Luddenden to Worthorne

Day 11
Distance- 32km (447)
Weather- sunshine
Highlights- Pennie Bridle Way, dinner out with Paul and Pamela
Lowlights- slowness of Pennie Bridle Way, not finding campsite till 6pm
Accommodation- Worthorne campsite, one star no facilities

We left our beautiful campsite early after a bit of chit chat with the caretaker. We cruised along the canals along to Hebden Bridge. This lived up to the expectations. It is a fair trade town, focused on small business, nestled in amongst tall hills with lots of little shops and cobbled streets. We attracted much attention with our bikes and trailers. Peter had his latte delivered to his spot in the sun by the bikes!

After relaxing we decided to re-join the Pennie Bridle way on a section known as the Marie Townly loop. This started we a steep, long, gravely climb which we all found taxing, especially Pete with the bung knee. Once on top the path wound its way around paddocks and over rolling hills. It wasn’t till near the end of the day that the hills opened up around Widdop reservoir and the farms disappeared that the scenary became rewarding. Peter briefly rolled his eyes after spotting the road route markers also passed through this spot. After a few strange looks from walkers we continued along the gravel to be met with another up hill slog.

We were rewarded at the top with spectacular views and crags. We stopped for a breather and tried to arrange some accommodation to no avail. So the race was on to get down into Burnly to find somewhere to sleep. The steep, gravel and rock decent gave the shocks a good work out. Bridgtte almost took a wrong turn. Sarah was first and befriended a local who said the nearest camp site was only a mile up the road. Yipppeee. We headed up there, basic, a paddock, a tap, no toilet but campsite none the same. There was also an elderly couple there caravanning.

We quickly got our tents set up and headed into town to meet Peter's great auntie, Pamela and Uncle, Paul. Pamela had been very patient with us and finally arranged to meet us in Worsthorne for dinner. We ate at the local pub and talked travel and adventures most of the night. Paul then gave us a great tour of the town including Townly house.