GNT Day 2 - Hollingworth to Ribblehead -13/08/21

Quick breakfast then de-camp and back to the trail. Nothing too horrible, but such slow progress and after a tough morning we had only covered 16 miles of the planned 73. Clearly, it was time for some flexibility as none of us fancied another epic day. Some route adjustments and a bit more road work and we gradually ticked the miles off. 

A fabulous stretch of canal tow path took us all the way into Hebden Bridge, famous for a number of things including; being the birthplace of Ed Sheeran, being frequently flooded and having more lesbians per head of population than anywhere else in Britain. A very nice café too. Time for some Yorkshire, so we struck out towards Settle, with a mix of road and gravel and a glorious descent to lunch. 

Then it was deep into the Yorkshire dales, working our way gradually upwards until finally the famous Ribblehead viaduct, as featured in the train ride to Hogwarts. The final 2 miles to Philpin Farm campsite was into a stern wind. but Kate turned on the burners and Emma and I tucked in and enjoyed the ride. The campsite was a delight, run by a super helpful couple on a working sheep and cattle farm. Tough way to earn a living high up in these moors. Tents pitched and freshly showered, we ordered a takeaway curry and several beers (mostly for me) and, again, all was well with the world. Tired, but not quite so traumatised as day 1, another early night.

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