Gargrave Pennine Way and Leeds iverpool Canal

Wednesday 24th May 2023 - Gargrave

My last walk of any significance was back in September. Since then walking has been local and short with the objective of me monitoring my breathlessness rather than the pleasure of going for a walk in its own right. The fact that I have now ventured on five miles plus away from my home territory is not an indication of miraculous recovery from my breathlessness,  but just rebellion at being restricted. 

This route was carefully selected for its mainly level terrain, and its more or less new territory for me. I did walk the Pennine Way part in 1987 south to north, but I had no recollection whatsoever of this part of the route today  in the opposite direction. I was pleased to note that the paths seem to be quite unspoiled and the PW retains its place for me as the best LDP in England.

Crossing the River Aire in Gargrave a few metres from my car

Leaving Gargrave. Turn off left onto Pennine way just beyond red car

Back to Gargrave church

South towards Skipton

Unspoilt easy walking on the Pennine Way

It wouldn't be ConradWalks without a bit of that orange hairy string.
Many of the stiles are still in situ but with the addition of a modest metal gate - no yellow catches!

Zoom to two guys who had just passed me, as do most these days. Pendle Hill in the distance

Returning now via the Leeds Liverpool Canal

Not going quite that far today

Not sure if this was named after Thelonious Monk - I listened to a lot of jazz in my fomative years, Monk was ahead of his time -  one of the greatest ever jazz piano guys

One ancient tractor and an an ancient-ancient one

If I get back to Photoshop painting this appeals to me as a possible subject.
Note the licence disc top right and see below

A good chat with this proud horse owner. She told me that she was letting here Welsh Cob feed on the lush verge of grass and wild flowers because  they contain many nutrients beneficial for horses. She owned the adjacent farm and was taking Horse back to have a groom and then for her to have a ride.  A pleasant meeting along my way.

One of several locks as I lost height back to Gargrave

Where the towpath switches sides,  a good example of attractive canal architecture. Just afer the photo a farmer appeared on a quad bike and set off down the cobbled path as I followed. He got stuck on the bend and had to manoeuvre with some difficulty using reverse gear and limited steering lock.

Start and finish at Gargrave.  5.4 miles,  34 0ft. of ascent. I was surprised at the measure of ascent. There were two short sections where I had to plod oh so slowly, but the rest of the ascent must have been imperceptibly gradual. 

Even though I still struggle with the breathlessness it was oh so good to be out exploring again and enjoying walking for its own sake.