Day 16: The Carriage House to Bleaklow

After some initial buffetting the wind must have swung round to the west in the night, as I could hear it howling over the pub, but tent was calm. Awake at 5.30, breakfast at 7.30, packed and off by 8.30

The day looked quite promising with some brightness in the sky. We are ever the optimists.

We head towards Marsden, off route to resupply. Find a great looking small butchers for mince, and also pork pies. They even made sandwiches. Then round the corner to the coop for the last of our shopping.

Then back out via the Butterley and Blakeley reservoirs to rejoin the route. It was nice to have a change from the usual bleak moorland, as we climbed amongst trees. The path along the next reservoir, Wessenden, was one that Sue and I had walked many a time. Cue more introspection and sense of loss.

I knew there was often a snack van at Wessenden Head on the A635. Didn't want to mention this as it might only have raised hopes to be dashed. Our cold wind was now back with us. Cold. When we saw the road two flags could be seen fluttering, and we hurried over for very welcome cups of tea.
We had lunch in the shelter of Dean Clough. The butcher's sandwiches were very good. While we were eating two DoE supervisors strolled past  off to meet the group of 5 girls the were in charge of. They were immensely impressed with our exploits, which was gratifying, but as we having a great time on the trip seemed somewhat undeserved. Why is worthiness equated with suffering?
After lunch we begin the march towards Black Hill, in cloud, on an excellent paved path. Met the girls and instructors on their way down. Two girls looked simply relieved that their ordeal was nearly over, the other 3 looked to be having a good time.

The summit of Black Hill

Then more endless moor.

We dropped out of the cloud on our long descent to Crowden. The view revealed the looming bulk of Bleaklow shrouded in mist. Another aptly named hill. We would be camping somewhere up there.
Then meet our Wayfarer of the day. She was aiming to get to Gargrave, and she was planning on walking through the night. Given she had got lost on Kinder Scout in the day, I'm not sure this was a good plan. But it would be an adventure.
Descent seemed to go on forever. Eventually reached the bottom, and found a bench by the Tor Reservoir dam. Brewed tea and finished off the last of the spiced tea loaf we had bought in Hawes a lifetime ago.
Then back up into the mist. It's starting to get dark. We need to find a source of water and somewhere relatively level and sheltered for the tent. Managed to do this just before the last of the light had gone. Pitched tent by light of headtorches in the rain. Cooked tea (couscous with bog sauce) by light of headtorches in rain. Ate by the light of headtorches in the rain.
Now in tent, writing blog and listening to the drizzle on the tent. Goodnight.

Distance walked today: 13 miles
Total distance walked: 257 miles
Distance left: 13 miles

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