A real mountain, at last

Day 26 was dominated by Penyghent, the most shapely of the three Yorkshire Peaks. On our approach from Settle, it was right in our eyeline for several miles, gradually looming larger above the otherwise featureless moor. The ascent is steep, with an enjoyable scramble – made a bit more challenging today by extremely windy conditions. It’s on the Pennine Way, so Richard, Paul and I have climbed it before, but this time we had a view!

I borrowed my title from Alfred Wainwright, author of the first and most curmudgeonly guide to the Pennine Way, whose palpable disdain for the rounded hills of the Pennines was briefly mitigated by Penyghent. It’s our first top that can truly claim to have the characteristics of a mountain (with an honourable mention to the tiny but otherwise excellent Thorpe Cloud). It’s also our highest point to date (694m, 2276’), although it won’t hold that distinction for long.

Descending, we met Anne, Francesca and Sandra, and went to stare into the impressive sink-hole of Hull Pot, before taking the gentle track down to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. A short and delightful day. Meanwhile it’s been an excellent day for donations, and we’re up to almost £7,000. Many thanks to all the contributors. Do keep telling your friends!

Our Track of the Day is Mountain Views by Bertrand Moren, played by the Black Dyke Band – itself a Yorkshire institution.