Day 10: Standedge to Pecket Well

Approaching Pecket Well (Image courtesy of panoramio.com)

Today we awoke to the sunlight filling our tents. Once we emerged from our tents the wonderful owners of the Great Western Inn presented us each with a bowl of cereal and a cup of tea. A wonderfully British way to start the day. Anyway, after packing our bags and saying goodbye we set off again, back onto the Pennine Way. We had our hearts set on getting to a sandwich stall that had been highly recommended by several people. As we crossed the first hills, which rolled into low mountains, the grey sky broke and illuminated us in a wonderful warmth. Continuing on in the fantstic weather we covered 8/9 miles before we were informed that the stall had closed for the day. Still we pushed on, our spirits held high by the weather and the stunning views, stopping occassionally to enjoy the sights. It started to become apparent that it is flying ant season, walking for miles with nothing but ants beneath our feet or in the air around us. When nearing Hebden Bridge we ran downhill for the last half mile, mainly to get a break from the ants.

Arriving in Hebden Bridge Isaac and I had just one thing on our minds...food! We settled for the ever so healthy burger and chips option and then set off to find the campsite. Unfortunately finding it proved more difficult than expected and we ended up on a dark road on completely the wrong side of the valley. With it being pitch black, and with us not wanting to walk back down the dark road, we ended up pulling over the first car that we saw to ask for advice on what to do. The driver turned out to be a lovely lady called Sally who said that we could camp at her's for the night, in her garden, which was just around the corner. When we had pitched our tents we where invited inside to meet her partner, Ben. They both took us through possible routes for tomorrow, on their map, and offered us the use of their bathroom facilities. Two days in a row we have been shown amazing hospitality which we are very grateful for.
So, here we are, camped up in Pecket Well where we will rest for tonight, looking forward to tomorrow.
-Josh-

Thank you Sally and Ben!
Josh, what have I told you about flagging down cars?! Oh. Nothing, huh? Well, I guess that one never came up for some reason but... well, it could be intimidating for the driver and it could be dangerous and should only be used in the case of emergency... but I'm grateful to Sally and Ben and pleased that you guys have somewhere safe to pitch your tent tonight.

Are you sure those flying ants weren't really faeries? That river and woodland, which run between your current location and Widdop, on the Pennine Way, look like the perfect environment for faeries and enchantment. Very pretty.
Sleep well, guys.

-Paul-