Definitely not De Javu!

Monday 22nd August 16

Monday saw me meet up with long time friend Danny Bond.

Danny had wanted to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks for a while and we had set this date as mutually convenient and definitely not, as it turned out, for the weather!

This would be my 16th circuit of the 23mile route, taking in Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent and Whernside. It could have been a bit De Javu if it wasn't for the by far the worst conditions I have set off in!

Leaving from the *'Old Hill Inn' with dark, thick clouds above and rain bouncing down we set off towards Ingleborough to be met by a stream where the footpath should be! This would be the format for the day as we encountered torrents flowing down off the hills and streams having burst their natural courses.
The weather was forcast to lift a little during the afternoon and it was most welcome when it did!

*N.B starting from the 'Old Hill Inn' near Chapel-le-Dale and walking in an anti clockwise direction is my preferred route for a number of reasons -
1, it offers the option of a toilet stop at Horton in Ribblesdale, an important consideration when there are females in the group.
2, a second toilet stop is available at 'The Station Inn' at Ribblehead for a charity donation.
3, if unsupported by a vehicle there is a 'get out' option of not doing Whernside and walking from Ribblehead along the road to the starting point (or waiting at the 'Station Inn' whilst someone else goes for the car!
4, participants on already tired legs seeing the ascent up Ingleborough via the 'Devils Staircase' before them can become somewhat demoralised and a bit 'moany' when done as 3rd peak.
5, generally the majority of participants are surprised to find they suffer more with aches and pains of descent rather than the exertions of ascent so the shorter, sharp shock of descending Whernside with the finish in sight is a lesser evil than the near 7km/4mile drawn out descent of Ingleborough. 

The cloud base had been as low as 300m for most of the day but started to lift as we reached the road section of the route, personally this is the worst and most dangerous part. Worst as walking on the Tarmac takes it out on the feet and joints, dangerous because of the chance of being hit by a vehicle.

Hats off to Danny for digging in and getting to Ribblehead Viaduct in soaking wet boots. He was in good spirits as we chatted (which can be a giveaway of someone suffering) and physically seemed strong other than the soreness of his feet. I could hear the squelching of his wet boots as we neared the 'Station Inn' and decided it best to call an early finish and return to do the route another day rather than continuing on and risk Danny doing any long term damage to his feet, though the main reason was the annoying squelch, squelch, squelch that would have driven me insane (more so than presently) over a further 3hrs!!

Date already set!

That'll be the footpath/stream.

August on Pen y Ghent....

Summary - wet, damn wet!
This was one of those days when I speak to the client about reasons for possibly postponing until another time as I want them to have a good experience and not a day spent suffering. Despite the 'inclement' conditions and my suggestion of postponing Danny was unperturbed and keen to get on with it.
As somebody who spends a lot of time outdoors all year round I would grade this as 'sh*te' conditions so much respect to Danny for not being put off, surely has to be better next time....!?