Dales High Way 2019 Prologue

Friday 2^nd August 2019 Skipton

It had slipped into August when I returned to Skipton.  Last time I was here I stayed in a local B&B but, for some reason, Skipton was pricier than other northern locales for accommodation, so I had expanded my radius to seek something more affordable.  Online I had discovered a place in nearby Embsay (within my walking distance) and had arranged for the owner, Grant, to collect my heavy pack and I from the Skipton train station.

It was with some rapid disappointment and foreboding that I got into the car to the stale smell of cigarettes, and for the octogenarian Grant to light up while he nervously drove back.

I was staying here for 3 consecutive nights!  AND, I had it in my itinerary to return for a night in October.  My mental sighs grew heavy.

After putting my stuff in the bedroom (which, thankfully, did not smell of smoke) I walked back to Skipton to a) get a boot repaired, b) purchase some peppermint foot cream, and c) hit the Wetherspoons for fish ‘n’ chips and a cider.  Then it was back to the B&B for a shower and read.

 

Saturday 3^td August 2019 Skipton

I declined making myself some breakfast, as cigarette smoke tends to kill my appetite, and walked into Skipton for a few chores.  I purchased an expensive pair of walking trousers that Abbie Barnes had recommended on her YouTube channel (look for the link under the menu on the home page) and constantly now wears on her walks.  I also hit another clothing shop for some much cheaper walking trousers.  I hit the train station to collect tickets I had pre-booked that were needed over the next month.

Then it was a day walk over to Gargrave and back, that I have already posted about, and that you can read about here.

Back in Skipton I ate again at Wetherspoons, because it was so affordable.  I killed some time reading there before walking back to Embsay, showering and bed.

Day 1