Dales Way - July 23rd-28th 2006
	
	
	
		Nick Barber, Mike Riley, Ken Hodgkinson, Sean Bond, Gordon Darlington, Dave 
	Swarbrook
	Dave McNeaney, Ann Baxter, Jane Salt, Alison Bond
	
DAY 1 - Ilkley to Grassington
	
	We travelled up to Ilkley on the Saturday with the belief that the record 
	temperatures of the previous week could not last. The weather on the 
	Saturday was cooler with the possibility of rain later in the day - which 
	was welcome relief to all. 
	
	We had lost Neil Scott to the geriatric wilderness that is the Isle of Wight 
	but back came Mr Swarbrook after missing the previous year's Cumbria Way 
	adventure.
	
	

	
	Neil in holiday mood as he gets off his bus in Cowes - 'Ag-a-doo-doo-doo, 
	push pineapple, shake the tree, Aga-doo-doo-doo, push pineapple, grind 
	coffee'.
	
	As the afternoon wore on the sky darkened and the rain came as expected. 
	Gordon's sister, Judith, held an excellent barbecue at their Menston mansion 
	but the rain forced us inside for the eating part of the barby. Luckily it 
	cleared in time for us to teach an 8 year old a thing or two about football.
	
	We travelled back to Ilkley later that night in readiness for the 16 mile 
	walk to Grassington. Hugh (Gordon's brother-in-law) and Stuart (Hugh's dad) 
	were to walk to Grassington with us and so we all met up at approx 9:45am on 
	the Sunday morning. The weather was overcast but humid - there was even the 
	odd drop of rain.
	
	

	
	An early drink stop by the Wharfe. 
	
	This was it. The 2006 walk was underway. The going was easy along riverside 
	paths and flat pastures with the dark clouds being replaced by bright 
	sunshine which made for a thoroughly pleasant morning walk. The main object 
	of attention for the day was Bolton Priory.
	
	
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	Approaching Bolton Priory. The priory was badly vandalised by rampaging 
	Stoke City fans in 1974.
	
	Bolton Priory was as busy as could be expected on the first Sunday of 
	the school holidays. The queue for the stepping stones which cross the 
	Wharfe had a 3 hour wait so we abandoned any hope of using this method of 
	crossing over to the other bank. Ken used the new 'photo camera' technology 
	to record the position of Fred Trueman's final resting place in the priory 
	grounds. 
	
	Ken emitted a small tear and a sniffle, packed his camera back into the 
	rucsac and bravely carried on.
	
	
 
	
	A solemn looking Ken begins the search for his hero. Dave finds it all very 
	funny. 
	
	The section between Bolton Priory and Barden Bridge consisted of excellent 
	walking along wooded riverside paths. A lunch break was taken under the 
	cooling protection of a gazebo (specially erected for ourselves no doubt) 
	before venturing on past the Strid, a rocky gorged section of the Wharfe, 
	and onto Barden Bridge itself.
	
	

	
	Near to the Strid on the River Wharfe. What could possibly shatter such a 
	peaceful moment?
	
	
	
	The answer. Not much chance of seeing a Kingfisher with this around.
	
	
	The next major place of interest on the route was Burnsall. We all prepared 
	ourselves for a pleasant stroll though a quiet, sleepy, Dales hamlet but 
	instead happened to walk straight into a crowd reminiscent of that for a 
	Brazilian Rolling Stones concert. Again, the realisation that this was the 
	first Sunday of the school holidays hit home. 
	
	The warm weather had made Burnsall 'the' place to go. We walked on without 
	stopping.
	
	

	
	Sleepy Burnsall - population 19338.
	
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	Navigation out of Burnsall was horrendous. We turned left by the silver Audi 
	and towards the red Focus when we should have walked straight passed the 
	silver Audi, left at the red Focus and then right at the blue Rover 45. 
	Apparently it's a common mistake. 
	
