The bad weather continued today on this largely westbound section of
the Penine Way from Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton but what a
beautiful leg of the journey it has been nonetheless. The first part
of the route followed the river Tees for about 10 miles past rapids
and the magnificent waterfall of High Force. Some difficult terrain
over wet boulders and scree along the river bank was thankfully short
before climbing up next to the imposing waterfall of Cauldron Snout
swollen by the recent rains. Well marked paths led from here over the
moors and then along the river of Maize Beck before climbing further
over the moor to approach the stunning valley of High Cup Nick. The
mists had been down for the last couple of hours but had thankfully
started to clear. At the same time the winds had gradually increased
to some of the strongest I've ever experienced; the slight drizzle
could be felt like small pieces of grit on the skin. I new there was a
large valley opening up before me with a craggy edge and the wind was
pushing me towards it increasing in strengh all the time. By the time
I could see the edge the wind was ferocious and I was walking on such
a lean as the wind hit my right shoulder that if I hadn't had my
walking poles I'd have been on the floor several times for certain.
Though going with care as I was there was no real danger my pulse was
up at the prospect of being blown over the edge. On a finer day I
would have stayed to take in the view for an hour, it was spectacular!
As it was I pressed on down to Dufton and refuge in the Youth Hostel
there. A spectacular section of the penine way and a good days walking
at 22 miles. As I write this the skies have cleared a bit though the
wind is still up. The forecast for tomorrow I'm pleased to say shows
improvement. There's a good little crowd of us in the Youth Hostel
doing the Penine Way willing there to be sun for our ascent of Cross
Fell, the highest peak in England outside of the lake district.