This 26 mile ex-challenge event, now known as an anytime challenge with over 4500ft of climb is not to be taken lightly, as six of us set off from Kettlewell - not quite so early.  Much of the route is over fell land and not on such obvious paths.  The day started muggy with some low grey cloud, but brightened as the day went on until just before our descent to Starbotton when we heard the rumbling of darker clouds heading in our direction and the threat of rain.  We were fortunate to have two, yes two!! pub stops.  The first at Horsehouse, a tiny hamlet in Coverdale.  The Thwaite Arms is just as quaint and very much an antique, built 1808.  We traversed over some beautiful (the weather was very good by this time), untouched countryside before our last ascent to the top of Walden moor and then down to Starbotton for a quick refreshing drink (courtesy of our walk leader - thank you very much from everyone!) before our final stretch back to the cars following the Dales Way route with the threat of rain leaving us behind.  Fabulous day out.