	The temperature was now beginning to reach rather sweaty levels. If we could 
	have found a stretch of the river which was devoid of humans we may have 
	been tempted to go for a paddle but, alas, it was too busy. We walked past a 
	section of the river which was obviously Yorkshire's favourite suicide spot 
	- however, the deep pool of water below the 30ft jump made death very 
	difficult to come by. 
	
	Everyone we saw jump survived.
	
	All plans now revolved around hitting Grassington - the day's end and a 
	chance to sample the local 'produce'. The increasing heat made the last 
	couple of miles relatively hard going. Cue a picture of a hot sweaty Dave...
	
	

	
	Nearly there.... 
	
	We reached Grassington with little fuss. The locals were being entertained 
	by a bunch of rather eccentric theatrical types and so we enjoyed a few 
	beers whilst watching this bizarre event from the safety of the pub benches 
	outside the Devonshire Arms. We said our goodbyes to Hugh and Stuart - 
	bought more beer and then eventually booked into the Black Horse.
	
	
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	The Devonshire Arms, Grassington. Day 1 completed with minimum fuss - time 
	for maximum beers!
	
	Lock 
	up yer wimmin - The limestone cowboys are in town
	
	We ate in the Black Horse, had a few more beers then then moved back to the 
	Devonshire Arms for a few more beers. The landlord warned us of 
	thunderstorms which were coming in from the west. 
	
	The local farmers hadn't watered their crops due to this impending downpour 
	of biblical proportions so we knew that we were heading for a soaking at 
	some point during the next 48 hours. There's not a lot we can do about it - 
	so next day: destination Cray.
	
DAY 2 - Grassington to Cray
	
	We awoke to glorious sunshine and even more glorious temperatures. 
	
	It was only 9am yet we were well into 22c territory. Ken had slept well 
	considering the trauma of Bolton Priory and looked forward of a day devoid 
	of ex-sportsmen. The closest we would get was a spot next to the Wharfe at 
	Kettlewell where in 1982 Daley Thompson was caught short and had to shit in 
	the river. 
	
	We told Ken that the evidence would no longer be visible so there was 
	nothing to get upset about. An easy 12 miler along the banks of the River 
	Wharfe to Cray was in store.
	
	

	
	
	
	Getting ready for the off in the shade of the Black Horse hotel.
	
	A short steady climb onto the escarpment above Wharedale followed. It was 
	hot. The views were excellent, so good in fact that we accidentally ventured 
	off route and had to regain the correct path after a short detour. 
	
	The latest PDA-GPS\Memory Map technology combination successfully pinpointed 
	our incorrect position without having to use Macca's GPS which had been 
	invented by Thomas Telford. The increasing temperature forced Gordon to 
	change his top. A moment gloriously captured in technicolor below:
	
	
	
	They don't make 'em like that any more.
	
	We reached the rock formation that is Conistone Pie for a well earned drinks 
	break. We drove my chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry.
	
	

	
	A few of us on Coniston Pie. Can you spot who they are and therefore deduce 
	who couldn't be arsed to climb up?
	
	A pleasant descent into Wharfedale followed. A particularly pleasant stop in 
	a shady glade was enjoyed which offered respite against the ever increasing 
	heat.
	
	

	
	The pleasant shady glade - at least 10c cooler than out in the open.
	
	Kettlewell was next - the scene of the film 'Calendar Girls'. Lunch was 
	taken at the Kings Head pub along with a chance to refill our water bottles. 
	Life was good - Ann resisted the urge to go topless and it was only 5 miles 
	to Cray.
	
	
	
	Waiting to get going in Kettlewell.
	
	The remaining 5 miles wasn't quite as easy as expected thanks to legions of 
	every type of fly known to man. The river was never far away but the recent 
	warm weather meant that there were few, if any, places to perform a 'hat 
	dip' - the water wasn't the clear, bubbling, cascade we expected. It was now 
	getting rather warm and a few of us were finding it difficult. 
	
