Photograph Gallery Stage 41 Sedburgh to High Birkwith : Walking Englishman's 1000 Mile Walk

Photograph Gallery Stage 41 Sedburgh to High Birkwith

Posted by Mike on Monday, September 5, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Photograph Gallery Stage 41 Sedburgh to High Birkwith, Monday 4th July 2011

The Story:

Today was a joy. The weather was great with sunshine for the third day in a row, the company was super with Strolling Steve and Dave keeping me well entertained and finally the walk was brilliant with Dentdale and Ribbledale having starring roles.

We set off from Sedburgh with optimism for a good walk as we were on familiar terrain and after a couple of miles following the Dent road we cut off if to join the Dales Way to take us to Dent village. The first indicator of a good day was immediate as when we walked through Dentdales lush meadows the field boundaries presented us with gates instead of stiles. Even better, a number of gates had plaques on them, not with words but each with images of features to be found on the Dales Way. On some I noticed birds, tractors, hills, bridges and even one of Ribblehead Viaduct which we would pass later today. The gate representations were certainly interesting, time passed quickly and we were in Dent in quick time. With such a hot day we stopped in the village for a break and each of us enjoyed an ice lolly from the local shop. I love Dent with its cobbled streets and two great pubs, one home to the Dent Brewery. It was fitting the 1000 Mile Walk passed through the village and also fitting we stopped for the break there.

After Dent there were a few more fields to follow before we headed out of the valley and made a steady climb to Boot of the Wold on the western flank of Whernside, Yorlshires tallest hill and the highest of the Three Peaks. As we were climbing we were all forced to stop and look back to Dentdale which looked glorious in the sunshine. It is one of the prettiest dales for sure. After a few stops to catch breath and look at the unfolding drama we reached Boot of the Wold and with height attained we stopped for lunch. It was a significant breakpoint for we were now on the border between Cumbria and Yorkshire. The first step after lunch would take me into my home county.
I was not to be disappointed, it was a majestic entry into Yorkshire. A WOW moment. As we stepped over the crest of Boot of the Wold the remarkable profiles of Penyghent and Ingleborough beckoned us on. Between the high hills wide open limestone moor shimmered in the sunshine like jewels. It really was a sublime beckoning to the county and more magic was to come as we reached Blea Station and caught our first sight of the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. It drew us in and as we walked past the remarkable structure I realised how huge the viaduct is and what a feat of engineering. Cars were parked nearby and people wandered around the arches. Ribblehead Viaduct serves as a church to some.

The final stretch from Ribblehead to High Birkwith was average considering the brilliance before. First along the Horton road and then on bridleways and tracks it was uneventful bar three exceptions. The first was passing a farmhouse dated 1087. The second was a Hercules flying low right over our heads (I got a great photograph) and the third was walking right up the track to a huge bull which was shielded by cows. Luckily he was laying down and took no interest in us as we walked off the path and around the beefy barrier.

Soon after the drama we reached High Birkwith. A great walk was over, one of the best and after it I felt really pleased with the day. So did Strolling Steve and Dave, the Coast to Coast team of 1994 on the long distance trail once again. Perfect.

Strolling Steves Daily Statistics:

Scenery: 8/10 – Magnificent Dentdale, the Three Peaks and wonderful viaducts.

History: 8/10 – Probably the best known part of the Yorkshire Dales.

Interest: 8/10 – Everywhere.

Track: 8/10 – Well marked and generally easy to walk.

Comment: Always worth a visit.

The Photographs: