OK, we realised we are severly lacking in the training department for Trailtrekker 2011, so we decided to walk the last three-eighths (or so) of the route we'd be taking on the day. Nick's early start as a volunteer for Skipton Race for Life meant that he was unavailable for overnight support, but we were grateful for his time in dropping us off at Hubberholme, which would be the start for our Saturday night stroll!
The weather forecast led to a sombre mood in the car as we also realised again how far we'd be walking back in it. To summarise, the forecast was for heavy rain and wind all night!
At roughly 7pm, we set off from the small hamlet of Hubberholme which is tucked away at the top of Wharfedale, waving goodbye to Nick and all secretly wishing we'd stayed in the car! It was still quite light at this time so we set off to Buckden, some 2 miles down the valley, and onwards to Kettlewell. Making good time, we arrived at the village of Kettlewell at about 9pm and availed ourselves of the shelter, to have a bite to eat, use the loos and dry off a little.
From Kettlewell, the route quickly turns into a steep uphill climb onto the tops that continue along to Conistone. A couple of years before Ady and I had been doing a similar walk and were attacked by Lapwings defending their young! This time, however, it seems it was too windy even for lapwings! Here, darkness descended fully and we all turned on our headtorches.
By this time, the rain was starting to die down and spots that were sheltered from the wind were actually quite pleasant! I had opted for lightweight clothing and only included a jacket as an afterthought - this was to prove a very wise decision!
We descended into Conistone which evoked memories of my last visit here, in Trailtrekker 2010 where I had only minutes to arrive at and leave the final checkpoint or I would have been forceably retired from the event. This time it was pitch dark and we stopped here for a bite to eat and to dispose of some rubbish in a bin. I took the opportunity to change my headtorch batteries, as it had got noticeably dimmer as we descended.
Leaving Conistone, we felt optimistic about the walk over to Skipton as the weather conditions certainly felt more benign than they had as we set off. How wrong could we be!! Ady and Hollie had decided to remove their waterproof overtrousers as the rain had reduced to a slight drizzle (I wasn't even wearing any in the first place!). Almost without us noticing, the rain grew harder as we climbed out of Conistone, reaching a sudden Crescendo as we crossed Boss Moor heading towards what will be the final Water Stop at Hetton.
I have few memories of this time other than shivvering as the cold rain started to penetrate my 'waterproof' jacket and soak my two t-shirts and the squelching of my socks in my waterlogged boots! Oh and the numbness of my hands as I grimly gripped my walking poles. I had opted for lightweight three-quarter-length trousers since I have an aversion to full-length trousers, but of course, this just means the rain goes straight onto your socks and wicks down nicely into your boots!
The rain also presented further problems as the ground in many places was saturated with water and puddle-dodging became problematic! The path down into Hetton seemed to go on forever, but we arrived, somewhat disheartened, at 2am.
Hollie was battling on with water-soaked trousers, so I suggested she change into her water proof ones before we carried on. The only suitably dry place for this was in the phone box, so Hollie completed her transformation in there!
From Hetton, the route follows the river Aire down to Flasby, and proceeds over the top of Sharphaw (a small peak just outside Skipton). As we climbed up and up, we were all starting to feel umcomfortable in various ways. For me, I felt the familiar sharp pain of tendonitis that I had experienced whilst training in 2009, but not at all in 2010. This was particularly painful as we crossed over the top of Sharphaw, so I took some co-codamol and we pressed on across the fields and down into Stirton.
Passing the HML offices at 5:30am on a Sunday morning was slightly surreal, but it felt good that we were nearly home! After what seemed like forever, we arrived at the bottom of Gargrave Road (a main road), having been passed by a total of one car!
Arriving back at mine, I flopped into bed, and slept until 3pm! It was another epic adventure for the team and I know we all enjoyed it - we just don't know it yet :o)
I just hope this is enough to allow us all to complete Trailtrekker 2011! Good luck to all the other Trailtrekkers! It's going to be a toughie!!
P.S. I noticed that the weather forecast is for 'clouds and sun' for both days, which would be ideal as long as any rain holds off!
