Blackstone to Pondon

Yesterday we took a pause in Hebden Bridge - apparently Europe's greatest town, and visibly left-wing. No chain stores on the high Street, and listed as having the highest number of lesbians per square foot - this didn't get me any lady dates unfortunately, but it did get me into a discussion about the concept of anarchy as a political ideology.

Now better planned and provisioned we continued on to Ponden, a massive 30km hike from Blackstone Reservoir, but actually much easier than the last 2 days of walking. I didn't mention, but Adam and I nearly expired of dehydration on our second day over the moors, with 3 litres of water between us, which ran out just over halfway through the day. The moors were really bleak and the sun was relentless. I spent much of the first 2 days with my lips chapped and mouth sticky, each breath feeling like warm acid. It's odd that the moors can seem so dry on the surface, even as you squelch over bog.

Today was so much greener, even the moorlands we crossed showed more grass and more foliage on the heather (currently a deep burgundy, not the purple when it flowers). The day was more varied as well, crossing farmland, and passing canals and reservoirs, before one last hike across the moorlands of Withens Height - and yes that is indeed the inspiration for Wuthering Heights, the Brontë sisters lived in nearby Haworth, and had an association with the Heaton family of Ponden Hall.

Back in the tent tonight, but with the promise of a good breakfast and a shorter walking day ahead.

Cafe at the campsite provided free tea, a proper decent pot of strong Yorkshire tea - and we also got a cream tea (with rascals instead of scones). A perfect reviver!