11.2 miles/18 km

Total mileage: 27 miles/44 km

After yesterday’s long day, I woke up surprisingly less sore than I was expecting. As I gazed up at the tent after waking, I was wondering why it seemed to have developed a bit of a camouflage pattern overnight. On exiting the tent, I realised why. A bird had been using my tent for target practice. All I can say is the clean up at 5 AM was not a good start to the day!

The day started with drizzle on and off and was forecast to brighten up in the afternoon. That turned out not to be accurate as it rained on and off all day. We began with a long climb from Crowden up towards Laddow Rocks and then Black Hill.

I’ve realised that it is hard on the Pennine Way to keep up the same speed as back in Australia. The terrain is generally either muddy, slippery, rocky or more usually all three together. This also makes the hiking quite tiring on the body. In addition, the winds so far have been strong and persistent.

The rain grew stronger as we gained in elevation and we were soon hiking in clouds slipping and sliding along the path. The rain would occasionally ease off allowing for a few photos but generally it was more or less constant. The slope eventually eased off and we began a long but easy climb up to Black Hill.

At Black Hill the weather really closed in so we only stopped briefly for a photo before moving on. This area of the Pennine Way used to be notorious for indistinct paths through peat bogs and was badly eroded. I remember many years ago nearly sinking into a peat bog after stepping on the wrong spot and almost losing my footwear in the process. Fortunately it is now paved and much easier.

From there, it was a short descent down and then across Wessenden Head Moor to the first of what will be many reservoirs over the next few days. After crossing the A635, we skirted around the cloughs feeding into Wessenden Head Reservoir and continued descending.

We were overnighting in Marsden today so detoured off the Pennine Way for the short walk into town. It was pleasant walking alongside the water as we descended although the wind and rain was still a constant presence.

Eventually we reached Marsden and our accommodation for the evening. Once I got to the room, it was time for a pack explosion with every spare spot dedicated to drying wet gear. This done, it was time to head downstairs for a beer and celebrate a successful day. We had a few drinks and the largest burger I’ve ever seen, all the while kept company by Poppy, the friendly dog of the owner.

Time to rest up for a big day tomorrow.