JA (01756 760365)