	Eventually the river appeared clear enough to provide a welcome opportunity 
	for a 'hat dip'. Hat dips are an amazingly effective way of cooling down - 
	it involves submerging your hat in water until saturated and then quickly 
	putting it back on. The feeling is one of heavenly bliss.
	
	

	
	Macca finds one of Daley Thompson's batons near Starbotton.
	
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	Resting in the grass near Hubberholme. Alison pulling one of her 'how far 
	now? You said it was 4 miles' faces.
	
	A short stretch of road walking took us to Hubberholme but Nick was 
	suffering with blisters and wasn't overly happy. The White Lion Inn at Cray 
	was a mile away and a mile off-route but I had withheld a rather important 
	fact from the team - the final mile was uphill, nearly 400 ft! This 
	revelation went down as well as could be expected. 
	
	It was now exceptionally hot and the day's end was a tough mile ahead. I 
	decided to kick on in order to a) see if the PH marked on the map was in 
	fact the White Lion b) see if it was open and c) order industrial quantities 
	of ale in order to save myself from a lynching. The climb by the side of 
	Cray Gill was, for me anyway, very enjoyable. 
	
	The gill was relatively dry but very scenic with the odd section of tree 
	cover providing welcome protection from the sun.
	
	
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	The climb up to the White Lion Inn. Not one of Nick's more enjoyable moments 
	in life.
	
	Luckily for me the White Lion did exist and was open. Luckily for the team 
	11 pints of ale and assorted non-alcoholic drinks were ordered in readiness 
	for their arrival. After a long cold shower good food and ale was enjoyed by 
	all. The evening temperature had plummeted to 25c and so we began to exhibit 
	all the symptoms of hyperthermia.
	
	
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	Nick, Alison and Ken laughing about the climb up to the White Lion.
	
	The next day, Cray - Cowgill was, on paper, the toughest of them all. 
	Thunderstorms were still somewhere on the horizon so would the weather hold? 
	- did we want it to hold or did we prefer a bloody good soaking? At this 
	moment in time the thought of heavy rain filled us with joy.
	
DAY 3 - Cray to Cowgill
	
	We awoke yet again to searing heat.
	
	During the previous evening a war committee had sat in order to decide 
	whether or not we should set off at 6am and try to finish the walk to 
	Cowgill before the earth melted. However, the fact that breakfast was 
	available at 8:30am and a total of 102 pints had already been drunk before 
	10pm meant that we would set off as soon as possible.
	
	Those who had them filled their hydration packs to capacity with those that 
	didn't filling their rucsac with numerous bottles of water or Lucozade. We set 
	off at just after 9am - the roads were already close to melting.
	
	

	
	Izzy wizzy lets get busy!
	
	Nick's blisters had recovered sufficiently to allow him to walk but Dave 
	Swarbs decided that the forthcoming 18 miles, heat and the crossing of the 
	Pennines was going to be rather uncomfortable so decided to wait for the 
	Brigantes' bus and take a break. We returned to the Dales Way at Hubberholme 
	after descending using the Cray Gill path. 
	
	The walk alongside the Wharfe in Langstrothdale was as hot and sticky as 
	could be expected. The river wasn't exactly a turbulent maelstrom but did 
	provide ample hat dip opportunities - approximately one every 4 yards. 
	
	
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	Hat dip stop number 1203. Even Ann, with her expensive hair do, decided to 
	take the plunge.
	
	The way past Deepdale and up to Beckermonds seemed to take an age. 
	
	The Royal Fly Force were yet again in action in an attempt to take our blood 
	but we survived. A slight breeze meant that the heat was just about 
	bearable. We hoped that the high ground in front of us would be harbouring a 
	gale of arctic proportions - all we had to do was to get there.
	
	
 
	
	Macca stepped into Neil Scott's shoes and became the official photo camera 
	timer photographer. This shot of the bridge side with some people in the 
	background is all his own work. Photo taken at Deep Dale.
	
