Day 46: Eshton to Barnoldswick
📍 Distance: 9.4 miles (15.16 km)
☀️ Weather: Sunny and hot all day
🕚 Start Time: 10:43 | 🕓 Finish Time: 16:30
After a restful night and with the sun already beaming down, I had a slightly later start today—but for the best of reasons. I was meeting up with two old friends, Geoff and Peter, both making the journey from Preston to join me for part of today’s walk.
We met in Gargrave, where we shared coffee, a long overdue chat, and a few laughs. After some obligatory photos (we couldn't resist), the three of us set off down the Pennine Way together.
Although Geoff and Peter were only walking a portion of the day’s route—they had to return home later—the company was a real highlight. We enjoyed lunch together , and then walked on to the impressive double bridge where the A59 crosses over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
The pub by the bridge was closed so we said our goodbyes, not without a few more photos and warm handshakes. They headed back toward Gargrave via the towpath, and I continued along the towpath toward Barnoldswick.
Despite the sun’s intensity, the towpath was a scenic and peaceful walk. And after a few miles I arrived at the campsite where I was warmly greeted by Christine, the site owner, who made me a cup of tea while I waited for Adam to arrive.
Later, we settled in for the evening, making ready for Andrea who I met at Rowardennan on the 21st April. She arrived with lots of goodies and we had a lovely evening chatting over the walk so far and putting the world to rights
Then Christine returned shortly after and, to my surprise and deep gratitude, donated the campsite fee to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Her generosity, like so many others I’ve experienced along the way, is very touching.
