Yorkshire peak #2

Today I had the luxury of being chauffeured around by my old schoolmate, Stuart Eakin, also a keen hiker. He drove us to a trailhead near Pen-y-ghent, where we began the climb up to its 2,277-foot peak. We lucked out with the weather again.

I don't appear to have taken any photos from the top. Afterward we drove by the Ribblesdale viaduct.

Then took a very indirect route to Malham Cove, which I didn't get to see while staying at Newfield Hall in Malham. We were essentially lost for maybe an hour, but not in the least bothered as the scenery was gorgeous. We compared notes on topics such as hitch hiking while teenagers, optimal retirement age, and past hiking expeditions. Here I am at the bottom of Malham Cove, apparently made famous by a Harry Potter film. I have my witch's hat on – suitably.

And here I am at the top.

Dinner was at the B&B restaurant, and was excellent. Followed by a few drinks at the Castle Pub next door, where we were entertained by a very drunk young woman with very strong opinions on American football and the history of the English in Northern Ireland. She was hilarious. I'd had a few drinks myself so I think I found her more amusing than I would have if I were sober.

And that concludes the Yorkshire trip. Another fine HF holiday followed by a hike with an old friend. Now, back to porridge.

13 July