	On we went. A nasty uphill stretch of road after Beckermonds seemed as hot 
	as ever as the river was left behind. We soon entered the confines of 
	Oughtershaw Beck which gave us the first glimpse of the Pennine watershed 
	and the highest part of the walk. Ingleborough peeped its head over the dale 
	head - nearly there.
	
	We stopped at Swarthgill farm for lunch and a drink but for Nick the day was 
	over. 
	
	The blisters and heat had taken their toll so he decided that rather than 
	continue into no-man's land he would abandon the day's walk and get a taxi 
	to Cowgill while the option was still available. The owners of the farm 
	kindly let us use their phone and a taxi was hailed. Nick would join Dave 
	for an early drink at the Sportsman's Inn at Cowgill. 
	
	We were down to 8.
	
	
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	Climbing up to Cam Houses - the Pennine watershed is within our grasp.
	
	The gradual climb up to the Pennine watershed seemed long but trouble free. 
	The breeze was making life easier with one short stretch through a forest 
	being very enjoyable.
	
	

	
	Entering the forest shortly after Cam Houses.
	
	On reaching the Pennine watershed the anticipated breeze washed over us. The 
	Yorkshire three peaks were all in view and it was downhill from 
	here. We had a good drink, took in the view and then set off with a spring 
	on our step.
	
	

	
	Descending to Cam End on the Pennine Way. Ingleborough is the hill directly 
	ahead.
	
	Shortly after leaving the Pennine Way we lost the breeze and the going 
	underfoot became increasingly tricky. The path had been worn by the passage 
	of countless 4-wheel drive vehicles which was an eyesore, footsore and 
	kneesore.
	
	After crossing the non-existent Gayle Beck we hit the B6255 Horton - Hawes 
	road. Just a short moorland yomp and a stretch of road was all that 
	separated us from Cowgill and journeys end.
	
	

	
	Crossing Gayle Beck - the cool, clear, flowing water really helped to cool 
	us down.
	
	It's fair to say that the 3 mile route across Gayle Moor went on a bit. 
	After navigating up and around little grassy banks, past a strange grave and 
	then finally along the flat moor we finally reached the road that led to 
	Dent Dale.
	
	This was all downhill and with the road being flat tarmac it would be like 
	walking on carpet. Unfortunately it was that hot the road had decided to 
	melt.
	
	

	
	Walking into Dent Dale. The viaduct can be seen to the left with Dent 
	station in the middle distance. Gordon was physically glued to the road when 
	he took this photo.
	
	We walked under the impressive viaduct. It was so impressive that none 
	of us could be arsed to get our cameras out to take a snap. It was during 
	this section of the walk that the thermometer in my watch registered a high 
	of 28.9c. The temperature in the sun would have been far higher.
	
	Eventually, after much stickiness, we reached Cowgill and the end of an 
	extremely hot day - or had we? Er, no. Cowgill, it seems, has a population 
	of 83 but covers the same physical area as Detroit. The road sign welcoming 
	you into Cowgill is approx 3 miles from Cowgill itself. Dent station is 4 
	miles from Dent. What is wrong with these people?
	
	
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	The long sticky descent into Dent Dale.
	
	Princess Potty Mouth (© John Lloyd\Martin Dale) was in full flow. Every step 
	resulted in a comical foul mouthed chunter as the road continued into 
	Cowgill, or wherever Cowgill was.
	
	The front runners stopped by a bridge as Mike was suffering and not walking 
	at his usual pace. Gordon, Jane and Ann took a more relaxed pace into 
	Cowgill in order to provide Mike with a bit of much needed company.
	
	

	
	Princess Potty Fingers showing her feelings. Only a mile or two to go.
	
	Suddenly the Sportsman's Inn was in sight - Hurrah!
	
	We marched like madmen up to the pub and noticed that it was - shut! This 
	wasn't good news. Dave and Nick had arrived, as expected, earlier in the day 
	and kindly carried our bags upstairs. 
	
