First day back at work and what a day it was!
Absolutely stunning social walk with a really nice group who bonded well up to the tops of Great Shunner Fell and Lovely Seat at the head of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales.
It was a cold but bright start as we headed off from Hardraw at a good pace. We all agreed that the brisk cool wind was not only bracing but much needed given the recent sofa lethargy and excess mince pies / cheese / chocolate / turkey consumed over the past fortnight :-S
We only needed one small snack stop in a sheltered spot near the summit all day.
The temperature started rising slightly as the sun rose higher and the wind died down. But we made great progress to the summit of Great Shunner Fell - the third highest hill in Yorkshire! There was only a slight mist to add to the silence and slightly surreal landscape.
From here our route left the Pennine Way and we headed off piste toward Lovely Seat. Across quite boggy ground with endless peat hags to slow progress somewhat. But we made it to Buttertubs Pass (the col) and headed up the steeper ascent to Lovely Seat. From here we were rewarded not only with a lovely seat in the cairn, but terrific views south to the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks
From Lovely Seat we headed back down to the pub for a nice chill out before heading home.
These social guided trips are great. New connections have been made and new walking buddies to go out and start new adventures. It's what it's all about!
We had a brilliant start to the new year! Hope you all did too!
