Well that was an interesting introduction to the disciplines of walking. The Gargrave Ramble, 6.5 miles of first ups and downs and then the relative flatness of the canal towpath. The weather changed every 5 minutes, I seemed to be under-resourced and over dressed in equal measure. 10 hours travelling and 4 hours boozing all for 2.5 hours walking (and that would have been 2 hours but for 15 minutes getting lost and an unscheduled fueling stop half way). Getting up at 5am for a 6am train start from Berrylands, followed by 5 hours uneventful travel (via Kings Cross, York and Leeds). I say uneventful to partly contrast it with the journey home and partly to show the false sence of security I was in as we approached North Yorkshire. I should have seen the signs of issues as we approached Skipton, suddenly I was seeing more water than fields. This continued as I arrived at Gargrave.
As I set off on the ramble I could not help but notice that most walkers seem to be more resourced than I felt necessary, I had taken along only (other than the boots I was wearing) a coat, a few plasters and my phone charger! In retrospect a small drink and something to keep the energy levels up wouldn't have been a bad idea. The other thing I noticed quickly was how all those I passed on the Pennine Way bit (I was on it for about 2 miles going North to South) all said "good morning" or "hello" when they passed by, you notice that when you live in the South because it's not a normal part of your daily life.
After about 2 miles I made a mistake and went off the route for about 15 minutes, two local farmers put me right. It is easy to go wrong on the Pennine Way if you can't see the next stile or signpost. For a walk that is popular there are sections where you would not know it had ever been walked, the grass as lush as the rest of the field. the large amount of rain might explain part of that, it certainly explained the state of my trousers as I slowly ploughed through the boggie stuff.
As I said earlier the weather was changeable, sunshine followed by a bit of grey and then a bit of wind and then more sunshine, all over 10 minutes! Eventually I made it to the Leeds - Liverpool canal section where the footing was more secure and the walk flattened out. I decided to make an unscheduled stop at the Cross Keys in East Marton where somehow I persuaded myself a pint of Copper Bottom Ale was a vital tool to walking stamina. The canal has straight bits and it has meandering bits and I appreciated both in that 4 miles. The views were decent if not spectacular, the hello's continued to flow until we arrived back in Gargrave and the village itself.
I waited in the Mason Arms for my drinking companion from Leeds to arrive (James) and reflected on what I had learnt from that first taster. Well it can be summed up thus:
* My legs can handle the distance, but the general fitness is lacking.
* I need to be better prepared but without the need to be fully back-packed up.
* I should have company, it will help slow me down a little, my natural pace is a bit blistering.
* I enjoyed the fresh air and I enjoyed the friendliness.
* It is very early days still, need to remember Gargrave was a moderate to easy ramble to do.
* No point not enjoying a pint after but having 6 might blunt the point of the walk in exercise terms.
* 10 hours travel to enjoy 2-3 hours walking is not a good balance, need to think that through a little.
* I miss Yorkshire and I will do the Pennine Way come what may.
A few in the Swan and then it is time to go back to the smoke, with the compulsory bunch of wassed up idiots on the train back between Leeds and Doncaster (average age over 40!). But none of that changes the nature of the day, arriving home at 11.30pm doesn't alter the fact I have started a odyssey and it is up to me to keep on with it. Gargrave Ramble, done that. Don't forget this:
http://www.justgiving.com/Michael-Green4