	Frantic investigation revealed that the pub didn't open until 7pm - nearly 
	TWO HOURS away. We all took either a shower or bath and then marched about, 
	rather angrily in some cases, awaiting the creaking of the pub door.
	
	
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	The resident's lounge. Only 76 minutes to go until the pub opens.
	
	At bang on 7 the pub finally opened. We burst into the bar in a scene 
	similar to that of a Harrod's Boxing Day sale. The beer came, went, came, 
	went, came, went and came and went many more times. 
	
	The food was great and the barman kept us amused with his wry wit. The local 
	bobby popped in later to give us a taste of local life and all was well with 
	the world - a special mention must be made of the Skipton Brewery Copper 
	Dragon ale which was rather exceptional.
	
	
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	I had so much fun I dribbled. The joys of going 'commando'.
	
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	Cheers Ken...
	
	An easy stroll along Dent Dale was on the cards for the next day and maybe, 
	just maybe, a cooling thunderstorm?
	
DAY 4 - Cowgill to Sedbergh
	
	Cowgill - Sedbergh was welcome relief after the trials and tribulations of 
	the previous day. 
	
	We were back to a full complement of 10 as Nick had, amazingly, passed 
	himself fit and Dave Swarbs passed himself unfit. This was to be an easy 
	stroll along Dent Dale, through the beautiful village of Dent and along the 
	banks of the River Dee into Sedbergh.
	
	
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	Oh how we laughed.
	
	The first few miles was simple walking through farmland, crossing fields and 
	stiles and passing through farm yards until we eventually reached a small 
	plantation - the grim portals of the forest proved to be quite pleasant 
	until Alison decided to investigate the innards of a dark, spooky, Blair 
	Witch type stone building.
	
	Her initial foray into the building produced an inconclusive verdict but she 
	was convinced that there was something moving around. She retreated out of 
	the building and then, suddenly, two large sheep bolted out of the door and 
	sped into the forest - various bansheesque shreeks filled the forest. The 
	commotion could be heard in Sedbergh.
	
	With the forest of doom out of the way we continued along the river and into 
	Dent.
	
	

	
	Just a coincidence - Surely?
	
	
	
	Leaving the Sun Inn after drinking water and eating tuna sandwiches - no, 
	really.
	
	We walked off route in order to visit Dent. The weather was again, very hot, 
	so we decided to find a suitable place for a drink and lunch. The Sun Inn 
	was nice and empty but we resisted the temptation of the best that the Dent 
	Brewery could offer and decided that mineral water and a healthy sandwich 
	was the right thing to do.
	
	We rejoined the Dales Way by the river and enjoyed a peaceful walk along the 
	banks of the Dee. Various drink stops were enjoyed as we knew that Sedbergh 
	was just around the corner.
	
	

	
	A field on Moser Hill. One dropped match and the place would have gone up 
	quicker than Dave on Kinder Scout.
	
	On rounding Long Rigg we were greeted by the sight of the town of Sedbergh 
	nestling pleasantly below the Howgill Fells. A steady downhill stretch 
	pushed Nick's blisters to the limit but, even with a boot full of foot goo, 
	he managed to reach the Bull Hotel.
	
	

	
	From left to right - Mike Riley, Winder and Sedbergh. Oh, and some downhill.
	
	We checked into the Bull Hotel and prepared for the evening meal and maybe, 
	just maybe, a small drink or two. After eating in the Bull Hotel we moved 
	onto the Red Lion where an evening of merriment ensued despite the fact that 
	Nick had lost half of his foot due to blisters and that Gordon was 
	harbouring a nasty, painful, secret.
	
	

	
	The ravaged foot of Nick Barber. Still hungry?
	
	
 
	
	Gordon looking at peace with himself - unfortunately thinks were cooking 
	'downstairs'.
	
