On perhaps the warmest day of the year thus far three blasted off from Bolton Bridge & sped past the impressive remains of Bolton Abbey to begin the first climb to Low Crag , pausing at Hare Head to view the onward route & apply sunscreen . The trig at High Crag saw us leave grassy paths & follow faint moorland trods on permissive access land to reach Embsay Crag : a suitable place in the conditions for the first stop & enjoy lofty views across to distant Ovenden Moor with its' distinctive wind farm & Pendle Hill , rekindling memories of the recent Red Rose 100 .

After a very steep descent the next six miles contained around 1500 ft of ascent , taking in photo opportunities at the trig on Crookrise Crag Top , Rylstone Cross & Obelisk with views across to Grassington . Lunch was had by a Shooting Hut on prime grouse moorland , although there was no need to use the shelter provided . With most of the ascent now done & on shooter's tracks , the accelerator was once more pressed to the floor as we free wheeled over Lower Bardon Res for a final stop at the Strid . The temptation to call in at the tearoom for ice cream was too great to resist : remarkably until now we had seen just three others since setting out .

Shade was found through the wild garlic drenched woods to reach the daytripper hotspot of Cavendish Pavilion , best passed in the blink of an eye to resume the woodland theme then field paths on the opposite bank of the river to reach the cars just after four . Thanks to Ron & Andrew on a memorable walk , the latter honing his new found photography skills ! A total of 22.7 miles with 3000 ft ascent.

Ian