Pennine Way Day 6 - Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Setting off from the Lister Arms in Malham. This was my most eagerly awaited day of our planned walk - I'd never visited Malham Cove, so was really looking forward to it - It certainly didn't disappoint.

Only a hop, skip and a jump and you are almost at the cove

Very impressive - Would have loved to have seen the waterfall back in December 2015

Now for the hard bit - 490 steps apparently, didn't seem to be that many though

The Limestone pavement of sorts - No path to follow so as expected we wandered around for 10 minutes before picking up the Pennine Way again - Don't get too close to the edge, it's a long way down. Hence the many 'Samaritans' notices dotted about.

A cracking view back down in the direction of Malham

Here we go - It was the right path after all, but after a couple of well documented errors recently, I wanted to double check !

Watlowes Valley A narrow and enclosed valley with high cliffs - excellent and dramatic walking. Decided at this moment that I want to revisit this area soon and do a circular walk which includes Gordale Scar, this section is certainly a high point on the Pennine Way.

Spectacular walking terrain in glorious weather

The joys of this walk didn't stop here - Malham Tarn, quiet and serene and glistening in the bright sunshine.

Great place for study groups - plenty of wildlife to observe, but again - No shops or cafe's. Oh well, lets crack on and enjoy the day.

Climbing up around Fountains Fell

A 20 minute break at Twin Cairns (even though there were three !) and time to make a couple of new friends who we would see often further along the way. Martin a solo walker who was doing the whole Pennine Way for the second time and also the lovely Sami Lovett who was doing the walk for charity (Alzheimer's) who was carrying a bag twice as heavy as her ! Respect

After a lovely days walk - the fun was not over yet as we approached the impressive Pen-y-Gent. We had both climbed this before on a few occasions whilst doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks, but it's still a significant climb to do at the end of a hot and energy sapping Day 6

Race you to the top !

The sweat was really poring as we glistened in the hot sun upon arrival at the summit

Sami was at hand to take a summit shot rather than relying on my 'selfie' arm

Down the new slab staircase as we begin the long descent into Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Wide bridleways take you straight to the town

Probably the biggest disappointment of the whole walk - Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Two grubby and unfriendly pubs, poor customer service and no shops or cafe's - If it wasn't for Marco at the lovely Broad Croft House B&B, who again rustled us up some sandwiches for us we would have had problems on Day 7. I can't believe that with all the footfall from the Pennine Way and the thousands of 3 Peakers every week, that Horton is not well served with bakers, cafe's, shops etc. The main cafe is currently closed (This may be Covid related, I'm not sure) and the other tiny one didn't open till 10 due to "a meeting" Beats me.