	We retired to our rooms after failing to find a nightclub and prepared for 
	the next days 17 miler to Burneside whilst Macca and Dave resorted to a 
	night of candid erotic photography.
	
	It was generally accepted that the predicted thunderstorms were not going to 
	hit this part of Cumbria but, just for a moment, the sky did darken over 
	Sedbergh which gave us some hope that the following day might be that little 
	bit cooler.
	
DAY 5 - Sedbergh to Burneside
	
	We all met for breakfast at approx 8:30 but this time there were to be a few 
	surprises.
	
	It was generally accepted that Nick would be unable to complete 17 miles due 
	to the condition of his foot but nobody had envisaged that Mike and Gordon 
	would also be joining the 'crocked' list. Mike's foot didn't feel up to the 
	task and Gordon hadn't been able to ease a painful bout of panty-rub after 
	multiple applications of anti-panty-rub cream (I'm sure that isn't its real 
	name). We started day 5 with only 7 people.
	
	The official Dales Way guide mentioned that the first few miles of the day's 
	walk gave the impression that you were going nowhere. The path made every 
	effort to stay off the road but Winder, the hill that towers above Sedbergh, 
	was always in sight. The first 3 miles were of little scenic value and it 
	could be argued that the official route should be changed to provide a more 
	direct route, heading north-west, to hit the Lune and remove the initial 
	loop.
	
	
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	A disused viaduct crossing the River Lune. It was beginning to get very warm 
	- again!
	
	The scenery improved on reaching the banks of the River Lune. The Howgills 
	filled the view to the north-east and the river itself was a joy to walk 
	beside. The weather was very warm but beautifully clear.
	
	

	
	Looking upstream towards the Howgills - very pleasant.
	
	After a few miles of walking alongside the Lune we crossed the river and 
	headed east towards the M6. Alison found a shady spot to lunch and so we all 
	took a break in order to charge our batteries in preparation for the next 
	sweltering 8-9 miles.
	
	

	
	The shady lunch spot near Beck Foot - hang on, why has Ann taken her boot 
	and sock off?
	
	Lunch over. We could now head on to the M6 which was approximately half way. 
	The temperature seemed to rise dramatically as we headed towards the 
	motorway and we noticed that Ann's pace had slowed considerably - she was 
	now walking at 
snails Dave's pace.
	
	
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	Crossing the M6 - the end of the day for some.
	
	We crossed the motorway and immediately came across a farm at Lambrigg Head. 
	As Ken and I tried to locate the point where the Dales Way left the road in 
	order to head west we were called back - Ann's foot had began to swell up 
	and so she couldn't walk any further.
	
	We wondered if Ann could try and walk the pain away but Macca sensibly 
	informed us that you can't expect old people to ignore such injuries. Alison 
	asked Dave if he was OK to carry on and pointed out that we were only half 
	way, had 8+ miles to go and it was very hot. Dave considered his options for 
	around 2 milliseconds and decided to call it a day - he would assist Ann in 
	getting to the hotel in Kendal.
	
	Ann and Dave walked the short distance to Lambrigg Head and managed to get a 
	lift into Kendal by the farmer, or somebody who smelt like the farmer.
	
	We were down to 5.
	
	The next 8+ miles took a convoluted route through rolling farmland. As the 
	heat reached what appeared to be the day's peak we came across a cottage 
	near Moresdale Hall that offered cold refreshments. What a good idea we 
	thought - two jugs of iced barley water and a Lilt were ordered. The peace 
	was shattered only the once as a 'vampire fly' of some description decided 
	to land on my face and extract blood from my cheek.
	
	
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	Time for a refreshment stop - shade and iced barley water!
	
	The hills of the Lake District came into view which meant that not only the 
	day's end, but the walks end, was not far away. At one point, just after 
	Black Moss tarn, a little girl dressed as a fairy skipped into our path and 
	tried to sell us a cold drink - she was playing an harmonica which added to 
	the strangeness of it all. 
	
