Day 47: Barnoldswick to Hebden Bridge
📍 Distance: 19.3 miles (31.06 km)
☀️ Weather: Sunny and hot, with a cooling breeze all day
🕣 Start Time: 08:30 | 🕔 Finish Time: 16:40
Today was a long one – 19.3 miles with around 2,000 feet of ascent – but what a day it was. The weather couldn’t have been better: sunshine from the get-go, tempered by a cooling breeze
The first six miles offered a gentle start along the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath, meandering through open countryside.
Not long into the walk I came across a scout group taking on their own adventure: a 20-mile trek to Padiham. They had chosen a mostly flat route and I hope they made it.
Things got serious after leaving the canal path – steep climbs took over as I crossed the moors en route to Hebden Bridge. The moorland scenery was stunning, but the dry spell we’ve been having was clearly evident: Widdop Reservoir was noticeably low.
The highlight of the evening was reuniting with an old friend, Anthony, who’s joining me for tomorrow’s walk. He’s staying at the same campsite, so we caught up over a chat and later met again at the local pub .
Huge thanks to Jane, the owner of Nook Farm campsite. Despite being fully booked, she somehow found space for us, waived the camping fee, and even made a donation to the cause. Jane, your generosity and warm welcome truly lifted our spirits. Thank you for making us feel at home.
Tomorrow promises a shorter stretch – just 14 miles – and I’m looking forward to a visit from my niece Mellissa and her boys Max and Thomas in the morning.
