Pennine Way Day 6 - Sunday 14 June 2015
Gargrave to Malham (7 miles)
After a long day yesterday we were glad of the short jaunt over to Malham today and did not leave until 1000. Breakfast at the Masons Arms was very good as was the evening meal the night before - we cannot recommend this place highly enough, we had a super stay with John and his team and it just goes to prove you can do ok if you do the simple things well. Leaving Gargrave, the weather was no different to yesterday really - overcast and dull and we had a little drizzle thrown in for good measure. We took the opportunity to top up provisions at Gargrave's Co-op before heading out of the village, firstly past the canal and then steeply along Mark House Lane.
St Andrews Church in Gargrave
Leaving Gargrave, this sign gave us an indication as to the length of journey ahead
Gargrave Bridge over the River Aire
Not far to Malham as we pass over the Leeds/Liverpool Canal
Leaving the lane the route headed up through fields and on to Eshton Moor before dropping down to meet up with the River Aire. We now enjoyed a delightful walk, hand railing the river, firstly to the left before crossing over to the other side via a road bridge. The river path soon reached the village of Airton. Originally a Quaker village, there is no pub however there is still a Quaker meeting house, a squatter's cottage on the village green and an old mill on the River Aire, from which the village takes its name.
Fudge looks like he is not too sure of his Mum's Navigation as we head to Malham
The miles soon pass as we near Airton
Thankfully this lot were quite placid which is more than can be said for some we met later on in the trip
Handrailing the River Aire as we head for Airton
The former Quaker village of Airton - it had a tea room but we pressed on. These are the old mill buildings - now self catering apartments
From Airton the route continued along the river. This really was a delightful section of the entire walk and we soon arrived at Hanlith Bridge, crossing to pass by Hanlith Hall and then a steep section up a quiet lane. We were spoilt today as there now began another lovely section which passed high above the River Aire all the way into Malham.
Hanlith Hall
Our first view of Malham
Reaching Malham at 1300 as is usual the village was busy. As we were way too early to check in to our B&B we decided to have a spot of lunch at The Old Barn Cafe on the edge of the village. It was then a simple case of killing time before making our way up to Beck Hall and our digs for the night. We had dinner that night in the Buck Inn and were joined for a drink by Hannah Monksfield, another member of Walking for Pleasure who had been following our progress and had kindly come over from Skipton to see us along with her pooch Mae Li.
We arrived in Malham at 1300 - only one thing for it really
The Buck Inn, Malham
The Packhorse Bridge, Malham
Whilst this was a relatively short day, we found that having a low mileage day gave us the chance to take it easy and subsequently rest up. Tomorrow was a touch short of 20 miles with a fair bit of ascent therefore we were glad of the easy day today.
Overnight Accommodation
Beck Hall, Malham - http://www.beckhallmalham.com
Under new management as of 2015 and we had a very relaxing stay here. Shortly to have a bistro too, they have an honesty bar and a large lounge to relax in with a big fire. We ate in The Buck Inn and whilst the food was ok the prices were a bit on the expensive side.
Under new management as of 2015 and we had a very relaxing stay here. Shortly to have a bistro too, they have an honesty bar and a large lounge to relax in with a big fire. We ate in The Buck Inn and whilst the food was ok the prices were a bit on the expensive side.
Day 6 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Cumulative Time
Maximum Ascent
Total Ascent
Cumulative Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Cumulative Time
Maximum Ascent
Total Ascent
Cumulative Ascent
7 miles
83.3 miles
3hrs
39 hrs 12 min
761 feet
1729 feet
16379 feet
83.3 miles
3hrs
39 hrs 12 min
761 feet
1729 feet
16379 feet