Introduction

Pennine Way 2006

      > Day 1
      > Day 2
      > Day 3
      > Day 4
      > Day 5
      > Day 6
      > Day 7
      > Day 8
      > Day 9
      > Day 10
      > Day 11
      > Day 12
      > Day 13
      > Day 14
      > Day 15
      > Day 16
      > Day 17
      > Day 18
      > Day 19
      > Final Thoughts

Links on Walking Places

Sunday 14th May 2006 Day 12
Langdon Beck to Dufton 13.1 miles

It was quite a grey start to the day. None of us were feeling our best and the grim breakfast did not help. This was voted worst breakfast so far on the PW. We also had to wash our own pots here.

As we headed off we noticed the temperature had dropped and gloves and coats were required. After a straightforward couple of miles following the Tees we came upon the infamous Falcon Clints. Many an ankle has been broken here so I was particularly careful. The warden at Langdon Beck YHA had only said this morning that this area keeps the mountain rescue fully occupied. The clints are boulders that have to be scrambled over for several metres between a rock face and the river. Not pleasant but we managed without mishap.

Above Cauldron Snout

It was then a pleasant walk to Cauldron Snout an impressive waterfall of 220ft. I had visited this many years ago in 1965 but could not remember it too well. It is a very good scramble beside the waterfall to the reservoir at the top. It was then a moorland tramp over flagstones in pretty cold conditions.

This was one of our shortest lunch breaks as we tried to get out of the wind in a gulley. We crossed Maize Beck and I was starting to look forward to seeing High Cup Nick – to most walkers this is the highlights of the walk. The excitement builds as you start to approach the rim and then it is spread outbefore you – absolutely stunning, a U shaped glaciated valley but looking straight across the Vale of Eden to the Lake District beyond. When we arrived Andy was sitting near the rim soaking up the view.

On the rim of High Cup Nick

It started to rain as we walked down to Dufton which was quite gentle and we arrived in the village at 4 pm .too early for the YHA but we spotted a tea room open with two large rucksacks propped up outside. Yes you guessed it Pat and Pete were inside partaking of tea and cake. We ordered lemon cake all round and pots of tea. The cake was fab. Made by a lady in the village.

The YHA was a lovely old building with lots of original features and comfy rooms. There were red squirrels in the garden which were a treat to watch as they pinched nuts out of a box. We ate at the Stag Inn. The service was slow but the food was good until Eirlys found cling film in her cabbage. She got her meal free. No harm done.

High Cup Nick
 

< Previous          Next >