Day 5 Grassington to Ripon

Well that's day seven done. If I was doing the Blackpool-Humber Bridge walk I would be finished by now, but here I am in Pocklington with two more days left to do. The feet are a little bit sore underneath, and my left shoulder has been giving me some pain today, but not to worry, it could be worse, I could have two painful shoulders :o)

Anyway, where was I on Sunday, ah yes, I woke up in Grassington. There were two other ladies staying in the B & B, we all sat down to breakfast together. A wonderful spread was provided by the owner. My fellow boarders picked at their food and quickly left, I was shocked to see that the younger one had left almost everything on her plate, what a waste. I didn't like them much they were a bit posh and I got the feeling that they looked down their noses at me. They spoke in silly whispers so I wouldn't hear their conversation. When the owner came to clear the plates away she said she didn't like them either. I suppose you have to take a chance on who comes to the door when you are running a B & B. I must look a bit suspect in my walking gear, who is this mad woman, ha ha.

They were setting up the Farmers Market stalls in the square as I left. Only about eight stalls, selling speciality local food. Sorry, I can't carry any more weight.

I knew I had a long day ahead of me, crossing four pages of maps, so I set at a brisk pace. I walked alongside the River Wharf for a while, it was a lovely sunny morning. A few people were out with their dogs.

You can cross the river here by the stepping stones.

But if you don't fancy taking the chance of falling in you can use the bridge.

Oh cor blimey, I've done seven miles, still got another fifteen to do ! Gonna have to get on with it.

I arrived in Pateley Bridge. I had originally planned to take the scenic route through Appletreewick, but I decided to keep to the road to keep up a fast pace.

I sat down on a bench for a few minutes at the side of the road in Pateley Bridge. I was amazed when a woman approached me and said she knew me. I was even more amazed when she said she recognised me from my blog, she has been following for a while now. What a coincidence eh! Amazing. Linda is from Staffordshire, and happened to be in Yorkshire for a few days holiday. She could have so easily missed me, because I almost went into the childrens park to sit down, she wouldn't have seen me there. Hello Linda, are you back home yet?

Not many pictures today, the road is long and boring. This is Pateley Bridge cemetery a very pretty building.

I was ready for stopping before I got to Ripon, and asked a woman if there was anywhere nearby to stay. No she said, so I had to carry on. On the outskirts of Ripon I walked straight through Studley Deer Park. This church stands in the grounds.

And next to it is this house.

It was a long trek through the park, almost there, or so I thought. Still a bit further to go past these gates.

I found a B & B on the outskirts of Ripon, but there was no answer when I rang the bell. I asked a neighbour if anyone was in and she said they have gone away. Why didn't they take their Vacancies sign down then, most annoying. I carried on to the city. Apparently it is Englands smallest city. I came across this pub and got a bed here for £35. I was pleasantly surprised when I was shown to my room, in a converted stable block outside the back in the courtyard. It was very nice, and private, like my own little bedsit. I bought some food from the convenience store at the garage down the road, I could just about hobble that far, ha ha

I am sure how many miles this was, at a guess twenty three or thereabouts. I will check it when I get back. Toodle pip