	Ken asked her for the price to which he replied that the same drink could be 
	purchased for 3 pence less in Burneside - we carried on. The rob-dogging 
	cow! We continued heading west, oe'r hill n' dale, until eventually 
	Burneside itself could be seen nestling in the valley. 
	
	For some reason the gradual descent into Burneside seemed to take forever 
	even though we were walking at a much improved pace.
	
	
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	Confirming our location. Near Patton Bridge on the way to Burneside.
	
	We eventually reached Burneside. 
	
	A couple of taxis were ordered to ferry us to Kendal and our posh hotel. The 
	original plan, when planning the walk, was to walk the 2 miles into Kendal 
	but I believe most of us would have preferred to lick Nick's feet than walk 
	any further in the blistering heat. We arrived at the Riverside hotel, 
	Kendal, at around 6:30pm.
	
	
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	Waiting for the taxis at Burneside Post Office.
	
	The Riverside hotel was excellent. Big rooms, a swimming pool, real ale and 
	a bath - which made Alison's day. We met up with Nick, Mike, Gordon, Ann and 
	Dave and booked into an excellent Italian restaurant where the lager and 
	wine flowed. After all, some of us had a lot of re-hydrating to do.
	
	Tomorrow was the final day - 10 miles into Bowness. 
	
	As we enjoyed a night cap back in the hotel it appeared that many of the 
	injuries had healed enough for all but Ann to finish the walk.
	
	Tomorrow there would be 9 of us.
	
DAY 6 - Burneside to Bowness
	
	As expected 9 of us turned up to walk the final stretch. 
	
	Ann's foot was still very swollen so she decided to catch the bus into 
	Bowness and find a massage parlour of ill repute. The temperature was 
	reaching record levels yet again so for some the prospect of another 10 
	miles was hard to take. We ordered taxis to take us back into Burneside 
	where we gathered and prepared for the off at the Post Office.
	
	Shortly after leaving Burneside we hit the banks of the River Kent. This was 
	much appreciated as there appears to be a definite psychological advantage 
	to walking in hot weather when running water is nearby.
	
	
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	Having a drink stop at Sandyhill nr Staveley. Dave is popping off for a 
	'penelope'.
	
	The river scenery was again very pleasing to the eye and a surprisingly good 
	walking pace was kept up for the first 4 miles. Nick, Mike and Gordon were 
	showing no signs of any injuries and Dave was showing no signs of not 
	sweating.
	
	We hit the outskirts and Staveley and left the river in order to head west 
	and to Bowness - journey's end.
	
	
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	Alison dies on the ascent to New Hall.
	
	A longish section of road walking ensued - the first part downhill, the 
	second part uphill. The reward for reaching the highest point of the uphill 
	section was the view back to the Howgills but more rewardingly to the hills 
	of the Lake District which were now almost touchable. At one point a large 
	fly flew up my right nostril. 
	
	This proved to be a rather uncomfortable experience as it took nearly 5 
	minutes of spitting, coughing and choking in order to get rid of the shit 
	covered beastie.
	
	

	
	The end of the road walking. Lunch was taken in the shade at the top of the 
	track.
	
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	This man has killed over 130 greyhounds. 
	
	The route swerved between bracken clad hillocks which were kind to both the 
	eyes and feet. The Lake District was getting nearer by the minute and the 
	views became increasingly impressive.
	
	

	
	The hills of Lakeland - Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, 
	the Langdale Pikes.
	
	We were heading towards Bowness at a rate of knots that, considering the 
	various ailments, was unimaginable at breakfast time. 
	
	There was a noticeably improved atmosphere as we ventured on in the searing 
	heat but the mood soon darkened as we reminded ourselves of Ann's 
	misfortune. The mood soon improved as we remembered that Ann was probably 
	already quaffing creamy Lake District beer.
	
	We eventually began the descent into Bowness and before too long reached the 
	Dales Way seat and journeys end.
	
