Settle to Kirkby Malham

Monday 16th July 2018
Distance:  6.5 miles
Weather: warm, some sunshine and heavy rain overnight

I had a rendevous on the train with my friend Mel and her dog, Holly.  They were joining me for my first day as I walked from Settle to Malham and this marked the beginning of the second year of my Pennine Way journey.  We arrived in Settle which was in the middle of its annual Flowerpot festival so everywhere you looked  flowerpot men were sat in gardens, leaning out of windows and decorating the shops.  After tea and cake at the Naked Man cafe we were off.

Settle to Malham is a route I have followed twice before when walking The Dales HighWay , although in the opposite direction.  There is a steep climb out of town and up onto the Limestone dales and cliffs of Attimire Scar.  It was hot and we both struggled up the hill whilst the dog took it all in her stride.  My pack felt heavy and my legs were weak due to a lack of training before I set off this time.  The views were worth the pain and the sweat - I always love the Dales vistas.  The forecast had said there would be rain but it failed to materialise.  We didn't see another soul until we reached Malham which was rather splendid.  It was bone dry underfoot and we walked without the sound of  gushing springs and streams.  The weather had been unusually dry that summer.  The last time I walked this route I arrived in Settle soaked and left puddles in the Co-op as I bought my provisions.

We walked past the crags and joined the Pennine Bridleway which was a rocky, undulating track.  It was still warm but we had good views in all directions.  Then Malham Tarn came into view in the distance and it was magnificent - I will be walking there tomorrow.  We arrived in Malham and had dinner at the Lister Arms which was tasty.  They like dogs there so Holly was able to sit under the table and catch any crumbs.  Mel and her husband kindly gave me a lift to my Air bnb which was in Kirkby Malham.  It was a beautiful stone cottage and I had the place to myself as the family were away.  In the garden, chickens were patrolling.  The rain started as I arrived but warm summer breezes were promised for tomorrow.