	

	
	Descending into Bowness. The Dales Way seat can be seen in shadow to the 
	left with Lake Windermere and the Fairfield horseshoe in the distance.
	
	
	We posed for the obligatory photo session. Unfortunately there was nobody 
	around to take a group shot and no convenient location for a timed photo 
	shoot. The best of the bunch are shown below....
	
	

	
	Ken, Macca, Dave, MikeNick, Gordon, Jane, Alison 
	
	
	
	
	Nick, Macca, Mike, DaveAlison, Jane, Sean, Gordon
	
	
	
	And finally the 'Dales Way 5' - the walkers who completed the entire 
	walk.Alison, Ken, Jane, Macca and Sean 
	
	We descended steeply down the road into Bowness where we came across the 
	Royal Oak public house. We don't know who Alistair Wallace is but we 
	couldn't care less if it wasn't the 'official finishing pub for the 
	Dalesway' - this is where WE were finishing.
	
	

	
	'Enjoy our fine ales' - OK then, if we must.
	
	Job done. 
	
	We contacted Ann who had arrived safely in Bowness and informed her of our 
	cunning plan to drink kegfulls of Coniston Bluebird bitter. A rather 
	enjoyable couple of hours commenced before we decided to check into our 
	accommodation for the weekend, the Laurel Cottage, and enjoy a long cool 
	shower. 
	
	The evening meal had been arranged the week before, just to be sure, so 
	beforehand we met in the local Belgian beer bar for a cheeky half-dozen.
	
	
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	Mission accomplished - red faces all round (and in Gordon's case a red arse 
	too!). Notice Macca's sensible apparel. 
	
	We shopped, ate, drank, sailed and even took a ride in a Eurofighter 
	simulator! Macca, however, made a bit of a mess of his shopping...
	
	
.jpg)
	
	Macca's comedy suit - he doesn't look at all embarrassed.(The website author 
	would like to apologize for any distress caused by the above photo)
	
	
	It had been a hard but highly enjoyable week. The scorching temperature had 
	been responsible for the higher than expected number of injuries and 
	ailments - it had been the hottest July since records began. 
	
	The total mileage was 85.1 miles (as measured by the Macca machine) but the 
	effort required to cover the distance was far greater than that of previous 
	walks.
	
	Where to next year? Will Scotty make a return? Will Terry make a return? 
	Will Ann ever walk again? Will Macca stop buying ridiculous clothing? The 
	now customary injury table is provided below...
	
		
			| Walker | 
			Blisters | 
			Sweat blindness | 
			W'ankles' | 
			Fashion Failure | 
			Fly bites | 
			Downstairs distemper | 
		
		
			| Sean | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Alison | 
			X | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Ken | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Mike | 
			X | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Nick | 
			X | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Ann | 
			 | 
			X | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Gordon | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			X | 
			X | 
		
		
			| Dave | 
			X | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Jane | 
			X | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
			 | 
		
		
			| Macca | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
			X | 
			 | 
			 | 
		
	
	
	
	
	Leek Post and Times 11/10/2006
	
The Stile Project
	
	As the walk progressed a few of the team began to notice strange behaviour 
	on the part of Mr Macca. For some reason he had become addicted to taking 
	photographs of people traversing stiles. 
	
	Is this some strange fetish raising its ugly head? - you decide.
	
	
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	Cor! - look at those hot sweaty bodies traversing that stile.
	
	.jpg)
	
	Ooooh! there's a bull in the field over this stile. That's dangerous but oh 
	so sexy.
	
	.jpg)
	
	Look at Mikes calf muscles - gggrrrrrrr!
	
	.jpg)
	
	Jane made it look so easy - she just slipped over, oo er missus! 
	
	.jpg)
	
	Whereas Dave didn't - oooh he's using both hands on his wood.
	
	.jpg)
	
	Oh this is just too much. Stretch big boy!
	
	.jpg)
	
	At this point Macca's hands were shaking so much that the image became 
	blurred.